Exceptional natural benefits of Aloe vera
Dem dey use am for cosmetics as moisturizing active ingredient.
Di gel get many benefits for dry skin. Aloe vera na incredible plant wit plenty benefits for di body, and e also dey widely used for pharmaceutical and food industries.
Hélène Ahonssou, wey already get three children, tell BBC Afrique say she learn about di benefits of dis plant from her grandmother, wey bin always get some under her bed.
"Dis plant get incredible benefits wey I don benefit from a lot, especially afta I give birth," she tok.
In fact, di young lady bin tell us say during her pregnancy, stretch marks appear on her skin, especially on di soles of her feet. And dat bin worry her well-well.
But on a visit to my grandmother, she show me aloe vera and how to use im gooey pulp as ointment, wey I use rub especially on di areas wia I bin get stretch marks".
Today, she point out, "di skin on my stomach and legs remain incredibly smooth despite my three deliveries. Na sometin wey you no dey always see in mothers my age".
Di 39-year-old still dey use dis plant in di preparation of certain cosmetic products wey she recommend for pipo, especially women and dia hair.
Dem don dey use aloe vera for centuries sake of di benefits, especially im medicinal properties.
In recent years, e bin get increase in interest for dis plant, sake of di natural products dem dey get from am.
Wetin be aloe vera and wetin be di benefits wey pipo dey tok so much about?
Wetin be aloe vera?
From im scientific name aloe barbadensis Miller, aloe vera na plant wey belong to di Liliaceae botanical family.
Although some believe say di plant bin originate from Egypt or di Middle East, e dey naturally cultivated around di world today, especially for dry regions.
"My grandmother get aloe vera for her garden in Aneho, e no far from Lomé.
Na plant wey dey grow quickly if you take good care of am," Hélène Ahonssou tok.
Na medicinal plant wey popular for im composition and therapeutic virtues, long recognized by various medicines and civilizations.
E fit dey recognized by im long, fleshy leaves, wey contain highly prized, clear, mucilaginous, sticky pulp wey pipo dey use as food.
Afta dem process am small.
According to Dr Mathieu Kponou Tobossi, a nutritionist wey specialize in food hygiene and quality, wey also be expert for Dieto-phytotherapy, di virtues of dis plant dey derive from im viscous, mucilaginous gel wey dey di thick, pointed leaves, measure 30-50 cm and mostly toothed.
Di plant also get one yellow latex wey dey extracted from di outer layer of im leaves, and many don make am indoor plant.
Composition
Aloe vera leaves contain two essential substances. Dis substances dey different and get important therapeutic properties. Di first na di latex wey dey di outer layer of di leaves. Dis na yellow, bitter sap wey dey di channels of di bark.
Den e get dis gel made of clear mucilage wey dey di large leaves. Di gel softens and smoothes skin tissue.
According to Dr Mathieu Tobossi, aloe vera leaves dey packed wit vitamins, minerals, amino acids and bioactive compounds like phenolics and polysaccharides.
Dis plant na vitamin and antioxidant goldmine. E contain vitamins A, C and E, wey all dey known for dia antioxidant properties. Vitamin B12 also present.
A host of minerals and trace elements also dey present, including calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Lysine, valine and isoleucine na amino acids wey e contain.
Na plant wit many properties.
Therapeutic properties
Di many therapeutic properties of aloe vera make am ideal, exceptional and highly prized plant.
Dis marvel get five outstanding properties.
1. Healing, antimicrobial and regenerative action on di skin
E get dermatological action by local use on external lesions. "Thanks to im above-mentioned bioactive compounds combined wit anti-inflammatory ones, dis plant dey accelerate di healing of burns, wounds and sunburns", Dr Tobossi emphasize.
E dey also moisturize di skin and reduce acne through im antibacterial effect against di germ Propionibacterium acnes. According to di doctor, a review of 4 experimental studies bin find say Aloe Vera fit reduce burn healing time by around 9 days compared wit conventional drugs.
