This nutritious oil is used to handle many skin and hair issues (1). It is also known for its wound healing properties, and it can effectively manage mosquito bites. Want to know more about aloe vera oil and how is it prepared? Scroll down to learn more!
The Origin Of Aloe Vera Oil
Since the early 1800s, aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is used to treat chronic skin diseases, bruises, burns, wounds, and even constipation. These properties are attributed to the succulent leaves of aloe vera (1). Their yellow sap and green skin contains anthraquinones, glycosides, carbohydrates, and proteins. These two portions are commonly blended with mineral oil, milk, wine, water, and honey for medical applications (1), (2). When you combine aloe extracts with oil, you get aloe vera oil. You could use mineral oil, soybean oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil – any carrier oil of your choice – to obtain this infusion. You need to macerate aloe pieces/pulp in the carrier oil and let it steep/boil for a while.
How Does It Help Your Body?
Due to the extraction steps, aloe vera oil is rich in phytochemicals. This oil has potent anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antimicrobial effects (3). This oil contains growth-stimulating compounds, like glucomannans. They stimulate the synthesis of collagen and other factors involved in skin repair and hair growth. Since aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals, its oil may also rejuvenate your skin and hair cells (1), (4). Go through the following section to know how aloe vera oil can benefit you.
What Are The Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Oil?
Aloe vera oil moisturizes and protects your skin. It may boost hair growth and nourish dry and flaky scalp if used regularly. You can use this oil as the following.
1. Skin-lightening Agent
Aloe vera plant contains aloesin, a compound that impacts your skin tone. Aloesin interferes in the production of melanin. It blocks the production of melanin to lighten the skin color (5). UV rays also induce dark spots and pigmentation. Topical application of an aloesin-rich preparation may cause a visible reduction in the intensity of the spots (5). Combining extra virgin coconut oil with aloe vera extracts showed 5-100% skin-lightening intensity. This aloe vera oil preparation did not show rancidity, undesirable oxidation, or unpleasant odor when used with turmeric (6).
2. Moisturizer And Mosquito Repellent
A mixture of aloe vera gel and olive oil can be used as a topical mosquito repellent. A study was carried out to observe the effect of aloe-olive oil in preventing mosquito bites. The volunteers who applied this oil on naked skin reported fewer mosquito bites as compared to their counterparts. They had smoother skin than earlier (4). Depending on your sensitivity to aloe vera gel and olive oil, you can mix different proportions of these components. Using this oil could protect you from malaria, dengue, and parasitic diseases as well as nourish your skin (4). This study reported mild irritation/sensitivity in subjects that used aloe oil with higher aloe vera gel proportion (4).
3. Anti-acne Agent
A study found that a combination of aloe vera and ocimum oil could help reduce acne lesions. Aloe had a synergistic effect on the anti-acne properties of Ocimum gratissimum oil (7). Applying the mixture for for 2-5 days reduced acne lesions by 50%. The antibacterial activity of aloe gel helps treat chronic and highly inflamed cases as well (7). Using aloe oil made from tea tree oil and aloe vera gel can heal acne. Tea tree oil decreases sebum secretion and suppresses the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Combining it with aloe vera gel increases its anti-acne activity (8). The components of this gel, including mannose-6-phosphate, reduce erythema (red bumps) and inflammatory scars in the subjects. This combination also caused rapid tissue restoration and opening of clogged pores in affected areas (7), (8).
4. Hair Growth Booster
Aloe vera is one of the popular home remedies for hair loss and repair. Its pulp, leaves, and oil are commonly used on dry scalp, damaged hair ends, and colored hair (9). You can boil the leaves and apply the cooled liquid to your hair. Massaging aloe gel/extracts with oils (olive, coconut, wheat germ, sesame, avocado, almond, fish, and castor) into your scalp will also give good results (10). It helps in maintaining the pH balance of the scalp too. Aloe gel oils stimulate the growth of well-moisturized, rejuvenated, and dandruff-free hair (10).
5. Hydrating And Anti-aging Solution
Dry skin makes wrinkles and fine lines more visible. Lack of moisture in the layers of your skin results in flaky skin with shrunken pores (11). This worsens the sensitivity of your skin and may even lead to psoriasis. Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharides that trap/bind moisture in your skin. Applying aloe vera gel-based cream/lotion/oil improves the integrity of sensitive and dry skin (1). It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, making your skin more elastic, plump, softer, and younger (1).
6. Stretch-mark Healer
Stretch marks or striae are long scars with underlying thinning of the skin. Pregnancy, rapid weight change, weightlifting, and continuous stretching of the skin commonly cause them. Striae can cause psychological and sexual problems (12), (13). There is no definite strategy/drug regimen to treat them. Applying steroid-based creams can be a temporary and risky solution. However, aloe vera gel with carrier oils is considered in alternative medicine (12). Sweet almond oil-aloe vera gel creams control the itching and redness of stretch marks. Applying them topically can also prevent striae from spreading across the abdomen, especially in women who are not pregnant (13). Now that you are aware of its benefits, don’t you want to give aloe vera oil a shot? What if you could make it on your own? Yes! You can make a crude preparation of this oil at home. Get the recipe below.
How To Make Aloe Vera Oil At Home
Before you start, let’s get this straight. Aloe vera oil will not be a clear, viscous liquid (like other oils). It will be slurry of aloe pulp that is partially dissolved in oil.
Aloe vera leaves Virgin coconut oil or any carrier oil of your choice (mustard seed, sesame, castor, olive, or almond oil) Knife A medium-sized mixing bowl Saucepan/deep vessel (to boil contents)
You can use this on your face, skin, and hair by adding it to packs and masks. However, do a patch test to ensure that you are not sensitive/allergic to the preparation. Which is better for the face: aloe vera or coconut oil? Both have their own benefits for the skin. While aloe vera helps moisturize the skin, soothe sunburns, and lighten blemishes, coconut oil helps keep the skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, and help heal damaged skin. How long does aloe oil last? It can last for about 8-10 months without getting spoiled.
