Soothing and hydrating are some of the words that you'll often find associated with the versatile aloe vera plant, a botanical wonder that's a reigning star in the world of personal care products. But where exactly does the plant-powered extract come from, and how long has it been used for skin care and medicinal purposes? Let's take a closer look at the aloe vera plant and unpack its wonder-full benefits.
All About the Aloe Vera Plant
Found in desert regions, aloe vera is a succulent perennial plant that features fleshy, serrated leaves. Aloe vera leaves have a protective outer layer called the rind with a latex sap fluid beneath it. The part that sparks the most interest is the nutrient-rich leaf gel, which is what you'll find in many aloe products. The clear gel consists of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B, C, E and folic acid.
So what's the history of aloe vera for beauty? A botanical wonder throughout the ages, aloe vera has been used for literal millennia in countries such as Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China. Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra, for example, incorporated aloe into their beauty routines. Fortified with antioxidants and enzymes, this desert plant delivers soothing hydration, so it's no shock that it's such a well-loved ingredient even today.
Incredible Ways Aloe Vera Benefits You
Aloe vera benefits for skin, teeth and hair are plentiful. With a wide range of applications, it's easy to see why aloe vera is in so many personal care items — this multi-tasking plant gel can bring a welcome calm to your everyday routine!
1. Aloe vera hydrates the skin.
Aloe vera gel consists of water in addition to nutrients, so it's incredibly hydrating for the skin. If you have dry, irritated skin, look out for aloe as an ingredient in your skin care. Aloe can make all the difference inside skin care products such as toner, micellar water and facial lotion. When you only have time for a quick swipe, remove the day's grime with our Cucumber & Aloe Facial Cleansing Pads — you'll be left with comforted, clarified and revitalized skin!
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2. Aloe cools and soothes the skin.
Aloe gel is often a go-to for treating skin burns, cuts and irritations, which is why it's an essential in beach totes for tackling sunburns. It was, in fact, used in Ayurvedic medicine for its cooling effects. To get soft and soothed skin, apply Desert Essence's Fragrance-Free Hand and Body Lotion, in which organic aloe vera delivers a surge of succulent moisture.
3. Aloe can soothe your gums when it comes to oral hygiene.
Aloe is also a very soothing ingredient in dental care thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which makes it helpful for irritated gums. In our Aloe & Tea Tree Oil Carrageenan-Free Toothpaste, it helps soothe the gums as other ingredients fight bacteria and remove plaque. Aloe also supports gum health as an important ingredient in our mouthwashes!
4. Aloe can help with blemishes.
Aloe's anti-inflammatory properties can make it helpful for calming blemish-prone skin. The Cucumber & Aloe Facial Toner, for example, can help tighten pores and remove excess oils without overdrying the skin, thanks to the aloe.
5. Aloe can calm the scalp and deep cleanse hair.
Aloe vera for skin is great, but what about hair? You're probably wondering if you can use aloe vera for hair, and the answer is absolutely yes! As we’ve mentioned earlier, aloe is fortified with antioxidants and enzymes, so it can promote healthy hair growth. If you deal with flakes, aloe can also soothe an itchy scalp thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It's also an excellent botanical extract for gently cleaning oily hair and removing impurities from it, too. If you're wondering how to use aloe vera for hair, it's easy! Our strengthening Anti-Breakage Hair Mask, for example, uses aloe and olive oil to hydrate and deep condition your strands. Apply the formula to your hair and rinse it off after 20 to 30 minutes!
Personal Care Products with Aloe Vera
At Desert Essence, we love aloe vera’s benefits for skin, hair and teeth, so we carry a wide range of products that help you reap its botanical wonders. From facial cleansing pads and toner to lotion and toothpaste, you’ll find plenty of soothing and hydrating aloe-powered products to add to your personal care regimen.