Complete daily facial skin care consists of several stages: removing cosmetics (using cosmetic milk or gel), cleansing (tonic) and moisturizing (cream).
For the first and last stages, it is best to use professional cosmetics, but a natural facial tonic is simply irreplaceable for youthful skin. And one of the most effective tonics is moisturizing aloe lotion, which you can prepare at home.
Expert opinion
Useful advice from the editor
We talked more about the benefits of agave in home cosmetology in our exclusive review of homemade face masks with aloe
What are the benefits of aloe in ampoules for the face?
To understand this issue, you should familiarize yourself with the chemical composition of the plant.
It has no equal in the number of biologically active components it contains. The main components of the juice are:
- resinous, tannins;
- organic acids;
- flavonoids;
- enzymes;
- hormone-like compounds;
- essential oils;
- vitamins (K, A, Ca, Mg, group B), etc.
The rich composition explains the unique therapeutic and prophylactic properties of this plant. For the skin it is a real elixir of youth.
- Aloe vera, which is sold in ampoules for the face, deeply moisturizes the epidermis and saturates it with beneficial microelements necessary to maintain a healthy and radiant appearance. After application, the extract leaves behind a thin film that prevents the evaporation of valuable moisture, dryness, peeling, and irritation.
- The plant extract also has a pronounced regenerative effect. When applied regularly to the epidermis, it starts the process of formation of new, young, healthy skin cells. As a result, active cellular renewal occurs, smoothing out small and deep wrinkles.
- The extract helps cope with excess secretion of the sebaceous glands. It regulates metabolic processes in the tissues of the epidermis, helps reduce sebum production, and reduces oily sheen. At the same time, it gradually narrows the pores.
- Well, the most important property of this plant for the skin is anti-inflammatory. Aloe is rightfully considered a natural antibiotic. It contains a huge number of antiseptic and antibacterial components that inhibit the vital activity of pathogenic microflora that causes the inflammatory process.
In addition, polysaccharides contained in the plant affect macrophages (nonspecific immune cells).
As a result, the barrier functions of local immunity increase, the skin becomes less susceptible to various infections and inflammations.
The properties of this unique plant do not end there. It is widely used to quickly restore skin damage (scratches, wounds), as well as to reduce pain from sunburn.
Aloe contains polysaccharides that provide moisturizing, anti-inflammatory properties and allow aloe to create a protective barrier on the skin
Dermatologist Emily Altman
Liquid aloe extract, which is sold in ampoules for the face, does not have to be used to treat existing problems. It can also be used to prevent them and maintain the health and youth of the epidermis.
In this case, skin type does not matter. The extract is suitable for oily, dry, combination and normal skin. Its price is low. The cost of ampoules is about 100 rubles.
Indications
Aloe extract has a wide spectrum of action.
INDICATIONS
- inflammatory processes on the epidermis (acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis: seborrheic, atopic, allergic);
- uneven skin tone (pigment spots, redness);
- dryness, peeling;
- excessive secretion of sebum;
- age-related changes in the skin (decreased tightness, elasticity, sagging, wrinkles, creases);
- violation of the integrity of the epidermis (wounds, burns, abrasions).
The extract is also indicated for preventing skin problems and maintaining a healthy appearance.
Aloe boasts an anti-inflammatory effect. That is why it will be relevant for acne. Apply the product directly to pimples with a cotton swab three times a day.
Dermatologist Emily Altman
Pure use
The extract can be used in its pure form or added to various cosmetic products.
It can also be combined with other ingredients: honey, cucumber, herbal decoctions, oatmeal, sour cream, etc.
Please note that this product is poorly absorbed into the skin and may leave a film on the face.
Dermatologist Victor Ryukl
The easiest way is to use aloe extract in its pure form, available in ampoules for the face. To do this, just open the ampoule and apply the solution to your fingertips or sponge.
Then distribute evenly over the surface of the epidermis. You can complement the procedure with a light facial massage, patting it.
Carry out the manipulation on initially cleansed skin every day 2 times: morning and evening.
The duration of the treatment and prophylactic course is about 4-8 weeks, it depends on the characteristics of the problem and the stage of its development.
Question answer
You will need a plant that is more than 3 years old. It is necessary to cancel watering for 10 days. In the lower zone it is worth cutting off a large sheet. It is wiped, wrapped in a napkin and placed in the refrigerator for 14 days. When so much time has passed, you need to grind it and squeeze out the juice, which should be placed in a water bath for a couple of minutes. Used chilled. This extract can be stored for only a week.
Yes this is true. It is used in the fight against acne, eczema, psoriasis, and eye pathologies. It is also used for gynecological purposes.
Unfortunately this is not possible. Using aloe can only improve the situation, but the plant is powerless against deep creases. Cosmetology will help here.
Recipe No. 4
Finely chop or mince 100 grams. aloe leaves. Add 50 g to them. fresh calendula flowers and pour 1 liter. cold boiled water. Stir and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil for 5 minutes and set aside to cool. Then strain through cheesecloth and pour into a resealable glass container. Keep refrigerated. Shelf life – 1 week.
In winter, prepare lotion from dry calendula: 25 g. flowers are poured into a thermos with a glass of boiling water and allowed to brew for 30 minutes. Aloe leaves are poured into 0.75 liters of water and boiled as indicated above. Calendula is poured into aloe decoction and boiled for another 1 minute. Follow the recipe further.
Cosmetics with aloe
Given the rich chemical composition of aloe, it is not surprising that most body and facial care products contain extract of this plant.
Hydra Genius aqua fluid with aloe from L'Oréal
Great for those with sensitive and dry skin. The product consists of more than 70% water.
