5 DIY haircare and skincare masks you can make with aloe vera
With the temperatures are rising, make sure you have aloe vera gel handy in your fridge
Whether you’re dealing with a sunburn or a sudden spate of acne breakouts, aloe vera gel can be the antidote for all your summer skin woes. A member of the succulent plant family, the super moisturising aloe vera is not just evergreen in form but also versatile in its uses. With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic properties, it’s a very effective ingredient for skincare and haircare, especially during the summer. But before you head out to pluck a stem and extract its juice, here’s a word of caution: “Aloe vera has anthraquinone in the latex-like material in the outer part of the leaf, which is known to cause allergic reactions. So if you do choose to use aloe vera straight from the plant, it is best to apply it to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction,” says Arush Chopra, CEO and co-founder of Just Herbs, an Ayurvedic skincare brand.
Shubhika Jain, founder, Ras Luxury Oils, and a crusader for all things naturals, shares pro tips on how to prepare your own gel at home too. “The first step is to cut the leaf, as close as possible to the stem. Using a knife, ensure that the outer skin is peeled off and the jelly-like inside is cut into smaller pieces. This can then be put in a blender and cooled. You can also use this fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days.” Make sure that the leaf isn’t too dusty or near too much soil to prevent any infection, advises Sharmeen Fathima, founder, Chennai Soap Company, and a self-confessed DIY beauty junkie. Remember to soak the cut piece of aloe vera in water (which should be discarded later) for half an hour before you peel and remove the gel inside. Though this aloe vera can be applied directly to the face, it’s best to add other key ingredients to make even more potent face and hair masks and scrubs.
How you can include aloe vera in DIY haircare masks
Aloe vera contains certain proteolytic enzymes which repair the damaged cells on the scalp and also stimulate dormant hair follicles, promoting hair growth. The anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties sooth itching and flaking.
Aloe vera + honey + banana
If your hair is dehydrated, try this super-hydrating (albeit a bit messy) hair mask. Aloe vera is a great conditioner that helps to tame frizz, making hair appear smooth and shiny. Packed with magnesium and pantothenic acid, bananas are famous for making your strands strong, luminous and soft. Imbibe the humectant benefits of honey in the mask as well. Put a ripe banana, add a dash of honey and two tbsp of aloe gel in a blender, and grind to a smooth consistency. The chunkier it is the harder, it will be to wash it off. Apply this mixture to the roots and the lengths for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Aloe vera + fenugreek + castor oil
Fenugreek or methi promotes hair growth and rebuilds hair follicles that eventually help to counter hair loss. You could soak a cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind to a paste. Add two tbsp aloe vera gel. However, this does tend to have a gooey texture and is tedious to prepare. For an effective quick fix, Fathima suggests using fenugreek powder instead of soaked seeds. “Blend together ¼ cup aloe vera gel, two tsp fenugreek powder and two tbsp castor oil for a super moisturising hair mask that also helps to control hair fall.”
Aloe vera + tea tree oil + argan oil
For a feel-good scalp purifying hair mask that smells divine, take note of Jain’s recipe. “Take 50gm of aloe vera gel. Add four to five pumps (five ml) of pure argan oil and two drops of tea tree oil. Apply on scalp and lengths, and let it rest for 30-40 mins before you wash it off with a gentle shampoo.” The tea tree oil helps to reduce itching, dandruff and flakes in the scalp, while the aloe vera balances hydration levels without rendering it too greasy.
How you can include aloe vera in DIY skincare masks
The vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars and amino acids in aloe vera play a role in improving skin’s health by keeping skin supple, elastic and healthy for a longer time. The phytochemicals present in the leaves are able to sooth the skin from redness or irritation, and the gel-liquid feels cool while it hydrates the skin.
Aloe vera + egg
Just applying some of the cooling gel takes care of the sun-induced inflammation and tightens pores. But when you add eggs into the mix, aloe vera is able to improve elasticity and leave the skin looking taut. Crack and empty one large egg into a mixing bowl, and beat with two tablespoons of aloe gel until the mixture is frothy. Apply the egg and aloe vera concoction to the skin of your face, neck and décolletage, and let it dry. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera + lemon + brown sugar
Rich in Vitamin C, lemon helps to fight the effects of free radicals that cause the skin to age. The antioxidants in lemon help to soften fine lines and combat pigmentation. Its astringent properties work to fade out facial scars and blemishes, but can cause the sun-sensitive skin to burn when used directly on the skin. Use it with aloe vera gel for best results. Fathima’s brightening scrub recipe: “Mix one tsp lemon peel powder, ¼ cup aloe vera gel, three tbsp coconut oil cup, ¼ cup brown sugar and a few drops of lemon essential oil (optional).” This is a wonder scrub to brighten and calm the complexion.
Also read:
What to keep in mind when shopping for pure aloe vera gel
From aloe vera to turmeric: Foods that help heal sports injuries faster
Dia Mirza’s skincare routine is full of natural, easy-to-do DIYs
