ALOE VERA, THE MOST POPULAR INGREDIENT IN SKIN CARE

A PLANT WITH A HISTORY

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant of the Asphodelaceae family and is believed to have originated in Africa and was used thousands of years ago by the ancient Egyptians, before being introduced to the Mediterranean region, Mexico and India years later.

Also known as Barbados Aloes, the Aloe Vera plant grows in hot, dry climates all over the world, such as the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and North Africa. At the heart of its leaves is a gelatinous substance, composed mainly of mucilaginous polysaccharides, which are responsible for the plant's great capacity to retain water and survive in drought conditions. Among these polysaccharides, Acemanana (aloevera) stands out, which has various cosmetic properties.

Aloe Vera gel is one of the most widely used plant ingredients in beauty products, popular all over the world for its numerous benefits for the skin, but are all Aloe Vera plants the same? The answer is no, there are about 400 different species of Aloe Vera plants worldwide and of these, only four stand out as having significant therapeutic properties, with Aloe barbadensis Miller being the most widely used and potent. On the other hand, it should also be noted that some of the products on the market contain very low percentages of Aloe Vera, which makes them less effective.

 

 ALOE VERA FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS

What makes Aloe Vera from the Canary Islands so special?

- Aloe Vera plants from the Canary Islands are special because they absorb all the nutrients from the volcanic soil where they grow. Recent studies claim that Canary Island Aloe Vera has about fifteen more active ingredients than the same variety grown in other parts of the world.

- Canary Island Aloe Vera crops do not need fertilisers or pesticides, because the volcanic soil provides the plants with all the nutrients they need for their development.

- The plants need very little water to grow, as they absorb humidity from the sea, thanks to the trade winds that blow over the islands all year round.

- The climate of the Canary Islands means that the Aloe of the archipelago produces a natural gelatine that needs no treatment. The temperature of the product obtained is not altered, nor is its pressure, i.e. the conditions of the plant extract are used as it is.

- In this region, a maximum of 3-4 leaves are cut from each Aloe tree each year to make the plant grow stronger.

- The freshly cut leaves are quickly taken to the laboratory to preserve their freshness.

- The final product obtained is a 99% pure gel with no added water.

 

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA ON THE SKIN

Let us now talk about the main benefits of the gel of this plant for our skin, benefits that are motivated by its biological composition.

The Aloe Vera plant contains water, anthraquinones, vitamins, carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids and amino acids, but the therapeutic activity of this plant also lies in its numerous trace elements such as manganese, calcium, potassium, sodium, iron and zinc, elements which give it repairing, healing, soothing and antiseptic effects, among others.

 

Cleansing and care

Aloe Vera is excellent for effective facial cleansing, helps to prevent the appearance of pimples and limits their proliferation, helps to reduce pores and control sebum production. 

Moisturising, healing and anti-inflammatory

Aloe Vera is 99% water and 1% a mixture of elements containing vitamins B1, B2, zinc, magnesium and sodium, which give it moisturising, healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to providing water to the skin, thanks to the presence of lignins and polysaccharides, it also restores the water lost by the skin, helping it to stay hydrated, soft and luminous. The juice of this plant has the ability to penetrate the three layers of the skin, so its effect acts from the deepest layers of the skin and from the first applications. Vitamins A, C and E nourish and help rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful appearance.

As a result of the action of various components such as glycoproteins, sugars, phenolic compounds and polysaccharides, Aloe Vera helps healing: it acts by stimulating the reduction of the inflammatory phase, stimulating collagen production and restoring the skin.

The gel obtained from the plant has aloin, polysaccharides and phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to minimise skin lesions. 

Fights the signs of ageing

Because Aloe Vera contains vitamins C and E, it can help prevent the formation of free radicals, which are molecules that cause cell damage. Salicylic acid, meanwhile, acts as a gentle exfoliant and once those dead skin cells are out of the way, skin care products can better penetrate the surface and do their job more effectively.

Antiseptic and antimicrobial

Aloe gel contains anthraquinones which are responsible for the antimicrobial action and six antiseptic agents: lupeol, salicylic acid, ureic nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulphur. All of them have an inhibitory action on fungi and bacteria and can be beneficial for acne sufferers, for example. In this case, Aloe Vera gel does not cure acne, but it helps to reduce swelling, inflammation and redness. And thanks to the healing and scarring effect mentioned above, it also helps to correct lesions such as scars, blackheads and pimples.

