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For long, the humble aloe vera has been considered the holy grail ingredient in the skincare space for many reasons. Not only does it suit all skin types, but it’s hands-down the best skin hydrator and moisturiser, which quenches thirsty skin and keeps your skin looking minty fresh all day, every day. Secondly, it’s a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage, thereby keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Moreover, it also reduces inflammation and hence is great for treating sunburns (but you already know that), eczema, and insect bites etc. If all that isn’t enough, it can also help lighten those pesky blemishes, dark spots and pigmentation for clear, glowy skin. Talk about being versatile!
As per a study, aloe vera potentially contains 75 active constituents including enzymes, vitamins, minerals, as well as amino and salicylic acids that are all beneficial for the skin. In case you still haven’t jumped on the aloe vera bandwagon, we have curated the top ten homemade aloe vera face packs that can be whipped up easily at home! Scroll down for all the deets.
Explore The Incredible Benefits Of Using Homemade Aloe Vera Face Pack
In the world of natural skincare, there are few ingredients that come close to the sheer range and effectiveness to of aloe vera. This humble succulent, commonly relegated to windowsills, is a veritable goldmine of skin-nourishing goodness. A DIY aloe vera face pack, lovingly prepared with care and attention, can turn your skincare routine into a spa-worthy treat. Packed with vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants, aloe vera is a miracle worker when it comes to calming inflammation, comforting sunburn, and replacing lost moisture on dry complexions. Its soothing antibacterial agents make it a top pick for those with acne-prone skin, and its natural enzymes help break down dead skin cells, leaving behind a brighter, more radiant complexion.
And besides, a homemade aloe vera face pack affords exquisite personalisation, like adding honey for extra moisture, or a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, adopting this green elixir in your skincare routine is not just a fad; it's a move back to simplicity, to self-love, and to skincare based on nature's intelligence. So go ahead, pamper your skin with the loving touch of homemade aloe.
How To Make Aloe Vera Gel At Home
Making your own aloe vera gel at home is an easy process that guarantees you're using a pure and natural product, without preservatives and artificial additives. Whether you want to calm sunburn, moisturise your skin, or make homemade beauty treatments, fresh aloe vera gel is an essential. With minimal equipment and a healthy aloe leaf, you can make this handy gel in minutes. Here is a step-by-step process to get you started.
Choose Fresh Aloe Vera Leaves
Begin by picking thick, healthy aloe vera leaves, ideally from an older plant. The thicker the leaf, the more gel inside. Select leaves with no spots or damage, and ideally pick them from the bottom of the plant for the best gel yield.
Wash The Leaves & Cut Off Thorns
Rinse the aloe leaves thoroughly under cold water to clean them of any dirt and debris. Trim off the serrated edges on each side using a sharp knife. Not only does this make it easier to handle, but it also means you're working with the clean inner part of the leaf.
Extract The Gel From The Leaves
Put the flat surface of the leaf on a chopping board and slice off the top layer of skin very carefully to reveal the gel. Scoop out the jelly-like substance using a spoon or knife, being careful not to touch the yellow sap (aloin), which is irritating.
Blend The Extracted Gel
Pour the newly extracted gel into a sanitised blender. Blend for 30-60 seconds until the gel becomes smooth and frothy. This step dissolves the natural clumps, making the gel smooth like silk, perfect for applying directly on the skin or mixing into other homemade skincare products.
Add Preservatives (Optional)
To increase the shelf life of your homemade aloe vera gel, you can add natural preservatives like vitamin C or vitamin E oil. A few drops are enough to keep the gel fresh and prevent microbial growth, particularly if you will be storing the gel for over a week.
Store In An Air-Tight Container
Transfer the mixed gel to a sterilised, airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic bottles are ideal. Refrigerate it to keep it cold and fresh, where it will last up to a week without preservatives or up to a month if you have added them.
Benefits Of Using Aloe Vera Face Mask
- Aloe vera gel is an effective natural moisturiser that contains aloin – an antioxidant compound that helps skin with sunburns heal faster. It also helps fade dark spots, which are often caused by acne or sun exposure.
- The headline aloe vera is an ideal natural ingredient for acne treatment due to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, as per research.
- Aloe vera also stimulates collagen and elastin fibre production, restoring skin elasticity and reducing fine lines.
- Aloe leaf pulp is known to aid cell regeneration and be used to treat minor wounds. However, ensure you consult a general physician in case of extreme burns, cuts, or bleeding.
10 Homemade Aloe Vera Face Packs
Glow Naturally With These Top Aloe Vera Face Packs
1. Rose Water
If you are looking for a face mask that can enhance cell regeneration and tone skin, then this potent mix of Aloe Vera and Rose Water is exactly what you need.
Step 1: Start by mixing 1 tbsp of Aloe Vera extract with 1 tbsp Rose Water to make a smooth paste.
Step 2: Apply it on your face and let it soak for 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse it off with water and voila! Uber soft skin in a snap!
Nykaa recommends:
2. Honey
Try Aloe Vera and Honey for your face when your skin’s feeling a little too dry or dehydrated for your comfort.
Step 1: Start by mixing 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel, 1 tbsp Honey, and one mashed over-ripe banana to create a smooth paste.
