The benefits of aloe were known more than three thousand years ago. Once brought from Africa and Madagascar, the plant took root tightly among the Slavs. Aloe has earned respect and popularity not only because it can survive in extremely hot and dry conditions, but also because of its extensive medicinal properties. When first seeing the plant, it was called an exotic cactus, because of its “incomprehensible” appearance with spines on the leaves
Since ancient times, juice and pulp have been used to treat diseases of the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, burns and used to regulate the menstrual cycle. Until now, the “flower” grows on many people’s windowsills. There are many plant-based drugs, including injections. But the face requires special attention.
Aloe and agave are two varieties of the same plant: aloe vera and aloe vera.
Chemical composition of the plant
The exotic cactus has more than 200 active and more than 70 nutrients, including: vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B12; potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, chromium, selenium (more than 30 minerals in total); amino acids; essential oils and esters; succinic, cinnamic and other acids; phytoncides and flavonoids; resins and tannins; mono- and polysaccharides; alkaloids.
An indispensable component in the composition, due to which agave is widely used in cosmetics, is allanoin. The substance penetrates deep under the skin, delivering other components. Has a powerful regenerating, moisturizing and restorative effect.
Benefits and indications
Aloe juice for the face
Aloe has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, laxative, restorative, antibiotic, anti-ulcer, cleansing, healing, moisturizing and many other beneficial properties.
Directly for the face:
- brighten, refresh the complexion and get rid of pigmentation and freckles;
- eliminate pimples, blackheads and other rashes;
- tighten pores;
- heal wounds, microcracks and even cuts;
- cleanse, nourish, moisturize and tone the skin;
- remove oily shine and restore the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
- relieve peeling and redness;
- saturate with oxygen;
The most invaluable benefit is its anti-aging effect. Juice and pulp not only prevent aging, but can also smooth out even deep wrinkles.
Aloe is not an allergenic plant, and it also helps eliminate the consequences of allergic reactions.
Benefits of aloe juice for the body
Aloe juice has many beneficial properties. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system, activates the lazy intestines, promotes better absorption of nutrients, and is an excellent prevention of heartburn and bloating. Thanks to its mild laxative effect, the product helps fight constipation. Aloe juice is recommended for people who have certain problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It especially helps those with ulcers, as it has a beneficial effect on the gastric epithelium, relieves irritation and inflammation.
Agave juice helps cleanse the body of toxins and waste. It has pronounced antioxidant properties, so it has proven itself as an effective remedy for fighting leukemia (blood cancer). Experts recommend introducing the product into the diet of people with AIDS, because it has immunostimulating properties.
Aloe juice strengthens the immune system, helps cure fibromyalgia and some other chronic immune disorders, and increases the body's overall resistance. The polysaccharides that make up aloe activate macrophages (one of the types of leukocytes), which destroy various viruses and microbes.
The product has a low glycemic index and does not cause sudden and sharp spikes in blood sugar, therefore it is suitable for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Agave juice not only normalizes blood glucose levels, but is also an excellent preventative against the occurrence and development of this insidious disease.
The product helps fight anemia, fatigue and headaches as it increases the production of red blood cells. It has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, dilates capillaries and normalizes blood pressure.
Aloe juice should be included in the diet of those people who want to lose excess weight. Nutritionists advise people who are watching their figure to take this product, as it speeds up metabolism and promotes faster and more efficient burning of calories.
The juice has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties. It improves the condition of teeth and gums. The product is widely used to care for hands, hair, face, body, etc.
Contraindications
For external use:
- children under one year of age;
- individual intolerance;
However, in the case of internal admission, the list expands. These are: children under 3 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, people with exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases, complex forms of hypertension, hepatitis A, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, cholecystitis, cystitis, nephritis, bleeding and hemorrhoids.
When used externally, it has no side effects. Due to its safety, aloe, especially for wrinkles on the face, can be used frequently and for a long time. For the preparation of masks, lotions, tonics, ice and in its pure form, it is grown on windowsills and bought in pharmacies.