"Im anti-wrinkle effects come from di local application of di gel, wey bin increase collagen production and improved skin elasticity over a 90-day period. Anoda study also reveal say Aloe Vera dey reduce erythema, i.e. redness of di skin.
Di founder and Director of NFS Togo Research Center also point out say aloe vera na antifungal and antibacterial properties wey fit help eliminate dandruff from di hair. Aloe vera gel on di scalp help stimulate blood circulation, promote hair growth.
Wetin dey more, im natural enzymes also dey help rid di scalp of dead cells, promote healthy environment wey dey good for hair growth. In di event of hair loss sake of stress or oda factors, aloe vera fit be valuable remedy.
2. Boost di immune system
Aloe vera also get immune-modulating properties thanks to acemannan, wey get antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor activity, and antioxidant properties thanks to im high content of vitamins (A, C, E), minerals and polyphenols.
Di presence of complex sugars such as polysaccharides dey help communication between immune cells, di doctor note.
"As example of im anti-microbial action, one study on dental plaque show say Aloe Vera dey reduce dental plaque, source of tooth decay and gum disease. For one bath study of mouthwash on 300 healthy pipo, a 100% pure Aloe Vera juice dey compared to di normal mouthwash of Chlorhexidine. Afta four days of use, Aloe Vera just dey as effective as Chlorhexidine to reduce plaque," Dr Mathieu Kponou Tobossi tok.
E add say anoda study show similar benefits of Aloe Vera as mouthwash wen e dey used over a period of 15 to 30 days. Aloe Vera dey kill di plaque-producing bacteria Streptococcus mutans in di mouth, as well as di yeast Candida albicans.
3. Internal regenerative and pain-relieving action
According to di expert Dieto-phytotherapist,
Aloe Vera don convincingly demonstrate im effectiveness on mouth ulcers sake of mouth ulcers. Dis ulcers wey usually form under di lip, in di mouth, and last for around seven-10 days.
"For one seven-day study of 180 pipo wit recurrent mouth ulcers, one Aloe Vera patch for di area dey effective to reduce di size of di ulcers. In anoda study, Aloe Vera gel no only dey accelerate di healing of mouth ulcers, but also reduce di associated pain," e tok.
4. A digestive action
Aloin or barbaloin, one substance wey dem dey find in di latex (di yellow part under di leaf) of Aloe vera, dey recognised as one of di best natural laxatives. Aloe vera diafore dey recommended for constipation.
Di mucilaginous gel also dey shown to soothe gastric discomfort, di doctor tok.
5. Regulates glycaemia and cholesterol levels
Aloe Vera sometimes dey used to one traditional remedy for diabetes, according to Dr Tobossi. Di plant dey said to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management.
Several animal and human studies on type 2 diabetics dey found to get promising results from di consumption of Aloe Vera extract, according to am.
"E don also dey reported to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Dangers and side effects of aloe vera
Aloe vera na highly prized plant. However, according to Dr Mathieu Tobossi, although di benefits of dis plant dey widely recognised, risks also dey wey associate wit im use.
1. Latex (Aloin) toxicity
According to di specialist, latex don dey reported to cause abdominal cramps, severe diarrhoea and electrolyte imbalances (hypokalaemia). 'A contraindication for di risk of miscarriage in pregnant women also don dey reported'.
2. Liver toxicity
Dr Tobossi inform say some reported cases of liver damage wit long-term ingestion of Aloe Vera supplements dey.
3. Drug Interactions
In im opinion, risk of hypoglycaemia dey sake of di potentiation of di effects of hypoglycaemic drugs.
"One worsening of hypokalaemia (loss of potassium) don dey reported. Dis na sake of one interaction between Aloe Vera and diuretic and corticosteroid drugs", di doctor wey specialise in food hygiene and quality tok.
