Aloe vera extract is used in many skin and hair care products as it has wonderful medicinal properties. The plant extract when mixed with oil becomes very beneficial for our skin and hair. Research shows that aloe vera oil has numerous health benefits. It gives you soft, clear skin, and long and dandruff-free hair.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil For The Skin
The aloe vera leaf has aloin, a compound that affects the skin tone. It blocks the production of melanin, thus helping to lighten the skin colour. It is said to help regulate the production of melanin, which causes dark spots and pigmentation due to UV rays. Aloe vera oil made with coconut oil as a carrier oil helps to lighten the skin. Aloe vera oil also has anti-acne property. It is antibacterial and hence helps heal inflammation.
The aloe vera gel can be used to treat sunburn, burns, cuts, sores, eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Also read: Health benefits and home remedies of aloe vera
Benefits of Aloe Vera For Hair Growth
Aloe vera is one of the most popular home remedies for hair loss. Its pulp, leaves and oil are commonly used on dry scalp, damaged hair ends and coloured hair to prevent damage. When you mix coconut oil with aloe gel, it stimulates the synthesis of collagen which is very good for skin repair and hair growth. Both, aloe vera and coconut oil are rich in vitamins and minerals. The blend of coconut oil and aloe vera rejuvenates your hair cells and hence using this blend on your scalp and hair gives you a strong and healthy hair free from dandruff.
- Stimulates hair growth and reduces hair fall.
- Conditions and nourishes the hair.
- A great remedy for dandruff and dry hair.
How to make Aloe Vera Oil at home – Two ways
Aloe Vera Oil – Cold Method
Ingredients
- 1 Aloe Leaf
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
Method
Take a leaf and wash well. Now keep it vertical in a bowl for 10 – 30 mins (depending on the size of the leaf) to remove the yellow sap in the leaf. After the yellow liquid has drained, chop the aloe vera leaf into small pieces. Now take these pieces and dry them in the sun. It will take between 3 – 7 days to dry completely.
Take a glass jar and put the dried aloe pieces in it. Now add the coconut oil to it, such that the aloe is completely submerged in the oil. Close the jar with an airtight lid. Place this jar on a sunny window or balcony. Shake occasionally, and let it stay for a month. After a month, filter the oil and store in a glass jar. Use when required.
Note: When making Aloe vera oil for skin, it is always advisable to make it with a non-comedogenic oil like sunflower oil or grapeseed oil.
2. Aloe vera oil – hot method
Ingredients
- 1 cup aloe vera gel
- 1 cup coconut oil
Method
Take aloe vera leaves and wash well. Now keep the leaves vertical in a bowl for 10 – 30 mins (depending on the size of the leaf) to remove the yellow sap in the leaf. After the yellow liquid has drained, chop the aloe vera leaf into small pieces. You can also fillet the aloe leaf and remove the white gel and grind it without the green part of the leaf. Grind these pieces in a mixer-grinder. Measure out 1 cup of this gel and keep aside.
In a pan take 1 cup of coconut oil and pour the cup of aloe vera gel into it. Mix well and keep on stove. Cook this till the oil is completely infused with the properties of the aloe vera gel. Keep on very low flame and let it cook. First, there will be large bubbles because of the moisture in the mix. The bubbles will gradually become small and the oil will separate from the aloe residue. Put off the stove.
Once the oil cools, strain the oil and store in a glass jar.
Aloe vera oil is very easy to make. If you do not have the plant at home you can buy a leaf from the market. Make it and use it on your hair and see your hair grow and shine.
Also read: How to make aloe vera gel at home
How to use aloe vera oil for hair and skin
Aloe vera oil for hair
Take some oil in your palms and apply the oil evenly on your scalp and hair strands. Massage it on your hair. You can leave it overnight and wash the next morning with a mild shampoo. If in a hurry, you can also apply it and leave for minimum an hour and then wash. Use the oil once or twice a week for effective results.
Aloe vera oil for skin
Aloe oil can be applied directly to your skin. Aloe oil can also be used as a facial oil. It can also be mixed with other oils to make an oil based serum, or used by itself as a facial oil.
You can also add it to your DIY homemade lotions, moisturizers and creams.
- You can use aloe vera oil for soothing sun burns. Just apply it to the affected part of the body.
- Aloe oil can heal acne and help reduce the swelling and redness caused by acne. When using aloe vera oil on the face, it is better to infuse the aloe in a non-comedogenic oil like sunflower oil, grapeseed oil or safflower oil.
- Aloe vera oil comes in very handy to treat the itching caused by eczema and psoriasis. You can apply aloe vera oil on the affected area. It is also good for scalp psoriasis.