Protects the skin from the effects of the sun

Known to nourish, regenerate, soothe and maintain tissue hydration, Aloe Vera is used to soothe the skin from sunburn resulting from prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays. It provides an instant cooling effect, restoring comfort to skin that has suffered microtrauma from a day in the sun or a minor superficial burn.

Suitable for all skin types and all year round

Aloe gel is non-comedogenic, i.e. it does not clog pores, and is considered safe for all skin types. It is generally a well-tolerated ingredient for everyone, unless you are allergic. 

 

In the market you can find a wide variety of products, from moisturising creams for face and body, facial serums, after shave products, eye contour products, sunscreens and much more.

Here are some of the Canary Island Aloe Vera products that are definitely a "must have":

Riu Aloe Vera Collagen & Royal Jelly Anti Wrinkle Cream combines three main ingredients, the first, Royal Jelly and Collagen are antioxidants and revitalisers that penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin, and help to combat premature ageing and the appearance of the first signs of ageing. The last one, Aloe Vera, with recognised anti-wrinkle, nourishing and repairing properties, provides the skin with the vitamins, trace elements and minerals necessary for its regeneration.

·        Delays the appearance of wrinkles

·        Stimulates the production of new cells

·        Repairs tissues

Riu Aloe Vera Pure Gel is a bioactive gel with regenerating, nourishing and repairing properties:

·        Helps to attenuate small marks

·        Relieves the feeling of tired legs

·        Stimulates collagen production

·        Soothes and calms irritations and flaking

·        Soothes the skin after sun exposure and shaving

Vic Cosmetics Aloe Vera Gel Multivitamin Gel contains a careful selection of active ingredients that stimulate, soothe and energise the skin:

·        Rosehip formula for younger and smoother looking skin

·        Promotes natural collagen and elastin production

·        Helps correct pigmentation problems

·        Less fatigued skin

Vic Cosmetics Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream provides the skin with complete and long-lasting hydration, nourishment and softness thanks to the excellent combination of active ingredients that are part of its composition:

·        Aloe Vera in high concentration, Shea Butter, Rosehip, Vitamin E and Wheat Germ Oil

·        Helps to restore the skin's barrier function

·        Reduces tightness and provides comfort

·        Continually replenishes moisture

·        Sun protection SPF15

This Vic Organic Aloe Gel is a powerful body moisturiser based on 100% pure organic Aloe Vera gel that hydrates, nourishes and protects the skin, leaving it soft, fresh and balanced.

·        Ideal for combating the signs of ageing and skin irritation

·        Intensive protection for all skin types

·        Regenerating effect on dry and damaged skin

·        Ideal for nourishing and soothing the skin after sun exposure

·        Soothes, calms and leaves skin silky smooth

·        Non-greasy and quickly absorbed

·        100% organic

The Vic Cosmetics Aloe Vera Anti-Aging Cream is a cream enriched with caviar extract and gold, which nourishes and moisturises the skin, provides antioxidant properties and also contributes to cell stimulation:

·        Enriched with caviar extract and gold

·        Combats lines and wrinkles

·        Firms, provides radiance and softness

·        Promotes collagen production and elasticity

·        Helps correct age spots

·        Rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins

·        Non-greasy cream

Men's skin is different from women's skin. First of all, it is thicker and oilier because it has more sebaceous glands. On the plus side, it is also richer in collagen and elastin, which makes it more elastic and firmer, and as a result, it ages later. But there is always a downside: men's skin is not free from dehydration: shaving makes the skin more sensitive and irritable and more unprotected against external agents such as the sun, cold or pollution.

The products in the Skin Method for Men line for men by Vic Cosmetics, are specially designed to respond effectively to the specific needs of men's skin:

·        The after-shave gel soothes, softens and refreshes the skin after shaving. Specially formulated with highly moisturising oils and Aloe Vera, it deeply hydrates and protects even the most sensitive and irritable skin.

·        The facial moisturiser softens, protects and reactivates the skin without leaving it greasy and giving it a fresh and youthful appearance. Its multiple benefits slow down the appearance of the signs of male ageing.

·        Finally, the anti-ageing face cream helps to reduce expression lines and fill wrinkles thanks to collagen and elastin, providing elasticity and firmness to the skin. This paraben-free cream contains sunscreen and hyaluronic acid, a powerful active ingredient with anti-wrinkle properties.

Introduce some Aloe Vera products into your beauty routine and see the results!

RIU Parfum Team