GET TO KNOW

Aloe Vera

At a Glance

Aloe Vera

TYPE OF INGREDIENT

Plant extract, Hydrator

MAIN BENEFITS + PROPERTIES

reduces dryness, replenishes the skin, calms inflammation, reduces redness, hydrates the skin

IS IT FOR YOU?

Great for anyone with sensitive skin, and anyone looking to ease sunburn or windburn and moisturize skin.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Board-certified NYC dermatologist, Marnie Nussbaum, MD says "Aloe is rich in vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, so it has all these calming properties. Additionally, it has vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals, like zinc, potassium, and magnesium. It is a rich extract that can be used for a variety of things."

What is
Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is an evergreen perennial succulent that grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. Originating in the Arabian Peninsula, Aloe Vera is a stemless plant with thick and fleshy leaves that are green to grey-green flecked in white. The leaf margin of the leaf is serrated with tiny white teeth. Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil. [source]

Benefits of
Aloe Vera
For Skin?

Scientists are studying the phytochemicals found in Aloe Vera (such as acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones, emodin and various lectins) to identify their bioactivity. [source][source]

Maintain skin barrier + prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Water passively evaporates through skin due, especially in hot or dry climates. Phytosterols in Aloe Vera prevent this water loss through the skin this process, keeping skin from getting dehydrated, dry, or inflamed.

Soothes, cools, and hydrates skin

Due to its high water content and rich vitamin and mineral profile, Aloe Vera is extremely cooling which is why it's often the go-to for sunburned skin. While hydrating your skin and soothing irritation, it's also creating a barrier that keeps the goodness in. Making it a useful additive for preserving your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)

Facilitates healing and eases skin itchiness, irritation, and inflammation

By reducing inflammation and keeping the skin hydrated and supple, Aloe Vera can facilitate the healing process, particularly with non-active acne lesions and other skin abrasions.

What to Watch Out For

Although uncommon, as with any ingredient, an allergic reaction to aloe vera is possible, so always test a small area before applying it liberally to your skin.