Aloe vera, often referred to as the “plant of immortality,” is a versatile succulent that has been used for centuries for its numerous health and skincare benefits. Aloe Vera gel in salves and lotions offers incredible advantages when it comes to nourishing and healing the biggest system of the body: the skin!
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Check out how to grow your own Aloe Vera!
Benefits of Aloe Vera for the Skin
Aloe vera is renowned for its exceptional health benefits when applied to the skin. This succulent plant, often referred to as the “plant of immortality,” has been used for centuries for its healing properties.
Hydration and Moisture
Aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturizer that helps to hydrate the skin. The gel inside the plant’s leaves is rich in water content, providing a refreshing and hydrating effect on the skin. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin, helping to restore and maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Aloe vera contains compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties, including acemannan, which can help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. This makes aloe vera a soothing remedy for various skin conditions, including sunburns, minor irritations, and inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Wound Healing and Skin Repair
he gel of aloe vera has been shown to enhance the skin’s natural healing processes. It accelerates wound healing and promotes the repair of damaged skin tissues. Aloe vera is beneficial for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, providing a protective barrier that aids in the regeneration of new skin cells.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Aloe vera possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in preventing and treating infections on the skin’s surface. It can be used to alleviate symptoms associated with various skin conditions, such as acne, by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Rich in Antioxidants
Aloe vera is packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals in the skin. Free radicals contribute to premature aging and skin damage. Antioxidants in aloe vera help protect the skin from environmental pollutants and UV radiation, promoting a healthier and more youthful complexion.
Collagen and Elastin Support
Aloe vera promotes the production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Increased collagen production helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to a smoother and more resilient skin texture.
Healing Properties for Wounds and Burns
The gel from aloe vera has potent wound-healing properties, aiding in the repair of damaged skin tissue. It is particularly effective in soothing burns, including sunburns, providing immediate relief and accelerating the healing process.
Check out this DIY Sun Burn Relief Lotion!
Preparing Aloe Vera Gel
If you’re like me and prefer to grow as much of your medicinal ingredients as possible, using your home grown Aloe Vera for skin care is definitely a possibility!
Harvesting Homegrown Aloe
Select a mature, healthy leaf for harvesting. Mature leaves are thicker and contain more gel. Avoid harvesting too many leaves from a single plant to allow it to regenerate. Ensure your cutting tools are clean and sharp. This reduces the risk of damaging the plant and makes the cutting process smoother. Use your knife to cut along the very end of the leaf, being careful not to slice the mother stem. Give the leaf a good rinse before extracting the gel.
Extracting the Gel
Using a sharp knife or gardening shears, cut off both ends of the aloe vera leaf. Carefully slice along both sides of the leaf to expose the inner gel. Make straight, vertical cuts, ensuring you don’t go too deep into the leaf. Locate the slightly convex front side of the leaf and cut along its edge. This part of the leaf often contains a thick layer of gel. Once the leaf is cut on all sides, use a knife or spoon to gently peel the gel away from the back of the leaf. Take care not to scrape the green outer skin, as it contains aloin, which can be an irritant.
Collect the gel in a clean container. You can use a spoon to scrape it off or simply peel it away with your fingers. Rinse the harvested gel under cool, running water to remove any latex residue. Use the harvested aloe vera gel immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use. Proper storage helps maintain its freshness and effectiveness.
Using Aloe Vera in Salves
Incorporating aloe vera into salves involves combining its soothing properties with other ingredients to create a healing ointment. Aloe vera has a high water content, which can present a challenge when trying to mix it with oils. To address this, adding beeswax or emulsifying wax becomes crucial to create a homogenous and stable salve.
Why Beeswax or Emulsifying Wax?
Aloe vera gel contains a significant amount of water, and oil and water typically do not naturally mix. Beeswax or emulsifying wax acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the water-based aloe vera gel with oil-based ingredients, creating a stable and well-mixed product. Beeswax, in particular, adds thickness to the salve, giving it a desirable consistency. It also contributes to the stability of the salve, preventing separation of oil and water components over time.
Basic Aloe Vera Salve Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh aloe vera gel, puree’
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Ensure the aloe vera gel is freshly harvested, cleaned and pureed.
- Measure out the coconut oil and beeswax pellets.
- Create a Double Boiler:
- Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-resistant bowl over a pot of simmering water. I love using my Instant Pot with the rack for this.
- Melt Coconut Oil and Beeswax:
- Add the coconut oil and beeswax pellets to the double boiler.
- Stir the mixture occasionally until completely melted.
- Incorporate Aloe Vera Gel:
- Once melted, add the fresh aloe vera gel to the mixture.
- Stir continuously to ensure even blending.
- Continue Stirring:
- Keep stirring until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency. The emulsifying action of beeswax helps homogenize the oil and water components. I really prefer to use an immersion blender to really get it combined.
- Cool and Pour:
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into a clean, airtight container.
- Let the salve solidify at room temperature.
- Store and Use:
- Store the aloe vera salve in a cool, dark place.
- Apply the salve as needed to soothe burns or other skin irritations.
- Adjust the ratio of beeswax to oil based on your desired salve consistency. More beeswax results in a firmer salve.
- You can add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, for added fragrance and therapeutic benefits.
Aloe Vera Soothing Salve
Equipment
- Double boiler (I love using my Instant Pot with the rack)
Materials
- 1/2 cup fresh aloe vera gel pureed
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Ensure the aloe vera gel is freshly harvested and cleaned.
- Measure out the coconut oil and beeswax pellets.
Create a Double Boiler:
- Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-resistant bowl over a pot of simmering water. Alternatively, use a heat-resistant container in a microwave.
Melt Coconut Oil and Beeswax:
- Add the coconut oil and beeswax pellets to the double boiler.
- Stir the mixture occasionally until completely melted.
Incorporate Aloe Vera Gel:
- Once melted, add the fresh aloe vera gel to the mixture.
- Stir continuously to ensure even blending.
Continue Stirring:
- Keep stirring until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency. The emulsifying action of beeswax helps homogenize the oil and water components.
Cool and Pour:
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into a clean, airtight container.
- Let the salve solidify at room temperature.
Store and Use:
- Store the aloe vera salve in a cool, dark place.
- Apply the salve as needed to soothe burns or other skin irritations.
