There are only two things that aloe cannot cope with - smooth out wrinkles and lighten pigmentation. In all other respects, this miracle plant has no equal. Let's figure out what its extract does in creams, serums, tonics and other beauty products.
- Aloe in cosmetics
- Beneficial features
- Indications for use
- The use of aloe in facial cosmetics
- Cosmetics review
- How to choose cosmetics with aloe
Aloe in cosmetics
The uniqueness of this plant lies in its diverse biological activities, from healing wounds to fighting bacteria. It has been established that aloe is as safe as possible and is suitable even for people with reactive skin and those prone to allergies.
Our body perceives aloe juice as a pleasant and safe ingredient due to the presence of some substances related to human skin.
More than 200 components were found in aloe juice, including vitamins and minerals, amino acids and enzymes.
But cosmetologists especially appreciate the presence of polysaccharides: they provide an excellent moisturizing effect. The polysaccharide film attracts water molecules and at the same time prevents the evaporation of existing moisture.
Aloe extract moisturizes the skin and allows it to breathe. © iStock
Beneficial features
First and foremost, aloe extract moisturizes the skin and allows it to breathe. And the flavonoids it contains - substances with antioxidant effects - prevent inflammation and heal. It is no coincidence that aloe is considered one of the best remedies for burns.
But that's not all.
Aloe has an anti-aging effect: it prevents a decrease in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which is caused by the negative impact of external factors.
Its glycoproteins increase the skin's ability to recover, reduce pain and reduce inflammation.
It has been established that aloe juice is as safe as possible and is suitable even for people with reactive skin and those prone to allergies. © iStock
Indications for use
Cosmetics with aloe have a lot of advantages and a wide spectrum of action.
Skin regeneration after sunburn.
Beneficial effect on sensitive and allergic skin.
Recovery after cosmetic procedures: resurfacing, laser rejuvenation, chemical peeling.
Products with aloe are produced for all skin types and for any age. © iStock
The use of aloe in facial cosmetics
The concentration of aloe juice can vary from 1-10% in care formulas to 90% in wound healing products. Aloe is included in almost all products, except, perhaps, creams and serums for smoothing deep wrinkles and brightening the skin.
Aloe extract is classified as a hypoallergenic component. It can be found in such care products as:
moisturizer or facial fluid;
lotion or tonic;
shower gel;
Cosmetics review
Simply Clean Pore Cleansing Gel, SkinCeuticals
The aloe juice included in the gel helps moisturize the skin, has a calming effect, and has a restorative effect.
Aquafluid for face “Genius of Hydration”, L’Oréal Paris
The formula based on aloe juice and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid acts immediately in 5 layers of the epidermis, providing hydration for 72 hours. Has a weightless texture.
Melting body milk with aloe, Garnier
This pleasant, non-greasy body product moisturizes well, and this effect lasts up to 24 hours. The immediate result immediately after application is soft and smooth skin. After a week of use - radiance and increased density.
Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque, Kiehl’s
Gel mask with calendula petals and aloe extract has an instant cooling, refreshing and soothing effect. Saturates the skin with moisture.
Shaving foam for sensitive skin Men Expert, L’Oréal Paris
Here, aloe vera extract reduces the unpleasant burning sensation after shaving and intensely moisturizes. Suitable for sensitive skin that reacts sharply with tightness, irritation and redness to daily shaving.
How to choose cosmetics with aloe
There is nothing complicated about it. Products with aloe are produced for all skin types and for any age. You just need to take into account some nuances.
Oily and problem skin The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant will help.
Dry or mature skin useful is the ability of aloe to form a film on the surface of the epidermis, which:
prevents moisture evaporation;
protects it from aggressive environmental factors;
prevents destruction of collagen and elastin fibers.
Known synonymously Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice; Aloe Vera Extract, Aloe Barbadenis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Gel; Aloe Gel; Aloe Juice; Aloe Vera Gel; Chirukattali Extract. Softens the skin, relieves irritation. Promotes healing and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Aloe perfectly moisturizes the skin without giving it excessive shine or clogging pores: so this component is ideal for moisturizing oily and problematic facial skin. Due to the content of components that restore skin elasticity and also promote cell regeneration, cosmetics containing aloe vera help hide shallow stretch marks. Due to the revitalizing properties of aloe, medicinal cosmetics containing this component “stimulates to life” dormant hair follicles, stimulates the growth of new hair and thus improves its thickness. Rich in vitamins, in particular vitamin B12, which is quite rare, 8 major AA amino acids (bioelements responsible for protein formation), and flavonoids.
Needed
maximum
results quickly?
Stimulator of cellular regeneration and multifunctional ingredient for all skin and hair types.
Aloe vera has been used in cosmetology and dermatology for thousands of years: even the ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality.” Aloe vera was also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Since then, the use of this plant has become more targeted and, accordingly, effective. Today, aloe vera is perhaps the most well-known and popular herbal ingredient with numerous healing properties and is in demand among people of all races on all continents.
This component has a calming effect, restores damaged cells and tissues, and generally helps keep the skin young and healthy. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in treating acne, rashes and other cosmetic problems.
Synonyms: Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice; Aloe Vera Extract, Aloe Barbadenis Extractt, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Gel; Aloe Gel; Aloe Juice; Aloe Vera Gel; Chirukattali Extract. Patented formulas: BioButter® Aloe Refined, AXIOM ALOE-B, BioAloe® Oil Canola, Dermatein® Power Powder II - All Around, Phytic Acid Extreme Complex, Dp-AIP3s, Vegetal Pseudoplacenta PG, Biosil Basics SMC.
