A look at whether Aloe vera can block pores
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The connection between aloe vera and skincare is nothing new. It has been used to treat everything from sunburns to eczema for years. However, is this plant extract good for acne prone skin? First, it’s important to remember that aloe vera cannot really cure your acne on its own. The only solution for that is addressing the problem at its root. However, that being said, aloe can work as a wonderful supplemental product for acne-related issues. In its purified form, it’s a non-comedogenic moisturizer with anti-inflammatory qualities.
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What are clogged pores and what causes them?
Examining if there is a link between aloe vera and clogged pores
Clogged pores happen when sebum, dirt or dead skin cells start to build up. This can be due to makeup, not having a good skin care routine, bacteria, sweat, excessive oil production, and even hormones. Clogged pores are often blamed for being an acne-causing culprit, which is not unfounded. However, blocked pores are not the sole cause of acne.When the pores are clogged, it can cause blackheads, whiteheads, and even acne. If you notice whiteheads, blackheads, or an overall dullness to your skin’s complexion, your pores may be clogged. Environmental factors can also lead to clogging of pores. Always consult your dermatologist before trying out any new skincare routine.
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What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that flourishes in dry, hot areas, like South India, North Africa, or the American Southwest. It has long, tough, thick leaves, and when you cut into one, it reveals a gel-like medium in the middle. Although it is 99% water, it has over 75 other compounds: vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and others that could have a positive effect on the skin.
Why use aloe vera on your face?
Aloe Vera can soothe sunburns
With anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, Aloe Vera gel is the perfect remedy for sunburnt skin. It provides a protective layer which helps retain moisture. Aloe is also rich in antioxidants and minerals which can help speed healing meaning that the gel might be useful in the topical treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as UV-induced skin redness.
Aloe Vera is a good moisturizer
When aloe vera is used as a moisturizer, it doesn’t leave a greasy layer on your face. It softens the skin without clogging pores. Aloe Vera gel can be applied as an aftershave treatment as it will hydrate the skin and help heal razor burn and small nicks. Aloe Vera extract is an effective natural substance for enhancing skin hydration making it an effective ingredient in cosmetic formulations and as a treatment for dry skin.
Aloe Vera accelerates wound healing
Aloe gel is most commonly applied as a topical treatment for cuts, burns and other wounds. These incredible results are because aloe speeds up skin cell reproduction by as much as eight times and penetrates the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) four times faster than water. Aloe vera has been proved to boost collagen content in wounds, a critical factor in restoring tissue strength.
Aloe Vera helps fight aging
As it is packed with vitamins C and E and beta carotene, Aloe has anti-aging qualities. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and its ability to lighten blemishes, also help decrease the signs of aging on your face. Aloe Vera increases the body’s production of collagen and improves skin elasticity.
Aloe Vera helps reduce acne and skin infections
People with acne can benefit from using aloe vera because of its gentle cleansing and antimicrobial properties to treat their pimples.
- Its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities shield the skin from bacteria and other pathogens which lead to infection and inflammation. It contains gibberellins and polysaccharides that stimulate the growth of new cells, while glycoproteins reduce the inflammation and redness.
- As an astringent, it reduces pore size, which helps keep excess sebum, dirt, and microbes out of your skin pores
Aloe Vera can help lighten skin blemishes
Because it can speed up skin cell reproduction, fight inflammation and reduce redness, Aloe Vera is a great treatment for acne scars and stretch marks. Adding lemon juice help aloe lighten age spots and freckles.
Is Aloe Vera is comedogenic?
This is a great question. When you apply the gel to a sunburn, it seems to cover the skin in a way that could clog pores. Fresh aloe gel is non-comedogenic which means it can not cause your pores to clog. Store bought aloe vera gel or products can clog your pores due to the added ingredients like fillers in the lotions and creams. These additives can also cause skin irritation.
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How to use aloe vera on your skin?
Applying Commercially-Made Aloe Vera Gel
First, prepare and exfoliate Skin – Before applying the gel, gently clean your skin with soap and water. Ensure you remove any remaining dead skin cells by using a thin layer of Aloe gel on your face, then lightly scrub your face with a damp washcloth or an exfoliating pad.The enzymes in the gel can also help exfoliate the skin to make it smoother, but if you are in search of something stronger use a grainy exfoliator paired with a moisturizer. Skip this step if you’re using Aloe vera gel to soothe a sunburn or otherwise irritated or inflamed patch of skin.
Put the gel onto your face – Commercially-made aloe gel can be applied directly to your face as a skin healing mask. Start by applying a small dot of gel to the skin on the inside of your wrist to ensure that you’re not allergic or sensitive to the gel. Wipe clean, and allow it to dry. If you’re not allergic to Aloe vera, apply a small dot of the gel on your fingertips and apply to your face, using circular motions. Repeat until all of your skin is completely covered. Depending on the aspired effect, you can either remove after 30 minutes or repeat the application every few hours.You can apply the aloe vera directly to your skin to lessen inflammation, soothe insect bites, help heal sunburns, minor abrasions, and skin irritations. If you experience redness, redness or swelling, stop using the gel to your face. Check with your dermatologist before applying it, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic skin reactions.
Applying Home-Grown Aloe Vera Gel
- First, get fresh aloe leaves – Grip the base of leaves with your fingers and gently pull away from the plant to harvest it. You may use some scissors or a sharp knife. Clean the dirt from the surface of the leaf by gently scrubbing them with a wet toothbrush or nail brush. Rinse the leaves under cold running water.
- Preparing the leaves – Cut and remove the base of the leaf. Remove the spines from the sides of the leaf using a sharp knife. Skin both sides of the leaves using a skinner, or cut the leaf in half vertically and scoop out the gel using a small spoon. Store the aloe vera gel out of direct sunlight in an air-tight container.
- Exfoliate – Cut a 2-inch piece of the leaf you harvested and skin one side of the leaf. Cross-cut the gel and sprinkle with a generous amount of baking soda. Scrub your skin in a circular motion with the leaf. Clean and rinse your face with some warm soap and water.
Aloe Vera Toner
To create an economical aloe vera toner, mix 2/3 cup distilled water with 1/3 cup Aloe vera gel. Pour it into a clean, airtight bottle and chill. Shake the bottle properly and use the toner on your face with a cotton ball or pad. Here are two more aloe toner recipes you can try.
Aloe vera and Green tea toner
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- 2 Green Tea Bags
- 1 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Gel
- 1 Cup of Water
Steep the tea bags in a cup of hot water for about five minutes, let it cool, then remove tea bags then add the gel into the green tea. Mix thoroughly until there are no visible lumps from the aloe. Pour into a glass jar or spray bottle. Apply the toner to a freshly cleansed face and neck by spritzing right on the skin or by dampening a cotton ball. Gently rub over the skin. Follow with a natural moisturizer or facial oil. Use daily as needed.
Rose Aloe Vera Toner
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- Fresh Rose Petals
- Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
Harvest fresh aloe gel from the leaves of the plant. Wash off fresh rose petals from the flower. Place the two ingredients together in a blender and run on high speed. The little froth and liquid in the blender is your Rose Aloe Toner. Strain the toner in a clean jar. You can use store-bought aloe vera gel if fresh gel is not available. But it is preferable to use the fresh gel.If kept in the refrigerator, this can easily last for 5-7 days. If you want to increase its shelf life, add some Vitamin E oil in it, about 2-3 drops or squeeze in a whole Vitamin E capsule. To further enhance its potency and aroma, you can add an essential oil of your choice. Clean the skin well. Apply some toner on a cotton swab and gently rub the swab on your face. Follow up with a moisturizer.
