12 Incredible Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel – For Hair, Skin, & Nails

Last Updated May 31st, 2019

Cleopatra was famous throughout Egypt for her beauty. And one of her skincare go-to’s? You guessed it — aloe vera.¹

It turns out Cleopatra was really on to something.

The gel from this spiky succulent is chock full of nutrients that soothe and protect your skin, hair, and nails. Just take a look at these nutrients —

Salicylic acid, which can help to exfoliate dead skin cells
Irritation-fighting enzymes and hormones
Cleansing saponins
Heavyweight antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E²

Benefits of Aloe Vera | Beverly Hills MD And, if you’re lucky enough to have an aloe plant, you can simply use a knife to slice straight down the middle of the leaf. Then, scoop out the clear gel inside and apply it to your skin.

Of course, you can always buy pure aloe vera gel at your local health foods store, too.

So, how can adding aloe vera to your beauty routine help? Keep reading to find out…

1. Aloe May Help Fight The Visible Signs of Aging

A 2009 study found that oral intake of aloe vera resulted in fewer facial wrinkles and improved skin elasticity.³ So, if you’ve got your own aloe vera plant at home, simply add two tablespoons aloe vera gel to a glass of water or fruit juice. Otherwise, we recommend buying food grade aloe vera juice for consumption.

Of course, you can also apply concentrated aloe extract directly to the skin for anti-aging benefits!

2. Dry Skin

One of the greatest benefits of aloe vera is its humectant properties. You see, as a humectant aloe vera can draw moisture to your dry skin and help reduce water loss.⁴ So, if you’re out of hand cream, try a little aloe vera to hydrate your dry skin instead.

3. Shaving And Razor Burn

Sensitive skin can become irritated after shaving. To potentially keep razor burn at bay, rub a little aloe vera gel on your skin after shaving. Irritation-fighting enzymes and peptides can help keep your skin calm.⁵

4. Supports Skin Regeneration

One of the unique benefits of aloe vera gel is its ability to accelerate skin regeneration after minor damage.⁶ After a wound has closed, you can help encourage skin regeneration by applying a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the surface of the skin.

5. Sunburn

One of the trademark benefits of aloe vera is its ability to soothe sunburn. And it’s well-backed by science. Recent studies have shown that applying aloe vera gel to your sunburned skin can help reduce redness and irritation.⁷

6. Sensitive Skin

If you’re prone to skin sensitivity, aloe vera may be able to help. You see, aloe vera gel may help with skin irritation.⁸

All you’ve got to do is apply a dab of aloe vera gel to the affected areas and gently massage it into your skin.

7. Skin Cleanser

Forgot to order face wash? You can whip up an aloe vera face wash in a pinch to cleanse your face. Aloe vera gel contains “saponins” — a natural, soapy substance with potential cleansing properties.⁹

In fact, to make your own aloe vera face wash, just combine the following ingredients:

¼ cup aloe vera gel
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon jojoba oil or olive oil

8. Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, we’ve got good news for you. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which is known to help curb oil production.¹⁰

And remember, just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you don’t need moisture. Using a moisturizer with aloe vera can keep skin hydrated while diminishing any excess oil.

9. Pimples And Blemishes

There’s nothing like a pimple to make you self-conscious. If you struggle with acne, you might want to consider adding aloe vera to your skincare regimen.

In fact, a 2014 study found that, along with conventional treatments, the topical application of aloe vera can help diminish the appearance of pimples and prevent further acne breakouts.¹¹

So, for clearer skin just apply a small dab of aloe vera gel to the affected area.

10. Hair Loss

Believe it or not, genetics play a big role in hair loss. But it turns out that free radicals might have something to do with it too.

Benefits of Aloe Vera | Beverly Hills MD You see, free radicals are damaging molecules that are generated when your body is exposed to environmental toxins like air pollution, UV rays, and pesticides. And these molecules can contribute to the signs of skin aging and hair aging — including hair loss.^12,¹³

But antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E can fight free radicals and help prevent aging and hair loss.^14,¹⁵

So, for reaping the hair benefits of aloe vera, gently massage aloe gel into your scalp before bed. (But don’t forget to let it dry before you hit the pillow!)

11. Dandruff

Dealing with those frustrating little white flakes? Massage a couple tablespoons of aloe vera into your scalp before bed. Studies have shown that aloe vera may provide benefits for itchy, flaky scalps.¹⁶

12. Nails And Cuticles

Remember all of those great moisturizing properties we talked about? Put them to work on your nails too! All you need to do is rub a little aloe vera into your nail beds to soften cuticles and help keep nails hydrated. Seriously, that’s it.

A Plant Fit For a Queen

So, if you’re ready to follow in Cleopatra’s footsteps, go for it. It’s a natural way to keep your beauty regimen low-cost and effective. Just incorporate aloe vera into your skincare routine for healthier — and more beautiful — skin, hair, and nails.

Learn More:
The Best Way To Unclog Pores On Your Face

Sources
1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5063354
2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883372
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17026654
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611630
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0033932
7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18253066
8.https://wwhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18253066w.psoriasis.org/treating-psoriasis/complementary-and-alternative/herbal-remedies
9.http://www.ijddr.in/drug-development/aloe-vera-as-penetration-enhancer.php?aid=5476
10.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24641601
11.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23336746
12.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4496685
13.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555
14.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20399614
15.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075
16.http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639909055904

Last Updated May 31st, 2019

Cleopatra was famous throughout Egypt for her beauty. And one of her skincare go-to’s? You guessed it — aloe vera.¹

It turns out Cleopatra was really on to something.

The gel from this spiky succulent is chock full of nutrients that soothe and protect your skin, hair, and nails. Just take a look at these nutrients —

Salicylic acid, which can help to exfoliate dead skin cells
Irritation-fighting enzymes and hormones
Cleansing saponins
Heavyweight antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E²

Of course, you can always buy pure aloe vera gel at your local health foods store, too.

So, how can adding aloe vera to your beauty routine help? Keep reading to find out…