Considering how this plant has become "trendy" this decade, I am sure you have already heard of it ... But do you really know what it is? And above all, what it can bring to your body as a benefit? Aloe vera or aloe is a thorny plant that comes from East Africa. They are also found on the shores of the Mediterranean and in hot zones. Belonging to the lily family, aloe vera is a perennial plant without a stem. In its green parts there is a clear pulp resembling a viscous gel of pale green color. It is the latter that we use in cosmetics.
The use of this plant dates back over 6,000 years. The Egyptians nicknamed it the "plant of immortality" and it was not only the Egyptians who used it. Good for immortality on the other hand, we will come back ...
The Incas, Chinese and Greeks also used it to treat the skin, hair, gums and internal organs. Today, those in the world of cosmetics use it a lot, but other sectors like dermatology and phytotherapy also use it. Many studies have already proven the benefits and virtues of aloe vera. So I told myself that I was going to tell my dear bearded people about its benefits and uses!
Because yes gentlemen, aloe vera can also be useful for your facial hair. I’ll talk about that a little below.
What does aloe vera actually contain?
When we talk about aloe vera, we often refer to aloe vera gel. However, note that this perennial plant produces two substances such as latex and aloe vera gel. We don't often talk about latex. This bitter yellow sap is found in the small canals of the bark and contains anthranoid. The latter is a molecule with laxative effects and it is for this reason that it is not used much. Latex can also cause irritation on the skin and mucous membranes, some people are even allergic to latex. The aloe vera gel found in the heart of large aloe leaves is made up primarily of water, but it also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. These elements make the moisturizing, emollient, purifying, repairing, healing, repairing and anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera. You can take this gel orally and in some cases apply it to the skin.
1- Aloe vera: a natural exfoliating scrub :
This first benefit should strongly interest you since it will be very useful for the skin of your face, and therefore to better protect your beard too. Indeed, in most cosmetic products for the body and the face, there is aloe vera. This contains exfoliating active ingredients. This will allow you to prepare a "homemade" exfoliating scrub for the face or body with aloe.
To do this, you need an aloe vera leaf. Cut it lengthwise and take the inner part. Use it as an exfoliating sponge in the shower. You can also use it for your feet. For optimal exfoliation for the feet, you will need to prepare a mask with 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 150 g of oat flakes, 10 cl of body milk and 90 g of cornmeal. Leave this exfoliating mask on for a few minutes before rinsing: your feet will regain their softness.
2- Aloe vera to treat burns, sunburns and insect bites :
If you are the clumsy type in the kitchen or you are often bitten by insects or mosquitoes, aloe vera will quickly become your friend! Whether the burn is mild or serious, you can use aloe vera to treat and calm it. Collect the aloe gel and mix it with vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture to your skin. If you do not have vitamin E oil, you can simply put the aloe vera gel on the area where there is the burn.
Also, after the bite of an insect, itching or pimples may be present. Aloe vera can also work by reducing or even eliminating the itchiness and pimples. To do this, all you have to do is apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Prepare your stock without further delay ...
3- Aloe vera makes hematomas disappear :
Well, aloe vera is perfect for your bruises. Aloe gel contains agents that help eliminate hematomas. Understand that these agents do not work miracles and will not make the bruises disappear in a few minutes either, eh! For quick relief, apply aloe vera gel to the bruises. Let the gel work before rinsing it off. Repeat this twice a day for a few days: you will eventually get rid of these hematomas.
Well, aloe vera is perfect for your bruises. Aloe gel contains agents that help eliminate hematomas. Understand that these agents do not work miracles and will not make the bruises disappear in a few minutes either, eh! For quick relief, apply aloe vera gel to the bruises. Let the gel work before rinsing it off. Repeat this twice a day for a few days: you will eventually get rid of these hematomas.
4- Aloe vera, an ideal treatment for sunburn :
Even if you used sunscreen when you tanned, you can still get sunburned. The feeling of these sunburns is not at all comfortable. Worse than that, it can even form a burn on your skin, and there you will taste! To soothe a sunburn, take aloe vera. Applying the gel will directly relieve you. You can apply aloe vera gel on your shoulders, on your face or on the affected part. It is even possible to leave the gel to act overnight. This application must be renewed the next day, the day after, until the sunburns are perfectly treated. Okay, take it easy on your body's exposure to the sun anyway, huh ... In addition, exposing your beard to the sun too much can harm it and damage it in the long run. How? 'Or' What ? By drying your hairs, but also by being able to discolor them…
5- Use aloe vera to treat skin infections and allergic skin reactions :
Again, aloe vera is going to be very helpful for your facial skin and beard. Indeed, certain skin infections can appear under your beard, such as itching, allergies to certain products, or even eczema. So if you want to have perfect skin (even on the rest of the body) and you have aloe gel at home, do not deprive yourself. This gel can have its effect on skin infections, eczema, yeast infections, allergic skin reactions, psoriasis and even rosacea. The latter is an incurable skin condition, but you can use aloe vera to treat acne symptomatic of this condition. The gel of this plant with multiple virtues will also have an effect on cold sore rashes, herpes, blisters, warts, acne pimples, scars and stretch marks. Suffice to say that it is a hyper-efficient all-in-one with great benefits. Good for stretch marks, on the other hand, you understand that it will be for your wife eh ... After childbirth, ideal therefore!
