ALOE VERA: Ingredient of the week + Skin Care Benefits and Recommended Products

Aloe Vera's been around, but a lot of people only know it as a hydrating product.

Thing is, Aloe Vera has more than 300 metabolic benefits! That said, we're only scratching the surface of Aloe Vera's super ingredient potential.

In this episode of Ingredient of the week, let's take a good look at one of the most favorite skin care ingredients of Filipinas today, ALOE VERA!

Aloe Vera grows in tropical to sub-tropical regions around the world, but has mostly originated from the Arabian Peninsula and South Africa. Locally, Aloe Vera is called Sabila. Aloe Vera is not native to the Philippines; it was introduced to the country before and is now being widely cultivated locally for decorative, medicinal, and cosmetics purposes.

Aloe Barbadensis is the type of Aloe that is recognized in medicinal and cosmetic preparations.

Aloe Vera is called the Plant of Immortality because of the 300 metabolic benefits it apparently has; from a chunk of gel extracted from a single plant, studies have found  that there are about 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 200 active enzymes. 

ALOE VERA: BENEFITS

Aside from hydration, Aloe Vera is also known as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-acne ingredient; there are also medicinal benefits attributed to Aloe Vera such as being a remedy for diabetes, kidney conditions, ulcers, diarrhea, and stomach ache to name a few. However, there are some literatures stating that further studies are yet to be conducted and further evidence are yet to be recorded to prove that Aloe Vera has positive effects on certain ailments.

ALOE VERA: SIDE EFFECTS

With very sensitive skin types, Aloe Vera can cause stinging, burning sensations and rashes; it is especially risky if one will use fresh, raw Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera may be anti-bacterial, but using fresh, raw Aloe Vera can do more harm than good: the plant itself may be hosting certain bacteria and the gel is not stabilized for skin care use, and uninformed usage can cause irritation. It is especially dangerous to take raw Aloe Vera gel orally for it may have a laxative effect and cause electrolyte imbalance in the blood, leading to diarrhea.

The best and safe way to take Aloe Vera orally and topically is to purchase Aloe Vera products that have finally been processed for skin care and medicinal use.

ALOE VERA: USES

- as a skin care ingredient

- as a medicinal ingredient

Here are some Aloe Vera products that I have personally tried and will recommend in a heart beat!

1. ALOE DERMA PURE ALOE VERA GEL

- One of my favorite multi- purpose Aloe Vera products because it's made with 99% Aloe Vera and worked really well in treating cold sores!

2. ESFOLIO ALOE VERA FACIAL WASH AND MIST

- A hydrating duo that's great for oily/normal skin types. The facial wash is rich, lathers well, but never dries the skin, and the mist is a watery gel mist that keeps skin hydrated and makeup looking fresh the entire day.

3. THE FACE SHOP JEJU ALOE ICE

- An all- around Aloe Vera balm that has a cooling, mattifying effect, making it a great summer moisturizer for the face and body. Cooling it before usage makes it ideal for soothing the skin!

4. ZENUTRIENTS ALOE VERA MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

- A hydrating hair care range that makes hair feel soft and looking hydrated; continuous usage helps significantly minimize frizz and dryness.

That's it for this week's Ingredient of the week! Do let me know which ingredient you would like me to cover next!