Effect of aloe vera in cosmetics
Various studies have repeatedly confirmed the numerous cosmetic benefits of aloe vera. In particular, it turned out that the extract of this plant actually exhibits several properties at once, which determine the effectiveness of this ingredient in the treatment of various skin diseases and cosmetic problems. And perhaps this is not surprising, because aloe contains more than 75 different valuable organic compounds, including enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones, lignins, saponins, sterols, salicylic acid, as well as vitamins and minerals. More than a dozen amino acids in aloe juice - isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, etc. - also largely determine the therapeutic profile of this plant. Some studies indicate that isolated components of aloe, such as glycoproteins, show effectiveness in wound healing and as soothing agents. Other studies have also shown that aloe has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties... So what should you expect from this beauty ingredient?
- Moisturizing effect. Aloe perfectly moisturizes the skin without giving it excessive shine or clogging pores: so this component is ideal for moisturizing oily and problematic facial skin.
- Anti-age effect. The appearance of fine wrinkles, dryness and loss of skin tone is an inevitable phenomenon, but aloe vera will help delay it. The leaves of this plant contain many antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, which, when used in cosmetics, help improve the natural tone of the skin and keep it moisturized and elastic for a long time. Some experts claim that when this component enters the skin, it stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts - these are the cells that are responsible for the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which makes the skin more elastic.
- Reduces acne symptoms. Aloe vera gel (the sap of the plant) contains two hormones: auxin and gibberellin, which not only promote wound healing, but also have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. This plant also has a moderate antibacterial effect, which has a positive effect on the skin microflora during acne.
- Calming and healing effect. Aloe is soothing and helps reduce skin inflammation, itching, and the severity of rashes or even blisters. Aloe vera juice, while helping the skin heal faster, also acts as a protective layer on the skin that promotes moisture balance. In addition, gibberellin from aloe vera juice acts as a growth hormone, stimulating the growth of new cells - this allows the skin to quickly regenerate in a completely natural way with minimal risk of scarring.
- Reduces the visibility of stretch marks. Due to the content of components that restore skin elasticity and also promote cell regeneration, cosmetics containing aloe vera help hide shallow stretch marks.
- Helps fight baldness. Due to the revitalizing properties of aloe, medicinal cosmetics containing this component “stimulates to life” dormant hair follicles, stimulates the growth of new hair and thus improves its thickness.
Properties of aloe vera 19154
One can understand that with such prevalence and the range of declared properties, the use of this component could not but cause healthy skepticism among specialists - aloe vera with its list of benefits looks simply like a cosmetic panacea. Therefore, many experts in the field of cosmetology criticize claims about the miraculous properties of this component, believing that this is nothing more than a marketing ploy. One of the convincing arguments of “aloe opponents” is that the juice of this plant, which is the main raw material in the production of cosmetics, consists of more than 95.5% water. In any case, a single cosmetic ingredient cannot transform the skin, but with an integrated approach, for many it can become a good addition to home care cosmetics.
Who should use aloe vera?
Another advantage of aloe vera: this component can be used by owners of completely different skin types - and for completely different problems. Thus, aloe vera helps with dry or flaky skin, acne, and various types of inflammation. External products containing aloe vera are one of the leading methods of treating sunburn. Aloe vera extract may be useful for the healing of wounds and thermal burns, minor skin infections, and also demonstrates a pronounced therapeutic effect in the treatment of more serious and persistent pathologies such as eczema, oral and genital herpes, dandruff, psoriasis, stomatitis, skin ulcers and etc.
Aloe vera is also indispensable as a routine facial skin care product. For women who use mineral makeup, products with aloe vera work as a natural moisturizer - they are great for the skin as a base: before applying decorative cosmetics, they prevent dryness and, accordingly, improve the durability of makeup. For men, aloe vera products are used to prevent shaving irritation, and the healing properties of this plant can also help heal minor razor cuts.
Who is contraindicated for aloe vera?
First of all, this component is not suitable for people with allergies to aloe vera. It should also be used with caution for rosacea, telangiectasia and other inflammatory-vascular skin problems. Although some manufacturers introduce this component into medicinal cosmetics intended for hypersensitive skin prone to rosacea, as well as rosacea, in fact, in such cases it is better to avoid using aloe vera.
Cosmetics containing aloe vera
Aloe vera is most often found in face and body skin care products intended for a wide range of skin types and conditions, including in children's or sunscreen ranges. It is also included in hair products, ranging from shampoos to broad-spectrum therapeutic serums. Some products containing aloe vera are used in podiatry and trichology, helping to fight onychomycosis and fungal diseases of the feet.
Homemade hair mask with aloe vera 19059
Sources of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) is a cactus-like plant that belongs to the lily family (Asphodelaceae). It grows in dry climates and is most commonly found in parts of Africa and India. Aloe is cultivated in Mexico, Australia, the Caribbean, and North and Central America. For the production of cosmetics, the leaves of the plant are used, from which an extract is made or, in most cases, the juice is squeezed out.
Aloe leaves produce a clear gel that can be used topically to treat wounds or to soothe the skin. The gel, which is extracted from the leaves of the plant, should be used immediately - when applied to the skin, it softens the surface layers of the epidermis, leaving the skin soft and smooth for a long time. However, of course, cosmetics based on it will be more effective. (By the way, some brands use aloe juice instead of water in their products.) Aloe leaf juice is preserved using gluconolactone or sodium benzoate. The leaves or leaf skins are processed into a powder extract.