Aloe vera to get back that natural glow

Magical effects

Summers are a time when one’s skin reacts adversely to even the mildest of chemicals that skin creams are replete of. While the markets are flush with a large number of beauty products that claim to ensure our skin retains its charm and glow, most of them come with their respective side effects.

But despite the searing weather, the blessing in disguise is the magical plant aloe vera, which has over the years been proved its credentials as a one-stop-remedy for all kinds of skin and health problems.

While the gel can be applied on all parts of the body, the succulent plant can be directly eaten or mixed with any other food or drinking item for added health benefits.

Twenty one-year-old Amandeep Saluja shares her experiences of times when cosmetics were a complete no-no for her and home concoctions for face, skin and hair were the order of the day. “Up until 20, I never used a single beauty product on my skin. I grew up in a household where there was a home remedy for the slightest of scars and zits,” she tells Metrolife.

One recalls the beauty of those times when creams, sunscreens and medicines held no significance and curing ailments was an easy to do home task. “My grandmother left no stone unturned when it came to the benefits of Aloe vera. She used to peel the stem and make me eat it and I used to apply the remaining gel as a face mask. I have been repeating this routine for almost three years now and my skin has definitely responded positively,” says Saluja.

Apart from these on surface benefits, Aloe vera gel has a lot of medicinal properties which makes it a universal product.

Dr Sheilly Kapoor, senior dermatology consultant at Medanta says, “Aloe vera gel widely serves four purposes, it is anti-inflammatory and prevents redness, it has a lot of skin healing properties, it is an excellent moisturiser that hydrates skin and it is a soothing cooling agent, thus ideal for summers.”

While sunburns, heat rashes and prickly heat are the common skin problems that are caused in summers, Aloe vera gel is helpful to relieve all of the above.

“It can be easily incorporated in gel-based preparations, which makes it more user-friendly. A present day hot trend, Aloe vera gel is a complete moisturiser and is highly recommend for those who have oily skins,” Dr Kapoor tells Metrolife.

Every second household has an Aloe vera plant in their gardens. As the young Saluja says, “It is supposed to be our ‘brahmastra’. I love applying it on my body but it tastes way too bitter. I like it better when mixed in a juice or shake, and it works miracles within.”

The regular users are well aware of the remarkable skin glow and the smoothness of hair that the gel imparts. Are you? Incorporate the miraculous gel in your life and feel the difference!