Most of us don't have an aloe vera plant or two in our homes, do we? We've been using aloe vera for ages when we get sunburned or have a minor scrape. We know all about its cooling and healing properties. But sometimes we wonder, "Isn't it okay to use this as a daily moisturizer for our face and body?" So today, let's talk about whether aloe vera is the best thing to use to moisturize our skin every day, and what we need to know if we're going to use it that way.
What is this aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a plant that we have used for centuries as a medicine and to care for our skin. When you break a branch from an aloe vera plant, you will see two types of substance coming out of it. One is a yellowish milky liquid. The other is the clear, thick gel that we are all familiar with.
In the past, drinking this yellow, milky liquid was recommended for conditions like constipation. However, recent research has found that drinking it continuously can be harmful to the kidneys . Therefore, it is no longer recommended as a laxative.
The pure gel is the most commonly used and safest part. This aloe vera gel is used to make various ointments, creams, and gels. It is especially used to treat burns, reduce acne, and soothe skin diseases.
Health benefits of aloe vera
In addition to moisturizing the skin, aloe vera has a number of other health benefits. Let's take a look at some of the main ones.
| Situation / Opportunity | Benefits of aloe vera |
|---|---|
| Frostbite | In cases of skin damage caused by extreme cold, applying aloe vera gel accelerates the regeneration of skin tissue and aids in the healing process. |
| Cold Sores and Herpes | Applying a small amount of aloe vera gel to painful cold sores on the lips several times a day can relieve pain and heal the infection quickly. |
| Psoriasis, a skin disease | Aloe vera can provide relief from the red, scaly, itchy patches of skin caused by this condition. Doctors recommend using products that contain at least 0.5% aloe vera. |
| Blood sugar level | If you have diabetes or are at risk for high blood sugar levels, drinking aloe vera juice may help balance blood glucose levels. However, you should definitely consult your doctor before doing this. |
| Oral Lichen Planus | Some studies have shown that applying aloe vera gel twice a day for about two months can reduce the symptoms of this inflammatory condition inside the mouth. |
Special benefits of aloe vera for skin health
Aloe vera has several special benefits for our skin that go beyond providing relief from sunburn.
Accelerate wound healing
Aloe vera can increase collagen production in wounds and scars. Simply put, collagen is the main protein that makes up our skin. When it is increased, the skin repairs itself faster and wounds heal faster.
Protection from skin cancer?
Some studies show that aloe vera can help protect the skin from harmful UV radiation from the sun to some extent. But this doesn't mean you can use aloe vera instead of sunscreen when you go out in the sun.
Aloe vera is never a substitute for sunscreen. If you are going to be in the sun, you should definitely use a good sunscreen.
Controlling the signs of aging
Aloe vera contains ingredients that help retain moisture in the skin . When used as a moisturizer, it helps stimulate collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for skin's firmness and elasticity. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
Precautions and side effects
As good as aloe vera is, too much of anything is never a good thing. It's also not a good idea to overuse aloe vera gel as a moisturizer. This is because some of the enzymes in aloe vera can exfoliate dead skin cells. If this happens too much, it can sometimes strip the skin of its natural oils and make it dry, or for some people, it can make it even more oily.
When it comes to drinking aloe vera juice, there is still limited knowledge about its health effects. Drinking aloe vera can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some people. It can also prevent other medications you are taking from being absorbed properly.
Possible interactions with medications
Applying aloe vera gel to your skin is generally safe, but drinking aloe vera juice can be a bit risky if you're taking other medications .
| If you use... | Possible effects of drinking aloe vera |
|---|---|
| Medicines that reduce blood clotting (e.g. Anticoagulants , Anti-platelet drugs ) | It can slow down blood clotting further, increasing the risk of bleeding. |
| Medications for diabetes | Blood sugar levels can drop dangerously low. |
| Any medicine taken by mouth | Those medications can reduce the absorption of the body. |
| Diuretics (medicines that remove water from the body) | Potassium levels in the body can decrease significantly. |
Therefore, if you want to drink aloe vera juice or another aloe vera-containing drink, it is essential to talk to your doctor first to find out if it is right for you and if it will cause problems with other medications you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- Aloe vera gel is very beneficial for the skin. It can provide relief for burns , minor wounds, and various skin conditions.
- If using as a moisturizer, use sparingly. Using too much can dry out the skin.
- Aloe vera is not a substitute for sunscreen. Always use sunscreen when going out in the sun.
- Always consult your doctor before consuming aloe vera juice or other beverages, especially if you are taking medication for another condition.
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