Walk into almost any Indian home and you'll spot one thing, the poor, prickly aloe vera plant resting quietly on a balcony or a windowsill. But with its universal availability, the majority of us are only just starting to scratch the surface of the aloe vera for skin benefits.
When you cease aloe vera sunburn, you only get about 90 percent of its power out of it. This is a skincare powerhouse, full-blown, and now it is time to act like one.
Why Aloe Vera Is the Most Underrated Skincare Ingredient in India?
There is little doubt about India being one of the largest producers of aloe vera in the world, but again we are included in those who use it least. It is estimated that over 60,000 metric tonnes of aloe is produced annually in Rajasthan alone by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
However, this is what the majority of the population remain unaware of: Aloe vera for skin benefits has more than 75 active compounds among which are vitamins A, C, E, B12, enzymes, polysaccharides and amino acids, which have been researched to date in peer reviewed dermatology studies.
It is becoming more and more recognised as one of the most natural best natural skincare ingredients, which is supported by real science, rather than custom.
Expert Quote: Aloe is recommended by dermatologists in India as an everyday skincare ingredient as it can be used in combination with humid and dry climates, thus being suitable to all Indian skins.
Is all "Aloe Vera" really Aloe Vera?
Short answer: Absolutely not. Aloe have more than 500 species of aloe, however, only one of them, Aloe barbadensis miller, has any significant medicinal and cosmetic value. That's the fat-leafed, wet plant that has stuff of clear gel.
Most of the products available in the market utilize watered down extracts or completely different varieties of aloe plants that are rather little more than marketing smoke.
When you are developing your aloe vera skin routine in India, the top thing you need to look at on the ingredient list is Aloe barbadensis leaf extract. When it is at the bottom it is mere ornamentation.
Benefits 1–5: Hydration, Healing and Soothing Irritated Skin
Benefit 1 | Deep, Non-Greasy Moisturisation:
Aloe gel is 99% water, but do not be deceived. Its polysaccharides create a dry air permeable skin film that traps the moisture without filling the pore. It is the perfect moisturiser with the type of skin (oily and combination) used in wet Indian summers.
Benefit 2 | Aloe Vera Sunburn Relief:
Here the legend about aloe vera sunburn relief comes into being. Aloin compound, as well as cooling polysaccharides, has a significant effect and inhibits the inflammation, post-UV exposure pain and reddening. Dermatologists suggest that when overexposed to the sun, it is best to apply the chilled aloe gel within 30 minutes.
Benefit 3 | After-Shave Soother:
Use of aloe vera gel face immediately after shaving prevents razor burns, redness and micro-irritation almost immediately. It also staves off post-shave breakouts due to its antimicrobial capability.
Benefit 4 | After-Wax Soothing:
Post-wax skin is inflamed and susceptible. The anti-inflammatory enzymes of aloe (bradykinase and carboxypeptidase) soothes the area, and the chances of ingrown hair are minimized. Aloe is one of the post-session requirements that must be taken by those who are following our blog on Pre & Post Care for Laser Hair Removal.
Benefit 5 | Healing Minor Cuts and Abrasions
As a result of clinical research, aloe vera is known to accelerate the wound healing process by activating fibroblasts cell, the collagen producing cells and skin repairing cells. It is great with small kitchen burns, insect bites and daily skin cuts.
Benefits 6–10: Brightening, Anti-Ageing and Acne Fighting
Benefit 6 | Natural Skin Brightening:
Aloe vera is a source of aloesin, which according to research, prevents tyrosinase, the enzyme that builds melanin. This is because it is a natural and mild method of getting a smoother, lighter complexion without the use of harsh chemicals.
Benefit 7 | Vitamin C Supercharger:
When applied to the face in conjunction with a Vitamin C serum, the effect of using aloe vera gel is magnified. The enzymes present in aloe boost the absorption of active ingredients to the skin and ensure that your current skincare regime is much more effective. Match them well as aloe vera summer skincare routine in India.
Benefit 8 | Anti-Ageing Powerhouse:
Aloe activates collagen production and increases the skin elasticity, which are two functions that naturally deteriorate after you hit your mid 20s. Its daily use has been proven to minimize the formation of the fine lines in 90 days of regular use, which is why it is a staple of any good aloe vera for skin benefits regimen.
Benefit 9 | Acne Fighter:
Aloe does have salicylic acid, the same type of ingredient in the products in the OTC that treat acne, as well as sulfur, which prevent the growth of the acne-causing bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory effect will also lessen inflammation and erythema of the active breakouts without depleting the skin barrier.
