Get to Know: Aloe Vera

What is Aloe Vera?

Often called “Nature’s Healer,” aloe vera has been used for centuries as a soothing gift from nature. It can be found in a variety of forms, including powders, liquids, and gels. The leaves of the aloe vera plant are made up of three layers: the inner gel or mucilage (which is 99.5% water), the middle latex layer, and the outer layer or rind.

Aloe is rich in vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, so it has all these great, calming properties. Additionally, it has vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals like zinc, potassium, and magnesium. So it really is a rich gel or extract that can be used for a variety of things.

Aloe Vera Benefits

According to some clinical studies and anecdotal evidence, applying aloe vera to the skin may have the following benefits:

• Soothes the skin: Aloe vera is best used for soothing itchiness or irritation. There is a added bonus when it is used in conjunction with your other calming products.
• Hydrates Skin. If you have a burn, aloe vera can create a barrier for the skin while cooling it and hydrating it. The reason aloe vera extract is so hydrating is the fact that it's mostly water. Its polysaccharides should also be credited for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL): Transepidermal water loss occurs when the skin gets dehydrated, causing dryness and inflammation. The phytosterols within aloe vera soothe itchiness and irritation and prevent transepidermal water loss. This is really important when you have a sunburn or a windburn.
• Promote healing of breakouts: Thanks to the salicylic acid it contains, aloe vera is capable of treating an acne breakout. Its moisturizing properties make aloe vera beneficial for acne, especially since a clean, moist environment is better for healing.

Aloe Vera Nutrition Facts

• Vitamin C: the abundance of Vitamin C encourages your body’s collagen production, while the high amount of antioxidants prevents excessive signs of aging and sun damage.
• Choline: helps to restore elasticity and suppleness to sun-damaged skin
• Vitamin A: the abundance of Vitamin A may also help reduce sun damage, a powerful catalyst to premature aging.
• Zinc: helps heal and rejuvenate skin, and may ward off acne flare-ups.