Using Fresh Aloe Vera on Your Skin

How to Use Fresh Aloe on Your Skin

We’ve all heard about aloe vera, but did you know that this humble green succulent — which many of us have growing in our backyards — has been used in skincare for thousands of years?

Ancient Egyptians called it the plant of immortality! and used it to heal wounds and keep the skin soft and supple. In ancient Greece and Rome, physicians used aloe to treat burns and various skin conditions. It’s one of those rare plants that has truly stood the test of time.

Here at Flowerdale Valley, we use aloe vera in two of our moisturisers, the Rosehip and Shea Gentle Face Moisturiser and the Shea Butter Lavender and Orange Hand and Body Moisturiser. Both are gentle, nourishing choices for everyday use and draw on the soothing power of aloe to hydrate and comfort the skin naturally.

So what makes aloe vera so special, and why do beauty brands, both natural and conventional — use it so often in their formulations?

What’s in Aloe Vera that Makes it So Beneficial?

Inside each thick green leaf is a clear gel-like pulp that’s packed with over 75 active compounds. These include vitamins A, C and E,  all powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage and promote a healthy, radiant look. Aloe also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium, which support skin repair and overall vitality.

The gel is rich in enzymes and amino acids that help to gently remove dead skin cells, making the complexion appear fresher and smoother. It’s also full of polysaccharides,  natural sugars that help bind moisture to the skin. This is one of the main reasons aloe feels so hydrating and cooling when applied.

Aloe’s natural anti-inflammatory properties come from compounds called gibberellins and polysaccharides, which can calm redness and irritation. This makes it ideal for sensitive, stressed or sun-exposed skin.

How to Use Fresh Aloe Vera Directly on the Skin

If you have a mature aloe plant at home, you can easily use it fresh on your skin. Here’s how to do it

Step 1: Cut one of the larger, mature leaves close to the base of the plant.

Step 2: Stand the leaf upright in a mug or glass for around ten minutes to let the yellow sap drain out. This step is important because the sap, called aloe latex,  can be irritating. It’s easy to recognise because it’s bright yellow. Even if your skin usually tolerates most things, aloe latex can cause redness or a burning sensation, so it’s best to let it drain completely and then wipe the cut end clean.

Step 3: Slice the leaf lengthwise to reveal the clear inner gel or pulp. You can use this gel directly on bare skin. It feels cool and soothing and is particularly lovely on the face, neck and backs of the hands.

Used regularly, fresh aloe gel can help calm acne-prone skin, soothe sun or wind burn, reduce irritation, and even help fade the look of sunspots and pigmentation over time.

For the best results, follow with an occlusive layer such as a light facial oil, balm or moisturiser. Because aloe is mostly water, it will evaporate quickly if left on its own. Sealing it in with a little moisture helps the skin absorb and retain its benefits for longer.

Aloe in Everyday Skincare

Even if you don’t have a plant handy, you can still enjoy the benefits of aloe through skincare products. In our Rosehip and Shea Gentle Face Moisturiser and Shea Butter Lavender and Orange Hand and Body Moisturiser, aloe works alongside nourishing oils and butters to soothe, soften and hydrate without feeling heavy. It’s one of those ingredients that simply makes the skin feel comforted and cared for.

Aloe vera has earned its reputation for a reason. Whether you’re using it straight from the plant or as part of your daily moisturising routine, it’s a beautiful reminder that some of the best skincare ingredients truly do grow right in our own gardens.