The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, aloe juice and other beneficial components that give the skin youthfulness and radiance and deeply moisturize.
It has a light consistency that is instantly absorbed and does not leave a greasy sheen or stickiness.
The product intensively fills the epidermis with moisture and keeps it hydrated for 72 hours. Effectively eliminates irritation, softens, stimulates cellular renewal and the production of elastin and collagen.
It is recommended to apply the product morning and evening to cleansed skin, and also use it as a base for makeup so that the tone goes on evenly.
Moisturizing and soothing gel with aloe from Holika Holika
This Korean cosmetics helps maintain optimal moisture levels in the epidermis.
Suitable for dry, sensitive skin. The active ingredients quickly soften, moisturize the skin, relieve inflammation, itching, and irritation.
The product is instantly absorbed by the epidermis and does not leave a sticky or greasy film. Apply 1 r. per day with light patting movements.
Nature Republic Aloe Moisturizing Essence
This is another quality Korean product. Increases the protective forces of the epidermis, prevents the penetration of bacterial infections.
Suitable for dehydrated skin that is constantly bothered by a feeling of tightness, dryness, and irritation. The product replenishes moisture reserves, saturates with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Stimulates blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. Apply 3 drops of essence to the skin of the face and spread with patting movements.
After the product is absorbed, apply a moisturizer, preferably from the same brand (gel cream from Nature Republic).
Application
Facial toner should be used twice a day. This is an auxiliary step between washing and applying cream, which makes both more effective. On the one hand, it completes the cleaning process, finally removing the remnants of street dust, decorative cosmetics and sebum. On the other hand, it prepares the facial skin to receive valuable ingredients from subsequent morning or evening care. That is, this product is not suitable for separate use, but works together with cleansing and moisturizing or nutrition.
There are several options for using a tonic.
The most common is to wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in toner. If the recipe turns out to be completely liquid, then you can pour it into a bottle with a fine dispenser and spray it on the skin, and then wait until it is completely absorbed or help it absorb by tapping your fingertips on your face. And if you want to give the tonic additional refreshing properties, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and wipe your skin with an ice cube. It is especially pleasant to do this during the hot season. At the same time, a lifting effect is ensured.
But if you are prone to allergies, then before using a toner made at home, it is better to test it on the skin of your wrist or on the inside of your elbow, just in case.
Important! As with any other product, consistency is required. To see maximum results, you need to pamper your face with tonic for at least a month.
Hardware cosmetology
Aloe extract is also widely used in hardware cosmetology. It is used both in its pure form and as part of cocktails, which are prepared individually for each patient, depending on the problem.
A widely used cosmetic procedure is iontophoresis. A low-voltage, low-strength current is applied through electrodes and applied to skin that has been pre-treated with aloe extract or a cocktail that contains it.
The beneficial components of the plant penetrate deep into the skin through the excretory ducts of the sweat and sebaceous glands, therefore their bioavailability and, accordingly, the clinical effect increase.
According to reviews, iontophoresis with aloe vera extract in ampoules for the face helps to achieve faster results:
- renew the top layer of skin;
- get a general rejuvenating effect;
- reduce the severity of inflammation, scars, scars;
- improve microcirculation processes;
- normalize cellular metabolism.
Iontophoresis is most often used for hyperhidrosis of the palms or soles. The procedure provides a 30-40% improvement in the palms. For the feet, the effect is worse due to thicker skin.
Phlebologist Hrach Karamanukyan
Advantages and disadvantages
I am often asked what is better: buying a ready-made aloe vera toner in the store or making it yourself at home? It is very difficult to answer this question unambiguously.
The advantages of natural lotion include the complete absence of preservatives and a higher concentration of juice. But these are, perhaps, all its advantages over the finished product.
High-quality cosmetic product:
- has a longer shelf life;
- contains other useful additives;
- has significantly higher efficiency;
- more convenient to use;
- does not lose its healing properties.
The use of homemade lotion for medicinal purposes is justified. But for preventive purposes it is better to use ready-made cosmetic preparations. Naturally, from trusted manufacturers or professional ones.
Reviews
Reviews after using aloe extract in ampoules for the face against dryness, aging skin, and wrinkles are mostly positive.
However, most users note that the result becomes noticeable only with the systematic use of products containing this extract. The following also contains reviews from cosmetologists.
YANA, 34 YEARS OLD:
“I use pure aloe in ampoules every time a pimple pops up. I read about such a secret on the forum. The extract quickly relieves inflammation and everything goes away in about 2-3 days.”
EVGENIYA, 29 YEARS OLD:
“To combat fine wrinkles around the eyes, I use a roll-on serum with aloe juice and collagen from Baby Bright.
It is inexpensive, about 400 rubles. It tones the skin, makes it firm, elastic and smooth. I also like that it slightly lightens dark circles under the eyes and removes puffiness in the morning. True, it is very difficult to find it in stores. You have to order online.”
OLGA, 41 YEARS OLD:
“I am 2-3 r. I always make masks with aloe extract and honey every week. At first I used just aloe, but I like the effect much better with honey. After 15 minutes, the skin becomes velvety and soft, wrinkles are smoothed out.”
Contraindications
Aloe juice has high biological activity. Even when used externally, it can have an effect on the entire body. Therefore, its use is contraindicated in:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- liver diseases;
- cystitis and menstruation;
- ulcers in the stomach and intestines;
- poor blood clotting;
- cardiovascular problems;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Allergies to aloe lotion are quite rare. And yet, before using it for the first time, you must do a test to avoid unpleasant surprises.