Benefit 10 | Dark Spot Fading:
Dark spots have been proven to be reduced in skin complexions that have been subjected to aloe gel consistently, especially paired with some form of sun protection, a major issue in all types of Indian skin. Patience is the most important: visible results are expected in 8-12 weeks.
Benefits 11–15: Scalp Health, After-Laser Soothing and Body Use
Benefit 11 | Dandruff Control:
Mainly the saponins, which attack the Malassezia fungus responsible for dandruff. Washing massaging fresh aloe in the scalp 20 minutes prior to washing may reduce scalp flaking and itching noticeably in 3-4 weeks.
Benefit 12 | Post-Laser Skin Calming:
This is among the most clinically useful applications of aloe. Skin becomes sensitised and liable to redness after laser hair removal or any laser based treatment. The anti-inflammatory gel soothes the treated region, lowers erythema (redness) and enhances faster healing of the skin.
Benefit 13 | Full-Body Moisturiser:
Not every one of us uses aloe on our skin except for the face, but it is a light, quick-absorbing moisturiser for the rest of the body. Perfect on dry elbows, knees, and exposed arms when in the sun, particularly after a day on the beach or outdoors during Indian summers.
Benefit 14 | Underarm Freshening:
Aloe vera contains natural antibacterial and deodorising effects, which means it is a harmless substitute to the heavy chemical deodorants. A thin film applied to underarms to neutralise the smell of the bacteria without clogging the sweat glands is helpful.
Benefit 15 | Stretch Mark Prevention:
Routine application of aloe during pregnancy or rapid change in weight keeps the skin supple and elastic and helps reduce the occurrence of stretch marks with time. This advantage is achieved through the action of its collagen-enhancing activity.
How to Use Aloe Vera Correctly | Fresh vs Bottled vs Gel?
- Fresh off the plant (best choice): Peel off a lower leaf, allow the yellow latex to run out in 10 minutes (this latex is irritable to the skin, do not omit this step), and scrape away the clear gel. Use or refrigerate within 24 hours.
- Ready-to-use gels (good choice): Find the products that contain Aloe barbadensis in the first or second position. At least 95% aloe content is perfect. Do not use gels containing artificial perfume, SD alcohol, parabens, or artificial colouring, this works against the objective.
Products with aloe (use sparingly): a lot of moisturisers and serums purport to have the benefits of aloe, yet only in small parts. Look at the percentage or place on the ingredient list and then believe the label.
Can You Leave Aloe Vera on Your Face Overnight?
Yes, leaving aloe vera gel on your face overnight is safe and actually helpful with most of the skin types. It increases hydration, enhances dark spots dissolving while asleep, as well as aiding nighttime skin repair.
But when your skin is very oily or you have acne, applying it in a thick layer at night might be too occlusive and might lock up excess sebum. Then in that instance, use a thin coat, allow it to dry fully and go to sleep and check the reaction of your skin after a week.
The 24-Hour Patch Test: Preventing “Natural” Irritation
Natural does not necessarily mean safety to anyone. Some people are susceptible to contact dermatitis caused by the aloe vera, especially those who are sensitive to latex or plants. Put in a small amount and do not wash after 24 hours and note presence or absence of redness, itching or swelling.
No reaction? You're good to go. This is particularly essential when applying fresh aloe gel for the first time because the latex content in plants may be different.
Powerful DIY Combos: Aloe Vera with Turmeric and Honey
- Combo 1 Aloe + Turmeric (to brighten): Combine 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel with a pinch of turmeric (literally a pinch, otherwise you'll leave a stain). Apply to face and leave 15-20 minutes, rinse off. The curcumin in Turmeric supplements the melanin-inhibition action of aloe. Apply twice weekly to achieve a noticeable radiance in a month.
- Combo 2 Aloe + Raw Honey (to use on dry or dull skin): Combine equal portions aloe gel and raw honey. Use it as a rejuvenating mask in 20 minutes. Honey is a natural humectant, which attracts moisture into the skin and aloe seals it in, a great combination with the dry type of skin or it works well during the harsh winter season in India.Also check how to save your skin in the winter blog.
Who Should Be Careful with Aloe Vera?
The Aloe vera is among the safest topical ingredients that can be found, although it needs to be approached with a degree of caution in certain circumstances. In fresh aloe latex, you should react to the aloin, in case you are allergic to latex.
Do NOT swallow aloe vera without medical advice, since oral intake has been associated with stomach complications, and is not approved as an oral supplement even in some countries. People that have very sensitive or reactive skin should always patch-test first.
When pregnant, it is recommended to consult your dermatologist before applying the aloe based products over the large areas of your skin.
