Aloe vera: Beauty benefits for all skin types
A succulent plant with rejuvenating and soothing properties, aloe vera holds many benefits for the skin and health. It has been used in alternative medicines and cosmetics for centuries due to its benefits. It is used it various forms – as a gel, oil, juice, the whole plant and in creams, soaps and tablets.
People who have sensitive skin can also use aloe vera as it is very soothing and does not cause any irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in treating blemishes, acneand other skin problems. A minor cut or wound, a burn or a rash can be effectively treated with aloe vera. The gel is extracted from the leaves of the plant and when applied to the skin, softens dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth upon regular use. It also delays visible signs of ageing like fine lines and appearance of wrinkles.
While a lot of aloe products are available in the market these days, one can even plant it at home and reap in its benefits from its juice and gel. But if planting it at home isn’t possible, get an aloe vera based gel and use it for your skin. Buy moisturisers, lotions and creams which have aloe content in them. Aloe vera or aloe-based products come in handy in summers as well as winters. Its cooling properties provide instant relief from sunburns in the summer by hydrating the skin and in winters, it helps get rid of dryness by adding moisture to the skin.
Aloe vera face packs
If you have normal skin
Take one tbsp of aloe vera gel and mix it with one tbsp of gram flour (besan), one tsp of orange peel powder and some curd. Apply this pack on your face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wash it with water after 30 minutes and pat dry the area with a towel. This is a good pack to keep your skin looking smooth and supple.
If you have oily skin
Oily skin is usually prone to acne and regularly applying this face pack can do wonders for your skin. Boil aloe vera leaf with water and then grind it into a paste. Now add a few drops of honey to this paste and apply it on your face. Rinse it off with cold water after 15 minutes. Follow this treatment once every week to get clear skin. You can even try fruit face packs for oily skin.
If you have sensitive skin
Take aloe vera gel and add cucumber juice and curd to it. Mix it well to form a paste and add 3 drops of rose water or any essential oil to it. Keep it for 15 minutes on your face and neck and then wash it with water. This pack is very mild and does not cause any irritation but clears the skin of dirt and impurities.
If you have dry skin
Mix aloe vera gel with olive oil and add some shea butter to it (you can add shea butter creams also). Mix it well till it forms a thick paste and then apply it on your face and neck. Keep the pack for at least 20 minutes and wash your face with cold water to lock the moisture in your skin….
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