Aloe is a unique plant that was successfully used for treatment and cosmetic purposes by our great-grandmothers. It has been successfully used both for hair care and for facial skin treatment.
Thanks to its antibacterial and cleansing properties, this plant, or rather, masks and lotions based on it, do an excellent job with acne, pimples, ulcers, scars and scars remaining after them, as well as with other problems that concern many girls and boys, especially in adolescence.
How does aloe work on problem skin?
Aloe is really good at cleansing the face from various rashes:
- acne;
- acne;
- subcutaneous acne;
- ulcers.
It is especially suitable for sensitive, excessively dry and oily skin prone to allergic reactions. But aloe is also an ideal option for normal and combination skin.
It can be said that:
- oily skin + aloe = getting rid of oily shine, normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands, disappearance of pimples and blackheads;
- dry skin + aloe = moisturizing;
- atopic skin + aloe = tone, elasticity;
- combination and normal skin + aloe = nutrition and healthy glow;
- sensitive skin + aloe = protection from aggressive environmental influences.
The use of aloe is also justified for eczema or psoriasis, as well as if the skin needs to be cleared of a large number of freckles.
What beneficial properties does aloe have for the skin?
The plant contains a large number of useful substances:
- essential oils;
- amino acids;
- organic acids
- vitamins (A, B, C, D, E);
- beta-carotene;
- cellulose;
- aloin;
- catechins (flavonoids that protect against allergies);
- carotenoids (organic pigment that protects complexion);
- pectin;
- antioxidants;
- trace elements (iron, manganese, zinc and others);
- mineral salts;
- tannins.
Thanks to them aloe:
- cleanses the skin;
- removes harmful toxins;
- soothes and extinguishes redness;
- relieves itching;
- disinfects;
- softens;
- nourishes and moisturizes, eliminating dehydration;
- makes the skin more elastic and prevents the appearance of early wrinkles;
- favors the production of elastin and collagen;
- improves complexion;
- mattifies the skin.
Aloe juice is most often used, although some beauty recipes say that you can also use the pulp of the leaves, for example, you can grate the leaf or grind it through a meat grinder.
Aloe juice is a powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and cleansing agent, and the juice is an excellent wound-healing and antimicrobial drug.
Compress
How to use aloe juice? To treat acne, 2 types of compresses are used:
- Application with agave. Draws pus out of pimples and dries out inflammation. Cut the leaf, divide it lengthwise and apply it to the pimple overnight, secure with a band-aid. Agave is a remedy for acne, boils, wounds and purulent inflammation.
- A compress with agave juice is used to treat point inflammation. Moisten a cotton pad with the juice of the plant and apply to the site of inflammation for 20 minutes. The compress is done 3 times a week. The course does not exceed 10 procedures. The compress helps dry and reduce the pimple already in the third procedure.
- Aloe oil for acne is used as a compress on the affected areas of the skin, including the head. Agave leaves crushed into pulp are poured with olive oil and left for 2-3 weeks. Soak cotton pads in the mixture and apply to areas of inflammation for 2-3 hours.
Contraindications for the use of aloe
Aloe juice is absolutely harmless only if it is used externally. Even cases of allergies were not recorded.
If you use it internally, you need to be as careful as possible; it is better to consult a doctor who will give you a whole list of contraindications.
So aloe juice should not be used by those who:
- prone to allergic reactions;
- suffers from diseases that cause bleeding;
- has kidney or liver disease;
- has neoplasms on the epidermis;
- suffers from hypertrichosis (facial hair);
- has the pathology of telangiectasia (close location of blood capillaries to the surface of the skin).
Can the plant cause harm?
There are a number of situations when it is not recommended to use aloe for acne. Avoid lubricating the dermis with products containing agave gel when:
- Neoplasms of any etiology on the skin;
- Individual intolerance to the plant;
- Particular allergic skin reactions;
- A significant amount of hair;
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Spider veins on the dermis.
It is also worth stopping treatment with agave during menstruation.
The use of aloe in medicines and cosmetics
Currently, aloe vera juice is actively used in medicine and cosmetology.
Exist:
- liquid extracts (intramuscular injections);
- drinking juices based on it, for example, fresh juice or evaporated juice - sabur, it is recommended for those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- syrups;
- oils - recommended for use to protect against various infections, to reduce inflammation, to treat burns and cuts;
- creams;
- gels;
- ointments;
- masks for face, body and head;
- applications;
- bandages;
- shampoos and conditioners;
- shower gels;
- massage mixtures.
