What is Aloe Vera?
With thick leaves, covered in thorns, Aloe Vera looks like a cactus. In fact, it is a member of the lily family and is related to onion, garlic and asparagus. Who'd have thought?!
It's a natural healer so is used in skin care products, as a refreshing drink, an after-sun soother and even an ingredient in anti-inflammatory sports gel. Its benefits are due to a combination of a very wide range of constituents including:
- Acemannan
- Vitamin A
- B Vitamins
- Folic acid
- Choline
- Enzymes
- Proteins
- Amino acids
- Fatty acids
- Triglycerides
- Mono and polysaccharides (simple and complex sugars)
Sun care
Mild, moderate and severe sunburn can be eased by directly applying Aloe Vera gel to the skin. It's anaesthetic properties relieve some of the pain, while the gel heals damaged skin and encourages new skin cells to grow.
Aged or damaged skin care
Aloe Vera gel is absorbed almost four times quicker than water and is able to reach some of the deepest tissue in the body. This enables it to deliver nutrients directly into the skin where it is needed most. Used regularly, it improves the appearance of aged or damaged skin by promoting new skin-cell growth.
Natural protection for all skin types
Once natural Aloe Vera gel has dried on the surface of the skin, it provides a protective barrier that helps keep moisture locked in. It's cooling effects reduce acne inflammation and assist in healing, removing redness and soothing dry or angry skin. A natural pH balancer, it gives the skin a smoother appearance and removes dead skin to unclog pores.
Things to look out for
Look out for additives and preservatives when purchasing commercial drinks or skin care products containing Aloe Vera. Also, make sure that you are purchasing a product which contains a high concentration of Aloe Vera - some natural skin care products contain it in such small amounts that they are not effective.
If in doubt, stick with pure Aloe Vera gel direct from the plant - or check out one of the many products from the Ikigai store containing Aloe Vera. The Pure & True range is based on Aloe Vera rather than water (on which most skin care products are based), so if you want a daily natural skin care routine incorporating Aloe Vera, you can't go wrong!
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Kate knows her stuff and will contribute regularly to HG Weekly. I'm so honoured. Thanks Kate!
Kate has put her money where her mouth is and has set up Ikigai: [ick-ee-guy]...the organic skin care and natural skin care boutique. Clean, natural skin care products for a beautiful face and a better world!
Perfect for summer beauties!
Thanks Kate.
Until next time.
H.G.
xx
