The green way to beauty

Aloe vera has been known for its healing properties since the ancient times in India and other countries. The Sanskrit name of Aloe Vera is Ghikanwar or Ghritkumari. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used the Aloe Vera extract to heal cuts and wounds inflicted during battle. Aloe Vera has also been very much a part of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of herbal healing.

The plant is a powerful natural moisturiser and seals off loss of moisture. It also softens dead skin cells and helps their removal, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. In fact, it helps the normal functions of the skin by improving its capacity to retain moisture.

The removal of dead cells not only makes the skin smoother, but also improves the skin’s cellular functions. Aloe Vera also has an astringent action and tightens the skin, thus protecting it from early aging. It has shown remarkable results on sun-damaged skins, with its moisturising, softening, soothing and healing actions.

The regular use of products containing aloe vera helps to delay visible ageing signs on the skin. It is ideal for general cosmetic care too and is added to skin care products and lotions, like cleanser, moisturisers, serums, gels, masks and so on.

Aloe Vera can also be used in home care if the plant is available at home. The aloe gel or juice may be applied directly on the skin. The gel obtained from the plant itself is the leaf pulp and is found in the inner portion of the leaves.

The aloe juice is found just beneath the outer skin of the leaves. However, while using it directly on the skin at home, one should wash the plant well and observe total hygiene.

The aloe vera gel or juice may be applied on the face daily and then washed off with plain water after 20 minutes. It helps to soften and moisturise the skin. In fact, used regularly, it helps to restore the skin’s youthful properties.

Applying aloe vera is useful during winter and summer. In winter, it helps to relieve dryness and maintain the soft texture of the skin. In summer, it soothes the skin, especially after sun-exposure. It soothes the skin in cases of sun damage or sun burn.

It also moisturises the skin, without making the skin oily. Aloe Vera can also be added to face masks. Take one tablespoon oats or multani mitti, one teaspoon each orange peel powder and curd and one tablespoon aloe vera gel. Mix together and apply on the skin, washing it off after 30 minutes.

Aloe Vera can also be used on the hair. The gel may be applied on the hair and washed off with plain water after 20 minutes. It helps to soften and smoothen rough hair.

It can also be added to hair packs. For a cleansing pack, take gram flour (besan), curd and one tablespoon aloe vera gel. Mix into a paste and apply on the hair.

For extremely dry, rough and brittle hair, mix well together one egg, one tablespoons castor oil, the juice of a lemon and one tablespoon aloe vera gel or juice. Apply on the hair and wear a plastic shower cap. Wash the hair after half an hour.