It’s almost summer y’all! And not to bum you out or anything, but that means we are all about to be exposed to tons of environmental aggressors. Think: sun, salt, sand, wind, humidity, alcohol (mmm umbrella drinks). Although those things all sound lovely, they absolutely take a toll on us. Most of us are familiar with aloe as the green jelly stuff that we slather all over our sunburn. Or maybe you bought the actual cactus plant back in 2012 and it is your only plant that has survived 5 apartment moves despite being watered only twice a year...REGARDLESS, aloe is pretty rad and super handy to have around.
Aloe vera contains tons of vitamins and minerals required for the proper growth and function of all the body's systems. For your skin, hair and body needs, we recommend grabbing yourself a little plant because fresh is always best, and who knows what’s in the Banana Boat version you bought at Wings (fresh aloe gel is clear, and natural aloe latex is yellow, but we haven’t encountered lime green anywhere in the plant...and it’s certainly not blue). Here’s why aloe is your best friend this summer.
What’s in it:
Antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, B12, as well as folic acid, and choline which neutralize free radicals
Several different enzymes that reduce inflammation and help break down sugars and fats
Minerals like calcium, copper, selenium, zinc
Antivirals, antibacterials, and anthraquinones (aka laxatives)
Fatty acids, including cholesterol, which provide anti-inflammatory results, and also posses antiseptic and analgesic properties
Hormones that help heal wounds and have anti-inflammatory properties
Sugars that provide anti-allergic properties
To get the gel out of a leaf, you can slice off the end and cut it in half long ways. Then you can scoop out all the goodness. Or if you’re not handy with a knife, just squeeze and smoosh the leaf from an open end until you get all the goo out.
What it can do for your hair:
Aloe can be used in place of conditioner, as a leave-in conditioner, or as a mask treatment.
Improve strength & shine
Naturally stimulate hair growth by healing and protecting damaged cells on your scalp with proteolytic enzymes. This enzyme also stimulates dormant hair follicles which can increase growth and prevent excess shedding (note: the average person loses approximately 100 hairs a day)
Form a protective layer over the hair to shield it from the environment and lock in moisture
Relieve dry scalp with its anti-pruritic properties
Reduce dandruff and flaking via antifungal properties
Help restore the pH balance of the hair as its own pH is similar in range
Soothe scalp irritation
This week, Kat mixed some fresh aloe with a little bit of coconut oil to give her dry ends a boost. Tip: Always apply ends-to-roots when you’re conditioning (unless you’re trying to achieve hair growth. Then it goes on the scalp).
What it can do for your skin:
Feeling dried out? Aloe will nourish and moisturize your skin
Soothe and heal that sunburn faster! It heals the skin at the epithelial level, which is a layer of cells that covers the body. The aloe creates a protective layer around the skin to replenish moisture, and a its antioxidant properties help the skin heal quicker.
Moisturize the skin and absorb quickly without leaving a greasy feeling.
Reduce redness and irritation from razor burn, waxing, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, n more
Help increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity
Help heal acne, acne scarring, and cold sores with its antimicrobial properties.
Aloe can also be used as a daily moisturizer, face mask, and topical ointment!
What it can do for your body (from the inside out):
Treat constipation by helping to break down food
Help with digestion because of its anti-inflammatory and laxative properties
Normalize the acid/alkaline and pH balance, lessen yeast formation, encourage digestive bacteria, and regulate bowel processing
Help soothe stomach ulcers, indigestion, and stomach irritation
Stimulate the immune system and kill infections
Reduce inflammation and fight free-radical damage
Help alleviate hyperglycemia
Hannah adds a shot of aloe vera supplement to her water every morning (along with some apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon) to help with gut inflammation and digestion.
The benefits of aloe are essentially limitless. Who even knew?! Remember, anything going on internally is going to be shown externally. Always start by treating your body right.
*DISCLAIMER* Beauty Dummy are not trained medical professionals. This post should not be regarded as medical advice or a treatment plan. We always suggest doing your own research and checking with a physician before treating any ailments or illnesses.
we post cute stuff on insta too
Downsizing is the new hoarding…in theory!