The Timeless DIY Remedy for Skin and Health: Meet Aloe Vera Gel

Homemade Aloe Vera Gel
How to Use
Skin & Hair Benefits
Overall Health Benefits
Aloe Vera Juice
Risks and Tips
Healthy Meal Delivery

The aloe vera plant is often called the wonder plant, and for good reason. For centuries, it has been a trusted natural remedy, celebrated not only for its many health benefits but also for the countless healing powers our ancestors relied on, from nourishing skin and hair to supporting digestion and aiding weight management. They widely embraced it as a true source of wellness and rejuvenation, a gift from nature that restores both body and mind. In this article, we’ll show you how to create your own homemade aloe vera gel and use it in your daily skincare routine, as well as in foods and drinks. We'll explore its remarkable benefits and reveal why it continues to be a timeless tool for natural beauty and holistic health.

Freshly Homemade Aloe Vera Gel

You can use fresh aloe vera gel in homemade beauty recipes, apply it directly to your skin, or even add it to food, smoothies, and drinks. Just remember, essential oils like vitamin C or peppermint should only be added to topical mixtures, as they are not meant to be consumed and would make your mixture inedible. Here are the steps:

Cut off the end of the leaf
Trim off the pointy edges
Cut the leaf into smaller slices
Separate the skin of the leaf from the gel using a spoon. Press the spoon against the leaf and push outward to split it open.
Drop the gel into a blender and add some water to dilute it so that it's easier to strain any extra chunks or pulp, then start blending.
Pour the mixture onto a mesh-like fabric placed on top of a jar or container to squeeze the gel into.
Squeeze the gel into the jar using the fabric to strain and filter any remaining pulp or extra chunks from the gel mixture.
Drop the extra chunks back into the blender, add additional water if necessary, and repeat if you want to be extra thorough.

Read more about Collagen benefits for the skin.

How to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Face

Did you know you can easily extract aloe vera gel straight from the insides of the aloe leaf itself? It is, after all, the most potent form of aloe gel. There’s absolutely no need to spend on pricey products when you can grow your own plants at home. Even better, aloe vera is a hardy succulent that thrives in dry conditions, so you don’t have to worry about constant watering, making it even easier to reap and enjoy its incredible benefits!

A remedy straight from nature to your skin. It’s simple, all you have to do is cut open the leaves, squeeze out the gel-like substance, and use it as a soothing topical treatment for the skin. Here are the steps:

First things first, wash your face.
Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to clean, dry skin.
Massage gently until the skin completely absorbs it.
Leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Use morning and night to keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Read more about Retinol benefits for the skin.

Skin Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is a skincare favorite and a beauty hack. One of the most loved aloe vera benefits for skin is its ability to heal and restore. Not only is aloe vera an ideal moisturizer for dry skin, but it also fights acne and works wonders for all skin types. Some other skin benefits include:

Acts as a natural antibacterial
Speeds up wound healing
Deeply hydrates the skin
Soothes minor burns and sunburns
Calms skin irritations
Relieves eczema symptoms
Reduces redness
Fades dark spots
Helps fight acne
Treat cold sores
Reduces wrinkles
Fight against signs of aging
Historically used as first aid for frostbite

Can You Use Aloe Vera for Hair

Absolutely yes! Aloe vera oil and gel are widely used in hair care, extracted from the plant and used to hydrate, strengthen, and boost hair growth. The aloe vera benefits for hair include:

Moisturise and strengthen the hair
Support hair growth
Reduce dandruff
Minimise hair loss

Aloe Vera Benefits You Can’t Ignore

Using aloe vera can benefit not only your skin and hair, but also offers additional health benefits we often overlook, from supporting gut health and metabolism to lowering cholesterol levels and more. Here are some of its general benefits:

Promotes oral health: Natural options like aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash help improve oral hygiene and reduce plaque.
Relieves anal fissures: Applying aloe to the affected area can treat anal fissure symptoms and promote healing.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Relieving discomfort caused by sunburns and may help treat inflammatory forms of acne.
Natural moisturizer: Helps seal moisture into the skin, especially for dry skin, and relieves discomfort caused by eczema or dermatitis, such as itchy skin.

Why Try Aloe Vera Juice

You can make aloe vera juice at home using two tablespoons of aloe gel for each cup of liquid, and mix up your drink with any other ingredient of your choice, like fruits or veggies. Aloe juice is popular for supporting digestion, while helping the body to detox naturally and flush out toxins. Other benefits include:

Supports weight loss: Helps burn fat by improving digestion and supporting metabolism due to its content of B vitamins.
Balances blood sugar: Lowers insulin resistance and helps control cravings.
Reduces harmful fats: Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides with powerful antioxidants that support heart health.

Learn more about healthy juices here.

Aloe Vera Side Effects & Precautions

Aloe vera is generally safe for topical use, but it’s best to test it on a small patch of skin first, as some people may be sensitive. While mild itching can be normal, if you notice any rash, hives, or signs of irritation, stop using it and consult your doctor. Here are a few potential risks to watch out for and precautions worth taking:

Risks

Diarrhea
Cramps
Nausea
Low potassium
Muscle weakness
Kidney issues
Electrolyte imbalances

Precautions

Avoid applying aloe to severe burns, deep wounds, or infected skin.
Avoid oral use for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under the age of 12, or those allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips.
Avoid if you have: Hemorrhoids, kidney or cardiac issues, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal obstruction, or diabetes.
Avoid mixing it with medication, or consult with your doctor first.

Healthy Meal Delivery

At Calo, we bring nature and nutrition together. We don’t just deliver delicious, nutritious meals; we provide complete, nature-inspired solutions, whether it's digestive support, weight loss, or glowing skin - we’ve got you covered! Download the Calo App today and start living healthier, effortlessly.

FAQs

Is aloe vera good for hair health?

Yes, absolutely! Using aloe vera for the hair can help improve hair health by reducing dandruff, relieving scalp eczema, and supporting hair growth.

What are the known aloe vera uses for face and skin?

Aloe vera gel is known for its moisturizing properties and soothing effects for the skin and face, hence why it has multiple uses for skincare. It helps with wound healing, cuts and burns treatments, and reduces many different forms of skin irritation. Some use it to relieve symptoms of eczema and frostbite.

Aloe vera is so much more than just a plant; it’s a natural secret for beauty and wellness. From hydrating and renewing the skin to supporting digestion and weight loss, aloe vera offers a bundle of benefits that are hard to ignore. It is easy to use and available everywhere; it’s no wonder aloe vera gel is a top choice all around the world. Try it yourself and let nature take care of you from the inside out! You can read more about adaptogenic mushrooms and kefir benefits here, with more topics related to health on the Calo blog.