Aloe vera for face and skin has so many benefits that it is a MUST for your skincare routine. I'll admit that before I started researching natural skin care, the only thing I used aloe vera for was treating sunburns. But once I realized how many uses this amazing plant has, I find myself using it more and more.
If you're looking to mix up your skin care routine, it's time to consider aloe vera.

Here's everything you need to know about what it is, why it's useful, and how to work it into your daily routine:

What Is Aloe Vera?

Most of us know aloe vera as a common household plant. Maybe you have one yourself. If you do, you're part of a long tradition. The aloe plant's place in daily life goes back centuries. A cactus that grows in Africa, India, and other dry climates, aloe vera has been prized for its medical uses for as far back as ancient Egypt. You'll recognize aloe vera by its long, succulent leaves. Break one off and you'll find a fascinating gel. Recent studies have confirmed what has been common knowledge for centuries: this gel contains properties that help treat burns, wounds, infections, and various skin conditions.

What specifically makes aloe vera for face and skin so effective? It comes down to a who's who of enzymes, hormones, antioxidants, and nutrients. In each drop you'll find infection-fighting agents, skin-healing salicylic acid, and Vitamins A, C, and E (some of the best antioxidants around).

Why Aloe Vera for Face and Skin is so Effective

Given its composition, it's no wonder that aloe vera is such an effective skin care agent. Here are the top five benefits you can get from this humble plant:

• Aloe Vera Helps Fight Wrinkles: Hate fine lines and wrinkles? You'll love aloe vera. Because it's a great source of antioxidants, it can help slow down the signs of aging on your skin. Use regularly to support your skin's natural firmness, keeping fine lines at bay.
• Aloe Vera Helps Heal Wounds: One of the biggest benefits of aloe vera for face and skin is its ability to hasten healing. There's a reason you reach for it first when you get a minor burn: it can speed up burn healing by a factor of days. How? It hastens skin cell reproduction while penetrating your skin much faster than water. The results are quicker healing and less scarring.
• Aloe Vera Helps Hydrate Skin: Aloe vera is a great choice for anyone looking for natural hydration. Apply it directly to your skin to hydrate without clogging your pores or leaving behind a greasy mess. In fact, it's so effective that it shows up often on ingredient lists for natural health and beauty products. Try applying it before putting on cosmetics to prevent drying. It's also a great choice after shaving. Not only does it help add back skin moisture, it can also speed the healing of any nicks or cuts.
• Aloe Vera Helps Reduce Acne Scarring: Acne can be tough to get rid of, but aloe vera contains a pair of hormones that gives you a fighting chance. These hormones, Auxin and Gibberellin, help wounds heal and reduce skin inflammation. Gibberellin in particular helps stimulate new cell growth. The result is skin that heals quickly with little scarring. This can be a huge help as your body heals from acne.
• Aloe Vera Helps Heal Sunburn: Last (but certainly not least), aloe vera is an unbeatable choice for soothing and healing sunburn. As we discussed above, aloe vera gel contains elements that soothe inflammation, reduce infection, and speed healing. All of these properties make it an excellent treatment for minor sunburns. 

Where Can You Find Aloe Vera For Face and Skin?

If you like the sound of what aloe vera can do, you may wonder where you can find it. Fortunately, you have a lot of options. One of the first places to look for aloe vera is in natural skin care products. Items like facial cleansers, face masks, self tanners, and creams rely on it to provide a moisturizing base for other ingredients. Check the ingredients list of your favorite natural products and you'll likely find it listed.

The other major method for working aloe vera into your routine is to use it on its own. If you have a green thumb, aloe vera plants are simple to care for. I like to keep one in the kitchen so I can quickly deal with any little burns that pop up while I'm cooking.

But if you're not up for keeping a plant, or if you want to have more than a few leaves of gel on hand, pick up a bottle of natural aloe vera gel. Use it on its own to treat burns and wounds, moisturize your skin, and add back nourishment that daily life can take away. It's one of the easiest ways to use aloe vera for face and skin.

My Favorite Aloe Vera Recipes

One of my favorite uses for aloe vera gel is as an ingredient in homemade skincare recipes. There are a lot of options out there (check out this list for a nice little roundup), but I have a few favorites that I come back to time and again. Here are the two that I use the most:

Aloe Vera and Honey Face Mask

This recipe is a simple and effective way to fight acne and support healthy, hydrated skin. The best part? It only takes two ingredients! Combine equal parts aloe vera gel and honey in a bowl. A tablespoon each is a great place to start. Mix thoroughly, then apply directly to your face. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Aloe and Lemon Face Scrub

This face scrub helps slough away dead skin cells, brightening your face as it moisturizes. It's also made out of things you already have in your kitchen. Combine two parts sugar with one part aloe vera gel. Mix thoroughly, then add a dash of lemon juice. Mix again. Add a little more sugar if the results are runny. Gently apply the mixture to your face and neck, using circular motions. Rinse away any excess.

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How Do You Use Aloe Vera?

The uses for aloe vera don't stop there! This plant has so many incredible uses for everything from beauty to gardening.

@creative_explained Clone your plants with Aloe Vera! 🤩🌱 #aloe 

Do you use aloe vera for face and skin? Let me know your favorite methods in the comments below!