For eons now, man has been in constant search for those objects or potions that can slow (if only stop!) the onslaught of advancing age. Well, it’s clear that we cannot really prevent the lines time draws on us; but if we take care of our body we can effectively postpone a few obvious signs (like wrinkles) for a few years. Interestingly enough, most if not all anti-aging potions have been created or found in nature. One such anti-aging product is prepared from the leaf extract of a plant called Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera orAloe barbadensisis a type of cactus whose anti-aging use has been known for thousands of years. The earliest references to Aloe Vera have been found on papyrus rolls from 1500 B.C! It appears to have been widely used in ancient Java, India, Egypt and Greece. It was well known that the gel in the thick Aloe Vera leaf had healing properties; we now know that it is chock-full of goodies like amino acids, enzymes, and polysaccharides.

The regenerative qualities of Aloe Vera make it a treatment in great demand for premature aging of skin, healing of wounds, burns, sunburns, eczema, hair loss, dandruff and more. Aloe Vera has some excellent moisturizing ingredients: consisting of 96% water and 4% amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, vitamins A, C, and E. Aloe Vera also contains anti-oxidants, has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, zinc and seven superoxide dismutases that are good for the skin. Quite a list for a humble cactus!

There are supposedly about 400 species of Aloe, ranging in color from grey to bright green. However, it is Aloe Vera that is revered for its medicinal properties. Interestingly, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry has only recently discovered the business potential of this plant. You’ll find it is becoming increasingly common as a health food and beverage as well. Aloe Vera works best as an anti-aging treatment if coupled with a set of activities like exercise and a healthy diet. Some experts argue that if Aloe Vera is part of your anti-aging strategy from the mid-thirties, it can actually prevent the appearance of wrinkles. It follows that your need for Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and Thermage treatments will also be pushed back – a good thing, for sure.

Aloe Vera and Aging Skin

As the skin ages, it thins and wrinkles. Combined with the appearance of creases, age spots and furrows, you have all the classic problems that our favorite stars battle against for years. Anti-aging components of Aloe Vera have been found to reverse this degeneration of the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Studies show that internally consumed Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself; it is therefore an active skin conditioning agent. Externally applied, it is a natural skin exfoliant, with the ability to penetrate into the skin and transport healthy substances through it. Not surprisingly, Aloe Vera is currently a vital essential ingredient for the cosmetics industry, being utilized in over 95% of dermatologically valuable extracts manufactured worldwide.

Easy to Care For…

Aloe Vera is an easy plant to care for and can comfortably be grown in indoor pots. Here are some recipes you can use as homemade skin treatments:

Recipe #1: Facial Cleanser

To prepare a facial cleanser, peel one large Aloe Vera leaf (removing the thin light green covering); add one peeled slice of papaya, a teaspoon of honey and yogurt and blend in a food processor. The mixture is to be applied to the face in a gentle circular motion. Let it soak into the skin for 15-20 minutes; wash it off with lukewarm water.

Recipe #2: Healing and Soothing

For healing and soothing sensitive or dry skin, mix three tablespoons of Aloe Vera juice with a drop of Helycrisum oil and apply evenly on the face and neck. When the mask has soaked into the skin and dried, wash off with lukewarm water.

Watch What You Buy

Aloe Vera is available in gels, sprays, lotions, liquids, creams, health drinks and even in the form of capsules. Several Aloe Vera beauty products have recently flooded the market, these claim to contain anti-oxidants and collagen, and offer an anti-aging treatment, while these cannot be said to be harmful in any way, it would still be prudent to read through the ‘contents’ or better still, consult a physician before purchase.

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