Benefits of the Aloe Plant in Skin Care
Aloe Vera as an Ingredient in Your Beauty Products
Jan 24, 2009
Aloe was originally discovered in northern Africa, the Arabian peninsula, the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions, Asia, South and Central America. Aloe Vera, a member of the Lily family, derives its name from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’, which means bitter. It grows naturally in the desert and can survive for long periods without soil or water.
"The Aloe plant and its derivative products have played a role in medicine and health care dating as far back as the 4th century B.C. when ancient Greek doctors obtained aloe from the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. Cleopatra used aloe in her beauty regimen, and in ancient Egypt it was considered the “plant of immortality “. http://www.nutrasanus.com/aloe-vera.html
There are over 350 different species of aloe and the highest rated is ‘aloe barbadensis miller’, so when choosing a product look for this particular name.The gel inside the plant is almost identical to the ph balance of human skin and this gives it the ability to heal like no other plant with a high water content of 96%.
Benefits in Skin Care
"Research shows us there are five natural occurring anti-inflammatory agents that exist along with growth factors located in the plant. They work together quickly to relieve pain sensations, reverse scarring and speed healing miraculously!" http://www.aloelife.com/AloeVeraPages/AloeHair.html
It is an odorless skin protector, non-toxic, non-greasy and allows the skin to breathe and perspire normally. Aloe contains nutrients, vitamins, active compounds, essential minerals and amino acids that reduce inflammation. A cold stabilization process is preferable to a heat pasteurization process, which can destroy most of the aloe’s healing benefits.
Everyone knows the benefit of an aloe plant for a burn on the skin, it is used in burn centers around the world, but it can also be effective in treating acne, psoriasis, insect bites, inflammation, fungus, it’s moisturizing and can slow the aging process.
Prevent Aging Skin
Slow the aging process? Yes, the power of the healing benefits come from the aloe offering more oxygen to the skin, this in turn increases the strength of the tissue as it can penetrate up to seven layers deep! This helps stimulate cell rejuvenation and gives the skin a more youthful look.
If aloe vera is listed as the first ingredient on the back of a product it is the primary ingredient and more effective than water, which is often listed first. Aloe does not block oil production but it aids in the cleansing of the pore and moisturizing the skin because the gel inside of the plant is quickly absorbed when applied to the skin.
Seal of Approval
The International Aloe Science Council quarantees with its symbol that an aloe beauty product has met the standards of professional inspection and quality of the raw aloe ingredient. IASC was founded in the early 1980’s testing the aloe plant being used, formulations, and its benefits. For the consumer this brings a sigh of relief that the qualifications were met for the product they intend to purchase. The products that contain aloe are found in skin care, soaps, gels, lotions and medicine.
