At Augustinus Bader, we combine cutting-edge skincare technology with potent botanicals for products that deliver the best results. And aloe vera is one of the most powerful skincare botanicals you’ll want to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Aloe vera skincare products have many properties that support healthy-looking skin. You’ve probably used an aloe vera gel to soothe a sunburn sometime during your life, but that’s just part of what this botanical can do for your skin. Learn more about when to use aloe vera in your skincare routine.
What Is Aloe Vera?
The aloe vera plant has been used medicinally—mainly for burns and wounds—for centuries in countries including China, Mexico, Egypt, and Greece. It’s a succulent plant, so it thrives in dry climates and doesn’t need much water to grow.
The source of aloe vera’s power lies in its leaves. An aloe vera leaf has three layers: the outer, protective encasement, a latex-filled middle layer, and the all-important core. The core’s clear, gel substance, also called the mucilage, is about 98% to 99% water. The remainder of the mucilage consists of ingredients that make aloe vera a skincare essential.
What Is the Active Ingredient in Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a treasure trove of botanical actives. Among the 75 compounds found within the plant are:
- Vitamins including A, C, E, B12, and B9 (folic acid)
- Enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, bradykinase, cellulase, and lipase
- Minerals including magnesium, selenium, copper, potassium, and zinc
- Sugars
- Fatty acids
- Amino acids
- Hormones
- Anthraquinones, compounds with antibacterial and antiviral properties
Is Aloe Vera Good for Your Face?
Bioactive skincare with aloe vera is very beneficial for your complexion. Use aloe vera in skincare:
- As an anti-inflammatory to calm and soothe redness in irritated or sensitive skin.
- To guard against free radical damage (such as fines lines or loss of elasticity) with the antioxidant power of actives including vitamins C and E. Aloe vera can be especially protective when it comes to UV exposure.
- As an antibacterial agent to help prevent breakouts.
- To support a healthy skin barrier by attracting moisture and locking it in for a softer, smoother complexion.
- As a gentle astringent to help reduce the appearance of large pores.
Does Aloe Vera Have Hyaluronic Acid?
A 2020 study from Australia found that the outer layer, or rind, of the aloe vera leaf had high potential for hyaluronic acid content. A different study indicated that compounds in aloe vera known as sterols could increase the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, as well as collagen.
It’s worth noting, however, that subjects in that study took aloe vera powder orally instead of using a topical application. Both hyaluronic acid and aloe vera are ideal for hydrating skin and supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Does Aloe Vera Build Collagen?
As mentioned, aloe vera sterols can help support production of collagen, the building blocks of firm, supple skin. Researchers also suggest that aloe vera triggers a type of cell, called a fibroblast, involved in collagen production. Encouraging collagen formation in your skin helps your complexion look firm and lifted, with better bounceback.
When to Use Aloe Vera Gel in Your Skincare Routine
Aloe vera gel is typically used to treat burns, such as sunburns, as well as cuts, scrapes and some conditions such as eczema. When using aloe vera gel, look for a product that is as pure as possible and free from additives such as alcohol, which can dry the skin.
You can also use aloe vera in other forms aside from gels. Aloe vera skincare products typically feature it as a key botanical active in both face and body products. Here are some products to use if you want to develop an aloe vera skincare routine:
● The Cream Cleansing Gel: This lightweight cleanser washes away impurities and, with the help of aloe vera leaf juice, hydrates and calms stressed skin. Your complexion looks refreshed, with an improved appearance of tone and texture.
● The Cream: Vitamins, aloe vera, and other plant-based ingredients nourish and condition skin in this moisturizer that’s ideal for everyday use. The Cream can transform the appearance of your skin by reducing the look of lines and dark spots, supporting the moisture barrier, encouraging collagen production, and hydrating skin for a more luminous complexion.
● The Body Lotion: Aloe vera leaf juice soothes and protects skin from environmental irritants, while also hydrating for an all-over glow. This lotion also helps prevent transepidermal water loss so your skin looks smooth, soft, and toned.
These products complement the effectiveness of aloe vera with advanced skincare technology. TFC8® is our proprietary formulation of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized molecules. Backed by more than 30 years of scientific research and clinically tested, TFC8® supports skin renewal, improving the appearance of lines, redness, dark spots, and more.
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