Aloe Vera – The History of this Natural Icon of Skincare
Aloe vera was referred to as the “plant of immortality” in ancient Egypt and has been used since the 1500s BC. It was highly valued for its healing and beauty-enhancing properties and because of this, Egyptian queens like Cleopatra and Nefertiti were believed to have used aloe vera as part of their regular beauty routines to keep their skin soft and smooth. Greek physicians, including Hippocrates used aloe vera for treating wounds, burns, and other skin conditions, and in Roman times, aloe vera was widely recognized for its medicinal properties and was used in skincare to treat skin irritations and promote healing.
How is Aloe Vera Gel Extracted?
Extraction of aloe vera gel on a large scale involves advanced techniques and processes to ensure the gel is pure, stable, and free of contaminants. The process begins with the harvesting of mature aloe vera plants, typically 3–4 years old, are selected for harvesting because they contain the highest concentration of gel. The outermost leaves, which are the oldest and largest, are carefully cut from the base of the plant to minimize damage and preserve the gel inside and thoroughly washed with water to remove dirt and debris from their growing environment; this is crucial to ensure the final product is free of contaminants. The cut leaves are placed upright to drain the yellowish substance called aloin, Manual or Automated Filleting: In many cases, the leaves are filleted manually by workers using knives to remove the outer green rind and expose the inner gel. However, in large-scale operations, this process may be automated using specialized machines that carefully separate the gel from the rind.
The clear gel is then carefully scooped out, leaving behind the leaf rind. The extracted gel is then ground or crushed to break down the gel into a liquid or semi-liquid form, to achieve a consistent texture. The gel is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles, fibres, or impurities. This step ensures a smooth, pure gel. Samples of the processed gel are then tested in our on-site laboratory to ensure they meet quality standards, including tests for purity, microbial content, and pH level. The aloe gel is then carefully blended with a single or selection of Essential Oils to add a gorgeous scent and further therapeutic benefits.
How to use Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a natural and effective solution for many everyday health and beauty needs. However, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first to check for sensitivities.
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Skin Care:
- Moisturiser: Aloe vera gel is a natural moisturiser, ideal for keeping the skin hydrated without leaving a greasy feel. It is especially good for those with oily skin.
- Sunburn Relief: It soothes and helps heal sunburned skin due to its cooling properties.
- Acne Treatment: Aloe vera has natural antibacterial properties that can help soothe blemish-prone skin.
- Aftershave: It helps in soothing the skin and reducing irritation and razor burn after shaving.
- Aloe vera gel can also be used as a gentle and natural makeup remover that also nourishes the skin. Add Absolute Aromas Essential Oils to our plain aloe gel – when adding Essential Oils to aloe vera gel, it’s important to use the right concentration to ensure the mixture is safe and effective. The general recommendation is to use a dilution rate of 1% to 2% Essential Oil in aloe vera gel for topical applications. Lavender Essential Oil’s benefits are that it is calming, soothing, and healing. It has natural antibacterial properties, making it great for treating blemishes and soothing irritated skin. Tea Tree Essential Oil is a great addition to aloe gel as it’s widely used for treating minor cuts or scratches due to its natural antibacterial qualities as well. It’s also great for balancing oily or combination skin. Chamomile Essential Oil is perfect for sensitive skin that needs calming.
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Hair and Body Care:
- Scalp Treatment: Aloe vera gel can help treat scalp irritation. Its hydrating properties can soothe and condition the scalp.
- Hair Conditioner: It can be used as a leave-in conditioner to soften hair, reduce frizz, and add shine. Try it as a treatment – simply apply to wet hair, leave for 20 minutes and rinse.
- Hair Growth: Some people use aloe vera gel to stimulate hair growth by applying it directly to the scalp and massaging in. The motion of the massage can help boost scalp circulation.
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Due to its calming properties, aloe vera gel can be massaged into the skin to help ease tension.
- It can be applied to insect bites to reduce irritation.
A plain aloe gel is a cabinet stable in our opinion due to its sheer versatility – the ones we have blended Essential Oils into have added therapeutic benefits and or course smell divine too! Our 100ml put is ideal to keep in your handbag for trips out and about, especially over the summer. However, as we approach a change in seasons it’s important to note that using aloe vera gel in your Autumn/Winter skincare routine can help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and comfortable during the colder months too. It can be used as a natural remedy for chapped lips, soothe windburn and its natural enzymes and antioxidants help support skin repair. Shop the range here!
