Aloe Vera and oily skin
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If you have an oily complexion, then the good news is that it will age gracefully and you will have fewer wrinkles as compared to someone with dry skin. The downside is you may develop blackheads, whiteheads, acne, and other skin irritants easily. This happens particularly when the oil-producing sebaceous gland in your skin produce more oil called sebum.If you can manage the excess production of sebum well, then you will have smooth, glowing skin to be proud of. Excessive oily skin is hard to manage, but many home treatments do a great job. Aloe vera is an excellent natural product for taking care of your oily skin.
What causes oily skin?
A look at using Aloe vera on oily skin
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Oily skin is caused by overproduction of the natural oil by the sebaceous glands. We need sebum to keep the skin moisturized; its overproduction can cause acne outbreaks. It can cause a dull and coarse look to the skin, thus making it look unattractive. The many factors that cause oily skin include hormonal dysfunction or fluctuations, genetic predisposition, a diet rich in oily foods, stress, etc. Thankfully, there are many natural ingredients like aloe vera that can help to decrease the oiliness and give it a clean appearance.
Why use Aloe Vera for your oily skin?
- It has many minerals and vitamins vital for the proper growth and functioning of many body parts including the skin.
- The antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E in aloe vera help nourish the skin.
- Aloe vera has astringent properties to help absorb excess oil and other impurities that can build up on the skin.
- It has hydrating properties that moisturize the skin and renews it without making it feel oily.
- The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of the auxins and gibberellins hormones soothe the skin and heal pimples linked with oily skin.
- Aloe vera gel or juice can be used alone or with other natural ingredients as a remedy for oily skin.
How to make aloe vera gel at home?
Various commercially available aloe vera gel contains other ingredients like preservatives, fragrances and other chemicals which may affect your sensitive skin. Making aloe gel at home and using it, is one of the best ways to manage your oily skin. You can harvest it by:
- Thoroughly clean a freshly cut piece of aloe vera leaf.
- Split it vertically with a sharp knife and scrape the translucent gel from the center of a leaf carefully. Stock it immediately in a sealed jar to avoid oxidation. You can add vitamin E or C to help preserve it. You can use it as needed.
- If you cannot get fresh aloe vera gel, then you can buy reputed commercial brands which do not contain dangerous chemicals.
How to make use of Aloe Vera for oily skin?
It can be used by itself and combined with various other natural ingredients can significantly change your oily skin issues. Here are some of the ways to use this gel
Applying Aloe Vera Gel only
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Wash your face with some warm water and dab it dry with a towel. Apply the freshly harvested aloe vera gel or commercially bought aloe vera gel on your face and neck. Let it sit on for about half an hour before washing it off with warm water. Repeat it 2-3 times a day
Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil
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Tea tree oil can remove dirt from the skin pores leaving your skin smooth and clear.Clean your face with warm water and dry with a towel. Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel in a container and add 5 drops of tea tree oil and mix it properly. Spread the mix onto your face and neck. This will remove excess oil from the skin and will also keep your skin moisturized. Use it daily.
Aloe Vera and Cucumber face mask
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The cucumber moisturizes your skin and keeps it hydrated. Grate half a cucumber and extract the juice by squeezing and straining the grated cucumber pieces. Add in 2 tablespoons of aloe gel and mix them well and apply on your face and neck. Leave it for an hour. Remove the pack with warm water. Do it daily.
Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice Toner
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Lemon juice is a very powerful natural astringent. It also has high amounts of Vitamin C which is great for nourishing your complexion. Juice a lemon into a bowel and add a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and blend well. Wash your face with some lukewarm water and apply the mixture with a cotton ball for gently drying the face. Now spread some fresh aloe vera gel alone to your face. Keep it for half an hour before washing it out with warm water.
Aloe Vera and Yogurt face mask
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Yogurt has antibacterial properties because it contains lactic acid which removes excess sebum, dead skin, dirt, and other contaminants efficiently. It works well when combined with some aloe vera to make your oily skin normal. Add equal parts Aloe Vera Gel and yoghurt into a bowl. Use one tablespoon of each for one application. Blend them well to make a consistent paste and apply the pack to your face and neck. Leave it there for 30 minutes. Wash your face with warm water. Apply it twice a day
Aloe Vera and Honey face mask
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Honey is a great moisturizer with oil absorbing capabilities. It can absorb the excess sebum from the surface and keeps the skin hydrated. Mix equal parts of aloe gel and honey in a bowl. If the mix is too sticky add in some more aloe vera gel. Apply this mask to your face for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and dab the skin dry with a clean towel. Apply it on alternate days for best long term results to clear your oily skin
Aloe Vera and Oat scrub
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Oats are very good for cleansing oily skin for removal of excess sebum and other impurities. The saponins present in oats help remove the dead skin, dirt particles, and oil that clog pores. Soak 2-3 tablespoons of oats with a thick layer of water in a cup overnight. Add in 1 tablespoon of aloe gel and mix them well. Spread the mixture on your face and neck and gently massage it in. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with warm water.
Aloe Vera and Rosewater Face Pack
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Rosewater assists in restoring the natural pH balance of the skin which aids in reducing excessive oiliness of the skin and control sebum generation by the sebaceous glands.Place 2 tablespoons of fresh gel in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of rosewater into it and mix it well. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it all over the skin and neck. Leave it on till it dries out completely. Wash it off with cold water.
Aloe Vera and Mint Cubes
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The menthol present in mint leaves acts as a natural astringent and cooling agent that shrinks the open pores and reduces sebum generation. It also helps to calm and soothe the skin. Take 4 to 5 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl. Crush a handful of mint leaves to form a smooth paste and add it to the aloe vera gel. Whisk the ingredients to form a smooth paste. Pour this paste into an ice tray and chill it for about half an hour. Pop out a cube and rub it on your face thoroughly.
Aloe Vera and Green Tea Wipe
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The tannins present in green tea remove impurities and oil from deep within the pores without over-drying the skin. It also shrinks the size of the skin pores. Bring a cup of water to boil and add 2 green tea bags to it. Cover the cup and let the tea bags steep for about 10 minutes. Dump the tea bags and let the tea cool down completely. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to it and mix well. Soak a cotton pad in this blend and cover your face with it. Repeat this three to four times a day.
Precautions to take when using Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent skin care product with antiviral and antibacterial qualities, but it may not be fitting for every skin type.
- Aloe vera may cause allergic rashes on some people with sensitive skin. It is rare, but it can happen. It is a paradox as aloe vera is also a very good agent to eliminate rashes.
- Apply aloe vera on your hand and leave it there for 24 to 48 hours to check if there are any rashes?
- If you find rashes then do not use aloe vera gel on your face. Use some other natural product.
- Some chemicals in the commercially available Aloe Vera Gel may not be compatible with your skin, so always test it before using it on your face.
- In addition to the use of aloe vera, you must wash your oily skin many times during the day to keep it smooth and glowing.
