Aloe is everywhere. We see it in skincare products, drinks, and even supplements. But why is it so widely used? This plant has been valued for centuries for its many benefits.

Whether we apply it to our skin or consume it, aloe offers some impressive advantages.

What Exactly Is Aloe?

Aloe belongs to a group of over 550 succulent plants, but when people talk about aloe, they usually mean Aloe vera. This plant originally comes from the Arabian Peninsula, but now, we can find it all over the world. It thrives in warm climates and stores water in its thick leaves, making it incredibly resilient.

The clear gel inside aloe leaves is what makes it so special. Once extracted, it can be used in skincare products, beverages, or supplements. Depending on how it's processed, it can either soothe our skin or support our digestive system.

Why Do Companies Use Aloe in Skincare?

Aloe is famous for its soothing and moisturizing effects. Many of us have used aloe gel after a sunburn, but its benefits go beyond that. It's a common ingredient in lotions, cleansers, soaps, and even shampoos because it helps keep our skin hydrated and calm.

How Is Aloe Used in Food and Health Products?

Aloe gel, when processed correctly, is often included in juices and supplements. It's believed to aid digestion, help our bodies absorb nutrients, and even support our immune system. Some compounds in aloe, such as polysaccharides, may also have antioxidant properties that protect our cells.

Aloe in History: A Long-Used Remedy

Aloe's benefits have been recognized for thousands of years:

• Ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality” and used it in beauty treatments.

• Cleopatra reportedly applied aloe to her skin to maintain her legendary beauty.

• Aristotle convinced Alexander the Great to conquer an island just for its aloe supply, which was used to treat wounded troops.

• In Asia, aloe has been used in beverages for centuries.

Clearly, people have trusted aloe for its healing properties for a very long time!

6 Ways Aloe Helps Our Skin

Aloe is a skincare powerhouse. Here's why:

1. It helps with breakouts. Aloe has antibacterial properties, making it a great addition to acne treatments. It's gentle on sensitive skin and can reduce redness.

2. It deeply hydrates. Aloe's high water content makes it an excellent moisturizer, especially for dry or itchy skin.

3. It cools and soothes burns. If we've ever had a sunburn or a minor cooking burn, aloe can provide instant relief while helping our skin heal. Pro tip: keep aloe gel in the fridge for an extra cooling effect!

4. It's great for DIY face masks. Aloe's light texture makes it an excellent ingredient for homemade skincare. Mixed with other natural ingredients, it helps calm and refresh irritated skin.

5. It makes skin feel smooth. Using aloe gel as part of our skincare routine can leave our skin soft and radiant.

6. It hydrates our hair and scalp. Our hair can become dry from heat and styling, but aloe helps keep it moisturized and healthy.

5 Health Benefits of Consuming Aloe

When properly processed for consumption, aloe gel is often found in juices and supplements. Here's why people drink it:

1. It supports digestion. Aloe juice is commonly used to soothe the digestive system.

2. It helps nutrient absorption. Studies suggest that aloe may help our bodies absorb vitamins like C and E more effectively.

3. It promotes gut health. Aloe contains compounds that may encourage the growth of good bacteria in our digestive system.

4. It has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect our bodies from cell damage, and aloe is a natural source of these beneficial compounds.

5. It's a refreshing, low-calorie drink. Compared to sugary sodas, aloe juice provides hydration without excessive calories. However, always check the label to ensure there are no added sugars.

Final Thoughts: Should We Add Aloe to Our Routine?

Aloe is one of nature's most versatile plants. Whether we apply it to our skin for hydration or drink it for digestion, it offers plenty of benefits. The next time we see an aloe-based product, we'll know exactly why this plant has been cherished for centuries!

So, Lykkers, do you already use aloe in your skincare or diet? Let us know how it works for you!