The Science Behind The Magic Of Aloe Vera
There are hundreds and thousands of articles on aloe vera, with each one of them touting its super benefits. So we all know the numerous benefits, but what I want to cover in this blog is to decode the science behind what makes aloe vera so special in a simple easy-to-understand way.
We also unravel some quick and effective DIY skin, scalp and hair mask recipes using pure aloe vera gel
For this article, I reviewed published research papers and found some amazing research that has been done to gain a deep understanding of this superstar. If you are curious to know how this desert plant got so hot, you are at the right place.
Time-Tested Ancient Plant and How!
Egyptians called aloe vera the "plant of immortality"? That's right! Apparently, even Cleopatra and Nefertiti have used natural aloe vera gel in their beauty routines. Wow, that’s got to be special!
The use of aloe vera spans multiple civilisations—from Greece and Egypt to India, Mexico, Japan, and China. Basically, it has stood the test of time.
It’s my personal opinion that anything that is created by nature and tested over centuries has to be something really gifted. So it is for us to utilise this gift in the way it is meant to be.
So, What Makes Pure Aloe Vera Gel So Special?
Let's break down the science:
Pure aloe vera gel contains over 75 potentially active compounds, including:
- Vitamins A, C, and E (powerful antioxidants)
- 8 different enzymes that reduce inflammation
- Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc
- Polysaccharides that promote skin healing
- Natural moisturisers that hydrate without greasiness
It's basically like nature created its own perfect skincare formula! Unbelievable…
Natural Aloe Vera Gel for Face
If you're looking for a gentle yet effective addition to your skincare routine, natural aloe vera gel for the face might be exactly what you need. Here's why it works well.
For Dry Skin
Unlike many moisturisers that sit on top of your skin, aloe's unique composition allows it to penetrate deeply, delivering hydration where it's needed most.
The polysaccharides in aloe help bind moisture to your skin, while amino acids soften hardened skin cells.
The result? Skin that feels supple, not just temporarily slick with product.
For Oily acne-prone skin
Aloe vera gel is an excellent natural remedy for oily, acne-prone skin. It hydrates without clogging pores, controls excess oil, soothes irritation, and helps heal and prevent acne. Use it daily after cleansing - either as a mattifying moisturiser, protective primer under your foundation, spot treatment gel for acne, or overnight nourishing mask
For Sensitive and Irritated Skin
Where most moisturisers in the market will have at least 20-25 ingredients, a single ingredient, aloe vera gel, will not just hydrate but also be able to calm the sensitive skin down
There is no better doctor for skin than aloe vera
Pure aloe skin gel contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can calm irritated skin. The compound C-glucosyl chromone in aloe reduces inflammation, while its natural antiseptic properties (including salicylic acid and sulphur) help keep bacteria at bay.
Applied topically, it can help soothe everything from sunburns to mild kitchen burns, insect bites, and even conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis and eczema
For Sensitive Baby Skin
When choosing an aloe vera gel for your child, make sure that it is a pure aloe vera gel, free from added chemicals, fragrances, essential oils, colors, parabens. Although considered safe for topical use on babies, including newborns, you must do a skin patch test 24 hours prior to application on yourself and then the baby.
It helps soothe diaper rash, minor irritations, mosquito bites, dry patches, and provides gentle hydration
Note: Raw aloe vera directly from the plant may sometimes be too strong, may contain traces of aloin and may even cause dryness or irritation in some infants. It is better to use a gentle, purified gel made for babies
Anti-Aging Benefits
Want to keep your skin looking younger…look no further
Natural aloe vera gel stimulates fibroblasts – they are the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin – which can reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage, one of the main culprits behind premature aging.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hair: The Secret to Enviable Mane
Not just a skincare superstar, knowing how to use aloe vera for hair can transform your mane too! Here are some ways to incorporate this versatile gel into your hair care routine:
Note: When using aloe vera gel for hair, avoid using a gel thickened with natural gums like xanthan gum or guar gum, as gums tend to harden the hair in some individuals. These natural gums, on the other hand, work great if you are a metro man and want to use the gel as a light-set hair gel . Then the mild natural gums work great because they help with the stylish spikes while giving nutrition to your scalp.
As a Scalp Treatment
Aloe's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for soothing an irritated scalp. Its enzyme-rich composition can help remove dead skin cells that clog hair follicles, potentially promoting healthier hair growth.