4. Allergies and skin reactions
Although Aloe Vera dey highly recommended for di skin, some pipo dey allergic to im. Contact dermatitis (redness, itching) don dey reported in sensitive individuals.
"E dey advisable to avoid to dey apply Aloe Vera to surgical wounds.
5. Carcinogenic risk (Prolonged use of Latex)
Aloin dey classified as "possibly carcinogenic", according to Group 2B of di International Agency for Research on Cancer, for di event of chronic consumption.
Caution
As you fit see, Aloe vera don prove therapeutic benefits. But im use need dey cautious and informed, according to Dr Mathieu Kponou Tobossi.
For am, e dey necessary to :
Dis article no be substitute for medical examination specialist. Please consult a doctor before you use aloe vera.
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It wasn't quite as light as a moisturizer, but I definitely thought this foundation was lighter than others I've tried.' UGC CAPTION: This Huda Beauty foundation has ingredients like niacinamide and aloe vera that help soothe inflamed, acne-prone skin. ALT TEXT: Before and after of woman not wearing makeup and wearing Huda Beauty foundation Courtesy Caitlin Cusack The foundation dries matte but without looking cakey or unnatural, says Cusack. Plus, it's extremely buildable; though it looks relatively thin and watery when Cusack initially applied it, she could add several layers to cover up imperfections without it feeling thick or heavy on her skin, she says. UGC CAPTION: This formula has a great amount of coverage without drying out skin, according to our editors. ALT TEXT: Man applying foundation on face using a Beautyblender makeup sponge Courtesy Cory Fernandez Best splurge: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint What we like: Lightweight coverage; Hydrating; Easy to blend Something to note: Minimal coverage; Not many shade ranges; Not for moderate/severe acne If you're looking for a super lightweight, 'skin-like' tint for the hotter months, consider this one from Chanel. At $70 a piece, this is definitely a splurge, but it's well worth the price tag if you want a tint that's hydrating, long-lasting and looks like your actual skin. 'This is my hands-down favorite foundation for my historically acne-prone, now post-Accutane skin,' says NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson. 'It's very sheer and not full coverage, so if you're looking for that, this isn't it. But it's gloriously hydrating — if you're using super-drying spot treatments or have parched skin after Accutane like me, it'll keep your skin looking glowy throughout the day.' UGC CAPTION: The foundation has a watery texture at first, but blends in beautifully using the included applicator brush. ALT TEXT: Swatch of the Chanel foundation on back of woman's hand Courtesy Mili Godio I wore this one in 90-degree weather, and it didn't budge at all after 10+ hours. The formula is 75% water, according to the brand, which is great for those with very dry skin. I was initially put off by the watery texture, but it ended up turning into a lightweight tint that blended beautifully into my skin using the included applicator brush (however, due to the water-like texture, my usual makeup sponge doesn't blend it well). It didn't cling to any of my dry patches like most foundations do and instead of accentuating my pores and texture, this tint basically blurred it all away. The packaging is also one of my favorite parts; both the container and brush are sleek and luxurious. Keep in mind the shades are extremely limited, and even the darkest shade is extremely light compared to the other options on this list. Also, make note that you'll get very minimal coverage with this foundation, so you'll want to look at other options if you have moderate to severe acne. UGC Before & After CAPTION: This is more of a 'skin-like' tint rather than a foundation, so it's best for those with mild acne or occasional breakouts. ALT TEXT: Before of woman not wearing makeup and after of woman wearing Chanel foundation Courtesy Mili Godio Sephora | Ulta What we like: Good for everyday use; Hydrating; Lightweight Something to note: Not for severe acne; Dewy finish This Milk Makeup skin tint is great for those with the occasional breakout or mild acne. It has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are key acne-safe ingredients that help reduce inflammation, according to the experts I spoke to. Malin doesn't typically wear a lot of makeup on a day-to-day basis, but when she's going out to dinner or knows she'll be filming social videos at work, she wears this skin tint. 'It's very hydrating; I feel like my skin drinks up the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in it. I love the dewy glow it gives me, and it effectively evens out my skin tone and makes my face super smooth,' says Malin. 