Deborah Tosline wrote and published “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skin care is based on a scientific background, love of research and over 30 years of DIY skincare experience.

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What could be easier, less expensive and environmentally sustainable than picking an Aloe vera leaf, opening it and slathering it on your face as a makeup remover, toner, active ingredient, collagen promoting, ailment reducing gel.

There are over 400 varieties of Aloe (Botanical name: Aloe barbadensis miller). Native Aloe grows in deserts, mountains, and coastal and grassland locations.

The Aloe species contains medicinal aloe varieties and some poisonous options. Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens (used in landscaping) provide medicinal benefits. Identify the types of aloe plants in your region and check the list on this website to ensure safe use of Aloe. 

Aloe vera skin care use was first recorded in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. 

After reading about Aloe vera decades ago and using it consistently over time my gut instinct is to keep this plant growing near me at all times.

Aloe vera has consistently demonstrated it’s healing and beneficial skin properties to me. Science supports personal and historical observations.

Research conducted during an 8-week study showed that Aloe supplementation via oral ingestion of Aloe Vera Gel Powder (AVGP) with sterols increased collagen and hyaluronic acid production by 1.5 to 2 times, “significantly reduced facial wrinkles in women aged ≥40 years in terms of the mean wrinkle depth” and increased facial skin hydration levels significantly. Research shows that ingesting Aloe sterols can modify skin metabolism and benefit the dermis through blood circulation.

Over time, we produce less collagen. Aloe vera gel may be used externally and internally to increase and support collagen production.

The aloe leaf contains two distinct parts, the interior gel and leaf juice. The interior gel is clear and firm and is the safest part of the plant. The leaf juice is known as aloe latex, is yellow with a bitter taste and should not be ingested. The latex contains laxative properties and may cause health complications.

Aloe vera contains 75 active compounds, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The clear gel contains vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 and antioxidants that bind with free radicals to prevent illness.

Aloe has long been used to heal wounds, promote skin regeneration and for it’s anti-itching and anti-inflammatory properties. 

I promote the use of fresh Aloe vera. A portion of the leaf may be used immediately. The unused portion seals itself and remains fresh for one to two weeks or longer. 

Aloe vera retail products are processed and must be preserved because the gel begins to degrade when exposed to oxygen. Retail Aloe products contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives that are reported to release formaldehyde.

Aloe vera may be grown outdoors if you live in garden zones 8 through 11. These locations have minimum winter temperatures of 10 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If your minimum winter temperatures do not fall in this range, you will need to grow your Aloe vera indoors part of the year at a sunny window. Aloe grows best with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight or artificial light and in indoor temperatures between 55 and 80°F.   If Aloe do not have enough light, the leaves will be thin and long. Use a well-draining sandy soil for potted aloe. 

Aloe plants grow best when they receive deep, infrequent watering. Allow the top two inches of the soil to dry out before watering. Prolonged wet soil results in Aloe root rot. While outdoor plants may not need fertilizer, potted plants may be fertilized once a month in spring and summer using compost or diluted houseplant food. Replant rootbound Aloe for long term plant health. 

In my opinion, you may need about six large plants to provide enough Aloe vera for daily skin care throughout the year. Two to three large plants will probably be enough for medicinal use throughout the year. Use the oldest largest leaves first.

If you are unable to grow Aloe vera, grocery stores often carry very large leaves for sale in the vegetable section. If they do not, ask your grocer if they would order fresh aloe vera leaves.

Like any ingredient that you apply to your skin, do a skin patch test before applying Aloe gel to the entire face and neck.  

It may be difficult to grow enough Aloe for daily ingestion. In that case, use Aloe products from reputable companies that only use Aloe gel and not the entire leaf (to avoid Aloe latex) in their products. The International Aloe Science Council reports that Aloe vera is resistant to pests and in most cases is grown organically.

Fortunately, I have been able to grow Aloe vera as an outdoor plant throughout my adult life. Aloe vera spreads rapidly and I grow it in outdoors in planters. I allow the planter to get crowded and use about two large leaves per week.

Pick a large mature Aloe vera leaf at it’s base. Rinse the leaf with water. Use scissors or a fingernail to cut the thorny edge on one side of the leaf, open the leaf and spread the gel directly on the skin. I will also take an entire leaf, cut off both edges, slice down the middle to open the leaf and scrape the gel with a sharp knife. I may use the scraped gel in a facial or blend the gel until smooth and add it to a preserved DIY face cream. 

Use fresh Aloe vera gel to remove eye makeup. It’s antibacterial and antifungal properties clean and protect the skin. https://www.naturalhealers.com/holistic-health/aloe-vera-ultimate-guide/  I apply the gel, wipe away mascara with a microfiber cloth and rinse. The gel does not irritate the eyes.

I apply the gel to my face and neck before, during and after using a short (0.15 millimeter (mm)) needle micro-needle devise for product penetration. I usually apply Aloe vera about 24 hours after a deep (1.0 mm) DIY microneedle treatment, however during my last deep treatment, I used Aloe vera gel during and immediately after a 1.0 mm needle treatment. On one hand, Aloe is an anti-inflammatory and may interfere with the micro-injury process that results in a biochemical healing cascade. On the other hand, Aloe vera promotes collagen production.

For general skin care, I usually lavishly slather fresh Aloe vera gel all over my eyes, face and neck, let it dry and then apply cream. 

For a deep facial and to keep the Aloe vera (or any facial) moist for longer periods of time, I use a silk cloth face mask. It is similar to the single-use, one-package facials that are popular now and are not sustainable or environmental. The silk cloth face mask is washable and reusable. I also use a silicon gel face mask with ear holders. Saturate the silk cloth face mask with Aloe vera gel, apply to face, place silicon gel mask over the silk cloth face mask, attach the ear holders and do home chores or relaxxxxxxxx. Wear this mask for 20 to 60 minutes.

Aloe vera will noticeably change the appearance of your skin.

Aloe vera gel is my favorite skin salve for any burn, cut, scrape, itch, or skin inflammation. Sometimes I remove the Aloe vera spines, open the leaf and bandage the leaf with the gel side placed directly on a sore for an overnight treatment and am usually amazed at the results.

These are my anecdotal observations and results from using Aloe vera for healing most of my life. Try Aloe vera for yourself.

If you need more information, go to the library, search the Internet, read my past Blog articles, or get my book “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” 

Take good care of yourself. xo

Deborah

This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.