Aloe vera: all the benefits for the skin of the face and body
Aloe vera: a plant with a thousand-year history, known for its healing and cosmetic virtues. Over the centuries, this natural treasure has become a fundamental ingredient in numerous beauty product formulations. But what is it and what are the benefits of aloe vera for the skin of the face and body?
What is Aloe Vera and what is it used for
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that, originating in Africa, has managed to grow in many parts of the world thanks to its resilience and ease of cultivation. In particular, it prefers the warm-humid climate of Central America and thrives in the Caribbean area, especially in the Barbados islands. Among the 250 existing varieties of aloe, Barbadensis Miller is the most used and it is distinguished by its serrated-edge leaves.
Inside its fleshy leaves, aloe vera contains a gelatinous substance rich in nutrients and compounds with beneficial effects on the body. In particular, from the leaves of this plant, it is possible to obtain two types of extracts:
- The gel, which has a regenerating effect on tissues and is able to stimulate and accelerate cell repair (particularly useful in case of wounds or symptoms of sunburn).
- The condensed juice, which is an excellent laxative for those suffering from constipation problems and can also be used to purify the body.
The benefits of Aloe Vera for the face and body Skin
Now recognized for its healing virtues, aloe vera offers many benefits that contribute to improving the health and beauty of your skin in a natural and effective way.
Some of the benefits of aloe vera:
- Hydration: the transparent gel of aloe vera is rich in water, which helps to keep the skin well hydrated, without leaving a greasy feeling, helping to prevent dryness, flaking and the appearance of wrinkles.
- Soothing and Anti-inflammatory action: aloe vera is a natural remedy to alleviate skin irritations and inflammations. Its application on the skin can help reduce redness and burning sensation caused by sunburn, dermatitis, psoriasis and other similar conditions. Moreover, it helps to soothe the skin after excessive sun exposure.
- Healing: thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, aloe vera accelerates the wound healing process (cuts, scratches and even razor burns), can prevent skin infections and stimulate the formation of new cells.
- Antibacterial and antifungal action: aloe vera helps to fight acne, dandruff and other skin problems because its antibacterial action helps to prevent the accumulation of bacteria in the affected area, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and redness. In fact, regular use of aloe vera products can help reduce the incidence and intensity of pimples.
- Anti-aging: aloe vera is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins E, vitamin A and vitamin C, which help to prevent damage caused by free radicals, improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Reduces stretch marks: aloe vera can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks thanks to its ability to regenerate skin cells and improve their elasticity.
- Treatment for sensitive skin: being very gentle on the skin, aloe vera can be used as a daily moisturizing cream to reduce discomfort associated with skin sensitivity.
In addition to these benefits for the skin, aloe vera also offers many advantages for overall health. In fact, it acts as a booster for the immune system, with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, has a laxative action and stimulates bacterial flora, improving digestion and detoxifying the body.
Finally, it also deeply nourishes the hair, making it strong and shiny, while combating hair loss and removing dandruff. It is also effective against scalp fungi and for rebalancing oily hair.
How to use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can be used on the skin through various methods of application:
- Extracting the gel directly from the plant's leaf. To do this, cut an aloe vera leaf, remove the spines on the sides and open the leaf to access the transparent gel inside. This fresh gel can be applied directly to the skin for soothing and moisturizing benefits.
- Through cosmetic products containing aloe vera extracts, such as gels, creams, lotions or face masks. These products are practical to use and often contain other beneficial ingredients for the skin.
- Using pure aloe vera gel, available in tubes or bottles, which is particularly useful for specific treatments. Apply it directly to the desired area and gently massage until fully absorbed.
Regardless of the chosen method, it is important to ensure that the product is of high quality and free of harmful ingredients. Also, always perform a test on a small area of the skin to check for any allergic reactions before using aloe vera more extensively. These different methods of application allow you to make the most of its benefits according to your preferences and specific needs.
How to integrate Aloe Vera into your Skincare Routine
Thanks to the increasingly widespread use of aloe vera, there are numerous products on the market that allow you to integrate the benefits of this plant into your skincare routine.
Here are some ways to do it:
- Cleansing: you can start your skincare routine with a facial cleanser, a gentle makeup remover like our Bifase or the Vanitas cleansing milk, containing aloe vera extract to help gently clean the skin without irritating it or depriving it of essential moisture.
- Toner application: after cleansing, a proper skincare routine requires the application of a toner that may contain aloe vera extract. For example, our gentle botanical Fiordaliso toner helps to restore the skin's natural pH, reducing inflammation and preparing it for the next steps of your skincare routine, also helping to hydrate and refresh the skin.
- Serum application: to fully benefit from the moisturizing and soothing properties of aloe vera, you can use a specific serum or cream containing this ingredient to help keep the skin hydrated, reduce irritations, promote cell regeneration and give a youthful and toned appearance to the skin.
- Masks or moisturizing creams: applying aloe vera facial masks once or twice a week offers intensive hydration and helps to soothe stressed skin. For a daily routine, you can also use a moisturizing body milk, like our Lactea milk. Aloe vera, in these cases, acts as a natural soothing agent, reducing redness and deeply nourishing the skin. For more complete facial hydration, you can combine the face cream (or mask) with our Aquagen, specific for the eye contour.
- Alternative use of natural Aloe Vera gel: If you prefer a more natural solution, you can apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the skin (instead of masks, creams and serum) to promote skin healing.
- Localized treatments: if you have specific skin needs (presence of acne, stretch marks, scars, loss of tone, etc.), you can apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas as a targeted treatment to provide immediate relief to irritated or sunburned skin, helping to soothe and reduce inflammation, accelerate healing and improve the appearance of scars, promoting a more uniform and healthy skin. Alternatively, you can use other specific treatments with aloe vera-based products, for example, our Preziosa elasticizing body cream which, enhanced with salsobromoiodic fossil water, strengthens the skin tissue and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to replenish the skin and make it immediately more compact, stimulated and strengthened.
- After-Sun lotion application: after sun exposure, use an after-sun lotion with aloe vera to soothe the skin, help it restore the hydrolipidic balance and prevent dryness caused by the sun's rays.
Aloe Vera, a natural beauty elixir for your skin
The benefits of aloe vera for the skin of the face and body make it a valuable ally in promoting the health and beauty of the skin. Many of the products from Thermae Il Tempio della Salute also contain, in addition to salsobromoiodic fossil water, aloe vera extracts, to ensure an effective and well-being treatment for the skin. Whether you're looking for a natural way to hydrate dry skin, soothe irritation, or combat the signs of aging, incorporating products that contain this plant among their ingredients can enrich your skincare routine, giving you softer, younger and healthier skin.
