DIY Beauty: Aloe Vera for deep cleansing
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
My mum used to have numerous pots of Aloe Vera in her garden when I was younger. She would cut up the leaves of the bigger plants and make juice out of them to drink. I never drank them because I found the juice yucky. In fact, I consider the gel of Aloe Vera yucky too because of the slimy feel. However, I do know the goodness of Aloe Vera for both its health and beauty benefits and used the gel quite a bit as a teenager to apply on my wounds and burns although I’ve never resorted to using it for my pimples before.
Great for rejuvenating cellular development
The reason why Aloe Vera is great for healing is because the extracts contain many active components including vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and enzymes. The gel does not only heal, but provides soothing, antibacterial and some moisturizing properties as well and hence, is widely used in cosmetics and skin preparations.
Dries up skin rashes and promotes faster healing
Anyway, I bought a large Aloe Vera leaf from the supermarket recently because I thought I could use the juice to apply on my son’s rashes. Although his rashes didn’t heal immediately, the fresh juice applied on his skin helped to relieve the itching and scabs formed quite quickly afterwards. Since it was a large leaf, I thought I could try it on my skin as well though I dislike the smell.
Drying when applied directly on the skin
The first thing I did was to apply the cut Aloe Vera flesh directly on my skin as a sort of mask after washing my face clean. I left it on for about 10 minutes before rinising off. My skin felt rather tight as the juice dried on my face; a feeling I don’t really like very much though it left my skin soft and supple afterwards.
Aloe Vera Rhassoul Clay Mask
Subsequently, I experimented by squeezing out the juice of the Aloe Vera flesh using a sieve cloth and using that as a base for my Rhassoul clay in place of distill water. I used about 1.5 teaspoon of the juice, added one teaspoon of Rhassoul clay along with 2 drops of Jojoba oil to blend into a paste which I then applied to my face and left for 10 minutes before rinising off with warm water. The result was great! My skin was not only soft, I didn’t feel any tightness at all!
Great as a base for DIY clay masks
So now I find that Aloe Vera juice or gel is great as a base for DIY clay masks because of its soothing, cleansing and balancing properties. If I am not wrong, it also has the added ability of closing pores, though I’m uncertain if there are long term permanent effects. Instead of Rhassoul clay, you can also use it with other forms of clays like Kaolin or French Green clay if you like. Basically, just use it in place of water. However, a word of caution is that Aloe Vera juice or gel when used generously isn’t very moisturizing and can be drying. Hence, always apply some drops of carrier oil to neutralize the drying effects.
Use only the clear inside fresh of Aloe Vera
Oh, before I forget – do be careful if you’re using fresh Aloe Vera juice by removing all the skin and any yellow substance around it to avoid any irritations to your skin. Use only the clear inside flesh.
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February 3rd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
i am a big fan of aloe vera! my mom planted a lot of them in the house, and she will boil them with ‘luo han guo’, and i use them as mask too!
Prettybeautiful: Hey, how do you use them as your mask? Do you mix with anything else or just apply straight on?
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February 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Aloe plants are quite easy to grow. Be sure to use large, mature leaves – smaller ones don’t have the soothing properties.
I refused to drink that juice, too – bad smell AND taste!
Soos: I’ve been thinking of growing them. Maybe I should. I don’t know what happened to my mum’s. She used to have so many and then I think she threw them away. Yep, I second that about the smell. Eeeew…
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February 3rd, 2009 at 11:06 pm
hi there, i’ve been reading your blog for a couple of weeks now. i really appreciate your holistic yet practical approach to beauty, and picked up a few great tips! thanks!
just wanted to share a tip too: my mom applies aloe vera juice to her face and body after a shower. you’re right that it makes skin feel tight, but the trick is to apply your moisturizer almost immediately afterwards. it sort of locks in the aloe vera’s fantastic properties, while avoiding the stretched-skin feeling. she’s been doing this for a few years, and while she’s in her mid-fifties, her skin is amazingly supple!
Sofia: Hey thanks for the useful tip! I’ve been thinking if I should apply a moisturizer on top of the aloe vera actually. I did it when I used the aloe vera for spot treatment. Now that you’ve wrote this, I’m going to try using moisturizer on top after applying aloe to my whole face and see if I like the feel…
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February 3rd, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Aloe vera is one of the miracle plants that shows up in all sorts of products. Thank you for this very informative post!
Alison: Thanks for your comments…yes, and I just found out that Aloe Vera can pentrate 7 layers of our skin!
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February 4th, 2009 at 8:51 am
i usually just apply them straight on. the tight feeling yes, but it works pretty well
btw, after reading so much about carrier oil/essential oil on yr blog, i so feel like getting some essential oil to use in my mask too. but i have no idea where to start/which to get. any advices for me? thanks 
Prettybeautiful: I can’t recommend essential oil cos I only use it sparingly for the scent. For carrier oil, maybe you can try grapeseed oil. It’s great antioxidant and not greasy. But it also depends on your skin concerns.
