Aloe vera help for your skin

One of the most versatile plants to use, aloe vera contains zinc, which has a healing effect on wounds and burns. It also helps in the healing of scar tissue. The plant has unique moisture retentive abilities. Aloe vera also softens dead skin cells and helps their removal, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. It is very effective for healing and has soothing effect on sunburns. Aloe vera has antioxidant properties as well, and boosts the skin’s cell renewal process. This helps delay the manifestation of ageing signs on the skin.

DIY ways to use it

SKIN

1. Aloe vera gel or juice may be applied on the face daily and then washed off with plain water after 20 minutes. It helps soften and moisturise the skin. In fact, if used regularly, it helps restore the skin’s youthful properties.

2. Aloe vera can also be added to face masks. Take one tablespoon oats or multani mitti, one teaspoon each orange peel powder and curd

and one tablespoon aloe vera gel. Mix together and apply on the skin, washing it off after 30 minutes. This pack will leave your skin soft and glowing. HAIR

1. Aloe vera can also be used on the hair to keep it healthy, smooth and soft. The gel may be applied on the hair and washed off with plain water after 20 minutes. It smoothens rough hair.

2. You can add aloe vera juice to hair packs. For a cleansing pack, take gram flour (besan), curd and one tablespoon aloe vera gel. Mix into a paste and apply on the hair.

3. For extremely dry, rough and brittle hair, mix well together: one egg, one tablespoon castor oil, the juice of a lemon and one tablespoon aloe vera gel or juice. Apply on the hair and wear a plastic shower cap. Wash the hair with a mild shampoo after half an hour. This pack will help add sheen to your hair, make it frizz-free and smooth. It will also improve the condition of hair damaged due to use of excessive styling products and chemicals.