6 Benefits of Aloe Vera: What does Aloe Vera do in Skincare?

First and foremost, aloe vera is known for its soothing, moisturising, and healing properties (which is why your mum always used to tell you to put it all over your skin whenever you got a sunburn).

Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera as we know it, is a succulent plant that originated in Arabia. Its stems contain water that end up creating a gel-like substance in the leaves. This aloe vera leaf juice is a key ingredient in many skincare products like moisturisers and serums. It's also sold in gel form, intended for use as a topical treatment to help soothe the effects of sunburns, eczema, psoriasis, frostbite, and cold sores.

To understand where this superplant gets its beneficial properties from, it’s important to first understand what aloe barbadensis leaf juice is made of. This gel is jam packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which means the benefits of aloe vera are endless.

What specifically does aloe vera do for skin, you may be wondering?

Continue reading to discover 6 magical benefits of this succulent superstar.

6 Benefits of Aloe Vera

1. Aloe Vera Soothes Irritated Skin

This benefit goes back to what your mum told you as a child. Aloe vera is the go-to skin treatment for red and irritated skin.

A common cause of skin irritation is sun exposure, but can also be a result of skin conditions like acne or eczema. Aloe contains cooling properties that give off a majorly soothing sensation. When it comes to sunburns specifically, aloe also has the ability to replenish burnt skin through its vitamins and minerals. In essence, aloe vera’s intense hydrating properties will help repair the skin’s moisture barrier more quickly, allowing the skin cells to heal faster.

2. Aloe Vera Treats Acne

Aloe vera is a saviour when it comes to acne.

First, it has antibacterial properties that prevent the buildup of bacteria in the skin which causes breakouts.

Second, it contains two anti-inflammatory hormones, auxin and gibberellins, that reduce skin inflammation. And finally, it consists of salicylic acid, which is a natural exfoliant that helps unclog pores and prevent pimples and blackheads. What’s not to love?

3. Aloe Vera Slows Signs of Aging

Aloe vera is rich in vitamins C and E. These antioxidants help with skin hydration and firmness, which specifically combat the loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that start to appear as your skin ages. Aloe also stimulates fibroblast activity, which activates collagen production and in turn, leaves skin more elastic.

4. Aloe Vera Combats Dark Spots

Does your skin suffer from dark spots?

Perhaps it’s time to switch to a skincare regimen which includes Aloe Vera.

Aloe vera has been known to suppress hyperpigmentation and the damaging effects of sunburn. Therefore, it has the ability to prevent dark spots from forming altogether and even has the power to reduce dark spots that have already formed.

5. Aloe Vera Reduces the Visibility of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches too far, whether caused by pregnancy or rapid weight gain. The result is that the skin loses its elasticity, which creates small marks or minor tears in the skin. The healing properties of aloe vera are able to heal these wounds faster, ultimately helping to eliminate and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

6. Aloe Vera Fights Cold Sores

Once again, aloe vera is all about healing. But did you know that the plant’s healing properties are so strong that it can even help remove cold sores and other skin ulcers?

Aloe vera is an antiseptic, comprising six antibacterial and antifungal agents. These agents include salicylic acid, sulfur, and phenols.

Together, the super ingredients create antibodies against the immune system, which can fight the virus that caused the cold sore and speed up the healing process.

So know you know all about the healing properties Aloe Vera possesses, there’s no time like the present to add some aloe vera into your skincare routine. Click below to shop Dope Skin Co.’s line of aloe-vera infused skincare products now.