Aloe Vera has been used for centuries for its medicinal and healing properties. It’s a gel-like substance that’s found in the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant; it contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are hugely beneficial for our skin.
In particular, it is well known for the following properties:
- It soothes and hydrates1. The gel contains compounds called polysaccharides that help lock in moisture and prevent dehydration. Aloe vera also contains amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that help to nourish and protect the skin.
- It is anti-inflammatory2. The gel contains compounds including acemannan, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- It contains antioxidants3, such as Vitamins C and E, which helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are the unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to the aging process.
- It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties4., making it particularly beneficial for those with sensitive and/or acne prone skin.
When Should I Use Aloe Vera in My Skincare Routine?
Given the myriad of benefits which Aloe Vera provides, its use in skincare is suitable for all skin types.
It is a wonderful addition to most people’s skincare routine, and those with sensitive and/or acne-prone skin would particularly benefit from its soothing properties.
Aloe Vera hydrates the skin without clogging pores, as it is non-comedogenic. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce any inflammation and redness which may be experienced.
How is Aloe Vera Extracted for Use in Skincare?
You may be wondering how the gel-like super ingredient is extracted from the plant, and the process it goes through before it ends up in your favourite face cream or cleanser!
Extracting the gel from the plant involves the following key steps:
- Harvesting. The Aloe Vera leaves are carefully harvested by hand. Mature leaves are selected from the outermost part of the plant.
- Washing. The harvested leaves are washed thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Filleting. The outer rind of the leaf is removed, and the clear gel-like substance is left behind. This is usually done using a sharp knife or by hand.
- Stablisation. The gel-like substance is stablised using a natural preservative such as citric acid or ascorbic acid, to prevent it from oxidising.
- Packaging. The stabilised aloe vera gel is then packaged in airtight containers to ensure its freshness and potency.
At Melvory, we only use Aloe Vera gel which has been extracted using the cold-press method.
In the cold-press method, the whole leaf is pressed for gel extraction without removing the outer rind. This method is more time-consuming than the process described above which involves filleting, but can result in a more nutrient-rich gel.
Once extracted, the Aloe Vera gel can then be used as a standalone product or incorporated into various skincare formulations including moisturisers, serums and masks.
It is important to note that the quality and potency of the Aloe Vera Gel depends heavily on the extraction method and the quality of the plant itself. Therefore, to ensure best results, it is important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that use high-quality Aloe Vera gel.
How Melvory Uses Aloe Vera in our Skincare Range
At Melvory Skincare, we believe that Aloe Vera is one of the best ingredients for your skin as it is jam packed with beneficial properties.
We take care to formulate our products with natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin and full of antioxidants and vitamins.
Our Aloe Vera Face Cream is an ultra-hydrating moisturiser that helps to soothe, nourish, and protect the skin. It is great for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, and can help to reduce redness and irritation.
Our Green Tea Facial Cleanser, enriched with the benefits of Aloe Vera, deeply cleanses and purifies the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Our Probiotic Face cream is a silky, moisture-enriched cream loaded with superfoods including rosehip, cucumber and aloe vera. It is designed for acne-prone or teenage skin.
These three products are the perfect way to incorporate Aloe Vera into your skincare routine.
If you're wondering about the benefits of Aloe Vera, we invite you to try one of these products!
We are quietly confident that your skin will thank you for it.
References:
1
Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian journal of dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
Dal'Belo, S. E., Rigo Gaspar, L., & Maia Campos, P. M. (2006). Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin research and technology, 12(4), 241–246.
2.
Davis, R. H., Leitner, M. G., Russo, J. M., & Byrne, M. E. (1989). Wound healing. Oral and topical activity of Aloe vera. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 79(11), 559–562.
Lee, S. H., & Bae, H. J. (2006). Anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera on leukocyte-endothelium interaction in the gastric microcirculation of Helicobacter pylori-infected rats. World journal of gastroenterology, 12(13), 2032–2038.
3.
Rodríguez, F., & Rodríguez, E. (2010). Assessment of the antioxidant potential and preventive effects of Aloe vera callus culture extracts against oxidative damage. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48(3), 1055-1061.
Lee, H. Y., Kim, S. D., Lee, Y. J., & Kim, J. K. (2012). Antioxidant and Antiwrinkle Effects of Fermented Aloe vera Gel Extract. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, 38(3), 225-232.
4.
Hashemi, S. A., Madani, S. A., Abediankenari, S., & The Review on the Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds. BioMed Research International, 2015, 714216. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/714216
Adhikari, A., Devkota, H. P., & Takano, A. (2015). Aloe vera Gel as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 83(2), 349-363.
