Aloe face mask: homemade recipes or ready-made products?

An unusual plant with medicinal properties has long been a regular on the windowsills, as well as in the composition of cosmetics – both ready-made and homemade. Getting aloe gel is not difficult. How to use it and is it worth it?

Benefits and effectiveness of aloe face masks

In Arabic, “aloe” means “bitter”, but despite this, it is very much appreciated by adherents of traditional medicine and large beauty manufacturers. A plant with medicinal properties was used by ancient Egyptian healers in the second millennium BC.

Christopher Columbus took aloe on expeditions to treat wounds and skin diseases. Nowadays, the juice extracted from the fleshy leaves is often included in cosmetics.

In nature, a small aloe sprout can turn into a huge bush more than a meter in height. And not in the most favorable conditions.

Benefits of Aloe Juice/Gel

  • Moisturizes Aloe is a succulent, that is, a plant that accumulates moisture inside and remains active in the most adverse arid conditions. The gel that its leaves are filled with is a storehouse of “concentrated” water, and our skin so often lacks it.

  • Refreshes Places of natural growth of aloe are distinguished by a hot climate, and the plant has developed its own defense system against high temperatures.

Aloe vera juice is traditionally used in cooling creams and gels, such as after the sun, to replenish moisture levels and return a feeling of freshness.

  • Soothes This obvious property of aloe was appreciated first.

  • regenerates Like all plants of a “difficult fate”, that is, living in difficult natural conditions, aloe contains biologically active substances that help bloom and turn green even in drought.

The regenerating effect of aloe is associated with a mass of compounds useful for the human body. To this day, doctors prescribe its extract for the treatment of various kinds of erosive diseases.

Want to know which mask is right for you? Take our test.

Mechanism of action on the skin

It is enough to single out just a few among the hundreds of active components of aloe vera in order to assess the promise of this plant for beauty and youth.

  • Polisaharidы retain moisture well.

  • Vitamins C and E are part-time antioxidants, and B vitamins and folic acid are involved in the processes of tissue regeneration. Their benefits for smoothness, elasticity and hydration of the skin cannot be overestimated.

  • Amino acids. Aloe contains 20 of the 22 essential amino acids for humans. Some of them have a softening effect on the skin, which is of particular importance for dryness and dehydration.

  • Minerals. Calcium, zinc, chromium, copper, magnesium, silicon, potassium, manganese – some of these minerals are part of the antioxidant system of the skin and the body as a whole.

  • enzyme, contained in aloe, act on the skin as mild exfoliants, cleansing it of impurities and preventing the development of micro-infection and inflammation.

  • Lignin used in cosmetics as a conductor of active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin.

Mannose is one of the hit ingredients in modern cosmetics. The effectiveness of this polysaccharide as an anti-aging ingredient is confirmed by scientific studies. Moreover, its antibacterial properties, indispensable for problem skin, are known and proven. Experts also became interested in the antiviral properties of mannose.
Like other polysaccharides found in aloe, mannose promotes moisture retention and tighter adhesion of cells, which positively affects the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.

What to give preference to: a homemade mask or a ready-made product

The impressive list of benefits of aloe vera will surely make you take a fresh look at this plant, modestly perched on the windowsill. Yes, all these treasures are hidden under a dense green skin. But before telling how to get them, we decided to give the floor to our experts.

Marina Kamanina, L’Oréal Paris expert, still does not recommend home cooking: “Firstly, it is impossible to accurately calculate how many active components are in the composition of aloe juice obtained at home, while its benefits depend on the concentration of these substances. For industrial production, plants grown in conditions that are most favorable for the accumulation of useful properties are used.

The extraction methods themselves are important. For industrial production, aloe is harvested on plantations specially created for this.”

Aloe face mask: choose – home recipes or ready-made products

If you still can’t wait to try your hand at being a cosmetics maker, do it this way.

  1. Cut off the bottom leaf of the aloe as close to the base as possible.

  2. Lower or place the leaf cut side down in a container to allow the yellow resin to drain.

  3. Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully cut off the green skin from one side of the leaf.

  4. Scoop out all the gel with a teaspoon.

  5. Use it immediately or put it in a sterile container and refrigerate. Do not store the gel for more than two days.

The finished moisturizing gel is right under the green peel.

Life hack. To keep the gel longer, mix it with 500mg of pure vitamin C (unflavored, of course). You will get a wonderful antioxidant cocktail. But with the same success, you will get it as part of finished cosmetics without any hassle.

Aloe for oily skin

Option 1: Aloe and Brown Sugar Scrub Mask

Act: deeply cleanses and tones oily skin, removes excess sebum and surface impurities, stimulates renewal processes, eliminates oily sheen, tightens pores.

Ingredients:

  1. 2 tablespoons of aloe gel;

  2. 1 tablespoon brown cane sugar.

How to cook:

  1. prepare fresh aloe gel;

  2. add a spoonful of sugar;

  3. stir until the crystals are completely dissolved.