Disease prevention
The following recommendations must be followed:
- avoid stressful situations;
- balance the diet;
- take vitamins;
- refrain from bad habits;
- strictly adhere to the dosage of prescribed medications;
- study the composition of cosmetics, skin care products and liquids from the household chemicals section before purchasing;
- Avoid contact with the plant during pregnancy and after the age of 50, do not let small children touch the leaves.
Prevention measures are aimed at reducing interaction with the allergen and strengthening the immune system.
Growing at home
Growing aloe at home
The best option to have a rejuvenation product at hand is to plant the plant at home, like an indoor flower. The average price for rooted children does not exceed 50 rubles.
The easiest way is to buy already rooted aloe at a flower shop. You can also cut the leaf. However, with a leaf it is a little more complicated.
- The sheet must be cut slightly at an angle with a clean, sharp knife.
- Leave in a warm place until a film forms on the cut line.
- Prepare a pot with drainage and soil for cacti. (or 1 part sand and 1 part regular soil for indoor plants).
- It is advisable to disinfect the soil and dip the leaf in a root-forming agent for plants, since it is difficult for aloe to take root.
- The leaf is immersed 1/3 in the soil, pressed slightly to the ground and watered.
- The pot must be placed in a warm, sunny place and ensure that the soil is always moist.
- After rooting, water only after the soil has dried out.
- Further care is the same as for indoor plants.
Preparations with aloe can be found in stores, but purchasing from pharmacies is still safer. Available in the form of juice, syrup, tablets, ointments, creams, solutions, extracts, and in ampoules for injection. Depending on the form of release, prices vary from 100 to 300 rubles.
Agave-based masks will have a visible effect regardless of the form of release, but it is better to use a fresh plant.
Rules of application
When using any plants and herbs, you must adhere to certain rules.
First of all, do not forget that sometimes natural ingredients can provoke allergic reactions. The result is rashes, adverse consequences that affect the overall health.
- Before using aloe juice, consult with professionals who will advise you which form of use of this product is recommended to choose and which one should be avoided.
- Also, before applying aloe juice or oil, lotions based on it to large skin areas, it is best to test the product on a small area. If there is no allergic reaction, then feel free to use the juice.
In principle, any allergic or other adverse reactions rarely occur; the juice is suitable for all skin types and all ages. It is used not only by women, but also by men, and aloe is also used by children to heal wounds. In addition, aloe juice at home is perfect not only for external, but also for internal use.
It has a pleasant aroma and a fresh, not unpleasant taste, which is combined with other beneficial ingredients - honey, chamomile, black and green tea. A tonic internal effect calms a person, improves his general condition, and removes harmful substances and toxins from the body. As a result, the appearance becomes rested, the skin becomes cleansed, radiant, and youthful.
It is worth noting that aloe juice is used not only in case of an existing problem, but also for the prevention of certain skin diseases, which should not be forgotten.
Aloe face masks
Aloe-based masks
In order for the juice and pulp to bring more benefits, the leaf must be carefully broken off, disinfecting the broken area on the plant. The broken leaf must be kept in the cold for 1-2 weeks before use to activate all the beneficial substances. The optimal use of all masks is every other day, at least 2-3 weeks.
For oily skin
According to numerous reviews, aloe works best together with lemon juice. Egg white effectively tightens, dries and removes oily shine.
Ingredients:
- aloe pulp – 1 tbsp;
- lemon juice – 1 tsp;
- egg – 1 pc.
Separate the white from the yolk. Beat the whites a little. Squeeze the juice and pulp from the prepared leaf. Add lemon juice. Apply to the face, wait until it dries, then apply a second and third layer. Leave the mask on for 25-30 minutes.
For deep wrinkles around the eyes
Various products can be used to eliminate wrinkles. The juice is smeared around the eyes before bed. It is possible to dilute the juice and pulp with water 1:1, freeze and wipe the skin under the eyes with ice cubes. Mixed with any eye cream, you can use it 2-3 times a day.