The product content in such products varies: from 20 to 80%. Moreover, the more product, the higher the cost of the drug or cosmetic product.
Interestingly, liquid aloe extract is often used at home. For example, for preparing hair and face masks.
The liquid extract goes well with any natural ingredients, as well as with already used cosmetics: masks, creams, shampoos and balms.
Also, aloe juice from ampoules is used as a massage product, which well moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Please note that the most acceptable combinations for problematic facial skin are:
- liquid aloe extract + homemade mayonnaise;
- liquid aloe extract + egg white;
- liquid aloe extract + strawberry juice.
Preparation of raw materials
Proper preparation of raw materials is very important. At this stage, a base is formed, the basis of a useful mixture or mask. The main thing here is to choose the right leaves.
There are several simple rules for selection and preparation:
- You need to choose the thickest, fleshiest leaves, slightly dried out at the ends, but without visible damage. There should be no signs of rotting;
- To obtain the most beneficial juice, the plant should be stopped watering 10 days before cutting;
- Leaves must be cut off near the stem, closer to the ground;
- Rinse with plenty of warm, running water;
- Dry;
- Wrap in paper or cotton cloth;
- Place in the refrigerator for 10 - 14 days. Leaves should be placed so that they are as far away from the freezer as possible;
- After the required period has passed, the leaves must be removed;
- Throw away those that have shriveled or darkened;
- Rinse others again, remove thorns and thick skin;
- Squeeze thoroughly until the juice releases. You can squeeze it manually or using a meat grinder.;
- Be sure to strain the juice through cheesecloth;
- Pour into bottles, preferably dark glass;
- Store in the refrigerator or in a cool place away from sunlight;
- The juice retains its beneficial properties for 10-14 days, so it should be used as a medicine against acne as quickly as possible.
The juice must be prepared no later than 3 hours after unloading the plant leaves from the refrigerator. When using a meat grinder, the primary mass should be put in the refrigerator for an hour and a half and only then squeezed out, and through double gauze.
This way you can get biostimulated juice, which is much healthier for the skin.
Chemical composition
The importance of the plant from a medical point of view is due to the presence of a complex chemical composition. It contains more than 200 useful components that can neutralize the spread of skin infections, which are often the main causes of a large number of acne and other rashes.
This includes vitamins A and B, including even the rarest of them, for example, B12, vitamins C and E. A large number of micro- and macroelements, as well as amino acids, have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the skin. Lingins, which are also found in the pulp, are able to penetrate deep into the upper layers of the epidermis and act on foci of inflammation (pimples, blackheads, acne and blackheads) from the inside.
This complex composition determines the following properties of the extract:
- antibacterial (it has strong disinfectant properties, that is, it destroys bacteria that cause acne);
- anti-inflammatory (it penetrates into the very foci of inflammation and ensures normal restoration of skin pores after acne removal);
- restorative, or regenerating (it reduces all visible scars after acne healing, since the active substances in its composition stimulate the active growth and division of epidermal cells);
- protective (on the surface of the epidermis, the juice forms a protective layer that prevents the penetration of acne-causing bacteria);
- cleansing (it is able to draw pus from the pores, so it can be used to treat boils and even wen);
- tonic (the plant restores the skin, nourishes it with missing elements and vitamins and restores its natural elasticity and smoothness).
How to get rid of different types of acne using aloe at home?
At home, you can get rid of acne using both pure aloe juice and masks and mixtures prepared on its basis with the addition of various natural ingredients. Comprehensive, systematic treatment is required.
Rubbing your face with aloe juice
Aloe juice should be wiped over a previously cleansed face twice a day for a week.
If after this the number of acne decreases, then use can be reduced to three times a week.
After the acne has completely disappeared, you can wipe your face with a cut of aloe once or twice a week as a preventative measure.
Before use, be sure to wash the leaf and keep it in the refrigerator.
Aloe lotion
Aloe-based lotion is most often used as a preventative against acne. Its main goal is to get rid of acne or prevent it from appearing.
It is prepared as follows:
- crush aloe leaves;
- You should get 2 heaped tablespoons;
- fill them with 100 ml of warm water;
- put on fire and bring to a boil.