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February 4th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Hi, I wonder if the aloe vera gel works. I tried Jarubi one which is sold in Watsons as a moisturiser. Doesn’t seem to do much for me.
pf1123: The fresh ones or 100% pure ones work best. But the extent of it depends on individual really.
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February 4th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Great post! My daughter just developed a small rash on her back and her neck area. I’m going to give this a try.
Jessica: Aloe is good but can be drying. Another product you can try is pure Shea butter. It relieves almost immediately and is not drying.
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February 4th, 2009 at 11:41 am
My mum used aloe vera paste on my wound when I was a kid, and I used the paste as a mask as well. I do agreed aloe vera pure juice is too yucky to drink! Never want to drink again.
BT: Even those commercial drinks don’t appeal to me…
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February 4th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I love aloe vera gel, its good for skin as well as hair.
Leon: How do you use on your hair? As a conditioner?
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February 4th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I mix it with my hair mask and apply, it reduces hair fall and makes ur hair healthy and strong.
Leon: I see…
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February 6th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I read on the Internet that Aloe Vera is very good for acne treatment. First, I did not pay any attention, being sick and tired of various treatments against acne. But once I came across an Aloe Plant at the office and decided to take one and try it on my skin. At home I apllied it to my facial skin. I didn’t even notice how I started to use it regularly. Now I assure you, my acne problem is already a forgotten nightmare.
BB: I read that it’s great for acne. Glad that it worked for you!
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February 7th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
[...] Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks. [...]
February 8th, 2009 at 7:15 am
[...] Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks. [...]
February 8th, 2009 at 7:35 am
[...] Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks. [...]
February 8th, 2009 at 7:40 am
[...] Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks. [...]
February 9th, 2009 at 12:10 am
[...] Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks. [...]
February 9th, 2009 at 8:55 am
[...] Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks. [...]
February 11th, 2009 at 2:20 am
I wonder if the Aloe Vera juice would work just as well. Either way, its a fabulous idea to use Aloe as a base with my clay mask.
Thanks for sharing.
n_vizion: As long as the juice can be used on the face, you should have no problem using it with your mask.
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February 25th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Hi there. I have an ingrown hair that has turned into a ugly black bump. I am always ttrying to peep it off. Can aloe vera help me. My facial hair is curly. Thanks
Maurice: The aloe vera may help to soothe the patch but I don’t know how much help cos your problem is more the hair causing the black bump. Have you seen a dermatologist for the problem?
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March 24th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Aloe Vera has been wonderful for my skin for a long time. I’ll check out those supplements you recommended.
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April 6th, 2009 at 12:13 am
[...] Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks. [...]
April 14th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I have aloe vera growing in 5 pots in my flat. I use it as a face cleanser, mix it with my home made scrubs, mix it with some products that I pick up from the shops….i use aloe vera all the time. I have the Egyptian version of the plant, the result is that its stems are very thick and I get a LOT of juice and content.
I have also noticed that Body Essentials uses aloe vera as one of the bases in all their products, whether its a cleanser, toner, scrub, mask or serum. Bought their products over the weekend at Takashimaya, I am extremely happy with the results on my skin and body!
LV: Yeah, I love Aloe…but I can’t seem to grow them too well.
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April 17th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
hi, i’m using pure aloe vera, but i am also feeling it is not enough to moisture my skin. I have acne on my face and feel it is helping the problem but i need a moisturiser to use with it. i was thinking camellia oil, but i am quite scared as i dont want to irritate my skin. Any advice would be appreciated.
thanx
Sole: What is your skin type? Pure aloe is good in so far as healing blemishes but I agree it’s not moisturizing enough. Camellia oil shouldn’t irritate but my favorite oil for the moment is grapeseed oil. It is quite light and good enough for me to use under my sunscreen. I have combination skin and occasional acne problems. The other one I would recommend is evening primrose oil. This is good for reducing inflammation caused by acne and is best for mature dry skin.
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April 21st, 2009 at 9:33 am
hi i went to see a nitritionist and he told me not to use evening primrose on my skin as it can clog my pores so i am not sure what to use as i still have active acne, and am not using any type of moisturiser. thanx
sole: I haven’t had problems with EPO clogging skin…even emu oil is fine too. It really depends on the molecules of those oil. If they’re not fine, then yes, clogging is an issue but otherwise, your skin would be able to absorb them. If you are not sure what to use yourself, then you might want to see a dermatologist to help clear up your acne first.
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May 4th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Jojoba oil is a good oil to use on skin. It’s molecular structure is close to our natural oil.
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May 19th, 2009 at 11:11 am
i read on the internet that aloe vera is good for treating hair loss..how to apply fresh aloe vera on my hair..
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sesame Reply:
May 19th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
On the scalp I believe…but it’ll make your hair pretty messy so maybe you can use it like a mask for 20 – 30 mins and then wash off.
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August 9th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
There are aloe vera juice (for drinking ones like 99.4%).. do you know if those can be applied on the face or not?? Cos I have been thinking of trying those out, as most aloe vera gels (for skin applications) out there are only 97% with preservatives which I feel not so comfortable with. What do you think?
