Overview
Aloe vera has been used for various skin conditions for a long time. It is used to deal with cuts, bruises and other skin disorders. Aloe vera is also effective in dry skin conditions such as psoriasis. You can use it effectively on any skin type. Aloe vera is now being used in almost all cosmetics related to skin. It's medicinal values have not been restricted to skin conditions only, Aloe vera is also used to deal with various digestive disorders. Aloe vera drinks are now commercially available everywhere.
What is Aloe Vera Gel?
Aloe vera is cultivated worldwide as a crop for Aloe gel. It is a plant that can easily be grown in your backyard in a pot. The gel is extracted from the thick leaves of the plant.
Aloe vera gel is widely used in:
- Cosmetics
- Food supplements
- Natural remedies
Aloe vera was called the plant of immortality in ancient Egypt. It has been in use for therapeutic purposes for centuries in China, Japan, India, Greece, Egypt, Mexico and many other parts of the world.
It is now extensively cultivated and used worldwide. It possesses antimicrobial capabilities and has many medicinal use to treat constipation, ulcers and range of skin conditions and wounds.
Why Do You Get Dry Skin?
Normal healthy skin is layered in natural lipids that moisturizes the skin naturally to keep it soft and supple. Dry skin is a different story.
Either due to environmental conditions or what you expose your skin to, the fatty protective lipids are stripped away. This unprotected skin becomes dry skin.
The patches of dry skin are more common on your arms, hands, lower legs and abdomen. Dry Skin can flak and look ugly.
Following are some of the main causes if your dry skin:
- Dry air
- Winter
- Hot showers and bath for long hours
- Some Medication
- Certain types of Clothing
- Harsh Soaps
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Malnutrition
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
How Aloe Vera Treats Your Dry Skin?
Aloe vera can be used in many different dry skin conditions. Following are some of the main uses in dry skin.
1. Aloe Vera for Skin Inflammations
Aloe vera provides soothing and calming effect on severely affected dry skin.
It can provide relief from severe sunburn skin that gets too dry and inflamed within 48 hours of topical use.
So if your sunscreen has not given enough protection then use Aloe vera gel after you are back from sun exposure.
2. Aloe Vera Moisturizes Dry Skin
The succulent gel of aloe is almost 90% liquid primarily water. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. All these are nourishing elements that provide a deep moisturizing effect.
Interestingly, although the aloe vera gel looks sticky it moisturizes your skin without leaving any greasy feeling.
3. Aloe Vera Tames Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It builds thick patches of dry skin. The dryness causes itching. It causes serious physical and psychological strain on the affected person. Aloe vera gel moisturizes the patches and soothes and cools them to reduce itching.
Risks and Precautions
Topical application of aloe vera has no side effects It can be used on all kinds of skin. Some of the commercially available aloe gels may have additives that may not suit your skin type so always check the contents before buying your Aloe Vera gel from the market. You can plant Aloe Vera and use fresh gel whenever you need it.