Next, the lotion is allowed to cool, then bottled. It can be used immediately after cooling.
You need to wipe your face 2 times a day, morning and evening. This lotion is suitable for all skin types. The duration of the course is 1 month. Afterwards you can take a break.
Lotion with essential oils
Aloe juice lotions with the addition of essential oils are suitable for any skin type:
- for fatty;
- for dry;
- for combined;
- for sensitive;
- for the problematic one.
The only drawback is that the lotion does not last long; it must be prepared immediately before use.
The process will not take much time, especially if you already have ready-made plant juice on hand. Just add 3-4 drops of any essential oil to 2-3 tablespoons of juice.
The following oils work best with aloe juice:
- cocoa essential oil;
- shea butter;
- tea tree oil;
- rosemary oil;
- clove essential oil;
- tea rose oil;
- eucalyptus essential oil;
- fir essential oil;
- cedar essential oil.
An excellent solution would also be to use camphor essential oil, grape seed oil and wheat germ oil.
It is necessary to wipe your face 2 times a day, morning and evening. The duration of the course is 1 month.
Acne lotion with calendula
Anti-acne lotion with aloe juice and calendula tincture is very effective, although it is only suitable for oily skin.
It is prepared as follows:
- add 3 tablespoons of aloe juice to ¼ glass of water;
- add 3 tablespoons of calendula tincture to the resulting mixture;
- Mix everything thoroughly and let it brew for 24 hours.
The resulting mixture is wiped over the entire face in the morning and evening, or the mixture is applied with a cotton swab to each pimple or abscess.
You can prepare a more concentrated mixture using only calendula juice and tincture. But it is applied only to pimples, trying not to touch the surrounding skin.
Alcohol lotion with aloe juice
Aloe lotion with added alcohol lasts much longer than regular lotion. In addition, this mixture cleanses the skin better, gets rid of blackheads, pimples and ulcers much faster, preventing them from “ripening” and leaving a scar on the skin. This lotion is also an excellent preventative.
A good option for aloe alcohol lotion is the following recipe:
- take 200 ml of aloe juice;
- mix with 100 ml of ethyl alcohol (ethanol);
- leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
This lotion can be stored for a very long time, especially if you place it in a dark container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Interestingly, to prepare lotions you can use any medical alcohol and even vodka (in a ratio of 1:4).
You need to use such mixtures very carefully, as they greatly “dry” the skin. Apply once daily to cleansed skin. Duration of use is 1 month.
Aloe tincture
Aloe tinctures and decoctions are an excellent alternative to lotions. They are ideal for dry and sensitive skin; it is almost impossible to dry it out with them.
To prepare the tincture you need to take:
- 3-6 aloe leaves (depending on their size);
- 0.5 liters of hot water, but not boiling water.
Pour water over the leaves, leave for 24 hours, and then pour and put in the refrigerator.
You need to wipe your face with this infusion twice a day. The effect is that the skin is clean and toned, without an oily sheen.
Aloe decoction
Aloe decoction is valuable because it can be added to many homemade masks and mixtures as an additional ingredient. It is great for oily skin prone to breakouts.
It's very easy to prepare:
- pour boiling water (0.5 cup) into 2-3 tablespoons of peeled and crushed plant leaves;
- put on fire and boil for 15 minutes after boiling;
- remove from heat and let steep for 2-3 hours;
- pour into a dark container and put in the refrigerator;
- leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
You need to wipe your skin with this decoction twice a day: morning and evening. Gradually, the skin will clear up and become smoother, matte and elastic.
Aloe and honey ointment
An ointment based on honey and aloe works great for acne and pimples.
It is very simple to prepare: you need to mix 1 tablespoon of plant juice and 2 tablespoons of honey.
When using ointment, the main thing is:
- maintain proportions - reduce the amount of honey if the skin is too sensitive or prone to allergies;
- apply spotwise or in a thin layer using a brush;
- Keep the mixture on your face for no more than 20 minutes.
Since honey is a pronounced allergen, before using the ointment you need to conduct a dermatological test: apply the mixture to your wrist for 15 minutes. If the skin does not turn red or start to itch, then the ointment can be safely used.
Aloe masks for acne
There are a large number of different aloe masks for acne. You can choose an option. Which is suitable for a specific skin type and allows you to solve a specific problem.
Aloe juice face mask
You can prepare the simplest aloe face mask using a simple rich cream.
