How is Aloe Vera used in Skincare?
Written by Fadi Mourad
Aloe Vera has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various skin conditions and even some internal medical issues like heartburn or constipation.
In this article we'll explain everything you need to know about aloe for your beauty routine: what it does for your skin, how it's processed into skincare products, some science behind using aloe on your face and body, and what cosmetic clays work best with aloe!
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera is a succulent and is a member of the lily family. It contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids that help soothe skin irritation, reduce inflammation and it helps the skin retain moisture.
Aloe is native to Africa but also grows in other countries including Mexico and China. The fleshy leaves can be harvested at any time of year, depending on how they're being used. Fresh aloe juice is typically made from its inner leaf pulp while gels are extracted from its outer layer.
The Aloe Vera plant has a high content of digestive enzymes (proteins) which aid digestion by breaking down food particles into smaller molecules so they can be easily absorbed by the body.
How Does Aloe Vera Work as a Skincare Ingredient?
Aloe Vera is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the skin, reduce redness and help revitalize your complexion. Aloe also has the unique ability to gently cleanse whilst also moisturizing.
Aloe is a great choice for those with sensitive skin or who have allergies to ingredients like fragrance or parabens. It’s hypoallergenic and free of preservatives, which means you can use it on your face and body for all kinds of skincare needs without experiencing irritation.
What Cosmetic Clays Work Best with Aloe?
The best clay masks will use a combination of kaolin and bentonite clays as a base. Most masks are surprisingly quite generic but different mask formulations can be developed to get very good at targeting various skin types or skin conditions.
Adding Aloe is perfect for formulas targeting people with sensitive skin. Aloe is a great skin hydrator and also acts as a skin conditioner, emollient and lubricant helping it moisturize rather than dry the skin.
Glorio's Calm Restoring Clay Mask is a nutrient and antioxidant rich mask that uses rare purple bentonite clay sourced ethically in Brazil, and mixed with white kaolin clay gathered at the mouth of the Amazon river. These two gorgeous clays are then combined with soothing aloe, black cumin seed oil, neem oil and oat.
This combination of oils and plant extracts soothe stressed skin and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier for a healthier-looking, more hydrated complexion.
The product is also packaged in individually-sealed treatments that contain the exact amount for one treatment.
The huge benefit of an individually-sealed treatment is that your product never has time to degrade. As soon as you open it and it's exposed to air, it doesn't have time to oxidize or degrade because you use it immediately while it's fresh.
As an added eco-benefit, all the packaging is 100% recyclable so you're never adding waste, plastic or glass into the environment. Give it a try!