Step 2: Apply this mixture on your face and let it sit for 25–30 minutes (get comfy with a book for this one!)
Step 3: Wash it off with water. Result: Well-moisturised skin with no dry spots. Make this your pre-party skincare ritual!
Nykaa recommends:
3. Lemon
Aloe Vera and Lemon for the face? Yes, please! In addition to vitamin C, lemon has natural cleansing and brightening properties that help break down dead cells, increase cell turnover, and effectively remove tan and brighten skin.
Step 1: Mix 2 tbsps Aloe Vera gel with 5-6 drops of fresh Lemon juice.
Step 2: Apply this concoction on your face and leave it for 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse with lukewarm water.
Nykaa recommends:
4. Tea Tree Oil
If acne or oiliness are your main skin woes, try a mixture of Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil. While Aloe Vera gel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree Oil aids in regularising sebum production and inhibiting the growth of bacteria, thereby making for a very potent combination that keeps pimples and acne at bay.
Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel with 1 tbsp of water and 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil.
Step 2: Apply this on your face and leave it on for 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Wash it off with water. You can also use this as an overnight treatment for maximum impact.
Nykaa recommends:
5. Vitamin E
A potent pack with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E for the face can help nourish your skin and make it oh-so-soft and smooth. Owing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and skin conditioning properties, Vitamin E is a key ingredient for your skincare.
Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel with one Vitamin E capsule together.
Step 2: Slather this rich mixture on your face and let the mixture dry off.
Step 3: Rinse it off with cold water. Result: Fresh, radiant skin in a snap. What’s not to love?
Nykaa recommends:
6. Turmeric
Indians are no strangers to turmeric, an ingredient that is known for its brightening properties and is even used for wedding ceremonies. The purifying properties of turmeric teamed up with the healing aloe vera will help you say goodbye to dark circles and pigmentation.
Step 1: Combine half a teaspoon of turmeric with a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Step 2: Mix the above mixture with aloe vera gel until you reach a thick but spreadable consistency.
Step 3: As turmeric can stain your skin, let this sit for only 10 minutes and wash it off well.
Nykaa recommends:
7. Cucumber
If you live in a tropical country with humid weather or want a fix for your summer skin woes, combining aloe vera with cucumber will help cleanse the skin and restore its moisture barrier like nothing else.
Step 1: Cut half of a cucumber, peel it, and blend it till it reaches a watery texture.
Step 2: Add 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and continue to blend until smooth.
Step 3: Apply it to the face and wash it off after 15–20 minutes or leave it on overnight.
Nykaa recommends:
8. Apple Cider Vinegar & Clay
Apple Cider Vinegar combined with Aloe Vera gel results in an exfoliating and smoothing mask that can be used once a week to reduce pigmentation and balance skin ph.
Step 1: Combine 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel with half a teaspoon of apple cider and 1 teaspoon of water.
Step 2: Mix this well to combine the ingredients and apply it to your face evenly.
Step 3: Let it dry for 20 minutes till it's hard to the touch and wash it off.
Nykaa recommends:
9. Green Tea
Green tea not only nourishes and hydrates the skin but also repairs and soothes skin irritation.
Step 1: Soak green tea leaves (you can also tear open a tea bag) and let it moisten.
Step 2: Combine equal parts green tea leaves and aloe vera gel.
Step 3: Apply this paste to your skin, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse with water.
Nykaa recommends:
10. Saffron
The luxurious saffron is anti-ageing and has several benefits for the skin such as protection from sun damage, reducing pigmentation, and treating acne scars.
Step 1: Soak the saffron in 2 teaspoons of warm water for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the soaked saffron, honey, and aloe vera gel in a bowl until you have a smooth paste.
Step 3: Apply this to the skin and let it sit for 15–20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Nykaa recommends:
Key Takeaways
In an era filled with intricate beauty routines, the homemade aloe vera gel face pack is actually really understated. It's a throwback to botanical genius, raw, powerful, and effortlessly chic. Whether you need hydration, flawless complexion, or a soothing balm, this DIY magic does it all with panache. Indulge in the slow beauty movement and let your skin soak up the goodness of nature.
FAQs
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Does aloe vera clear pimples?
If you have acne-prone skin, regularly applying an aloe vera face pack can be immensely beneficial for your skin as aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can also soothe the skin by decreasing redness and irritation. Homemade aloe vera face packs are excellent for treating hyperpigmentation as well.
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How can I use aloe vera to glow my face?
Aloe vera is a versatile ingredient and can be mixed with other kitchen-friendly ingredients to make effective aloe vera face masks for glowing skin. Apply a homemade aloe vera face pack 2-3 times a week for guaranteed skincare results.
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What can I mix with aloe vera for my face?
Aloe vera soothes and calms the skin. You can mix with many different ingredients to target various concerns. For example, aloe can be mixed to make face packs with honey for moisture, turmeric for acne, lemon juice for greasiness, and even scrubs with exfoliants like coffee.
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Can you rub aloe vera gel on your face daily?
As per a study, aloe vera has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes for ages. If you have minor irritation and inflamed skin, you can apply aloe vera daily. However, monitor any reactions and stop using them in case of flare-ups.
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Can aloe vera remove tan?
Yes! You can not only use aloe vera as a remedy for tan but also help soothe sun damage and inflammation.
