Aloe Vera to Skin care

Aloe Vera is a cactus-like plant growing in the warmer climates of the world and are described as succulents. Aloe vera is a very popular herbal remedy. The Aloe vera plant (also called Aloe barbadensis) is unique among plants for its importance in natural skin care. The skin is the largest organ in the human body and it really takes a beating. Aloe Vera can help alleviate this beating. Aloe vera contains burn healing effects, anti-inflammatory properties, scar reducing properties and wounds.
Aloe vera pulp is the clear, thick substance inside of the Aloe vera leaf. (It is often called Aloe vera gel, but it is usually treated before it is used in cosmetics). Aloe vera juice is made by liquifying Aloe vera pulp. Aloe vera gel is made by adding a thickener such as irish moss to Aloe vera juice. Aloe vera oil is made by extracting oil-soluble portions of the Aloe vera plant into a light vegetable oil, such as safflower oil. Aloe vera juice, gel and oil can be used in cosmetics.
Aloe is used in many skin care products because of its ability to stimulate healthy cell growth and repair damaged tissues. Most people think of using Aloe only on their skin because that is all they know about.
Benefits of Aloe Vera to the Skin:

• Aloe vera is beneficial for cracked and dry skin.
• Aloe vera oil can be used on the dry skin to make the skin normal and shiny.
• Aloe Vera acts as a natural barrier and shields our skin from dangerous toxins.
• Aloe vera is helpful for frostbite, burns, insect bites, blisters and allergic reactions.
• All the Aloe vera products are used as a part of skin treatment regimen and keep the skin healthy.
• Aloe vera products contain the highest concentrations of healing agent which is beneficial for the skin.
• It makes the skin smooth and glowing.
• It relieves heat on the skin caused by sunburn.
• Aloe vera is used for treating various skin conditions such as eczema, burns, psoriasis, inflammations, wounds etc.
• It destroys bacteria that try to invade cuts or open wounds.
• It forms a protective barrier around achy and sore joints and muscles.
• It is an excellent skin moisturizer that keeps the skin flexible by giving oxygen to the cells which in turn increases the strength and synthesis of skin tissue.
• The products of Aloe vera are very popular among the customers due to the moisturizing properties which are best for the skin or skin disorders.
• Aloe vera improves the ability of the skin so that it can hydrate itself.
• It is helpful in removing dead skin cells and has the ability for effective penetration and transports healthy substances through the skin.
• It is beneficial for the cosmetic products such as make up, anti-wrinkle creams, facial masks, skin conditioners and lipsticks.
• Aloe vera is useful for preventing the aging of the skin. It nourishes the skin and tissues with body-loving nutrients such as vitamin E and C.
• Aloe vera gel is helpful in improving the lesions.
• It lightens dark spots on the face and reduces the intensity of pigmentation.

    Source: http://www.bitterrootrestoration.com/skin-care/aloe-vera-to-skin-care.html

Skin Care Treatments

Care for your Skin Type

Skin Type	Identification
Oily Skin	Has a shine
Dry Skin	Looks dry and flaky and often feels taut
Combination Skin	Oily in some parts of the face and dry in others

Skin types cannot be altered permanently but they can be kept temporarily in check with a suitable skin care routine. To discover your skin type, do the following:

• Cleanse your face thoroughly.
• Remove all traces of make-up, but do not tone or moisturise.
• Leave the skin to settle for a few hours without cosmetics.
• Examine it carefully in natural daylight, using a good mirror or a magnifying one.

Oily Skin
The main hallmark of an oily skin is an overall shine. The skin is often sallow and its texture may be coarse, the opening of the sebaceous glands, or pores, may be particularly noticeable. Oily skin tends to attract dirt and dust more readily than dry skin.
While it is often besieged with spots and blackheads at puberty, oily skin can be a blessing as the excess sebum helps to prevent the skin from drying out.

Care

It benefits from water, so washing with ordinary soap or a wash off cleanser is ideal. After cleansing, remove excess oil with an astringent.


Dry Skin

The skin looks dry and sometimes flaky and often feels taut. Due to lack of protective sebum, it reacts to extreme weather conditions. It is less likely to develop pimples than oily skin but tends to become readily chapped or roughened in dry atmospheres.

Care

All products used should be mild and toners should be alcohol free. A creamy cleanser should be used. It is essential to moisturise the face, throat and skin around the eyes.


Combination Skin

The most common skin type is a combination skin with an oily central panel of the zone embracing the forehead, nose and chin and areas of dryness on the cheeks, round the eyes and on the throat.

Care

Wash the face with a gentle soap or a mild milky cleanser. Moisturise the dry areas often.
Refer Skin Care at Home for advice on the suitable facemasks for your skin.

Your Skin Worries and Treatment

Acne
Blackheads, small pustules with a tendency to develop deeper inflamed spots, are most common in puberty.

Treatment

• Wash at least three times a day with soap and water. Meticulous cleansing of the skin is required to de-fat the skin.
• Use an anti-bacterial cleanser.
• Obtain special medication from a doctor - do not use proprietary ones.

Chloasma
Brown patches on the skin, frequently on the face and neck.

Treatment

• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Use sunscreen creams.
• Eat food rich in Vitamin C.
• Use cosmetic products containing glycolic acid and retinoic acid.
• Chemical peeling using Alphahydroxy acids.

Moles
Moles are large collections of melanocytes in the skin. They may be flat or raised.

Treatment

• Remove by cosmetic surgery.
• Visit a doctor immediately if the mole gets larger, itchy, inflamed, or swollen.

Vitiligo
Vitiligo is the absence of pigmentation of the skin, usually seen as patches.

Treatment

• Protect from sunlight. Patches of vitiligo are very sensitive to sunlight and burn easily.
• Consult a dermatologist.

Scars
Scars are formed usually as a result of injuries to the skin. They may be thick as in a keloid or may be depressed as in post acne or chicken pox.

Treatment

For Scars

• Carbondioxide Slush
• Dermabrasion
• Chemical Peel
• Laser Resurfacing

For Keloids

• Intralesional Steroids
• Cryosurgery
• Laser

Warts
Warts occur due to virus infection of the skin.

Treatment

Visit a doctor for specific treatment.


Wrinkles

Wrinkles appear due to thinning and folding of the skin, most commonly on the face. Around the eyes, it is called Crow's Feet and around the mouth, Laughter Lines. The tendency to develop wrinkles or to have a young-looking skin is inherited.

Treatment

• Creams and lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids and retinoic acid
• Chemical Peeling
• Laser Resurfacing

Source:  http://www.webhealthcentre.com/webhealth/HealthyLiving/beauty_house_skin.aspx