5 Ways to Use Aloe for Beautiful Skin

Aloe vera is a skin care super plant! There are so many ways to use aloe for the skin. Treat sunburns, moisturize, fight acne, and improve suppleness. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, this desert plant is loaded with beneficial constituents including softening fatty acids, nourishing amino acids, and cell protecting antioxidants. Here are five ways to use powerful aloe vera for your skin care routine.

1. Anti aging night serum Aloe encourages collagen and elastin production. These two skin proteins are the foundation of smooth, supple skin. Add three drops of carrot seed essential oil to one or two teaspoons of pure aloe vera (not a gooey gel, just the pure liquid). Massage into your skin after cleansing with warm water and your facial cleanser and before moisturizing with your night cream. 
2. Sun solution Studies have shown that this natural skin aid protects against radiation damage. You should still wear sunscreen to protect against UV rays, but rubbing some pure aloe into your skin underneath your sunscreen is a great way to dose your skin with some protective compounds. I also put some on after being out in the sun on those sunny beach and pool days. I think of it as a little extra healthy skin insurance.    
3. Hydrating face mask For a quick hydrating mask to battle dryness, stir together raw honey and aloe. Smear over clean skin, rinse, and love that smoothness!
4. Calming facial toner mist Mix equal parts of aloe juice with rose water in a small spray bottle. Shake and mist over skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. If you have any facial redness like I do, then try spritzing over your skin a few times during the day.
5. Antiseptic acne mask Use aloe for the skin to help fight breakouts. With six different antiseptic compounds, this plant is great for controlling bacteria on the skin. Mix the pure liquid with bentonite clay powder for a super cleansing, detoxing skin treatment.

Powerful Healing Face Mask for Sunburn With Aloe and Chamomile

Wear sunscreen and stay in the shade, especially when the sun is beating down on your earthly position. When you do catch some rays, try this easy but powerful natural treatment. With aloe, honey, chamomile, and carrot seed, this face mask for sunburn is all about healing and repairing the skin. It is great for preventing face peeling from sunburn, for soothing redness, and for helping to repair damage. With plenty of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it is a potent recipe for after sun exposure repair.

To make this sunburn face mask, combine:

• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 tablespoon of pure aloe (such as Aubrey Organics)
• 2 drops of carrot seed essential oil
• 2 drops of chamomile essential oil

Stir together. While I normally recommend opening pores with a warm wet cloth or a warm facial steam, you may want to skip that home facial step and dive right into skin healing and cooling with this mask. Warm water may feel too abrasive for sun damaged skin. Gently rinse with your facial cleanser and cool water. Pat dry. Dip your fingers in the mask and apply a coat over the face and neck. When I get a burn I also use this repairing potion on my chest and shoulders. Double the recipe if you want to coat your upper body as well.

Let it set for 15 minutes, soaking into parched skin. Rinse off. I use a cool shower. Definitely follow with a natural moisturizer. If you don't have anything that is fragrance free, rub more aloe into the skin and then follow with sweet almond oil. To feed your skin inside and out, drink a big glass of carrot juice to give your skin a vitamin A skin repairing boost.