20 Brilliant Ways To Use Aloe Vera Gel

Before we dive in, please, ALWAYS consult your physician before trying treatments with medicinal plants. This article is informational ideas and not meant as medical advice.

Beauty Benefits of Aloe Vera

After digging into all the beauty benefits of aloe, I’m thinking I might need a plant or two sitting on my vanity.

Aloe is an excellent partner when it appears to keep you looking your best. I mean come on; the old Egyptians didn’t name it “the plant of immortality” for nothing!

1. Natural Moisturizer

Aloe vera’s moisturizing advantages have been completely documented, so it’s no wonder to see it in various beauty products. Skip the combined chemicals and use it directly to your face and skin to heal and moisturize.

2. Gentle Makeup Primer

Aloe vera gives an economical and natural alternative to makeup primers, and it’s so fabulous gentler on your skin. If you want your makeup to remain beyond lunchtime, the solution is to apply a good primer on your face and eyes first. Use a light coat of aloe vera gel on your skin and allow it to dry before applying your makeup.

3. For Eyebrows

To maintain your eyebrows looking well-groomed, dab a clean spoolie brush into a light aloe vera gel. Sweep gently over your eyebrows to shape and keep them in place.

4. For Applying Glitter

Can we discuss the ’90s for a moment? Am I the single one that misses body glitter? Combine a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with as light or as much glitter as you like. Apply to your shoulders, cheeks, and hair for a hit of shimmer. (NEVER apply near your eyes.)

5. Natural Exfoliator

Combine a half cup of aloe vera gel with a half cup of brown sugar or coffee grounds for a moisturizing exfoliator. Rub gently over your body and rinse with warm water for soft and smooth skin.

6. Natural Makeup Remover

At the end of the day, use aloe vera gel as a natural makeup remover. Simply rub the gel over your face and wipe away with a tissue or cotton pad. Rinse your face with water.

7. Toothpaste Alternative

No joke, using aloe vera to clean your teeth has so many benefits.

According to this paper published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, in April 2015, Aloe Vera performed better at controlling the bacteria that cause cavities than commercial toothpaste.

Not only that, because it doesn’t contain the abrasives common to commercial toothpaste it’s gentler on your teeth. Give it a try if you have sensitive teeth.

According to the study, aloe also helped in healing several other oral maladies as well, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

8. Mouthwash

If you want to prevent bad breath, try this homemade aloe vera mouthwash recipe from Life Simply.

9. For Shaving

Aloe vera gel is great for shaving too. It makes your skin slick and prevents razor burn. You’ll have baby-soft skin after you shave. Once you’ve finished, be sure you rinse your razor thoroughly.

10. As A Hair Mask

Create a scalp-soothing hair mask with aloe vera gel. Massage it directly into the roots of your hair, working it into your scalp. Don’t forget to smooth some down your tresses. Let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing out with cool water.

11. Anti-Frizz Hair Treatment

During humid weather, rub a small dab of aloe between your fingertips and gently pat your hair to smooth flyaway and frizzy hair. A tiny bit should do the trick; too much can weigh your hair down or make it sticky.

12. For Acne & Pimples

Give acne the boot by applying aloe to zits. Salicylic acid is a well-documented acne treatment, and guess what’s naturally occurring in aloe vera? Yup, salicylic acid. Using aloe to treat acne is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin.

13. Natural Lubricant

Consider keeping an aloe plant on your bedside table, this plant also makes an excellent natural personal lubricant. Bet you didn’t know aloe would be good for your love life too.

Not bad for the plant you’ve been ignoring all this time, right?

Let’s check out what aloe can do for your health.

It bears repeating that you should ALWAYS consult your doctor before using aloe vera as a medical treatment.

As I said, the ancient Egyptians called aloe vera the plant of eternity and for a good reason. According to the study I cited earlier in the article, this plant has it all!

Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, it’s PACKED with vitamins and is one of the few vegetarian sources of B12.

Aloe even makes collagen, which is like the fountain of youth, keeping skin, joints, and bones young and strong.

Aloe vera contains nearly all of the amino acids our bodies need to stay healthy and includes several helpful enzymes, as well. It also has salicylic acid which is a pain reliever and helps fight acne.

The scientific community has taken notice of this plant wonder, and research has taken place concerning the health benefits of aloe vera. Some of which have found interesting results that beg for further studies.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

14. To Soothe Minor Burns

Okay, we all know that aloe vera is great when you’ve been out in the sun too long and are feeling rather lobster-ish. But did you know it’s excellent for minor burns as well? It’s anti-inflammatory and natural pain-relieving properties make it a great natural soothing choice to heal burns.

15. For Bug Bites

Those properties also make aloe vera a great natural option for bug bites. The itch is relieved, and the bite heals faster too. 

16. For Constipation

Aloe vera also contains a compound called anthraquinones in the latex, which can help with constipation. The next time you’re having a hard time, try adding a little aloe vera juice to your morning smoothies and see if it doesn’t help smooth out other things as well.

An important note: if too much is ingested at one time, the latex can cause severe gastric distress, and some studies have suggested that long-term use of the latex can cause intestinal cancer. Please consult your doctor when considering aloe vera to treat constipation.

17. To Ease (Or Prevent) A Hangover

If you had one too many cocktails at the party last night, consider sipping some aloe vera juice or throwing some gel in your smoothie. This plant is packed with water and nutrients, which can help you feel better after your night of overindulgence.

Some folk medicine traditions even insist that drinking aloe vera juice before you consume alcohol can prevent a hangover. I don’t know whether it’s true, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. At the very least you’ll be well hydrated at the party!

18. For Bloating

Speaking of overdoing it; the next time you’ve overeaten and your stomach isn’t happy about that third slice of pizza with extra green peppers, try sipping some aloe vera juice. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties and natural enzymes can soothe your tummy troubles.

19. For Canker Sores

According to a study conducted at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, aloe vera gel applied to a canker sore sped up the healing time. Aloe vera was also shown to relieve some of the pain associated with these awful mouth sores, based on another study published in the Dental Research Journal.

20. For Diabetes (More Research Needed!)

Natural medicine practitioners have long been advocates for the use of aloe vera in treating diabetes. It appears that science is taking notice too.

A promising study involving aloe vera and blood sugar levels was published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders. The study found that fasting blood glucose levels in pre-diabetic subjects were much improved after four weeks. Ultimately, the scientists concluded that more research was needed.

The study results reveal promising news as the number of people with type 2 diabetes grows daily.