How to use:

  1. wash your face thoroughly and wipe with a cotton pad with tonic;

  2. with clean hands, apply a thick layer of part of the mask;

  3. for 3-5 minutes, gently massage the skin in circular motions, scooping up the remaining mixture of aloe with sugar;

  4. leave the mask for 10 minutes;

  5. Rinse thoroughly with water at a comfortable temperature.

Option 2. Mask of tomato and aloe

Act: cleansing and moisturizing oily skin, eliminating oily sheen, saturating with antioxidants, narrowing pores, softening the skin and eliminating traces of post-acne.

Ingredients:

  1. 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel;

  2. small tomato;

  3. a teaspoon of natural yogurt (optional)

How to cook:

  1. prepare aloe gel;

  2. make tomato puree in a blender;

  3. mix all ingredients thoroughly.

How to use:

  1. Apply the mask to a thoroughly cleansed face, avoiding the area around the eyes;

  2. leave for 10-15 minutes;

  3. wash off with warm water.

Editorial opinion. Aloe is a very versatile plant in terms of skin benefits. But why make life difficult for yourself? The gel for washing, saturated with biologically active substances, is no less effective for intensive cleansing and matting of oily skin, as well as for moisturizing it. Manufacturers offer interesting combinations of active substances, tested for effectiveness and certified.

Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, SkinCeuticals — glycolic and phytic acids provide intensive cleansing and accelerate skin renewal. Aloe softens and moisturizes the skin.

Mineral pore-clearing clay mask, Vichy provides deep cleansing thanks to two types of clay. The softening and moisturizing duo of aloe and thermal water restores the hydrobalance of the skin.

Aloe for problem skin

Option 1. Aloe mask with mint

Act: tea tree oil gives the mask an antibacterial effect, cleanses the skin, tightens pores, moisturizes and tones, refreshes and cools.

Ingredients:

  1. 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel;

  2. a few mint leaves;

  3. a few drops of tea tree oil.

How to cook:

  1. extract the gel from the aloe leaf;

  2. mint leaves wash and chop;

  3. mix mint with gel;

  4. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the mixture and stir.

How to use:

  1. on previously cleansed skin, apply a mixture of gel and leaves, paying special attention to the area of ​​​​rashes and strictly avoiding the area around the eyes;

  2. you can apply the mixture on the shoulders and back, if there are also rashes there;

  3. leave for 10-15 minutes;

  4. wash off the mask with water at a comfortable temperature, apply a moisturizer;

  5. mint in the recipe can be replaced with basil, cilantro – any other greens.

The gel is easy to scrape off with a spoon directly from the sheet.

Option 2. Aloe mask with nutmeg

Act: improves complexion and evens out skin tone.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon of aloe gel;

  2. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg;

  3. 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.

How to cook:

  1. take ALOE GEL;

  2. thoroughly mix the nutmeg with the gel;

  3. add lemon juice, mix again.

How to use:

  1. on cleansed skin, apply a thin layer of the mask, avoiding the area around the eyes;

  2. leave the mask for 10-15 minutes;

  3. rinse with cool water.

Editorial opinion. It is clear that mint, aloe, nutmeg, lemon are components that can help the skin great. But, unfortunately, a home remedy is always a kind of lottery, because it is impossible to calculate the optimal ratio of components. Plus, the skin can give an allergic reaction to one or another ingredient. We offer you a mask without chopped leaves, but also with aloe.

Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque, Kiehl’s Amazonian White Clay Designed for oily and oily skin. Pores are cleansed with two types of clay, aloe extract softens the skin.

Aloe for dry skin

Option 1: Aloe Banana Mask for Dry Skin

Act: moisturizes the skin, nourishes it, eliminates peeling, evens out complexion, smoothes wrinkles.

Ingredients:

  1. 2 tablespoons of aloe gel;

  2. a small banana (or half a large one);

  3. 3 teaspoons of almond oil.

How to cook:

  1. take aloe leaf gel;

  2. mash the banana thoroughly with a fork;

  3. mix the ingredients until smooth;

  4. add almond oil;

  5. again, mix thoroughly.

How to use:

  1. on thoroughly cleansed skin, apply a thin layer of the resulting paste;

  2. leave for 15 minutes;

  3. rinse with water at a comfortable temperature – if the mask starts to dry out earlier, rinse it off without waiting for the end of the 15-minute period of time.

Option 2. Honey mask with aloe for dry skin

Act: moisturizes the skin, saturates it with nutrients, has a slight warming effect, improves complexion, smoothes wrinkles.

This mask is only suitable for those who are not allergic to honey! It makes sense to first test it on a small area of ​​​​skin.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon of aloe gel;

  2. 1 teaspoon of olive oil;

  3. 1 teaspoon honey.

How to cook:

  1. remove aloe gel;

  2. mix all ingredients thoroughly.