In addition, any use option will help eliminate not only wrinkles, but also dark circles and swelling. To prepare a mask for deep wrinkles around the eyes, the pulp is mixed with honey, sour cream, and milk. A mask with glycerin showed the best effect.
Ingredients:
- Agave pulp – 1 tbsp;
- honey – 1 tsp;
- oatmeal – 10 g;
- glycerin – 2 gr.
Steam the flour with water 1:1. Melt honey in a steam bath. Squeeze the pulp out of the prepared leaf. Mix everything and add glycerin. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes.
Rejuvenating
A mask with St. John's wort and mustard for skin rejuvenation gives an amazing effect after the first use. Mustard warms up, stimulating blood circulation and helping regeneration. St. John's wort also has a known anti-aging effect. However, these components should be handled with extreme caution and an allergy test is required.
Ingredients:
- aloe juice – 2 tbsp;
- dry mustard – 1 tsp;
- water;
- St. John's wort herb - 1 tbsp.
Pour mustard with warm boiled water and leave for a while. St. John's wort pour 0.5 cups of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Strain the infused St. John's wort, pour 2 tablespoons, mix with infused mustard and agave juice. Leave the mask on for no more than 15 minutes. This mask should be done no more than once a week.
Pulp mask
The most basic mask is to use aloe pulp as a stand-alone remedy. By adding calendula tincture you can get an excellent remedy for acne. Heavy cream with pulp tones, moisturizes and nourishes.
In combination with any citrus juice, it mattifies and restores the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Pulp with cinnamon is used as a peeling to improve complexion and rejuvenation.
By adding pharmaceutical vitamins, vodka, cottage cheese, yolk, honey, potato juice and other things to the pulp, you can make a mask for any skin type and for any problems.
Pull-up
Gelatin with aloe can work wonders. This mask is often made after extreme weight loss to tighten sagging skin, remove nasolabial folds and restore youth and beauty to the face. The well-known sage will help achieve an additional effect.
Ingredients:
- sage herb – 1 tbsp;
- food gelatin – 1 tsp;
- juice with agave pulp – 1 tsp;
- freshly squeezed citrus juice – 1 tbsp;
- water.
Pour water over the sage, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour in the gelatin and leave to swell. When brewed, strain and cool. Add 2 tbsp to the swollen gelatin. broth, dissolve in a steam bath until all lumps disappear. Cool slightly, add citrus juice and aloe. Keep the mask on for at least 40 minutes.
Moisturizing with glycerin
For hydration, glycerin is also an ideal companion. Adding butter will help achieve maximum effect.
Ingredients:
- glycerin – 5 g;
- honey – 1 tsp;
- butter – 1 tsp;
- agave with skin – 2 tbsp.
The butter should be soft, but not melted. Melt honey in a steam bath. Grate the aloe leaf or punch it with a blender. Mix all ingredients and apply for 25 minutes. All masks require regularity and alternation. For maximum effect, it is advisable to steam your face before use. Rinse with warm water and rinse with cold.
For the express method, there are recipes for lotions, scrubs, and tonics, the preparation of which takes a minimum of time and can be used at any free time.
Action of Aloe Vera
Almost everyone has such a flower at home, so there is no doubt about the freshness and naturalness of the product. It holds the record for the content of substances important for the skin; it contains about 200. These are vitamins C, groups B, E, A, amino acids, enzymes, more than 30 types of minerals and other trace elements. The entire range of these ingredients can have a good effect on the skin, enriching it and protecting it from external factors.
The strengths of aloe are as follows:
- Protection against age spots . This medicinal flower, when applied to the face, protects it from ultraviolet radiation, preventing the formation of age spots, and also significantly improves color. You can read about masks for removing age spots here.
- Its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties are manifested in the fight against many skin diseases (acne, pimples, eczema, acne, psoriasis).
- The rich content of its juice can easily penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis, while filling it with the necessary oxygen and vitamins. Despite the variety of components that are present in one plant, you can use products based on it without fear, since it does not cause allergic reactions and can be used even for particularly sensitive skin.