Method of preparation and use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of juice with 2 tablespoons of cream;
- you can add rose or tea tree essential oil;
- apply the mixture to your face for 15 -20 minutes;
- rinse with warm water.
Aloe and clay face mask
Masks based on aloe juice and clay are suitable for inflamed, oily skin, with pronounced pimples and acne, as well as with wounds from them. Wounds can also appear as a result of the action of various parasites. Making a mask is quite simple.
You need to take:
- 100 ml aloe juice;
- 1 teaspoon of white or blue clay (can be purchased at the pharmacy).
The mixture, which has pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, mixes well.
Apply a thin layer to the face for about 15 minutes. A good effect is achieved in 3-5 sessions. The skin becomes drier, cleaner, wounds and pimples disappear.
Combined aloe and egg mask
A mask based on protein and aloe juice also dries out oily skin prone to inflammation; it also works great on normal skin.
To prepare it you need to take:
- aloe juice – 1 teaspoon;
- any fatty cream - 2 teaspoons;
- wheat germ oil – 1 tablespoon;
- salt – 1 teaspoon;
- chicken egg - 1 piece.
Mode of application:
- Mix aloe juice with cream and oil;
- Apply the mixture to your face, including under your eyes;
- After a quarter of an hour, rinse with a cotton pad;
- Beat the egg and mix with salt;
- Leave the mixture on your face for 5-10 minutes;
- Then rinse with warm water;
- Use your regular face cream.
A good effect can be achieved after 4-5 sessions, using 2 times a week. The skin becomes drier, noticeably tightened, small wounds and acne disappear, the complexion evens out, redness and dark spots disappear.
Aloe, iodine and peroxide face mask
This mixture is a killer option for acne. Both iodine and hydrogen peroxide are excellent antiseptics that cleanse and dry the skin.
To prepare the mixture you will need:
- 1 tablespoon honey;
- 2 teaspoons aloe juice;
- 3-4 drops of iodine;
- 3-4 drops of hydrogen peroxide.
It is better to use the mixture on oily and combination skin, keep it for no more than 15 minutes, then rinse with plenty of water and additionally moisturize the skin with cream.
Aloe and cream face mask
It is prepared as follows:
- 30 g aloe juice;
- 100 ml cream (heavy);
- 1 teaspoon buckwheat honey.
An aloe-based mask with the addition of cream copes well with acne and, in addition, visibly tightens the skin.
All ingredients must be mixed thoroughly, then applied to the face, neck and décolleté using a special brush in a thin layer, hold the mixture for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Face mask with aloe and herbs
Mixtures based on aloe and herbs work great against acne.
Herbs you can use:
- chamomile;
- St. John's wort;
- Linden blossom;
- mint;
- lemon balm;
- sage;
- rose petals.
Cooking method:
- herbs need to be crushed in a blender if they are fresh;
- steam with boiling water if dry;
- add 5-7 tablespoons of aloe juice to the mixture.
You need to apply the mask with a special brush on a clean, pre-steamed face. Keep for 10-20 minutes.
Face mask with aloe and lemon
A mixture based on lemon and aloe is great for oily, problem skin.
It is prepared as follows:
- take the white from one egg;
- add 2-3 teaspoons of aloe pulp or 3 tablespoons of juice to it;
- then add one teaspoon of lemon juice;
- mix everything thoroughly.
The mixture is applied in a thin layer to the face using a brush and left until completely dry. Then wash your face with cool water.
This mask cleanses and tones the skin, eliminates oily shine, and tightens pores. Since the mixture has a healing and anti-inflammatory effect, acne, pimples and ulcers will go away completely after 4-5 sessions.
Face mask with aloe and oatmeal
Oatmeal, like aloe, copes well with skin problems. The mixture of these two ingredients is maximum effective and allows you to quickly get rid of pimples and acne.
To prepare it you need:
- hot water - 2 tbsp. spoons;
- aloe pulp - 2 tbsp. spoons;
- oatmeal – 2 tbsp. spoons;
- olive oil – 2 tbsp. spoons.
Method of preparation and use:
- Pour boiling water over the flakes;
- Wait until they swell;
- Add juice and olive oil;
- Apply a thin layer to the skin for 10 minutes;
- Rinse off with warm water.
