1. To tame frizz before drying or for air-drying. Pretty
obvious one. Aloe is the primary ingredient in many conditioners and most
defrizzers that aren’t silicone-based (which is most of them) because its
consistency makes it easy to apply and coat the hair with. Plus, the pH is
slightly acidic, but just slightly, which can help seal the cuticle of the
hair, making it more likely to behave. This works amazingly well on my wavy
thick hair for air drying, but I like it blown out, too. If you want to buy
something instead of using pure aloe, I like this.
2. As a shaving gel for legs or face. We’ve told you
many times that we do not use shaving cream, and if you’re still using the
traditional stuff please stop immediately! We use whatever is lying around
and is kind of silky feeling. Because aloe is also antiinflammatory, thanks to
the enzymes, and hydrating, thanks to the very high water content, this stuff
works like a charm on legs (or whevever) for a very close shave.
3. As a topical treatment for razor burn or makeout
burn. If you’re like me, you’ve probably at some point thought dry shaving
your legs with a not-especially-new razor was a great idea. It’s not, but if
you end up with razor burn—or if you’ve been making out with someone scruffy
who makes your face a little red—aloe is a godsend. Slather it on after you
shower, then again before bed.
4. Instead of an oil-free moisturizer, especially if you’re
acne-prone: Studies show that aloe can be an effective humectant,
increasing water retention in the skin. It also contains antioxidants in the
form of vitamins A, C and E, and enzymes that can help calm inflammation and
irritation—which is probably why it’s in so many moisturizers for acne-prone
skin. I think it just feels nice, especially in the summer. Keep it in the
fridge during heatwaves for an amazing way to wake up your skin, post shower.
5. As a personal lubricant: TMI Alert! My favorite lube
is from Aloecadabra, and it’s aloe-based. I don’t care for the flavored ones so
much, but the plain aloe lubricant has been my go-to for some time. I’ve also
given bottles of it to two of my friends! Plus, it’s condom-safe and pH
balanced, which is important for girls.
6. On dry hair or your eyebrows. If you’re lucky enough
to have brows like Alexandra, maybe you want to use a little on them with some
powder to darken or define them, and keep strays in place. This works on
blondes too, with powdered eye shadow in a taupe or very, very light brown. It
can similarly be used on dry hair as a way to prevent flyaways, if those bother
you.
7. On seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. Ugh. If you
have or have ever suffered from either of these you know how bad it can get. I
have not personally, but I’ve seen friends suffer through both, and boy does it
suck. Enter: your favorite succulent. The data is limited, but studies have
shown it to be effective in the treatment of both.
8. To help infections heal. There’s some evidence that
the antibacterial qualities that make it a great lotion for acne-prone skin may
also help with wound healing in humans, and in rats. I have
tried this (I’ve also done it with honey), and I think it works. Can’t be sure,
but it can’t hurt.
9. On cooking burns. Hopefully you had a cool mom who
taught you this when you were a kid (hi, mom!). If not, you can be that cool
mom or dad now or later. Oh, except wait… Despite the fact it seems like it
would be a good idea, NIH says it doesn’t work on sunburns. [Ed's
Note: Alexandra used it on the backs of her legs, after she burned them during
a surf lesson while on vacation. She's convinced the cooling aloe eased some of
her pain.]
10. Make a face mask out of it. We know some of you out
there love your DIY. For you, combine aloe with oats and your favorite face oil
in whatever proportions feel nice to you and slap the stuff on your face. Let
it sit for about 15 minutes and you’ll be left with a nice, slightly taught
face (in a good way, weird as it sounds).
source : nomoredirtylooks.com
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