Why do you need aloe vera in your skincare routine?
This is the perfect time to talk about it! St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating the green thing, from shamrocks to leprechauns and emerald-colored treats.
But you can also go green with one of the most beneficial skincare ingredients: aloe vera.
A soothing green plant known for its healing properties, aloe vera is much more than a go-to remedy for sunburns. This plant is a skincare powerhouse with lots more to offer. Read on to discover why this green wonder deserves a prime spot in your daily regimen.
Aloe Vera In Your Skincare Routine—What Is It?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant (which means it’s great at storing water) that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It has thick, fleshy leaves filled with a clear gel used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare.
Aloe contains over 75 active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which can all benefit the skin. You probably already know that it hydrates and cools inflammation, but it can do even more than that.
Aloe Vera in Your Skincare Routine—7 Ways It Improves Your Skin
It’s true that there are few things better than pure aloe when you’re dealing with a sunburn or other type of minor burn, but this natural ingredient can also enhance your complexion and promote healthier skin.
1. Deeply Hydrates and Locks in Moisture
Aloe vera is about 99 percent water, making it an excellent hydrator for all skin types. Unlike heavy moisturizers that can clog pores, aloe vera is lightweight yet penetrates deeply into the skin.
Even scientific studies have shown how aloe vera can significantly increase the water content in the skin. In 2006, for instance, scientists found that after just a single application, it increased the water content of the outer layer of the skin, whereas comparative moisturizing solutions needed repeated applications.
Aloe Vera In Your Skincare Routine 2. Soothes Inflammation and Reduces Irritation
Aloe helps soothe and heal a sunburn because it helps reduce inflammation while also providing a cooling effect. These potent anti-inflammatory properties can also calm irritation and redness from other skin conditions, including acne, rashes, and eczema redness.
3. Speeds Up Wound Healing
Aloe vera is well-known for its ability to accelerate wound healing. Whether you’re struggling with minor cuts, burns, acne scars, or a compromised outer barrier, aloe vera can help. In a 2016 study, researchers tested aloe vera on minor wounds. They found that it reduced inflammation, increased wound contraction and the restoration of the outer layer, and decreased scar tissue size.
According to a 2014 review, aloe vera contains compounds like aloin and aloesin, which have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Other ingredients, including fatty acids and enzymes, also tame inflammation.
Aloe Vera In Your Skincare Routine 4. Fights Acne and Reduces Breakouts
Because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help reduce and treat acne. Get this—it’s also a natural source of salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
In a 2021 study, scientists tried treating acne without drugs, using only aloe vera and ultrasound therapy, which enhanced the absorption of the aloe vera gel. The results showed that the aloe mask significantly reduced the number of pimples and the area of hyperpigmented lesions and improved skin roughness and local blood circulation.
5. Delivers Antioxidants to Fight Aging
Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, which help fight the free radicals that cause premature aging. Regular use can help improve skin elasticity while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
In a 2015 study, researchers found that aloe application helped increase the production of collagen in the skin—the ingredient that helps give skin its shape and structure—by twofold! It also helped increase hyaluronic acid content in the skin by 1.5fold, which contributes to moisture and plumping.
Aloe Vera In Your Skincare Routine 6. Eases Hyperpigmentation and Age Spots
Aloesin, a compound found in aloe vera, helps lighten dark spots and even out skin tone by inhibiting melanin production. Melanin is a natural pigment found in humans’ skin, hair, and eyes. It is responsible for determining skin tone while protecting skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
A couple of studies have confirmed this action. For a 2002 study, researchers tested aloesin on pigmentation in human skin after UV radiation. Aloesin treatment suppressed pigmentation by 34 percent. When used with arbutin—another natural pigmentation inhibitor—it suppressed pigmentation by 63.3 percent.
A later 2008 laboratory study showed similar results—aloesin had direct inhibitory effects on melanogenesis (the process of hyperpigmentation).
7. Strengthens the Skin’s Barrier
A healthy skin barrier prevents moisture loss and protects against environmental pollutants. Aloe vera helps enhance the skin’s natural barrier function, keeping it strong and balanced.
In a 2021 study, researchers found that aloe vera and one of its compounds, isoorientin (IO), boosted the production of skin barrier proteins, helping to fortify the skin’s defenses.
Aloe Vera in Your Skincare from CV Skinlabs
If you want to enjoy all the benefits of aloe vera without the hassle of sourcing fresh gel—while getting the benefit of many other restorative, healing, nourishing ingredients as well—use our CV Skinlabs products! Every one of them is infused with aloe vera, ensuring you get the hydration, soothing relief, and skin-loving nutrients in every application.
This St. Patrick’s Day, embrace the green by incorporating more aloe vera into your skincare routine.
Did you know all this about aloe vera?
Featured image by Sharath G via Pexels.
