When it comes to Aloe Vera, the first we think about is how good this plant is. Aloe Vera has thick and fleshy leaves that grow about 12-19 inches in length, and each leaves a slimy tissue that stores water. This soft gel is often used with aloe vera products, and it is best known for treating skin injuries and other several uses that can promote health to our body ── especially to our hair and skin care. This study published in the year 2008 showed that Aloe Vera has 3 layers. The inner has a gel that contains 99% of water and the rest is made of glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols, and vitamins, while the middle part is a latex which is the bitter yellow sap and contains anthraquinones and glycosides, and the outer thick layer contains 15–20 cells called rind which has a protective function and synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins. It also says that aloe vera is used in ancient times by Cleopatra and other Queens as their regular beauty regimen and Egyptians called the aloe vera “the plant of immortality”. On the other note, Christopher Columbus used aloe vera to treat soldiers’ wounds. And to date, aloe vera is widely used, not only to treat skin problems but can also be a part of a skincare routine to maintain healthy-looking skin. It was introduced by the ever famous Korean skincare routine and since then, the overwhelming attention that this powerhouse skincare ingredient has grown enormously. Sure, this has a lot to do with your skin. May it be skincare for men or skincare for women, this skincare ingredient has a lot to do in keeping your skin hydrated and young-looking. Apart from the wonders that it does for the skin, we will as well be sharing with you ways on how you could incorporate it into some of your health concerns.

Here are 5 beauty and health benefits you need to know about aloe vera.

Aloe vera reduces wrinkles

As we age, fine lines and wrinkles began to appear on our faces. And aloe vera happens to have an antioxidant that increases collagen production to neutralize the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and repairing your skin from existing UV damage and helping prevent the fine lines. According to this study published in the year, 2013 concluded that using a baby aloe shoot extract (BAE, immature aloe extract) may potentially protect the skin from UVB-induced damage more than the adult aloe shoot extract (AE). Also, topical application of aloe vera gel can slow the signs of aging. This study was published in the year 2009 subject to 30 females over the age of 45 that showed promising results that taking aloe vera gel increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over a 90-day period. So, what are you waiting for? There are many ways to enjoy aloe vera to improve your skin. Just like making it juice, smoothie, or shake. Or you can apply it directly to your skin for your daily skincare regimen.

Aloe vera reduces dental plaque

Many people are conscious of dental health because it’s the source of our beautiful smiles. And tooth decay and gum diseases are very common that’s why to avoid this to happen, we need to reduce the build-up of plaque or bacterial biofilms on the teeth. According to this study published in the year 2014, says that 300 healthy people, researchers compared 100% pure aloe vera juice with the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine. And after 4 days of use, the aloe vera mouth rinse appeared to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque. Aloe vera is effective in killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. So, aloe vera is not only keeping your skin healthy but also your dental health.

Aloe vera helps cure skin conditions

There are people that have skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Aloe vera is known for treating skin conditions such as those as it contains anti-inflammatory that helps soothe the skin and may reduce redness and scaling. Using aloe vera as a lubricating agent on your skin might also limit the number of flare-ups and keep your skin hydrated. This study published in the year 2010 concluded that using creams that contain aloe vera was found to be slightly more effective in improving symptoms from mild to moderate psoriasis. Some people are quite allergic to aloe vera. Before covering a large area, do a patch test on a small, discreet area of your skin and wait to see if you have any kind of negative reaction. Topical aloe vera is safe for most people with psoriasis to use, except those with an allergy to it.

Aloe vera can be used as a natural laxative

The latex of aloe vera can also help to treat constipation. The latex of it is a sticky yellow residue present just under the skin of the leaf, it contains aloin or barbaloin that has laxative effects. This study published in the year 2013 concluded that aloe vera is somehow effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. However, ingesting aloe latex can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, potassium deficiency, and kidney damage if taken improperly. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered manufacturers to remove aloe vera from over-the-counter laxative products over safety concerns. Consult your doctor before using aloe latex as a laxative.

Aloe vera can help cure wounds faster

Most people used aloe vera as a topical medication, rubbing, or applying it to the skin rather than consuming it. In history, aloe vera is used for treating sores, and particularly burns, including sunburn. It describes as a skin protectant in early 1810-1820. This study published in the year 2019 concluded that aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared with conventional medication. It also helped prevent redness, itching, and infections. Aloe vera is generally safe to use for soothing mild sunburns.

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