'I've gotten so many compliments on my skin when I wear this.' UGC BEFORE & AFTER CAPTION: This skin tint provides a great amount of coverage while still having expert-recommended skin care ingredients that benefit acne-prone skin. ALT TEXT: Side by side image of woman not wearing foundation and wearing Milk Makeup skin tint. Courtesy Jem Alabi The gel consistency is lighter than any other foundation on this list, and our reviewers note that they can barely feel this on your skin. Keep in mind this does have a dewy finish, which my experts say can emphasize breakouts. However, because the skin tint is lightweight and has much more subtle coverage than most foundations on this list, it's not likely that it'll cling to dry patches or create more texture. UGC BEFORE & AFTER CAPTION: The gel consistency of this skin tint is extremely light, which makes it feel like a second skin, according to our editors. ALT TEXT: Side by side image of woman not wearing foundation and wearing Milk Makeup skin tint. Courtesy Zoe Malin What we like: Great amount of coverage; Sweat and water-resistant; Natural finish Something to note: Can cling to dry patches This Make Up For Ever foundation labels itself as waterproof, and it definitely meets expectations: This is another one I used for 10+ hours in the Florida heat, and it held up great to my constant sweating (for context, my face sweats more than my body, so it's a huge surprise when any makeup product actually lasts). It has a very natural, matte finish that gives me a 'your skin but better' look, which isn't common with medium to full coverage foundations, in my experience. Cusack felt the same way: 'I'm usually not a fan of matte foundations, but this one is basically a second skin for me,' she says. 'It evens out my skin tone, covers up my redness and makes my very large pores less noticeable — all without looking cakey or unnatural.' Cusack says it takes less than a minute to blend in with her makeup sponge, which is a similar experience I had. Plus, the foundation feels so light on her skin that Cusack says she forgets she's even wearing it. However, the foundation doesn't have as much coverage as others on this list, so you might want to look elsewhere if you have more severe acne. 'The strength of this foundation is its ability to even out skin tone. It does that really well with just a small amount. But does it cover up spots? Not really,' says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. UGC CAPTION: This foundation has a very lightweight consistency, which means it won't get cakey throughout the day, according to our editors. ALT TEXT: Side by side image of woman not wearing foundation and wearing Make Up For Ever foundation. Courtesy Caitlin Cusack Can foundation cause breakouts? Yes, your foundation can be the culprit of breakouts, experts say. That's especially true if the formula is oil-based or has ingredients that generally clog pores, including coconut oil or cocoa butter (more on pore-clogging ingredients below). Heavy, thick foundations can also trap oil and trigger acne, says Gmyrek. Microbial contamination of products and applicators (like makeup sponges and brushes), as well as the frequent application and removal of makeup with harsh cleansers that disrupt the skin barrier, can all contribute to acne, says Dobos. How to shop for acne-safe foundations When shopping for the best foundation for your acne-prone skin, the ingredients list and on-package labels are key. Here's what experts agree to keep in mind: Ingredients and labels Look for foundations labeled noncomedogenic, which means they're less likely to clog pores and aggravate inflammation, and oil-free, which won't cause excess oil. Some ingredients that won't make pimples worse and may even benefit acne-prone skin include salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores), niacinamide (anti-inflammatory and helps controls oil production), zinc oxide (mineral SPF ingredient that's calming and antimicrobial), and aloe vera (soothes irritation), says Gmyrek. Oils that score low on the comedogenicity scale, like argan and jojoba oils, are also safe for acne-prone skin, says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. (You can look into the comedogenicity of skin care ingredients here.) Foundations that help treat acne are considered drugs in the U.S. and have specific labeling that indicates the active ingredient and percentage of that active, says Dobos. 