5 Ways to Apply Aloe Vera For an Instant Glow

A ‘wonder plant’ they call it, given its wide range of health benefits as well as skin-healing and moisturising properties. From a morning zit to dry skin, sun burn and eczema, Aloe Vera is enriched with essential elements that are known to treat several beauty woes. It also consists of aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that is proven to be beneficial for skin lightening and depigmentation purposes. 

Now, while some may choose to apply the extract directly from the succulent, others prefer to buy the bottled variety that is available over-the-counter. However, it is believed that the insides of an aloe plant’s leaves are the most potent form of Aloe Vera gel, as compared to topical gels and creams sold in the market.  

To guide you on how to apply Aloe Vera, along with expanding on it's multiple benefits, Dr Simal Soin, renowned cosmetologist and founder of Aayna Clinic gives you the lowdown:

1. The ideal way to make regular use of Aloe Vera is to grow an Aloe Vera plant at home. Pluck a succulent leaf of the plant, obtain the translucent gel from inside, and directly apply to your face on a daily basis.

2. Alternatively, you could use the Aloe Vera as a cleanser. After washing your hands, use your fingertips to apply a small amount of the gel to the face. Gently cleanse the face with the Aloe Vera, in a circular motion. Next, rinse with cool water and pat dry.

3. If you suffer from dry skin, take a tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel, the juice of one grated cucumber, one tablespoon of honey, and mix all the ingredients well. Apply the mixture on your face and rinse it off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.

4. If you suffer from oily skin, take fresh Aloe Vera gel and add 10 drops of tea tree oil to it. Leave this concoction on your face overnight and rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water.

5. You may also choose to swap your regular makeup remover with the natural Aloe Vera gel. A drop of Aloe Vera gel on a cotton pad can wipe away light makeup from your skin and moisturise it at the same time! To remove stubborn makeup, mix Aloe Vera gel with olive oil. For the area around the eyes including your lashes, apply coconut oil and Aloe Vera with a cotton pad. This not only removes makeup but also deeply nourishes your skin.

6. Besides your skin, Aloe Vera is known to promote hair growth and can be used to condition and densify your brows. Mix Aloe Vera gel with some castor oil and apply with a mascara wand for best results.Castor oil acts like a lubricant, coating and conditioning strands to improve smoothness and shine.