4 Amazing Skincare Benefits of Aloe Vera

The first known uses of the aloe vera plant date back almost six thousand years to ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians considered nourishing aloe juice a sacred element. It was known as the plant of eternity, lauded for its anti-inflammatory effects, and beloved by queens like Cleopatra and Nefertiti.

The aloe vera plant originated in the Arabian desert, where conditions are hot and dry. As a succulent, aloe vera holds onto water, and can survive for up to seven years without rain. The gel inside aloe’s juicy, green limbs is used in supplements, beverages, and of course, beauty products.

Because aloe vera is a rich source of vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, it helps protect your skin. Aloe vera gel is extracted from the plant’s inner leaf, and prized for its therapeutic qualities. Anyone who has applied a cool layer of aloe vera to a sunburn can tell you about its gentle, calming effect, but this natural plant has every day benefits as well.

For centuries, aloe vera has been used by natural healers for its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Beyond its uses as a traditional herbal remedy, sudsing up with skincare products containing aloe, like The Right To Shower Bar Soap and Body Wash is a great way to help moisturize and sooth skin, while at the same time helping give a little hope, and showers, to people living on the streets.

Here are five amazing benefits of a daily skin care regimen that includes aloe vera:

Aloe vera is full of amino acids, enzymes, and minerals like calcium and magnesium that contribute to youthful, vibrant skin. As a moisturizer, it penetrates the skin deeply. Because aloe vera is hydrating but not greasy, skincare products with aloe vera are perfect for those with oily or sensitive skin. Aloe’s moisturizing, emollient qualities create a natural barrier to protect your skin without weighing you down.

The naturally rejuvenating qualities of aloe vera are also potent allies in the battle against the effects of aging. Studies have shown that aloe reduces the presence of wrinkles, improves skin elasticity to prevent sagging, and increases collagen production to promote a plump, glowing complexion.

Stretch marks appear when your skin is stretched past its normal elastic limits. If pulled too far, the skin’s fibers can break, causing reddish or purple marks. While not inherently unhealthy, stretch marks can permanently mar the skin. Aloe vera’s ability to fight inflammation, reduce redness, and promote elasticity make aloe a natural friend in the fight against pesky stretch marks. Over time, stretch marks treated with aloe vera fade to reveal smooth, vibrant skin.

You don’t need a degree in chemistry to know that free radicals are just imbalanced molecules. They cause damage when they come in contact with skin because their search for a molecular pair can disrupt skin at the deepest layers. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, which stops them from searching for a mate in your skin. Because aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, it’s a natural friend in the fight against free radicals.