Aloe vera has become an indispensable ingredient in many beauty and face cleansing products today. This succulent plant contains a gel that is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that provide immense benefits for skin. But did you know aloe vera has actually been used for over 6,000 years?
Let’s go back to the beginning and explore the fascinating history behind aloe vera, the “plant of immortality.”
The Origins of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera originated in warm, dry climates of Africa, Asia and Europe. Ancient Egyptians referred to it as the “plant of immortality” due to its healing and rejuvenating properties. They used it for beauty, health, and embalming deceased pharaohs.
Aloe soon spread to other parts of the ancient world. Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to capture the Isle of Socotra specifically to gain access to their aloe supplies for treating wounded soldiers. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Arabs relied on aloe to treat everything from hair loss to wounds and infections.
As aloe vera made its way around the world, its fame as a healer grew. Chinese herbalists recommended aloe for gastrointestinal issues. In India, it was used to treat skin diseases, congestion, and eye issues. Southeast Asian cultures applied it to treat rheumatism and diabetes.
The Rise of Aloe in Beauty
While aloe vera was always prized for its medicinal properties, it wasn’t until the 1930s that it became a popular ingredient in skin and beauty formulations.
Aloe’s use expanded in the cosmetics industry through the following decades. Its ability to nourish, hydrate and restore skin made it perfect for addressing skincare concerns like acne, dryness, wrinkles, sun damage and razor burns.
Today, aloe vera is one of the most widely used ingredients for face cleansing and skincare products. The aloe vera plant has a long and venerable history, and for good reason. Now let’s examine why aloe makes for such an amazing facial cleanser.
Why Aloe Vera is Ideal for Face Cleansing
Aloe vera contains over 75 active compounds including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. It is amazingly nourishing, hydrating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
Aloe cleans deep down removing oil, dirt and makeup without stripping the skin. It contains enzymes like bradykinase which break down buildup on the skin’s surface. The plant’s antimicrobial properties kill acne-causing bacteria.
Aloe soothes and calms irritated skin. It creates a protective barrier retaining moisture in skin cells. It also speeds up healing of cuts, scrapes and burns.
In addition, aloe firms and tightens the skin through collagen synthesis. Its antioxidants like vitamin C and E fight free radicals and environmental damage. Aloe also minimizes dark spots and even skin tone.
Cleansing your face with aloe vera provides a host of benefits with no side effects. This timeless plant of immortality lives up to its name by keeping your skin looking fresh, radiant and ageless. Include aloe-based cleansers in your skincare regimen for clean, bright, nourished skin, the ancient Egyptian way!
