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, 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 a 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 keeping the gel refrigerated and using 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 tsp 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 whisk 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 mask ideas with:

Coffee

Oats

Berries

Happy masking!