 |
| Sonakshi Sinha |
When you
know something works, it pays to hold onto it. Just ask Sonakshi
Sinha, who has been using the same hero skincare ingredient since
2011—aloe vera. “I regularly use fresh aloe vera on my skin. Any bruises,
blemishes instantly disappear with aloe vera,
it’s the best thing for the skin,” she told Vogue India back in 2011. Eight
years later, she echoed the sentiment. “I like to keep things simple in that
department too. I like aloe vera to soothe the skin,” she said in
2019.
Aloe vera is super light
and easily absorbed by the skin, which helps to lock in moisture. Since it is non-comedogenic,
it doesn't add oil or clog pores for those with oily skin, which means it works
for all skin types. Plus, the ingredients in the aloe plant—vitamins, minerals
and peptides, can accelerate wound healing too. On the scalp, aloe
vera works the same way. It soothes the skin, and has antibacterial properties,
so it can combat scalp
itchiness from dandruff too. If
you want to use it in your own skincare and haircare recipes, the easiest way
to do so is by cutting the leaf open and using the gel directly as the base for
your masks and scrubs.
5 ways you can use aloe vera in your DIY skin- and hair-nourishing
recipes
1. A Deep-Cleansing Scalp Mask
Using the gel from an aloe vera
plant as a shampoo can help deep-cleanse the scalp and prevent
excess oil formation. This is particularly important if you want to get rid of
buildup from products or pollution. Mix apple cider vinegar (a pH balancer) and
lemon juice, which is a powerful astringent, with the aloe vera gel. Massage it
on your scalp, and then wash out.
2. A Frizz-Fighting Hair Paste
If your hair
is frizzy, it's likely
because the cuticles are open and moisture is leaving the strand too fast. Aloe
vera attract moisture from the atmosphere and seals into the hair due to the
pectin and sugar molecules present. The amino acids has trace amounts of
protein present, which can strengthen the cortex of damaged hair. Mix it with
avocado, which is an emollient, and leaves the hair surface shiny and able to
reflect light. Rake the paste through damp hair, and then rinse out after 30
minutes.
3. A Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
If the skin around your eye is prone
to flakiness or redness, removing stubborn makeup with a remover can be a
painful process. Instead, apply coconut oil and aloe
vera to your lashes and around the eyes with a cotton ball, making sure to
massage it in to break down all the product. This mixture is not only effective
at removing waterproof makeup; but it has a soothing, nourishing effect on the
lashes and the delicate skin around the eye.
4. A Mask For Acne-Prone Skin
One of the active ingredients in
aloe vera gel is salicylic acid, which is an AHA that is used to treat acne. It
helps to rev up cell turnover, reducing pore-clogging. Plus, the calming
properties can help reduce inflammation associated with active, painful zits.
To keep breakouts at bay, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel mixed with honey
to the face. The latter has an osmotic effect on the skin, so it draws out all
the excess liquid that makes a pimple look red and swollen.
5. A Strengthening Brow Gel
Aloe vera contains proteolytic
enzymes which repair dead skin cells, hydrates and strengthens hair follicles.
It also increases blood circulation, another must for the hair growth process.
Castor oil acts like a lubricant, coating and conditioning strands to improve
smoothness and shine. Mix castor oil and aloe vera gel and apply with a mascara
wand for the best results.
culled from Vogue
culled from Vogue
No comments:
Post a Comment