Applying aloe vera gel is a healthy way to pamper your skin. It contains many nutrients which can help you to achieve naturally glowing skin. Aloe vera also provides proper nutrition to your scalp and hair pores which makes your scalp and hair healthy. It helps in boosting hair growth and also aids in calming dry and itchy skin. So, why not you should make this aloe vera gel at home which is easy to make and contains no chemicals.
Let’s take a look at why aloe vera is good for skin and hair and how to make aloe vera gel at home.
Benefits of Ingredients# According to The Indian Journal of Dermatology, Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. It has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for thousand of years. Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’ wounds.
Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents which include vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids(source).
# Aloe vera contains antibacterial properties. They fight acne-causing bacteria. Aloe vera prevents the bacteria from infecting the acne wounds. This not only prevents the spreading of acne but also help treat it.
Ingredients
aloe vera leaf
sharp knife
spoon
clean airtight container for storing
blender or immersion blender
clean bowl (if you are using an immersion blender)
Method* If you have access to an aloe vera plant, take a sharp knife and cut off a leaf from the outside of the plant, close to its base.
* They are usually more mature and contain plenty of gel.
* Place the aloe vera leaves upright in a cup to let the dark yellow resin or sticky gel drain out. The resin contains latex, which can be slightly irritating to the skin. It’s best to drain it out so it won’t get into your gel.
* After the resin has drained, then wash the aloe leaves and then cut the aloe leaves into big sections. This makes it a little more manageable to extract the gel properly.
* Now, cut the edges of every piece of aloe leaf and then peel off the skin of the aloe vera leaf on one side using a vegetable or potato peeler. Or, you can remove the upper skin of leaves using a knife. You will see the sticky gel underneath.
* With the help of a spoon, carefully scoop out the pulp or using a knife extract the pulp and collect it in a bowl. Also, you can cut the aloe pulp into pieces if you have a large piece of extracted pulp. Avoid scraping the yellowish part of the pulp, as it contains toxins.
* Now, blend the extracted aloe vera pulp for 30-60 seconds in a high-speed blender. It will almost immediately froth when you start your blender. This is normal. If you are using an immersion blender just blend it in the bowl until smooth. And then, transfer it to an airtight container.
* Optional – You can add your favorite essential oil or carrier oil to boost the power of aloe vera gel for your skin and hair.
* You can keep the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for about a week without preservative.