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sesame Reply:
August 9th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Those juice are sweetened aren’t they? I don’t think they’re that suitable for topical application. You can get 100% aloe vera gel like from Garden of Wisdom or Mountain Herbs. Another alternative is to get it direct from the plant.
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August 9th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Hi Sesame,
Thanks for the quick reply. I don’t think they are sweetened, and personally think that they taste quite digusting I used to drink them for my digestive health. I have one other question tho… those 100% onces that you recommended, since they don’t have preservatives, do you need to put them in the fridge? Do you use those brands? Or do you have an Aloe plant now? Thanks.
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sesame Reply:
August 9th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Oh I see…the one you’re referring to is quite pure then. Maybe you want to try on a small area first to check if they’re safe. Those 100% ones need to go into the fridge. I use direct from the leaf and I keep it in the fridge too.
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August 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Hi,
Thanks for the really quick reply!^0^ I might give those ago, as they are more accessible to me from local/organic supermarket.
Thanks again for such informative website!
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August 14th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
hi,,
i reely like ur blog..its helpful..
am an indian n i use aloe vera gel ryt from the plant..but it causes sme irritation on my skin..
should i continue using it??
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sesame Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Did you using the gel too near to the brown part? The gel from there can sting. Use the gel right inside, clear from any brown or yellowish stains.
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September 28th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I use aloe vera gel straight from the plant every day and at night .I use the gel from the plant let it dry about 10 minutes them i use good old ponds cold cream .I love it and my face feels like velvet.I noticed the crows feet aroudn the eye area are disappearing and under my eye is so much smoother
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sesame Reply:
September 28th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Oh that’s very nice to know! I’m waiting for my supply of aloe vera gel to arrive. Got tried cutting up the leaves…
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December 22nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Respected sir/madam
my skin is black . i want to use aloe vera. please give me suggestion.
and how to use aloe vera in face
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sesame Reply:
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
You can use it the way it’s recommended in this entry. Or, use it as a spot treatment for acne or acne marks.
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January 17th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
is aloe vera benificial for pigmentation on skin. can it be cured if applied the aloe vera gel ?
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sesame Reply:
January 17th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Nope…aloe vera can’t help pigmentation.
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February 9th, 2010 at 5:00 am
I’m a registered nurse, and have tried all different medications prescribed by a dermatologist for acne, which seemed to make no difference in my acne.I have been using the pulp of the aloe vera leaf for almost 3 weeks now. I suffered with severe acne, and all I can say is, thank goodness for this miracle plant! I buy the leaf whole, cut a wedge twice daily, and rub the gel/pulp side all over my face after 1st cleansing my face with soap or a cleanser. At night I apply the pulp of the leaf on my face, and sleep all night, and wash my face in the morning, reapplying the pulp again. I also bought Aloe vera juice (aloe vera king, and Natural Garden aloe juice) which has no bitter taste, no artificial ingredients and uses honey and cane sugar as the sweetener. I drink maybe one cup twice daily. I used to have a lot of scarring as well, that has now all cleared up. I continue to use this, and have noticed a vast improvement in my skin, its softer, less breakouts,dries out any pimples within a day and less oily skin. I recommend that people stay on this regimen for at least 3wks to start noticing a huge difference.
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sesame Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I used the juice at one stage…yes, it’s great for scars. But it’s quite hard to get the fresh pulp here cos I don’t grow aloe vera and it’s not always possible to buy from the supermarket.
Never like the idea of drinking the juice though…
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February 11th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Hi,
Just went through the site .. really liked the queries n responses ..i am 31 n never had any skin problem.. since few years due to a little bad health in between i started getting few acne on my face n this time/year they are major ..homeopathy Dr. says it is allergy and after the medicines they got worse ..it has been more than a month .. still the acne, big ones, keep appearing on my face and the scars r still left there it self ..can i use aloe vera jel on my acne and afected area?? and how ?? and can i eat the jel and how ???
will wait for respone..
Regards.
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sesame Reply:
February 12th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Aloe Vera can help to a certain extent but not completely. You should apply fresh aloe vera juice on the scars after you have washed them. Then moisturize as per normal.
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April 13th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Aloe vera is good for skin, i prefer using it as well
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July 4th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
i want to know aloevera really good for health because two days apply in face I feel some irritation , my face not a clear skin its small pimples and sun tan, every aloe vera plant is good for health, how it use pls advice..
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sesame Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:03 am
It is generally good to prevent inflammation and rashes but juice you use should be extracted from the inside of the leaf and not near the brown areas. That might have caused the irritation.
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August 8th, 2010 at 2:45 am
Thnks to aleo vera.must i wash it off after applying.if yes how many minutes wil stay before it is washed off.
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sesame Reply:
August 8th, 2010 at 11:16 am
About 10 mins. It should dry up pretty fast. You can also use it like to apply your skin before using a moisturizer. No need to wash off if you use it that way.
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