6- Make a moisturizer and an anti-aging treatment with aloe vera :
If you've always used a moisturizer from the big brands, it's time to switch to a homemade moisturizer that will cost you almost nothing and will do the same thing as the cosmetic. And above all, much more natural. Aloe gel is recommended for the treatment of dry skin. The result will be seen very quickly. Again, this is great for softening your facial skin and beard.
Also, if the first signs of aging appear on your skin, take aloe vera gel to treat them. Even if having wrinkles is not our main concern as men, why not protect yourself naturally from your youth? If you use aloe vera when you are young, your skin is more likely to age more slowly, and especially better.
Remember that Cleopatra used this aloe vera trick to keep her skin looking young. If you have a few pigment spots on your face, you can apply aloe vera gel there as well. Well, if you have a big beard, it will hardly be seen, but I'll tell you anyway just in case.
7- Aloe vera gel, a complete care for the hair :
If you're the kind of person who wants to let your hair grow a little, aloe vera gel can replace several products for your hair and aloe vera itself contains elements that will accelerate hair growth. To ensure this effect, apply aloe vera gel to the scalp while gently massaging it. The exposure time must be at least 30 minutes.
If you're the kind of person who wants to let your hair grow a little, aloe vera gel can replace several products for your hair and aloe vera itself contains elements that will accelerate hair growth. To ensure this effect, apply aloe vera gel to the scalp while gently massaging it. The exposure time must be at least 30 minutes.
If you are one of those who actively fight against dandruff, don't waste your time testing all the so-called “miracle” products of the big brands. Just take aloe vera gel to make your product at home.
Mix coconut milk and wheat germ oil with this aloe gel. These ingredients must be of the same amount. Massage your scalp with this mixture before going to rinse. If your conditioner is exhausted and you have nothing left, don't panic. You can find shiny, silky, smooth and disentangled hair using aloe vera gel.
8- Aloe vera toothpaste :
The problem with industrial toothpaste is that it is industrial. As a result, you don't really know what you are putting on your teeth, and this can end up weakening them. If you run out of toothpaste at home and have aloe vera gel in a small box, take it. Brushing your teeth with this gel will strengthen the gums and promote healthy teeth. To complete the action of the gel, also take aloe juice. To keep your teeth looking white and healthy, you can also use (very moderately) vegetable charcoal or an arak stick (also called siwak).
Recover aloe vera gel :
For most of these tips, you need aloe vera gel. You can find in organic stores aloe vera gel which is already canned, but the ideal is to recover this gel yourself obviously. To do this, you will need to get aloe vera leaves that need to be cleaned well. Get rid of the top of the leaf and the thorns on each side. Using a knife, remove the green layer on the surface on both sides. You will then have transparent gel blocks. As for storage, the gel should be put in a glass or in a clean bowl. If you can't recover, watch this video which will be of great help to you.
For most of these tips, you need aloe vera gel. You can find in organic stores aloe vera gel which is already canned, but the ideal is to recover this gel yourself obviously. To do this, you will need to get aloe vera leaves that need to be cleaned well. Get rid of the top of the leaf and the thorns on each side. Using a knife, remove the green layer on the surface on both sides. You will then have transparent gel blocks. As for storage, the gel should be put in a glass or in a clean bowl. If you can't recover, watch this video which will be of great help to you.
Warnings :
Aloe vera: separate the non-consumable parts well :
The medicinal and cosmetic properties of aloe vera are a hit on the Internet. Creams, ointments and other preparations based on this plant exist. But in the trade you can also find its fresh leaves, which you cook yourself at home. It is this last case that worries the French authorities, because the dangerousness or not of these sheets depends on the way they will be prepared by the customer.
In an aloe vera leaf cut crosswise, only the gel in the center of the leaf is consumable after cooking. This gel is surrounded on all sides by a thin layer of latex, a yellow liquid which is highly dangerous. When the leaves are sold whole, it is up to the customer to separate the gel, the only consumable part of this plant.
Aloe vera has some dangers :
Various studies on the properties of aloe vera have been conducted in the past. Researchers point out that this herb can cause stomach cramps, even diarrhea and constipation. In addition, aloe vera can disrupt the electrolyte balance and the functioning of the liver. It can also cause arrhythmia. In a notice published in January 2018, the European Food Safety Agency (EASA) indicates that the latex compounds in aloe vera are capable of damaging DNA and of being carcinogenic.
The DGCCRF therefore recommends exercising caution if you choose to buy the fresh leaves of this plant, and does not recommend their consumption to children, pregnant and lactating women .