Aloe vera has been a breakout star for TikTok’s beauty hack audience since the inception of face pops. This trending hack is also known as a homemade ice roller which uses aloe vera as a key ingredient to treat inflammation. Plus, face pops give your skin a glow.
A medicinal plant with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, aloe vera has been a staple in several different avenues of wellness for centuries, native only to the southeast Arabian Peninsula. It’s known for its thick, pointed, and fleshy green leaves. Each contains a slimy tissue that stores water-filled “gel,” containing beneficial bioactive compounds like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
If aloe vera isn’t already a part of your beauty routine, here are some ways it can serve you.
6 Aloe Vera Benefits For Women
Whether you’re massaging it into your scalp, smearing it on your face, or drinking it down, aloe vera offers countless benefits in many different ways. Some of these benefits include:
- Accelerates wound healing
- Clears acne and prevents wrinkles
- Reduces dental plaque
- Aids in digestion
- Improves scalp health
- Relieves psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema
Does Aloe Vera Help Acne?
Short answer: absolutely. Aloe Vera is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter skin products. Using pure aloe vera gel instead of a traditional cleanser can help prevent acne breakouts. If you want to treat existing acne or diminish scars, it’s recommended to apply aloe vera to any affected areas and leave it on overnight to do its magic.
While aloe vera on its own can do wonders, pairing it with lemon juice, tea tree oil, honey, or even coconut oil can heighten its acne-healing capabilities even more. Used in mists, masks, and scrubs, aloe vera’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can easily transform your skin.
And if you want to join in on the TikTok hype and add aloe vera ice rollers into your 12-step routine, here’s a quick DIY guide:
What You Need:
- Fresh aloe vera leaves or store-bought aloe vera gel
- Ice cube tray or silicone molds
- Knife
- Blender or food processor (if using fresh aloe vera leaves)
- Water (optional)
- Essential oils (optional)
What To Do:
Extract Aloe Vera Gel:
- If using fresh aloe vera leaves, cut the leaves from the plant.
- Trim off the serrated edges and the top layer of the leaf.
- Scoop out the gel using a spoon.
Blend the Gel:
- Place the aloe vera gel in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth. You can add a small amount of water if the gel is too thick.
Pour into Molds:
- Pour the blended aloe vera gel into an ice cube tray or silicone molds.
Freeze:
- Place the tray or molds in the freezer and let them freeze completely (about 4-6 hours or overnight).
Use:
- Once frozen, pop out an aloe vera ice cube and gently massage it over your face or any area needing soothing.
- You can wrap the ice cube in a thin cloth if it’s too cold to handle directly.
Remember to use your homemade aloe vera ice roller in the morning to help reduce puffiness and invigorate your skin!
Is Aloe Vera Good For Hair?
If you’re dealing with scalp issues, aloe vera can be the remedy you’ve long been awaiting. It’s known to calm any itchy scalps. In fact, seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes rashes on the scalp and leads to temporary hair loss, is typically treated with aloe vera, which underscores aloe vera’s potential for promoting hair growth.
It also strengthens and repairs hair strands, as its vitamins A, C, and E properties each contribute to cell turnover. If you find yourself struggling with oily hair, aloe vera can cleanse residue without stripping your strands of its integrity.
Can Pregnant Women Drink Aloe Vera?
Drinking aloe vera can aid in many different ways, from aiding in digestion to relieving constipation to lowering blood sugar. Deeply hydrating, it can also boost your immune system and provide the body with antioxidants.
While its potential benefits seem endless, many wonder if its safe to drink while pregnant— and the answer is no. Pregnant women should not drink aloe vera juice, as it may be toxic to the liver and increase the risk of miscarriage, early labor, or birth defects. Aloe vera juice may also lower blood glucose levels, which can be dangerous for women with gestational diabetes.
Aloe Vera Is A Timeless Wellness Hack
With proper precaution, aloe vera can be the holy grail your hair, skin and health have been yearning for. Try cutting up some aloe vera or buying a store-brand aloe vera gel and start your journey to flourishing.