Scars from acne, injury, or surgery can become an insecure focus; hence, many people treat the scars in the various forms available.
However, one natural remedy that has gained popularity is the application of aloe vera. Since this plant is known to have soothing properties, its use in skincare dates back centuries.
To lighten your scars using aloe vera, here’s all you need to know about its effective use.
Understanding Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that stores moisture in its leaves. Because it contains many beneficial elements, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, in the gel within the leaf, it is a popular element that heals the skin. Key components include vitamins A, C, E, and B12 plus amino acids and fatty acids that make it imbued with healing power. Aloe vera is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing property and has been used to treat scars.
Induces skin repair: Aloe vera stimulates the natural repair mechanism in skin. It activates the functions of fibroblasts responsible for the synthesis of two essential proteins that promote healthy texture and flexibility of the skin-that is, collagen and elastin.
Reduces hyper-pigmentation: Vitamins C and E, contained in this plant, reduce hyper-pigmentation left by scars. Since melanin is synthesized less once the above mentioned vitamins appear, they give the skin an impression of becoming lighter and more uniform.
It makes for moist skin with a lot of water very essential to maintain hydrated skin. Moist skin heals better and appears much healthier.
Aids in inflammation reduction: Aloe vera is made up of compounds having anti-inflammatory properties, which are essential in helping reduce a few of the redness and swellings associated with new scars.
1. Topical Aloe Vera from fresh leaf gel
Gel preparation: Rip a mature leaf from the plant. Clean it of all the dirt. Use a spoon to scoop the clear gel-like substance off a freshly cut leaf.
Application: Dab it right to the scarred area with some fresh Aloe Vera gel. Leave it to absorb into your skin after massaging it around with gentle circular motions. That should keep it on for about 30 minutes or an hour.
Rinsing: Rinse off with warm water. Wipe your skin dry using a towel. This is effective if carried out 2 to 3 times a day.
2. Aloe Vera and lemon juice
Ingredients: Mix equal proportions of fresh aloe vera gel and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Application: Apply the paste to the scar and leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes. The lemon juice is like an oxidizing agent; therefore, the scars will lighten faster.
Rinsing: Use warm water to rinse off. Lemon juice makes skin photo-sensitive so be sure to slap on a sunscreen if you go out. Best applied 2-3 times a week.
3. Aloe Vera and honey
Mix 2 tablespoon aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon raw honey.
Application: Place the solution on the scar and let it stay for 20-30 minutes. Honey is a natural humectant as it holds water; this will also promote healing.
Rinsing: Wash out with warm water, then pat your skin dry. This remedy can be applied 2-3 times a week.
4. Aloe Vera and vitamin E
Materials: Combine 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and vitamin E capsule contents.
Application: Apply the combination directly to the affected area and massage it in. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can be used for healing skin problems and goes well with aloe vera.
Washing: Let it sit overnight if possible, otherwise use it and wash off after one hour. It can be applied once at night and used before sleeping.
Ingredients: Mix equal ratio of 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel with coconut oil.
Application: Rub the mixture over the scar and massage well. Coconut oil contains moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that have a positive enhancing effect on benefits from aloe vera .
Rinsing: Let it be there overnight or for at least an hour before rinsing off. It can be applied once in a day.
Aloe vera offers a scarring lightening potential through its healing, hydrating, and skin-brightening properties. Whether applied alone or combined with such other ingredients as lemon juice, honey, vitamin E, or coconut oil, there is high contribution on the part of aloe vera towards greatly reducing the appearance of scars. Remember that patience and consistency are definitely called for, and adding aloe vera brings healthier, more even-toned skin over time.