As if stress, hormonal imbalance, and other skin troubles weren’t enough to create troubles for your skin pollution seems to be adding to your misery. With the levels of pollution rising every year especially this time of the year looks like we really need to up our skin care routine.
Pollution is defined as the presence of or introduction of toxic or harmful substances in our environment. The pollutants in the air, water, and around us can assault our skin daily and aggravate the generation of free radicals in the skin. The increase in free radicals in the skin can impair the skin’s natural barrier, wreck the skin’s structure, and accelerate its aging process. They clog our pores, making it difficult for our skin to breath resulting in dull and dead skin.
If you are reading this then of course you have been looking for a solution to treat your skin in this highly polluted environment. And during this time, it is highly important to use products and ingredients that are natural and devoid of any ill-effects. One such ingredient that we all love to include in our skincare routine is Aloe Vera. We always think that fighting pollution will require products with heavy names however it is as simple as adding an aloe vera to your skin care. Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Beauty Expert and Ravina Jain, Skin Expert, Managing Director, The Skin Story share all you need to know.
Aloe vera is perhaps one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. This is because the gel-like components of the plant are known to heal the skin from a variety of minor to major ailments. And while pollution can cause inflammations, acne, sunburns, ageing, and dull skin, let us look at how Aloe Vera can help us combat all these skin symptoms.
Using aloe vera on the face has benefits because:
- Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce pain, swelling, and soreness of wounds or injuries
- It supports the production and release of collagen
- It can speed up wound healing time and limits scarring
- It is effective in treating fungal and bacterial infections that can be caused due to clogged pores
- Due to pollution our skin starts ageing rapidly and therefore aloe vera’s antioxidant effect can slow down the aging process of the skin
- It protects the skin from the damaging effects of harmful radiations
- It contains 98% water, which helps moisturize, soothe, and hydrate the skin
Let us look at ways you can use Aloe Vera in your skin care –
Face wash
After washing the hands, use the fingertips to apply a small amount of the gel to the face. Gently cleanse the face with the aloe vera using a circular motion, covering all the skin. Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry. Follow with aloe vera skin toner.
Skin toner
To make an aloe vera skin toner, mix 2 parts water with 1 part aloe vera gel. Pour into a clean airtight bottle and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before applying the toner to the face using a fresh cotton ball.
Sunscreen
Make sure that your sunscreen has ale vera gel in it, as it will not only protect your skin you’re the radiations and pollutants but will also give you a cooling effect, making your skin feel refreshed.
For moisturizing effect
Apply a small amount of the gel to the face and leave it on for 5–10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and gently pat dry.
Before you take the call to make aloe vera and your skin friends be sure that they are compatible and your skin feels comfortable with its use. Take charge of your skin care with ingredients that are natural and will help you have a hydrating skin in all adverse conditions.
