Aloe Vera, the spiky, green wonderous botanical known as the ”plant of immortality” has a rich history, starting from the Egyptians over 6,000 years ago.

• Cleopatra used to apply a fragrant Aloe gel to her body as a beauty ritual.
• The Chinese used it to treat burns, wounds, and reduce fever.
• In Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe was and is still used to heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
• The ancient Greeks used it as a cure-it-all remedy.
• The Native Americans called Aloe vera the ”Wand of the Heaven”.
• During the Crusades, the Knights of Templar were making an (alcoholic!) drink with palm, Aloe pulp, and hemp called the ”Elixir of Jerusalem”.

The Aloe plant’s fleshy leaves contain a gel that is packed with nutrients, active enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  Aloe vera gel contains Auxin and Gibberellins, two hormones with strong healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe vera is widely used in skincare because it’s an amazing anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and soothing gentle botanical.

Growing Aloe Vera at home is quite easy so we want to tempt to you make your own aloe vera gel at home. Follow these easy steps:

1. wash your hands and disinfect a knife, a chopping board, a glass bowl, a spoon, a fork, and, if you have it, a blender.
2. chop one big leaf and let it drain for few minutes (it will release a dark yellow resin that contains latex,  slightly irritating to the skin).
3. peel the leaf and scoop the gel out with a spoon or knife.
4. whisk the pulp with a fork or use a food processor until a clear gel is formed.
5. if you make a batch for more than 1 mask, please add 1-2% preservative (for example citric acid o preservatives for water-based products ) but we recommend to keep the gel refrigerated and use it within a week.
6. have fun adding essential oils (never exceed 1%).

Here are some ideas for basic masks  – have fun and experiment using more than 3 ingredients. Remember – you can use ready-made Aloe Vera gel but read carefully the ingredients list to avoid nasty additions such as synthetic harsh preservatives and emulsifiers.

1) BASIC SOOTHING & SUNBURN MASK – ALL SKIN TYPES

• 3 parts Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 part Rosehip Oil

TIP – Whisk Aloe Gel and Rosehip Oil until you obtain a translucent, yellowish gel. Refrigerate to increase its cooling effect. Apply liberally on face and body and rinse. For severe sunburn add 1-3 drops of Lavender Essential oil.

2) HYDRATION BOOST MASK – DRY SKIN

• 3 parts Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 part mashed Cucumber
• Cornstarch/Arrowroot powder (if you prefer a thicker mask)
• 1/4 part Glycerin

TIP – Whisk Aloe and Cucumber until you obtain a smooth liquid gel. If you prefer a thicker mask mix 1 part of Cornstarch/Arrowroot powder with 5 parts of Glycerin and mix it with the gel. Apply to a clean face and let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

3) GLOWING SKIN MASK – ALL SKIN TYPES

• 2 parts Aloe Vera Gel
• 1/4 tbsp of Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp of Rosehip Oil Or Apricot Oil
• 1-3 drops of Lavender or Chamomile or Rose Hydrosol

TIP – Combine all wet ingredients and whisking until you obtain a translucent, orange gel; then add the Turmeric powder using a sieve for better dispersion.  Apply to a clean face and let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

4) RESURFACING MASK – ALL SKIN TYPES

• 2 parts Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 part mashed Papaya
• 1 part mashed Pineapple (optional)
• Cornstarch/Arrowroot powder (if you prefer a thicker mask)
• 1/4 part Glycerin

TIP – Whisk Aloe and Papaya (and Pineapple) until you obtain a smooth liquid gel. If you prefer a thicker mask mix 1 part of Cornstarch/Arrowroot powder with 5 parts of Glycerin and mix it with the gel. Apply to a clean face and let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

5) BALANCING & ANTIOXIDANT MASK – OILY AND BLEMISHED SKIN

• 2 parts Aloe Vera Gel
• 1/3 tbsp of Spirulina powder
• 1-5 drops of Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Lavender, Cedarwood, Palmarosa, Geranium)

TIP – Combine Aloe Vera Gel with Spirulina using a sieve for better dispersion until you obtain a translucent, green gel.  Apply to a clean face and let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Check out other DIY masks ideas with

Fresh Berries

Coffee

Oats

Happy masking!