HISTORY
Aloe Vera has been treasured for over 6,000 years, with its earliest documentation found in ancient Egypt, where it was called the "plant of immortality." Egyptian queens, including Cleopatra, are believed to have incorporated Aloe Vera into their beauty routines to maintain soft, youthful skin. Its healing properties made it a staple in ancient medicine, used not only in Egypt but also in traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. From soothing burns to treating skin infections, Aloe Vera spread globally through trade routes, eventually becoming a renowned remedy in Europe and the Americas.
In Japan, Aloe Vera, known locally as "Ibarajo" (イバラジョ), was introduced centuries ago and has been integrated into traditional medicinal practices. Japanese herbalists valued the plant for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, using it to treat burns, skin irritations, and wounds.
SCIENCE
Aloe Vera's magic lies in its rich composition, boasting over 200 active compounds that contribute to its remarkable skincare benefits. At its core, the plant is made up of polysaccharides, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and minerals, each playing a vital role in supporting the skin. Polysaccharides, particularly acemannan, are key to Aloe Vera's hydrating properties. These long-chain sugars create a protective layer on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and support the skin’s natural repair processes. This makes Aloe Vera particularly effective in hydrating the skin, keeping it soft and supple.
In addition to its moisturizing properties, Aloe Vera is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins work to protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are a major contributor to premature aging. The high antioxidant content in Aloe Vera helps to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, making it a valuable ingredient in anti-aging skincare routines. Moreover, the amino acids found in Aloe Vera contribute to tissue repair and regeneration, ensuring that the skin remains healthy and resilient over time.
Aloe Vera also contains a number of enzymes, such as amylase and lipase, which gently exfoliate the skin by breaking down fats and sugars. This enzymatic action helps remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother complexion without the harshness of physical exfoliants. This makes Aloe Vera ideal for those with sensitive skin who want to achieve a more refined skin texture without irritation. These enzymes also work in tandem with Aloe’s anti-inflammatory components, creating a soothing effect on the skin that can reduce redness and calm irritated areas.
Beyond its soothing properties, Aloe Vera's mineral content enhances its ability to fight inflammation and support the skin's defense mechanisms. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium contribute to Aloe Vera's antimicrobial and healing properties, making it an excellent ingredient for acne-prone skin. These minerals help reduce the severity of acne while also preventing future breakouts by minimizing bacterial growth on the skin. Aloe Vera’s combined anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects make it a versatile tool for managing a range of skin concerns, from acne to eczema.
Scientific research supports Aloe Vera’s skin-repairing abilities. Studies have shown that Aloe Vera promotes wound healing by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth. This collagen-boosting effect not only helps with healing cuts, burns, and other skin injuries but also enhances the skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance. Additionally, Aloe Vera’s high water content—about 99%—makes it highly effective at replenishing moisture levels, leaving skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
REFERENCES
- Devaraj, A. and Karpagam, T. (2011) 'Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity and analgesic effect of Aloe vera leaf extract in rats', International Research Journal of Pharmacy, 2(3), pp. 103-110.
- Lefsih, L., Poiré, C., Benouatas, H., Pierre, G., et al. (2018) 'Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of asparagine-galactose-dell polysaccharide extracted from Aloe vera leaves', Advances in Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1, pp. 18-26.
- Jain, P., Pandey, R. and Shukla, S.S. (2015) 'Natural sources of anti-inflammation', in Inflammation: Natural Resources and Its Applications. SpringerBriefs in Immunology. New Delhi: Springer, pp. 1-10.