- Healing property . The medicine can quickly heal small wounds and cracks due to its healing and disinfecting effect on the skin.
- Moisturizing effect . With regular use of aloe, the skin receives the missing moisture. The plant protects them from dryness and dehydration. It also restores the freshness of the skin through its smoothing and tightening effect. This is due to the fact that agave is able to independently produce collagen fibers.
- Softening properties . Due to its softening and soothing properties, the plant quickly eliminates external signs of allergies: relieves swelling, redness and itching.
The video describes the use of aloe juice for facial skin:
Aloe lotions
A couple of large sheets need to be cut and filled with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for no more than 7 minutes. Cool and strain. Suitable for aging skin.
For dry skin and whitening, you need to mix equal parts of grated cucumber and agave with the skin. Add any base oil: olive, almond, wheat germ, or sunflower. Punch with a blender, strain and dilute with an equal volume of boiled water.
A lotion made from aloe juice, tea (can be herbal), an ampoule of vitamin E and a few drops of mint oil has a refreshing effect.
For problem skin, you need to mix alcohol/vodka with agave juice 1:4.
For skin with dilated capillaries and prone to irritation, a lotion made from rose water, aloe juice, sage and plantain infusion is suitable.
Tonics are prepared according to the same principle, only with the addition of more liquid. The best option would be to use decoctions or herbal infusions instead of water. Instead of alcohol, it is better to add a tincture of the same herbs, as well as pharmacy vitamins, essential oils, and aspirin.
It is advisable to store both tonics and lotions in glass containers. Products containing alcohol - up to a month, without alcohol - no more than 3 days.
To prepare scrubs and peelings, just add ground coffee, cinnamon, grated ginger, oatmeal, and ground herbs to the agave pulp.
Aloe is a universal remedy for the face, both for wrinkles and for moisturizing, fighting rashes and simply for prevention. If the plant is always at hand as a “potted home helper,” you can forget about store-bought facial products forever.
Rules of use and tips for use
For problem skin with rashes, it is best to use applications. They can be left on the disturbing area for several hours, after moistening the napkin in the juice.
Aloe works great for inflammatory skin rashes
For the area around the eyes, it is recommended to add a couple of drops to baby cream. It is better not to apply the product in its pure form, as the skin in this area is very delicate and sensitive. In addition, you should avoid getting the juice on the inflamed areas of the eyelids.
For dry skin, the product is more often used in the form of moisturizing masks that nourish the epidermis and prevent flaking. To improve the condition of your scalp and hair, you can add a few drops of juice to your shampoo or make appropriate masks that will have a strengthening and stimulating effect.
For allergies, it is very convenient to use aloe extract in ampoules, which can be used to lubricate areas that have undergone a pathological reaction, after mixing with Vaseline.
The extract can be added to clay masks or mixed with olive oil to tighten the skin and eliminate expression lines. To rejuvenate your hands, it is recommended to add aloe leaf juice to the cream. However, it is recommended to use this composition every other day.
Review
Vashilova Marina Andreevna
I can’t help but share with you my favorite recipes. I stopped buying tonic in the store when I was pregnant with my first child. Since then, the skin on my face has remained at 25. I pour boiling water over the dried herbs, which by the way I collect and dry myself. I leave for about 12 hours and strain. To the decoction I add aloe, which also grows at home, a bottle of calendula tincture, any liquid vitamins that are currently on hand and 10-15 drops of any essential oil. I wipe my face at any convenient time. Since I get different amounts, I take it with me on a walk with the children and use it instead of a disinfectant and cleanser, replacing the same wet wipes. Another recipe from aloe, which does not apply to facial products, but at one time my grandmother “groomed” my sister. She had extremely low hemoglobin and a very weak immune system. As a result, associated sores. 100 grams of honey, 1 glass of aloe and 1 lemon. Take 1 tsp. in the morning and before bed. Be beautiful, young and healthy.