The Aloe Vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.

Mechanisms of actions of Aloe vera :

• Healing properties (increases collagen and synthesis of hyaluronic acid, breaks strength of resulting scar tissue)

• Protective effects against radiation damage to the skin

• Anti-inflammatory action

• Moisturizing and anti-ageing effect (stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, softens the skin, tightens pores, and anti-acne effect).

• Antiseptic effect via 6 antiseptic agents having inhibitory action of fungi, bacteria and viruses.

• Antiviral and antitumor activity

• Strengthening and helping the immune system

• Laxative effects following oral form of aloe vera

Side effects:

• Topical: it may cause redness or burning sensation if you have a sensitive skin or an allergy. Apply a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction. A small tip: When applying aloe vera gel as a mask, especially when its taken directly from the plant, let it stay for about 10min then remove it since it can dry out the skin. Do not forget to apply your moisturizing cream directly after removing the gel.

• Oral: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels)

Contraindications:

• Allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family

• Only oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions:

Topical aloe may increase the absorption of steroid creams. Aloe and furosemide may increase the risk of potassium depletion.