Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Aloe Vera for Your Health and Skin

The Aloe plant is a native of Africa and enjoys moist sandy soil. It makes a wonderful houseplant because it does not require much maintenance. It is a very strong and fleshy plant and can produce beautiful yellow flowers if fed properly. Aloe Vera can be used for a variety of skin care treatments. It can also be taken internally to promote healing however, it is not FDA approved and scientists are not certain as to what the effects or side effects may be. Many people claim you can safely drink Aloe Vera and it has been claimed that within a few weeks of drinking Aloe Vera you will start to notice a healthier glow to your skin. Mix Aloe Vera in a glass of water to drink it.

The Topical Healing Effect of Aloe Vera

It is great to have an Aloe Vera plant growing in your kitchen. When you get cuts or burns from cooking just break off a small piece of the plant and directly apply it to the cut or burn. Five natural anti-inflammatory agents in Aloe Vera help to relieve the pain of a cut or burn, reverse the scarring and speed up the healing process. When you pinch the plant to use for a small cut or burn, make sure to pick a small leaf towards the center of the plant. The smaller leaves have less juice, which are better for topical applications. If you need a leaf for mixing with water for drinking pick, one of the larger leaves.

Use Aloe Vera for Acne

Acne is greatly effect by bad digestion and improper nutrition. Avoid fried foods, fatty foods and sweets. Add more vegetables and fiber to your diet. Try drinking Aloe Vera mixed with water before meals to aid in relieving digestion problems. Apply Aloe Vera gel to the skin twice a day to help balance the pH level to your skin. After washing your face use, an astringent mixed with Aloe Vera to help close the pores. Make sure to use a moisturizer to protect your skin and balance the oil production of the oil glands. In cases of severe, you may want to consider detoxifying your body. When you go on a detoxifying diet, the body cleanses itself of all the impurities that accumulate from food preservatives, beverages and a variety of other things.

Aloe Vera with Other Skin Conditions

It is just as important to maintain good health on the inside as well as the outside. Most skin conditions come from because of an imbalance on the inside of our bodies. In more severe conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis and other similar skin conditions you need have optimum health first on the inside. Maintain a good daily nutrition of fruits, vegetables and fiber. Cut out fried foods, fatty foods and sugary treats. Drink plenty of water to optimize proper digestion, which also corrects constipation and liver problems. By drinking Aloe Vera and using Aloe Vera on your skin helps to hasten the regenerative process to healthier skin.

Skin Care Products Containing Aloe Vera

More skin care products contain Aloe Vera than you may realize. Microdermabrasion creams, lotions, lip balms, soaps and sun lotions are just a few of the products that can contain Aloe Vera. Use Aloe Vera straight for those fine lines and wrinkles. Use a small amount around the eyes, on the forehead and around the mouth and work in gently. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water followed by your nightly moisturizer. Follow the same routine in the morning as well followed by your daily moisturizer.

Other Skin Care Uses For Aloe Vera

To maintain healthy skin consider taking Vitamin E supplements that contain Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is also great when applied to stretch marks on the breasts and stomach as the result of weight loss or after childbirth.

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