If there is one ingredient that has been proving its worth in cosmetics for centuries, it is aloe vera. From ancient Egyptian civilisations to today's laboratories, this plant remains one of the most studied and respected active ingredients in skin care. And this is no coincidence.
In this guide we tell you what does aloe vera really do for your skin?, how it works and how you can incorporate it into your routine to see real results.
What aloe vera does for your skin: how it really works
Before talking about benefits, it is worth understanding why aloe vera works so well. The gel that is extracted from its leaves contains more than 200 active compounds, among which the following stand out:
- Polysaccharides (acemannan)deep hydration and soothing effect
- Vitamins A, C and Eantioxidants that protect and regenerate
- Enzymes such as bradykinasereduce inflammation
- Amino acidshelp to form collagen and elastin
- Glucomannatestimulates skin firmness
- Magnesium lactaterelieves itching and irritation
- Natural salicylic acidcleans and maintains pores
All this in a base with more than 98% of water, which makes Aloe Vera an extraordinarily light moisturiser that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
If you want to know more about the different formats in which you can find it, we recommend our post on what is aloe vera and in what formats can you find it?.
Main benefits of aloe vera for the skin
1. Deep hydration without clogging pores
One of the most widespread uses of the aloe vera is as a facial moisturiser, And for good reason. Unlike many conventional creams, aloe vera moisturises without being occlusive: it nourishes the deeper layers of the epidermis without forming a pore-clogging barrier.
This makes it especially valuable for combination and oily skin, who need hydration but react badly to heavy textures. Apply in the morning as a first moisturising step., before serum or cream is a simple and very effective way to improve the skin barrier over time.
2. Soothing effect: redness, irritations and psoriasis
Thanks to the combination of magnesium lactate and bradykinase, aloe vera has a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Reduces redness, soothes itching and helps the skin to regain its balance after aggressive exposure (sun, wind, irritating products).
For those suffering from psoriasis, If used regularly, regular use can make a significant difference. Applied in thin layers to the affected areas, minimises visible scarring and reduces histamine production (the main cause of intense itching). It is important to remember that it is not a substitute for medical treatment, but it can complement it with a very visible result on the texture and appearance of the skin.
3. Sebum regulator and acne-fighting ally
Dermatologists recommend aloe vera for acne-prone skin for two main reasons. The first is its antibacterial effectThe first is that it eliminates the bacteria that accumulate in the pores and are the direct cause of pimples and infections. The second is that it regulates sebum production, reduces the excess fat that facilitates these blockages.
If you apply it after cleansing the skin, you will see how the pores are progressively refined and the outbreaks are spaced out. It is a particularly gentle solution, ideal for skin that has had adverse reactions to more aggressive treatments.
For more information on the specific care of this type of skin, you can consult our guide on how to care for oily skin.
4. Healing: stretch marks, burns, and minor wounds.
Aloe vera has a long history as a healing agent, particularly well known in the treatment of minor burns. This is because it accelerates the proliferation of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and closing wounds. The result is faster healing with less visible scarring.
This same capacity makes it very useful against stretch marks, which are nothing more than small breaks in the collagen fibres of the dermis. With continued use, aloe vera helps to regenerate that structure and smooth the appearance of stretch marks., especially in the newer ones, which still have a pink or purple hue.
It is also indicated for superficial blemishes, acne scars and minor skin texture irregularities.
5. Anti-ageing: collagen stimulation and wrinkle reduction
Cleopatra and Nefertiti already included aloe vera in their beauty rituals more than three thousand years ago, and texts from the 15th century BC already described its use as an anti-ageing cosmetic. What they intuited empirically is now confirmed by science.
The glucomannate in aloe vera stimulates collagen synthesis and improves skin elasticity. In addition, vitamins C and E act as antioxidants that neutralise free radicals, the main culprits of premature ageing. The visible result is firmer skin with fewer surface wrinkles and smoother fine lines with continued use.
In combination with other natural cosmetic routines, aloe vera represents a very affordable anti-ageing option with no side effects. If you're interested in exploring this approach further, our post on natural cosmetics versus traditional cosmetics can give you a useful perspective.
6. Eye contour: bags and thin skin
The eye contour area is particularly delicate: the skin here is up to four times thinner than on the rest of the face and tends to show signs of fatigue and ageing earlier. Aloe vera, thanks to its ultra-fine texture and richness in glucomannate, improves the elasticity of this area and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. helps to reduce puffiness and sagging skin.
Ideally, apply an eye contour specifically formulated with aloe vera extract by lightly dabbing with the ring finger, which is the softest finger on the hand and prevents excessive traction.
7. Scalp care: dandruff and oily hair
The scalp is skin, and deserves the same care. Aloe vera acts on it in much the same way: it regulates sebum, fights dandruff-causing fungus and soothes irritation. For those with fine or oily hair, using it as a complement to shampoo or as a light hair mask can make a noticeable difference to the appearance and health of the hair.
