Aloe vera is a natural herb that has been used for its cosmetic properties for years. This is justified because there are several benefits that aloe vera can help you with. The natural herb is rich in nutrients, and minerals– which make it one of the most effective ingredients for the skin.
Moreover, the herb is rich in certain compounds that are highly beneficial for skin cells and help your skin become brighter and glowing. Let us explore how to use aloe vera for skin whitening and how it can affect the health of your skin.
What is Aloe Vera Gel?
The jelly-like substance that you see inside the triangular thorny aloe vera leaves is called the aloe vera gel. The benefits of aloe vera are sourced from its gel only. It has been used for its healing properties for years. Aloe vera gel has made its identity as an effective medicine for many diseases including skin disorders and constipation.
How does Aloe Vera Gel help to Lighten the Skin?
Aloe Vera gel has certain compounds that can help lighten the skin. These compounds are called Aloin and Aloein.
Aloe Vera gel is the first thing that comes to mind when you have a severe sunburn because it cools and calms the skin. The Aloe Vera plant has been used for centuries in both medicine and cosmetics.
This sticky substance not only soothes sunburns, but also helps with a wide variety of other skin issues, such as psoriasis, frostbite, and cold sores.
Because of its many uses in cosmetics, medicine, and skin care, Aloe Vera has been called “the plant of immortality” by the Egyptians and “the universal panacea” by Greek scientists.
While there is limited research on Aloe Vera’s effectiveness, the plant’s biochemistry does include anti-viral, anti-fungal, and cell regenerative properties.
The Aloe Vera gel, a clear gel-like substance present inside the aloe vera leaves, contains 75 potentially active components including enzymes, sugars, salicylic acids, saponins, vitamins, minerals, lignin, and amino acids.
You could have a valuable Aloe Vera plant—recognized for its many benefits to the skin and face—growing in your backyard. But you might not be aware that you can use aloe vera for skin whitening and to help skin disorders.
Don’t worry, that’s what this article is all about and we’ll explain everything you need to know.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel For the Face
You must have heard of the incredible benefits of Aloe Vera for the skin. However, there is more to the benefits of this herb than you know:
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Reduces Ageing Effects
Signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin in the neck and around the face become more pronounced with time. For relief, try applying some aloe vera gel. It restores the skin’s radiance and moisture balance.
Not only does it lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, but it also delays the skin’s natural ageing process by restoring its elasticity and restoring damaged skin cells.
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Moisturises the Skin
When applied to the skin, Aloe Vera effectively hydrates without making your skin greasy because it contains 95% water. Aloe vera also has glue-like properties that cause the skin’s outermost layer of cells to stick to one another, thereby retaining the moisture in the skin. It results in smoother and softer skin.
The soothing properties of Aloe Vera make it a great moisturizer for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin. Don’t forget to use Aloe Vera if you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer for the dry winter or summer months.
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Soothes Sunburn
Aloe vera is so effective at relieving sunburn as it quickly affects the outer layer of the skin. Aloe vera helps the skin retain its natural moisture and acts as a barrier against environmental harm.
It contains polysaccharides and they are effective in treating rashes, skin infections, redness, and itching. This plant’s gel has antifungal properties that make it useful for treating heat boils and cysts during the summer.
That is why people consider aloe vera for skin whitening as it leaves your skin spotless. Research indicates that the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant’s active ingredient, aloin, cure the peeling that can result from sunburns.
Those who have experienced sunburn or the appearance of dark spots on their skin due to exposure to the sun can find relief by using aloe vera gel.
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Provides Gentle Exfoliation
To get rid of dull skin, try exfoliating using Aloe Vera gel as it contains salicylic acid. With the help of the lignin content of Aloe Vera, the penetration of other ingredients gets enhanced and they are absorbed by the skin more effectively.
Now that you know the incredible benefits of Aloe Vera, it’s time to start thinking about how to incorporate it into your skincare regime. To learn more about the many ways in which Aloe Vera gel can improve your skin, keep reading.
Here’s how to use Aloe Vera on your face to achieve the soft, supple complexion you desire.
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Acts as a skin cleanser
Due to aloe vera’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can be used as a cleanser. Cleaning your face with aloe vera for skin whitening is also convenient. Simply wash your hands and apply the gel on your face in a circular motion. Wash with cold water.
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Fights acne
Aloe vera has anti-bacterial properties that can help fight the bacteria causing acne. Using this in conjunction with other powerful ingredients like cinnamon and honey, you can get the best results for avoiding acne.
So if you ask does aloe vera lightens skin- the answer is yes! By reducing the spots due to acne, it results in lighter skin.
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Relieves Skin Irritation
Aloe vera has two plant hormones- gibberellins, and auxin. These hormones help in the natural healing process and exude soothing effects. Hence, these hormones can relieve skin irritation by promoting cell replication.
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Fights Dark Spots & Puffiness Under the Eyes
Aloe vera has cooling effects and has powerful components including antioxidants and Vitamin E. Hence, it can reduce puffiness and dark spots around the eyes and also fight lines and wrinkles.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Skin Brightening at Home
Now that you know the benefits of aloe vera for skin whitening, you soak up its benefits by making some easy face packs at home.
1. Aloe Vera and Cucumber Pack
This face pack works well to turn dull skin into healthy and glowing.
- Blend one sliced cucumber
- Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera and one tablespoon of honey in it
- Use the mixture thoroughly on your face
- Let it stay for 20 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
2. Aloe Vera and Turmeric Powder Pack
This is an effective face mask for skin whitening and helps you get back that glow.
- Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with one tablespoon of turmeric powder
- Then mix one tablespoon of honey
- Apply thoroughly on your skin
- Wait for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water
3. Aloe Vera & Vitamin E Mask
Get moisture and hydration from aloe vera gel along with the benefits of Vitamin E.
- Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with Vitamin E oil
- Apply it on your face thoroughly and wait for 30 minutes
- Rinse with cold water.
Side Effects of Aloe Vera
Some people might be allergic to aloe vera if they use it topically. It might irritate their skin or may cause redness, swelling or rashes on the skin in rare cases. You should stop using aloe vera immediately if signs like these appear. Also, avoid using aloe vera on infected skin as it might interrupt the healing process.
Summing Up
Aloe Vera gel is one of the potent ingredients in the ayurvedic medicinal family. You can take out the gel from the aloe vera leaves and prepare a pack at home for brightening skin. This plant has all the properties that make it highly suitable for healthier and glowing skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does aloe vera lighten or darken skin?
Aloe Vera is a herb rich in nutrients, and it nourishes your skin from within. It has cooling properties and hence helps to heal sunburns, resulting in glowing skin. You can use it at home for skin lightening.
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Can I apply aloe vera on face everyday?
Aloe vera has skin-brightening properties and it even results in moisturized skin. Its cooling properties also help to treat acne. Hence, there is no harm in using this herb every day on your face.
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Can aloe vera make skin white?
Aloe Vera contains an ingredient called Aloin. It helps in depigmentation and can help lighten the skin. Aloe vera gel can help make your skin even toned, remove dark spots and also fight dead skin cells. Therefore, the herb does lighten your skin!