Aloe Vera: Plant with Moisturizing Properties

Aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis leaf juice ) is a succulent plant that has the ability to store water in its leaves. It is part of the liliaceae family and it is aloe vera which is the most used in Europe. This plant grows in hot, dry areas on sandy soil and is widespread in South America, particularly Mexico, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The harvest is done after a growth of one meter, after 5 years.

Aloe vera leaves contain a mucilaginous juice, transparent and odorless, widely used in cosmetics. They are harvested by hand, and their juice is cold extracted, neither irradiated, heated, nor reconstituted by adding water. These characteristics guarantee optimal nutritional richness and therefore better quality.

The benefits

Aloe vera gel has multiple benefits for the skin, notably its water content, mineral trace elements and vitamins. Among the many known properties, and new discoveries are adding to the list, here are the main ones:

Moisturizer

The Polysaccharides contained in aloe vera have a high water retention capacity, which optimizes skin hydration. Its vitamin and amino acid content makes it a very popular active ingredient for dry skin.

Healing, restorative

The presence of 7 of the 8 essential amino acids in aloe vera activates microcirculation and stimulates skin repair. It facilitates healing and improves the quality of skin prone to redness.

Protective

Aloe vera protects the skin from external aggressions such as wind, pollution and dust by leaving a thin protective film. However, it does not protect against ultraviolet rays.

Anti-wrinkle, anti-aging

Aloe vera gel when applied to the skin has an immediate tightening effect which occasionally reduces wrinkles. Furthermore, by stimulating the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and thanks to its regenerative action, the plant is also a major asset in the fight against aging.

Soothing

Applied directly in a thin layer to the skin, aloe gel contains a pain-relieving enzyme, bradykinase, which soothes minor burns, sunburns, irritations, eczema, itching, insect bites , atopic skin and microcuts following shaving.

Anti-acne

Thanks to its antiseptic, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties contained in sapotin, aloesin or aloetin, aloe vera gel is a valuable aid in treating acne. The gel also has antibacterial, virucidal and antifungal properties. It is particularly used against various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic eczema, acne, herpes, pruritus, etc.

Antioxidant

Aloe vera is also used in cosmetics to prevent formulas from oxidizing. It can in fact inhibit reactions induced by oxygen.

Anti-stain

Aloe vera is known to reduce brown spots but also to delay their appearance.