It is enough to apply pure gel from root to tip, Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off. With two applications a week, results are visible in a few weeks.
8. Cracked feet and dryness
Calluses, corns and cracked skin on the feet are one of the most common aesthetic problems, especially in summer when open shoes, sand and salt accentuate dehydration. Aloe vera, applied in massage on clean feet before going to bed with socks over them, is one of the most effective and economical remedies for regaining soft, moisturised skin in just a few days.
9. After the sun
After-sun is perhaps the most popular use of aloe vera in summer, and also one of the most evidence-supported. The combination of its anti-inflammatory effect, its ability to soothe burning and its richness in antioxidants make it a the best ally after sun exposure.
Applied cold directly to reddened skin, relief is almost immediate. Unlike many commercial after-suns that include alcohol or other potentially irritating ingredients, pure aloe vera does not aggravate irritation and actively contributes to cell regeneration.
If you have doubts about whether it is better to opt for a conventional after-sun or directly for pure aloe vera, we have compared both options in detail in our post: Which is better after sun: after-sun or aloe vera?
How to incorporate aloe vera into your beauty routine
Knowing what aloe vera does is only half of it. The other half is knowing how and when to use it to get the most out of it.
- Morning: A aloe vera cream can be used as a first light moisturising step after cleansing the skin. It is light enough to wear over sunscreen or foundation without interfering.
- In the evening: This is the ideal time for the richest treatments. A aloe vera serum applied as the last step of the night routine, it works during the sleeping hours when the skin is in full regeneration.
- As a one-off treatment: For after-sun, irritation or breakouts, the pure aloe vera gel applied in thin layers works as a quick and effective pain reliever.
Which format to choose: The choice between gel, cream or body milk depends on your skin type and the area you want to treat. You can see the differences in detail in our post on aloe vera gel, cream or soap: which to choose according to your needs.
Aloe vera from the Canary Islands: why it makes the difference
Not all aloe vera is the same. The quality of the ingredient depends to a large extent on where and how the plant is grown, and in this respect aloe vera from The Canary Islands have an exceptional advantage.
The volcanic soil of the islands, rich in unique minerals, and the subtropical climate with almost constant sunshine create the perfect conditions for the plant to concentrate a higher proportion of acemannan and other polysaccharides active ingredients than in conventionally cultivated areas. The Canary Island plant has also historically been used in a traditional way by island farmers, using harvesting techniques that preserve the integrity of the gel.
At Sam Parfums we have developed our own line of products formulated with aloe vera grown in the Canary Islands: creams, gels, serums, body milks and specific treatments that maintain the maximum concentration of active ingredients, without unnecessary additives or aggressive preservatives. Our commitment is to bring you the best of the Canary Islands in products that you can use every day with total confidence.
You can explore the full range in our aloe vera products section.
In a nutshell
Aloe vera has been gaining a place in the beauty routines of cultures around the world for millennia, and modern cosmetics have only confirmed what was already intuited: is one of the most versatile, safest and most effective assets that exist for skin care.
Moisturising, soothing, regenerating, sebum control, anti-ageing, after-sun... few plants can boast such a complete action that is so well tolerated by all skin types.
At Sam Parfums we have taken special care to formulate our own line of aloe vera with the best ingredient from the Canary Islands so that you can experience this on your skin every day. Visit our online shop and find the product that best suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions about aloe vera and the skin
Can I use aloe vera every day on my face? Yes, aloe vera is perfectly safe for daily use both morning and night. Its mild composition makes it suitable even for sensitive skin. If you use the pure gel directly from the plant, make sure it is well cleaned and that you are not allergic to it by first testing it on your forearm.
Is aloe vera gel or cream better? It depends on your skin type and intended use. The gel is lighter and absorbs very quickly, ideal for oily, combination or after-sun use. The cream offers longer lasting hydration and is more suitable for dry skin or for night time use.
Can aloe vera be used for skin blemishes? Aloe vera can help lighten superficial blemishes thanks to its vitamin C content and its cell-renewing effect. However, for deeper blemishes such as melasma or consolidated sun spots, it is a useful but insufficient complement on its own. In these cases, it should be combined with other specific active ingredients.
Can I apply pure aloe vera directly to the skin? Yes, as long as it is freshly extracted from the plant or a pure, highly concentrated gel without alcohol or colouring agents. Avoid the bright blue or green aloe vera gels found in some pharmacies, as they contain dyes and preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin.
Does aloe vera help to maintain a tan? Aloe vera deeply moisturises the skin, which helps your tan last longer and fade evenly instead of flaking off. It doesn't intensify your tan, but it does preserve the tan you already have.