Summertime Skin and Haircare: The Hows and Whys of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is the most powerful ally for summer skin and hair; just ask my local Trader Joes that has been out of aloe gel since the summer started! The cooling effect of aloe vera on painful sunburn seems to be all that works. In addition, aloe is a year round treat for dry aging skin and parched coils.

What is it about this leafy cactus plant that makes it so darn good for our bodies and why does Beija-Flor Naturals use it in so many of its products? Hopefully we’ll be able to satisfy inquiring minds with the following story about aloe!

Aloe is grown mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. In many places you can grow your own Aloe Vera quite happy in a pot as a household plant. The Aloe plant contains over thirty enzymes, including lipase and oxidase. It also contains significant levels of salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin) which accounts for some of its pain-killing potential.

Salicylic Acid plays a role in aloe’s detoxifying and cell-cleansing capacity and helps in the treatment of skin ailments such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, acne and psoriasis. For this reason, we looove aloe vera as a soothing ingredient for our product line. You can find aloe as a key ingredient in the Beija-Flor Naturals Agave Aloe Polisher with Rosehip Oil and in our popular Creme Brulee for Kinks, Curls, and Coils. 

Aloe vera Juice/Gel in drinks and smoothies are also a common way to strengthen the immune system and aid in digestion.

Here are a few soothing summer recipes that you can try at home for healthy hair and skin:

Aloe Vera Jojoba Hair Glosser:
2 Parts Aloe Vera Gel
1 Part Jojoba Oil
Apply to damp hair, focusing on sealing ends. Provides shine after using a creamy leave-in conditioner such as the Cocoa-Mango Buttercream

Summer Soothing Face Mask:
2 Tablespoons Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Yogurt
Mix ingredients and apply to face and neck. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, rinse thoroughly and apply a light moisturizer such as the Beija-Flor Naturals Acai Mango Lotion 

The Beautiful Goapele with the Beija-Flor Naturals Agave Aloe Polisher