Aloe vera is one of about 500 species of aloe plants. A short-stemmed succulent, aloe vera grows in dry climates. Over 75 potentially active compounds have been identified in this plant, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, hormones, and enzymes. These nutrients make aloe vera excellent for healing and maintaining healthy skin. Here are five ways it can be used to enhance your skin's health.

1. Treatment of Burns and Sunburns

Aloe vera can be used in the treatment of first- and second-degree burns, and a review of four studies found that it can help decrease healing time of burns by almost 9 days. Some of the antioxidants and other compounds in aloe can also inhibit bacterial growth on the skin, helping to prevent infections in burns.

With its high water content and store of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds, aloe vera also nourishes the skin and provides fast relief from the pain associated with sunburns. And it can support the healing these burns: the enzyme bradykinase helps lower inflammation in the skin, while certain hormones speed healing (source). In addition, potent antioxidants- including vitamins A, C, and E and beta-carotene, protect the skin from free radical damage (commonly caused by UV radiation) and reduce inflammation.

Aloe vera gel, available in grocery stores and pharmacies, is a popular treatment for sunburns. However, many of these products contain unnecessary or even harmful additives in addition to the aloe. Such additives include parabens, dyes, and artificial fragrances. In contrast, Verefina After-Sun Mist contains pure aloe leaf juice and no dangerous fillers. It's also important to be aware that some "aloe vera" products may not even contain aloe vera! Testing of four products labeled as aloe vera or aloe vera gel recently revealed that the products contained little to no aloe. 

2. Treatment for Rashes and Skin Irritations 

There is evidence that topical application of aloe vera may help relieve some of the symptoms of skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. This is largely due to the fact that it can help reduce inflammation in the skin. Research shows that aloe may help with redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. Verefina Aloe & Calendula Cream is formulated for extremely dry and/or irritated skin and can help soothe various rashes. Unscented Aloe & Calendula Cream is recommended for skin affected by psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. 

Psoriasis and eczema often have one or more internal contributing causes, so it is important to note that treatment should generally also include lifestyle changes, such as the avoidance of certain "trigger" foods and the use of stress management techniques, since stress can exacerbate these skin conditions.

3. Natural Moisturizer

Aloe moisturizes the skin without leaving a greasy feeling, so it's excellent for oily complexions. It also helps cleanse and soften the skin. For women, it's a great natural moisturizer to use before applying makeup, while men may find it useful as an aftershave, as it can both soothe freshly shaven skin and help heal small nicks and cuts.

4. Acne Prevention

Aloe vera's antimicrobial properties can help prevent acne by keeping blemish-causing microbes at bay. And, with its ability to limit inflammation, aloe vera may prevent the redness sometimes caused by acne.

5. Treatment of Insect Bites and Stings

Aloe vera can be used as an all-natural treatment for insect bites and stings because it can help reduce inflammation, itching, and swelling around the bite. 

How to Use Verefina Products to Get the Most Out of Aloe Vera

The active compounds in aloe vera make it a key ingredient in several Verefina Facial Care products, Aloe & Calendula Cream, Shea Butter Bar Soap, Baby and Kids Lotions, Baby Soap, and After-Sun Mist. Here are a few ways to get the most out of aloe vera with these products:

• Daily use with Verefina Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream, Lemon Coconut Creamy Facial Cleanser, and Ultra Hydrating Rosewater Mist can help deliver the moisturizing, anti-aging benefits of aloe vera.
• After-Sun Mist provides quick relief from overexposure to UV rays. Spray directly on sunburned skin or on skin that has been exposed to the sun for two hours or more. Be careful to avoid the eyes.
• To soothe skin affected by psoriasis, eczema, or other rashes, gently wash with Lavender or Unscented Shea Butter Bar Soap or Foaming Baby Soap when showering. Avoid very hot water and long periods of exposure to water. Pat skin dry, and apply Aloe & Calendula Cream immediately. Use lotion as needed. 
• To help relieve the itching and swelling caused by insect bites, spray a cotton ball with After-Sun Mist, and dab on affected areas.
• Use the Foaming Baby Soap for infants and young children. This soap gently cleans and moisturizes your little one's skin and hair. Also excellent for those with sensitive skin. 

Sources:

"Aloe Vera for Face." New Health Guide. Web. 26 April 2017.

http://www.newhealthguide.org/Aloe-Vera-For-Face.h...

Axe, Josh. "Aloe Vera Benefits: Heal Skin, Constipation & Immune System." Dr. Axe. Web. 24 April 2017.

https://draxe.com/aloe-vera-benefits/

"Herbal and Natural Remedies for Psoriasis." National Psoriasis Foundation. Web. 25 April 2017.

https://www.psoriasis.org/treating-psoriasis/compl...

Leech, Joe. "8 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Aloe Vera." Authority Nutrition. Web. 24 April 2017.

https://authoritynutrition.com/8-proven-health-ben...

Mercola, Joseph. "Aloe Vera Fraud: Don't Get Scammed." Mercola.com. Web. 26 April 2017.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive...

Mercola, Joseph. "How to Avoid Becoming a Bug Buffet This Summer." Mercola.com. Web. 26 April 2017.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive...

Nordqvist, Christian. "Aloe Vera: Health Benefits and Medical Uses." Medical News Today. 19 December 2016. Web. 24 April 2017.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265800.ph...

Rocchino, Elizabeth. "The Benefits of Using Aloe Vera for Skincare and More." MindBodyGreen. 7 February 2013. Web. 26 April 2017.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7654/the-benefits-...

About the Author

Katie Zapotoczny is a Verefina Affiliate and Communications Specialist. She is also the creator of An Ever Green Life, a blog that seeks to empower readers to make changes that will improve their health and help protect our environment.