Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.
It is also a common houseplant as it is very easy to care for. Aloe vera cream has a number of health benefits and can really enhance your skincare routine.
This article will take you through how to extract the aloe vera gel from the plant and what to do to produce the aloe vera cream.
Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common treatment for sunburn as it is very cooling and can provide a lot of relief.
The plant contains a lot of antioxidants, enzymes, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
The gel also has a number of anti-inflammatory properties.
Aloe vera can be used to treat acne and dry skin as well as burns.
The aloe vera will be more effective on superficial acne than on cystic acne.
The enzymes in the plant help to exfoliate your skin and improve the overall texture and appearance.
This means that overuse of aloe vera can actually dry out your skin.
You can also use the plant to treat dandruff. Rub the gel into your scalp and hair to increase your scalp’s moisture.
This is most effective when you use the gel straight from the aloe vera plant.
Some people believe that regular use of aloe vera gel on the skin can prevent wrinkles and lines from forming on your face.
If you already have lines, the gel can prevent them from becoming deeper.
Cuts and small abrasions can also benefit from a little topical aloe vera treatment.
The molecular structure of aloe vera boosts collagen production in the body and prevents the growth of bacteria.
This can help to heal your injury faster and reduce the chance of scars forming.
How To Remove The Gel From Aloe Vera?
You should first check the size of your aloe plant. It must be more than 8 inches to ensure it will survive the leaves being cut off and removed.
You should always start from the outside and remove the outermost leaves first.
To do this, use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut along the base of the leaf, where it emerges from the plant.
The leaves will not grow back once they have been cut, but if you only cut off a couple then your plant will continue to grow.
When you have cut the leaf, you will notice a yellow fluid seeping out of the leaf.
This is a substance known as aloe latex and acts as a laxative if consumed.
Hold the aloe leaf vertically with the cut edge down over a bowl. This will allow all of the aloe latex to drain out.
You should then wash the leaves under cool water and dry them thoroughly.
After this, you should cut the tops and spiky edges off of the leaves. Finally, carefully remove the top and bottom layers of skin from the leaf.
This will result in you having a slab of the clear aloe vera gel for use in the cream.
What Do You Need To Make Aloe Vera Cream?
You will need the interior of 2 large leaves of aloe vera, freshly cut from the plant.
You will also need 3 or 4 tablespoons of coconut oil. If you wish your cream to be scented then you will need a few drops of an essential oil of your choosing, however, it will be fine without.
You must ensure that the essential oil you opt for is suitable for use on the skin.
Not all oils are safe for topical applications and you should check with the shop assistant or an aromatherapist before adding to your cream.
You will also need a blender that has been cleaned out and sterilized, as well as a sterile container to store the aloe vera cream in.
You should also have a small sterilized bowl and a sterilized spoon.
How To Make Aloe Vera Cream?
Add the middle of the aloe vera leaves to your blender.
You may need to cut the slabs up a little to help them to fit in the machine. Add the coconut oil afterward and turn on the blender.
Blend for about 4 minutes, until everything has combined completely. The mixture will be quite runny by this point.
You should then transfer the creamy mixture from the blender into your sterilized bowl.
If you have opted to use the essential oil then you should add in a couple of drops now.
Place the bowl to one side and allow the mixture to congeal a little. This will take between 30 minutes to an hour. It should be relatively solid past this point.
Use your sterilized spoon to stir up the mixture in the bowl. You may notice a little watery liquid underneath the solid. Pour this out and throw it away.
Continue to mix the cream until it is a smooth and uniform consistency. Transfer the mixture to your sterilized container and store.
Storage And Use
If you live in a cooler climate, such as the UK, the cream can be stored at room temperature.
It will keep for a couple of months like this. If you live in warmer climates then you should store the jar in the refrigerator to prevent the coconut oil from liquidizing.
If the cream solidifies from being in the refrigerator or an ambient temperature drop, rub a little between your palms to warm it up before applying it to your body.
The cream is quite heavy and can weigh down on the skin. If this is the case, allow it to sit on your skin for a few minutes and then wipe off any excess with an old cloth.
You can also use this cream as a face mask once every week. Spread it thickly onto your neck and facial area and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Wipe off any excess with a clean and damp cloth.