For Shiny, Moisturised Hair
Here's a quick DIY hair mask:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of honey
- Apply from roots to tips and leave for 25-30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual
- Optional: add Virgin Coconut Oil or Sweet Almond Oil to this mask for extra hydration and nourishment
Your hair will feel softer, look shinier, and thank you for the protein-rich treatment!
Natural Styling Aid
Trying to tame those fly-aways? A small amount of freshly extracted aloe vera gel can act as a natural styling product that doesn't leave a sticky residue. It's especially great for defining curls without the crunch of traditional gels.
How to Choose the Best Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Not all aloe products are created equal! When shopping for natural aloe vera gel, look for:
- Products with aloe vera as the first ingredient
- Preserved with more natural and safer preservatives
- No artificial colours (real aloe gel should be clear, not green).
- No added fragrance
The purest option? Growing your own aloe plant and extracting the gel yourself!
But before you decide to become an aloe farmer, remember that you need to ensure the gel is extracted only after you have gotten rid of aloin.
Tip: Here is how to get rid of aloin
If all of this is too much hassle, but you still want the good stuff, just buy our Pure Aloe Vera Gel here.
Simple DIY Aloe Vera Gel Face Mask
Want to try a super simple mask with ingredients from your kitchen? Here's my favorite:
Soothing Aloe Skin Gel and Raw Honey Mask:
- 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- Optional: 4-5 drops of pure lemon juice (great for oily skin)
- Optional: 2-3 drops of organic sweet almond oil (great for dry skin)
Mix ingredients together, apply to clean skin, and leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Your skin will feel refreshed, hydrated, and done regularly …it will glow!!!
Quick Recap: The Science Behind Aloe Vera’s Magic
|
Benefit |
Active Compounds |
Visible Results |
|
Hydration |
Mucopolysaccharides, Amino Acids |
Supple, moisturized skin with reduced tightness and flakiness |
|
Anti-inflammation |
C-glucosyl chromone, Bradykinase enzymes |
Reduced redness, calmed irritation, soothed sunburns and minor irritations |
|
Anti-aging |
Vitamins A, C, E (antioxidants), Zinc |
Diminished fine lines, improved skin elasticity, protected skin barrier |
|
Healing |
Glucomannan, Gibberellin (growth hormones) |
Faster wound healing, reduced scarring, improved skin integrity |
|
Antiseptic |
Salicylic acid, Lupeol, Sulfur |
Clearer skin, reduced acne breakouts, prevention of bacterial infections |
|
Gentle Exfoliation |
Enzymes (proteolytic enzymes) |
Smoother texture, removal of dead skin cells, brighter complexion |
|
Scalp Health |
Proteolytic enzymes, Anti-inflammatory compounds |
Reduced dandruff, less itchiness, healthier follicles for hair growth |
The Bottom Line
With its rich history, impressive composition, and versatile applications, it's no wonder pure aloe vera gel has remained a beauty staple across millennia. Whether you're looking to soothe dry skin, calm irritation, fight signs of aging, or revitalize your hair, this green wonder has you covered.
Have you tried incorporating natural aloe vera gel into your beauty routine? What's your favourite way to use it? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear about your experiences with this amazing plant!
Start your journey to better skin health now. Buy Prakrta pure cold-stabilised aloe vera gel here.
Remember: While aloe vera is generally safe for topical use, always do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. And if you're considering oral aloe supplements, consult with a healthcare provider first.
Reference clinical studies:
1. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(4):163-6. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.44785. PMID: 19882025; PMCID: PMC2763764.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763764/
2. Tyler V. The honest herbal: A sensible guide to the use of herbs and related remedies. 3rd ed. Binghamton, New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press; 1993. [Google Scholar]
3. Chithra P, Sajithlal GB, Chandrakasan G. Influence of Aloe vera on collagen characteristics in healing dermal wounds in rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998 Apr;181(1-2):71-6. doi: 10.1023/a:1006813510959. PMID: 9562243.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9562243/
4. Byeon SW, Pelley RP, Ullrich SE, Waller TA, Bucana CD, Strickland FM. Aloe barbadensis extracts reduce the production of interleukin-10 after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. J Invest Dermatol. 1998 May;110(5):811-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1998.00181.x. PMID: 9579551.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9579551/