'There are only a handful of permitted actives for acne, and salicylic acid is a popular choice because of its ability to penetrate the pores,' she says. However, avoid putting makeup with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide near your delicate eye area, which can cause irritation and premature aging, says clinical esthetician Danielle Gronich. If you have oily skin, look for ingredients that help absorb and reduce oil in your T-zone (your forehead, nose and chin). These include silica, kaolin, magnesium carbonate and starches, says Dobos. Avoid foundations with heavy, occlusive or oil-based ingredients, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. These include coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, sodium lauryl sulfate and heavy silicones, says Gmyrek. Keep in mind that fragrances can also irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin, so stay away if you can. Formulation and finish Mineral or powder foundations help control excess oil, which helps those who are oily and acne-prone. Light-to-medium coverage liquids with calming ingredients like centella asiatica or aloe vera give a good amount of coverage without suffocating your skin, says Boakye. Avoid heavy cream or stick foundations, which are more likely to clog pores and accentuate acne, says Boakye. Additionally, look for foundations labeled as matte or natural finishes, both of which help control shine and reduce the appearance of texture or bumps, says Soliz. 'Avoid overly dewy formulas, which may emphasize breakouts,' he says. Also, don't reach for foundations with mica (a mineral commonly found in foundations) or shimmer because they can emphasize texture, says Suzy Gerstein, a New York City-based makeup artist. What does noncomedogenic actually mean? Noncomedogenic means a product is formulated not to block pores, which reduces the risk of acne. However, the term is not regulated and is commonly used as a marketing term, so make sure to check the ingredient list for pore blockers, says Gmyrek. 'What most people don't know is that products labeled as noncomedogenic can still contain pore-clogging ingredients because brands often reformulate but don't communicate that to their customers, or they are using the term illegitimately, not having gone through proper testing,' says Gronich. 'For acne-prone skin, I've seen even trace amounts of pore cloggers causing breakouts, which is why it's critical to check ingredient labels to make sure the products you're using do not contain any of these ingredients.' (See above for common pore-clogging ingredients.) Can you use other actives with foundation? Yes, you can combine foundation with active acne-fighting ingredients, but with caution. Apply your acne medication first, allowing it to penetrate your skin for a few minutes, and then apply your foundation. 'If you are using a foundation that already includes acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid in its formulation, there's no need to layer,' says Gmyrek. 'Avoid layering with strong topicals like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide unless guided by a professional — this can cause dryness or irritation,' says Boakye. How should you prep your acne-prone skin before foundation? When prepping your skin, 'it's all about balancing hydration, protecting the skin barrier and creating a clean, even canvas,' says Soliz. First, make sure your skin is exfoliated. 'People with acne should regularly exfoliate [two to three times per week] to prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores and causing new breakouts,' says Gronich. 'Makeup can also cling to dead skin cells, so exfoliating them away before applying makeup will help your makeup glow.' (Just make sure to exfoliate only a few times per week to avoid damaging your skin barrier, experts say.) Before applying your foundation, start with a gentle cleanser, then follow with a lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer, a mineral sunscreen (if it's daytime) and an oil-free, noncomedogenic primer. If needed, use a targeted acne treatment before applying your foundation. Wait between layers so everything is fully dry, which helps prevent cakiness and flaking, experts say. How can people with acne best apply foundation on their skin? When it comes to applying foundation, here are some makeup artist-approved tips for those with acne-prone skin: Always prioritize skin care. Make sure to use gentle, noncomedogenic skin care beforehand to prevent irritation, says King. Use clean and gentle application tools, such as a damp makeup sponge or synthetic foundation brush. Apply your foundation lightly and in thin layers to avoid caking. 'Applying too many layers of products over your [pimples] can clog pores and worsen acne,' says Gmyrek. Conceal specific areas strategically to avoid layering too many products. 'If you're touching up your makeup, removing your foundation and re-apply as opposed to putting another layer on top of your existing makeup that you have been wearing all day,' says Gmyrek. Thorough removal of makeup at night to prevent overnight breakouts and irritation. Respect the skin you're working with. 