Aloe vera gel, cream or soap: which is best for skin care?

The aloe vera plant has been known for its medicinal and healing properties for centuries. Its use has spread to the cosmetics industry thanks to its moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which make it ideal for skin care. But, as you may well know,nowadays you can find aloe vera in different formats that can bring certain advantages and benefits depending on your skin type and needs.

So pay attention that in this post we are going to compare the three most popular aloe vera formats: gel, cream and soapto help you determine which is best for your circumstances.

What is aloe vera cream used for?

We will start by talking about the cream format, as it is the most versatile of the three (although pure aloe vera gel also has different and very interesting uses).

Aloe vera cream is a moisturising and skin repairing product which is made from the gel extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera cream is ideal for dry and mature skin due to its moisturising properties and its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Among its most common uses are:

• Intense hydrationAloe vera cream is an excellent source of moisture for dry skin, penetrating deep into the skin to provide long-lasting hydration.
• Anti-inflammatory actionAloe vera contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation and redness of the skin, making it ideal for people with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
• Stimulation of collagen and elastin production: Aloe vera contains nutrients that help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep skin firm and supple, which is why mature skin especially benefits from this form of aloe vera.

Aloe vera gel: a great ally in facial skincare

Aloe vera gel is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after products in the cosmetics industry. Its high value and multiple benefits are well known, in addition to the fact that it is a very popular pure aloe vera gel is not as simple as it seems.

To give you an idea, aloe vera gel is obtained from the leaves of the aloe vera plant by means of a extraction process. The gel is a viscous, colourless, odourless substance found inside the leaves and contains a variety of beneficial components for the skin, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are especially important, as they can help retain moisture in the skin and reduce inflammation.

Also, as a fun fact: the pH of aloe vera gel is similar to that of human skin.which makes it gentle and non-irritating. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or irritation-prone skin. And for those who hate the oily feeling of oily skin, the gel is a great ally as it doesn't leave a sticky feel, so in hot climates or for those looking for something quick and effective, it's the perfect format. 

Accordingly, pure aloe vera gel is also perfect for: 

• Facial tonicAloe vera gel is a light moisturiser that can be used on all skin types to provide hydration without clogging pores, making it perfect for a daily facial routine as a toner to prepare the skin for the next treatment.
• For sunburnAloe vera gel is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and irritation on the skin, which makes it useful for treating sunburn, hence why it is recommended as an after sun if you've been sunbathing to prevent those pesky facial blemishes.
• Itch reliefAloe vera gel can be helpful in relieving itching associated with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
• Treatment of minor woundsAloe vera gel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating minor wounds and promoting skin healing, which is why it is so helpful for acne-prone skin.

Aloe vera soap: what are its benefits?

Aloe vera soap is made by combining vegetable oils, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and water, to which the aloe vera gel or extract is added. This process is known as saponification and is made by a chemical reaction between the oils and caustic soda, which converts the oils into soap. There are also formulations in which a glycerine or animal fat soap base is used.

Coconut oil, olive oil and palm oil are some of the oils commonly used in the production of aloe vera soap and aloe vera soap. can be combined in different proportions to achieve different textures and characteristics.. In addition, other ingredients such as essential oils, herbs and natural dyes can be added to personalise the soap.

And of course, it brings benefits such as:

• Moisturise the skin and help to keep the skin soft. Of course, it must be a soap made with quality ingredients and should not be abused as some formulations can have the opposite effect: drying out the skin.
• Aloe vera also has antibacterial propertiesTherefore, the first step in acne treatment is usually to cleanse the face with a gel formulated with aloe vera, as its antifungal and antibacterial properties are very effective.
• Aloe vera soap is gentle and non-irritating due to the oils used in the soap making process, which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Which is better: aloe vera cream, aloe vera gel or aloe vera soap?

In itself, as you can see, the benefits they provide are very similar, although the time of use is what makes each one different. So, rather than using them in isolation, we recommend that you combine them to enhance their effects, as all three can be integrated into a facial routine with aloe vera that is very effective for all skin types:

• Aloe vera soap is ideal for the first step, cleaning.Both during the day and before going to bed. It frees your pores from bacteria, cleans out residues of make-up or night care and also clears up acne breakouts. 
• Afterwards, uses aloe vera gel as an intermediate step between cleansing and moisturising. In this way, using it as a toner or serum, you begin to prepare the skin for the next step to help with specific problems: moisture retention, dryness and spot treatment. 
• Finally, for sealing the aloe vera treatmentIf you are looking for a cream formulated with its extract, it is best to use a good cream that, in addition to all the above benefits, promotes the production of collagen and elastin for greater firmness and elasticity. 

How do I know if the aloe vera product is of good quality?

• In order to recognise a good aloe vera cream, it is important to check the percentage of aloe vera in the ingredients list. Look for creams that contain at least 10% of aloe vera to ensure you are getting a sufficient concentration of the beneficial compounds.
• Make sure that the aloe vera cream does not contain additional ingredients that may be irritating to the skin. Some common ingredients in aloe vera creams may include alcohol, fragrances and chemical preservatives, which can irritate the skin and reduce the effectiveness of aloe vera. Opt for aloe vera creams that are as natural and chemical-free as possible.
• There are different types of aloe vera extract that can be used in the manufacture of creams and other cosmetic products. Make sure that the aloe vera cream you are considering contains pure, high quality aloe vera extractrather than processed or refined extracts. Look on the aloe vera cream label for words like "unprocessed aloe vera extract", "aloe vera leaf extract", or "pharmaceutical grade aloe vera" to make sure you're getting the most beneficial type of aloe vera extract.

At Sam Parfums we have a exclusive aloe vera line thanks to the cultivation of the plant and packaging of the product in the Canary Islands, which gives us a guarantee of quality and exclusivity. 

Find out much more at our Sam Parfums website and take advantage of our offers, we are waiting for you!