In addition to the above masks, you can also prepare mixtures based on aloe with the addition of:
- sesame and olive oil - perfectly nourishes dry skin and also helps eliminate acne;
- cottage cheese or sour cream;
- yogurt;
- butter (preferably homemade);
- milk - this mixture with aloe works well on dry skin, moisturizing it;
- avocado, grape, kiwi or peach pulp - the mask perfectly whitens and moisturizes dry skin, removing redness and flaking;
- pomegranate juice - masks based on pomegranate juice perfectly cleanse and tone the skin;
- vegetable pulp: radish;
- potatoes;
- cucumber;
- zucchini;
- carrots;
- pumpkins;
Some ingredients, such as honey, milk, essential and vegetable oils, are best heated, but not brought to a boil. When warm, mixtures based on them work more efficiently.
Cosmetic ice with aloe
Cosmetic ice with aloe juice is especially suitable for those girls and women who need to constantly tone their skin, tighten it, and make it more elastic. We can also say that this is an excellent preventative against acne and blackheads.
Preparing cosmetic ice is very simple:
- You need to pour boiled water or filtered water into ice trays;
- Add half a teaspoon of plant juice to each section;
- Place the molds in the refrigerator until completely hardened.
You need to wipe your skin morning and evening, and then use a nourishing cream.
After using lotions, tinctures, decoctions, ointments, masks, cosmetic ice, you need to additionally moisturize your face using a nourishing cream.
Taking aloe juice internally
As mentioned above, taking aloe juice orally is associated with certain difficulties, since there is a whole list of contraindications. That is why it is better to consult a doctor before starting the procedure.
If there are no contraindications, then the juice should be taken 2 times a day, morning and evening, 1 teaspoon 30 minutes before meals. Taking juice will normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and, as you know, a healthy stomach means healthy skin.
Anti-acne powder with aloe
The acne wash is also extremely effective, especially on problematic, oily skin. Its preparation is not difficult enough.
You need to take:
- distilled water – 150 ml;
- aloe juice – 2 teaspoons;
- camphor alcohol – 10 ml;
- lactic acid – 1 g;
- glycerin – 1 g.
All ingredients must be mixed well and poured into a dark container. Keep refrigerated.
Use only directly and shake thoroughly before use.
Aloe recipe for blackheads and pimples
Pimples and blackheads on the nose are the scourge of many young boys and girls. You can get rid of them with the help of aloe.
The recipe is simple:
- apply the prepared leaves of the plant to the place where the dots accumulate, cut side down;
- duration 20-30 minutes;
- The manipulation must be carried out 3-4 times a week, preferably before bedtime.
Lotions, ointments and tinctures based on aloe are suitable for treating acne not only on the face, but also on other parts of the body, especially on the back.
Aloe recipe for boils
A boil is not a harmless thing and requires quick treatment. You can also cope with it with the help of aloe, which has excellent pulling properties. For treatment, you can use a decoction or tincture from the plant.
You can also make compresses:
- apply a plant leaf to the boil with the cut side down;
- secure it with adhesive tape;
It is best to apply the compress at night, and in the morning the first results will be visible: the boil will become smaller, as some of the pus will disappear.
Also, an ointment made with aloe and olive oil helps against boils. It will require 1 tablespoon of ingredients. It is necessary to moisten a gauze swab in the mixture and apply it to the boil until it disappears completely.
For a more effective “work” of compresses and ointments, before applying them you need to cleanse the skin with tar soap.
Aloe recipe against wen
Treatment of a lipoma or wen with aloe is similar to the treatment of a boil. Only compresses need to be done twice a day for 30-40 minutes. You also need to wipe the wen with infusions, lotions or decoctions twice a day.
Lotion
Lotion with aloe for acne on the face is a daily care product for problematic, inflamed skin. To prepare it, take agave juice and mix it with a decoction of chamomile, calendula, eucalyptus, St. John's wort or sage. For 100 ml of decoction of medicinal herbs take 1 tbsp. l. aloe juice Wipe your face with the mixture every day in the morning and before bed.
It is not recommended to smear aloe juice on your face in its pure form. Active substances in concentrated form often cause irritation. Aloe, as a remedy for acne, should be used with caution so as not to damage the skin.
In order to dry out the inflammation, prepare an alcohol lotion. To do this, pour 100 g of leaf pulp into 100 g of vodka. The mixture is infused in a warm place for 7 days. After this, wipe the face with the composition 2 times a day.