The Aloe Vera plant, besides being visually appealing to look at, is one plant which has been very beneficial to man. Dating as far back as 6000 years, this plant has been used by many people for curative purposes. In fact, the Aloe Vera plant was widely used for the treatment of various conditions that it was dubbed the “plant of immortality”.
Top 5 Effects of Aloe Vera on Skin
People have been known to use the Aloe Vera plant to treat conditions such as hemorrhoids, hair loss, digestive issues and many more. However, in recent times, the Aloe Vera plant has been introduced into cosmetics and personal-care products like soaps, creams, lotions and more, because of its positive effects on the skin. Some effects of the Aloe Vera plant on the skin include the following.
Protection from UV Rays
One of the many reasons why people use Aloe Vera on their skins is because it helps protect it from the sun. When your skin is constantly exposed to UV Rays, your risk of developing cancer is significantly increased. Aloe Vera, however, prevents this from occurring by stimulating the intervention of the immune system. An enzyme called Bradykinase present in the plant, as well as other properties are responsible for this action which protects your skin from UV rays, and also provide relief from sunburn.
Skin Repair & Wound Healing
Another effect of Aloe Vera on the skin is its ability to repair dead skin cells and heal superficial wounds. By increasing the production of special skin cells called fibroblasts, Aloe Vera can rapidly speed up wound healing time. However, the plant is not only useful for skin repairs and wound healing alone, as it has been shown to be very effective on burns and abrasions. Aloe Vera is able to do all of these because it contains properties which digest waste tissues and pus, thereby speeding up wound healing process.
Anti-aging Effects
Apart from the properties which protect the skin from UV Rays and aids in skin healing, Aloe Vera also contains other properties which are recognized for their anti-oxidizing & anti-aging effects. These properties are responsible for slowing down the aging process of the skin, which is yet another reason why it is commonly used. The anti-aging properties found in the plant strengthens skin cells, thus making them better able to combat the harmful effects of radiation and oxygen on the skin.
Treats Acne
Acne is a skin condition which is known to affect a very large number of people worldwide. It is very difficult to treat even with the use of conventional medicines. However, thanks to Aloe Vera, acne can now be effectively treated. Although for the most effective treatment, studies suggest that Aloe Vera should be applied topically, twice daily in addition to regular acne prescription medicine containing tretinoin. A combination of these two products has been shown to be more effective in treating acne than when either of it is used alone.
Relieves Psoriasis
People who suffer psoriasis are known to have red patches on the surface of their skin. These patches may also be very itchy and can cause great discomfort to sufferers. If you suffer from this skin condition, you may want to try applying some Aloe Vera gel on your skin. When applied to the skin, Aloe Vera has been proven to reduce some of the redness and itching associated with psoriasis, thus relieving you of it. To enjoy maximum relief, you may need to apply the Aloe Vera gel several times in a day for at least a month.
Aloe Vera is a very powerful medicinal plant which can provide many benefits to your skin. Some of the effects of Aloe Vera on your skin are highlighted above. However, there are many other benefits you stand to gain from this plant, and you should consider using it today to enjoy all of them.
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Bibliography
Aloe vera: A valuable multifunctional cosmetic ingredient, International Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, v1 n3 (2011 12 01): 338-341.
Aloe Vera, The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Aloe vera: The Miracle Plant Its Medicinal and Traditional Uses in India, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.
Aloe Vera, Mayo Clinic.