'When in doubt, less is more and skin with texture is still beautiful. Foundation should enhance your confidence, not hide who you are,' says Soliz. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at Unionderm in New York City. Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist with expertise in skin care and personal care product formulation. Gilbert Soliz is a Los Angeles-based celebrity and fashion makeup artist. Dr. Naana Boakye is a board-certified dermatologist based in Hackensack, New Jersey. Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City. Suzy Gerstein is a professional makeup artist based in New York City. Danielle Gronich is a clinical esthetician, acne specialist and CEO of Clearstem Skincare. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered beauty and personal care for over five years. For this article, I spoke to board-certified dermatologists, makeup artists, a cosmetic chemist and a clinical esthetician about what to look for in foundations for acne-prone skin. NBC Select editors also tested over 50 foundations for a month to find the best ones to recommend. BareMinerals Original Loose Talc-Free Powder Mineral Foundation $39.00 Amazon $39.00 Sephora $39.00 Ulta What to Consider LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation $24.00 Sephora What to Consider Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush $37.00 Sephora What to Consider Milk Makeup Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint $36.00 Sephora $36.00 Ulta What to Consider Make Up For Ever HD Skin Waterproof Natural Matte Foundation $47.00 Sephora What to Consider
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Five houseplants to add to your home if you hate dusting – and one of them is just £9 from Wilko right now
There's one plant that's perfect for kitchens too HOUSE THAT? Five houseplants to add to your home if you hate dusting – and one of them is just £9 from Wilko right now Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE'VE all got our preferred methods of dusting our homes, but did you know certain houseplants can lessen the load when it comes to banishing dust? Many houseplants can catch and hold onto airborne dust particles, which is great news for plant lovers and homeowners. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Plants will need their leaves wiped to remove the dust they collect Credit: Getty 2 The plants help remove dust thanks to their ions which pull it in like magnets Credit: Getty The plants do this by pulling in the dust like magnets, from the air and onto their leaves. So, which plants work best for this? Spider plant If you're looking for a low maintenance plant that's easy to find and take care of, the spider plant is the best choice for you. It's great choice for pet owners too, because it's not toxic and resilient to all kinds of conditions. The plant also thrives in indirect sunlight, but you will need to wipe the collected dust from the leaves to ensure it can photosynthesise. Additionally, they absorb nitrogen dioxide which can help to keep the air circulating your home clean and fresh. Snake plant The snake plant is renowned for being succulent, which means it's super easy to look after. It's a great choice for keeping air inside clean and fresh as it releases oxygen into the air whilst removing other toxins. Meanwhile, researchers at Harvard University found it to be one of the most oxygen-producing houseplants, helping you to breathe and sleep better. Better yet, you can pick up this plant for just £9.99 from Wilko right now, making it budget-friendly too. English Ivy If you frequently dye your hair at home, then it's worth investing in an English Ivy plant. I pinky promise you'll have happy houseplants if you avoid the 'gap of death' that's killing them – fixing it is easy That's because it helps to reduce the levels of chemicals, but this plant is toxic for pets so should be avoided by pet owners. The plant is pretty easy to look after though, and needs water and sunlight every day. Peace Lily The peace lily is an ideal plant to be kept in the bedroom as it has a high transpiration rate meaning that when watered, it helps to bring moisture back into the room. However, the bad news is it's toxic to pets and needs a bit more TLC, as it requires morning sunlight only, misting and damp soil. Aloe Vera When you think of aloe vera, chances are its skin-soothing benefits instantly spring to mind. However, it turns out it's also very effective in removing toxins from the air. Aloe Vera plants are great for places like kitchens, so they can banish airborne chemicals found in detergents.