How to use:

  1. apply the mask on the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes;

  2. leave for 20 minutes;

  3. Rinse gently with warm water (comfortable temperature).

Editorial opinion. A mashed banana and a teaspoon of honey added to yogurt in combination with other fruits are more beneficial in smoothie form. If you regularly pamper yourself with such healthy delicacies, then the skin will feel better. As an alternative to homemade aloe vera masks for dry skin, try a toner—it’s a true all-rounder and a source of many benefits.
Micellar hyaluronic aloe water, Garnier easily removes impurities and moisturizes, including thanks to aloe.

Rejuvenating Aloe and Egg Mask

Act: moisturizes, nourishes the skin, makes it more elastic and elastic, smoothes wrinkles.

Ingredients:

  1. 2 tablespoons of aloe gel;

  2. 1 the egg.

How to cook:

  1. lightly beat the egg with a fork;

  2. add aloe gel;

  3. beat the mixture until smooth.

How to use:

  1. apply the mask on cleansed face and décolleté;

  2. leave for 15 minutes;

  3. rinse with water at a comfortable temperature.

Editorial opinion. If you are planning to use a chicken egg from a store, then it is rather naive to count on the effect. It won’t be as rich in amino acids, fats, and growth factors as a fresh rustic. And aloe in this form will not be able to provide a significant anti-aging effect. Unlike cosmetics with well-thought-out formulas and targeted molecules.

Anti-aging care for normal and combination skin Redermic C, La Roche-Posay contains a high dose of vitamin C combined with mannose. The product is enriched with many ingredients: regenerating madecassoside, desensitizing neurosensin, hyaluronic acid. In synergy, these components give a more visible and faster effect than home cosmetic experiments.

Moisturizing mask with aloe and aloe water

Since aloe vera is a “moisturizing genius” in itself, the mask from it does not require additional ingredients. It is prepared directly from the gel or diluted with mineral water and applied before makeup or before day cream as a serum.

The very consistency of aloe gel is conducive to cosmetic procedures.

Act: deep hydration of the skin, suitable for any type.

Ingredients:

  1. ½ teaspoon of aloe gel;

  2. mineral water (thermal).

How to cook:

  1. extract the gel from the aloe leaf;

  2. dilute the gel in a teaspoon of water;

  3. add another teaspoon of water and dilute again, bring the concentration to a ratio of 1:5.

How to use:

Wipe the cleansed skin of the face with the resulting liquid.

Editorial opinion. Despite the craving for creativity, look for cosmetic products for moisturizing with proven effectiveness. We would recommend products formulated for all skin types as a moisturizer.

Hyaluronic tissue aloe mask, Garnier – a sip of water for skin tired from home dryness. Convenient format. The fabric base is impregnated with a composition based on two of the most famous skin moisturizers: hyaluronic acid and aloe.

Aquafluid for dry and sensitive skin “Hydrating Genius”, L’Oréal Paris – hyaluronic acid combined with aloe provides a powerful moisturizing effect and forms the lightest texture. The product is instantly absorbed and not only moisturizes the skin, but also helps to increase its elasticity.

Aloe Cooling Mask

Thanks to its moisturizing, soothing, regenerating, cooling effect, aloe has been used for hundreds of years to treat burns – not the most severe, of course. There have even been talks about its ability to protect against ultraviolet radiation. But these assumptions were not confirmed. However, as a cooling natural component, aloe is quite common in after sun products. Here’s a do-it-yourself option.
Action: has a soothing and moisturizing effect.

Ingredients:

  1. a tablespoon of aloe gel;

  2. a tablespoon of natural yogurt or sour cream (optional).

How to cook:

  1. get ALOE LEAF GEL;

  2. mix with fresh yogurt or sour cream (you can skip this step and use only the gel).

How to use:

  1. apply to reddened, hot skin areas;

  2. carefully remove as soon as it starts to dry;

  3. repeat several times.

Editorial opinion. It is unlikely that a person who has gone too far with exposure to the sun will comfortably wait until a fresh gel is prepared. It is much more convenient to immediately use a ready-made cooling reducing agent. Most of them contain aloe extract.

Melting milk after sun, Garnier intensively moisturizes and soothes the skin, restoring its protective forces.

Rules and recommendations for use

Three important points to remember.

  1. If you do plan to make your own aloe gel, be sure to follow the instructions at the beginning of the article and let the yellow aloe resin drip off before applying it to your skin or peeling off the gel sheet.

  2. Remove the mask from your face as soon as it starts to dry. This applies to both homemade and finished masks.

  3. After any mask, it makes sense to wipe the skin with a tonic – to finally cleanse the skin, narrow pores and restore pH.

Safety measures

When dabbling in homemade masks, remember that unrefined natural ingredients are potential allergens. With a tendency to allergies, each new ingredient must be tested, for example, on the wrist and see if there will be a negative reaction.

Keep in mind that the words “natural” and “safe” are not synonymous at all.

Leave a Reply