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Exfoliation is key to healthy and flawless skin. Regular exfoliation not only keeps the skin free from dirt and dead skin cells but also prevents several other issues like dark spots, acne, irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. Though you can opt for a store-bought product for exfoliating your skin, choosing natural ingredients like aloe vera is always a better idea for both its safety and health. According to the International Journal of Research and Medical Sciences, the clear gel content of the succulent plant is a combination of 99% water and almost 75 potentially active ingredients that can improve the skin texture by eliminating dead cells from it. When used in conjunction with other skin-friendly ingredients, it becomes even more effective. So, here are 7 most beneficial DIY aloe vera scrub recipes that you can try at home:
Benefits of Applying Aloe Vera Gel to Skin
Loaded with vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants, aloe vera works as a wonder element for our skin. Pure and fresh aloe vera gel has numerous beauty benefits, which make it a staple in many people’s skincare routines. Regular use of aloe vera can keep signs of aging at bay. The enzymes in the ingredient turn it into a strong natural exfoliator. It makes dry and damaged skin healthier by keeping it nourished and sufficiently moisturized. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help in soothing irritated, inflamed and sunburnt skin. It also treats breakouts and surface acne effectively. (1)
Why Use Aloe Vera for Exfoliation?
Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which helps in sloughing dead cells off the skin gently. Conversely, being a substance with high water content, it hydrates the skin deeply without causing greasiness and locks moisture into it. Moreover, the lignin present in it helps other skin-friendly ingredients penetrate deep into the skin after the application. Hence, exfoliating the skin with DIY aloe vera scrub is recommended by dermatologists for naturally healthy and glowing skin. (2)
How to Prepare Aloe Vera Gel at Home?
These days, several brands come up with packaged aloe vera gel for beauty uses. But they are not considered as 100% pure due to the presence of preservatives and/or other components. The best way to get pure and fresh aloe vera gel is to prepare it at home. Take a fresh leaf of aloe vera plant, cut it open carefully, and scoop the transparent gel-like substance out. This can be applied to the skin directly or combined with other skin-friendly ingredients to treat various skin issues.
Aloe vera juice or drinks contain freshly extracted aloe vera gel, which nourishes and repairs the skin internally. Regular intake of it can prevent aging by supporting the structure of collagen in the skin.
7 DIY Aloe Vera Scrub Recipes for a Flawless Skin
1. Aloe Vera and Baking Soda Scrub
When it comes to cleansing or clarifying, no other natural ingredient works as good as baking soda. Combining it with aloe vera can make the effects of exfoliation even stronger. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel thoroughly and prepare a smooth paste with no lump. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and that’s all! This soothing scrub is suitable for both dry and oily skin and can be used on the whole body.
Read Also – Our Pick of the Best Aloe Vera Gels Available in India
2. Aloe Vera and Aspirin Scrub
Uncoated or lightly coated aspirin tablets are quite good to use with aloe vera for treating acne, breakouts, and blemishes. It not only reduces redness and bumpiness caused due to inflammation but also heals infections to some extent. Put 2-3 tablets in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of distilled water to it so that the tablets absorb water and turn puffy. Mash the softened aspirins with a spoon to make a paste. Add some aloe gel to it and blend well. Your scrub is ready to use.
3. Aloe Vera, Lemon, and Sugar Scrub
If you have a super oily skin that is full of pimples, blackheads, spots, and shine, you need this simple aloe vera scrub right now. Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of white sugar to it, and keep stirring until 80% of the sugar melts down. Squeeze the juice of a small lemon into it and mix everything well with a spoon. This is perfect for using on the face as well as the body.
Read Also – Get Glowing with 5 Super Effective Aloe Vera Face Packs
4. Aloe Vera, Lemon, and Sea Salt Scrub
This recipe is almost similar to the previous one. Just like white sugar, sea salt also works as a natural exfoliating agent. Take 3 tablespoons of aloe gel in a bowl and squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon into it. Blend well to form a uniform mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt to it and give a gentle mix. Make sure that the sea salt is not dissolved completely. Frequent use of this aloe scrub will make your skin smoother, softer, and more refreshed.
5. Aloe Vera, Olive Oil, and Brown Sugar Scrub
While adding lemon to an aloe scrub is good for oily skin, women with super dry skin should replace it with the extra virgin olive oil (coconut oil/jojoba oil/sweet almond oil, etc. will also do). Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl and mix 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with it. Add (1/4) cup of brown sugar to this mixture and stir with a fork to come up with an almost smooth paste. This will exfoliate your skin deeply, nourish it from inside, and keep it hydrated for a long time.
6. Aloe Vera, Honey, and Sea Salt Scrub
A combination of aloe vera and honey is amazing to treat dry, dull skin that needs to be invigorated. Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl, add (1/4) cup of sea salt to it, and mix with a spoon to prepare a paste of uneven consistency. Pour 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey into it and blend well. This scrub provides intensive moisturization while exfoliating the skin surface and promoting cell renewal.
7. Aloe Vera, Almond Oil, and Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal is one of the best natural exfoliators that can give us flawless skin with awesome radiance. In a mixing bowl, blend 2 tablespoons of oatmeal powder with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Once you get a smooth mixture, pour 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil into it and mix nicely. This DIY scrub suits all types of skin including the sensitive and inflamed ones.
Read Also – Discover Healing Properties of Aloe Vera
Do not exfoliate your skin too much. This will turn your skin too dry or too oily. Exfoliating twice or thrice a week is enough to get rid of the dead cell layer from the surface of the skin.
Application Of DIY Aloe Vera Scrub
While applying the homemade DIY aloe vera scrub, keep the following points in mind:
- Dampen your skin with lukewarm water first so that it becomes easier for the scrub mixture to penetrate the clogged pores and dead cell layers effectively.
- Massage your face with the scrub mixture in an upward direction by following a small circular motion.
- Be as gentle as possible during scrubbing and focus on the oiliest areas including nose, chin, etc.
- Let the mixture sit on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes after massage.
- Splash cold water to face to wash the scrub out.
- Moisturize your skin with a good, irritant-free moisturizer once you are done.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Aloe Scrub Good for Sensitive Skin?
Aloe is a natural ingredient that works without clogging our skin pores with oils. It also exfoliates the skin without making it irritated or dry. Hence, it is very effective for sensitive skin.
Can I Use Aloe Vera Scrub for Body?
Aloe vera is a versatile ingredient, which is suitable for application on any part of the body. So, you can use it for exfoliating your entire skin naturally.
Can It Help Get Rid of My Wrinkles?
Nothing can reverse your skin from the impact of aging. Not even aloe vera. However, it reduces the appearance of signs of aging by preventing the wrinkles and fine lines from getting deeper.
Is Aloe Vera Good for Hair?
The nourishing and hydrating properties of aloe vera are great for our hair too. Rubbing it into the scalp can keep issues like dryness, itchiness, dandruff, etc. at bay. Massaging aloe vera into hair can also make it healthy and manageable.
References:
- “Using Aloe Vera has Multiple Benefits“, BCM.edu
- “8 Reasons Dermatologists Want You to Rub Aloe Vera Gel on Your Face“, Prevention.com
