We’ve all experienced the frustration of skin that feels dry and scaly, or sunburn that’s sore and inflamed (the kind hurts to even look at and you have your school reunion coming up).

When we experience irritating skin problems, we often look for products that will speed up the body’s natural healing process.

Some ingredients found in plants have proven healing properties.

Natural Hero Ingredients:

1. Aloe Ferox
2. Honeybush
3. Squalane
4. Honey
5. Clay

Let’s unpack how these hero ingredients found in skincare products can improve our skin’s ability to heal.

 

1. Aloe Ferox

Found inside the leaves of the Cape Aloe plant, Aloe Ferox has 20 times more bitter sap than Aloe Vera. It has traditionally been used in South Africa for its’ health benefits. The leaf gel is reported to have these properties*:

• Anti-inflammatory – reduce swelling
• Hydrating – increase the water content in skin cells
• Antimicrobial – helps fight skin infections
• Antioxidant – stops or limits cell damage caused by free radicals
• Refrigerant – cooling effect on skin

The Aloe Unique Aloe Gel contains Aloe Ferox for faster skin healing.

It’s become an essential item in bathroom cabinets for soothing skin that’s sunburnt, irritated, sensitive. Aloe Gel can be used every day to rehydrate and repair damaged skin.

2. Honeybush

Honeybush extract is another power ingredient that comes from a plant in the Western Cape in South Africa.  It has these properties:

• Antioxidant – stops or limits cell damage
• Anti-inflammatory – reduce swelling
• Antimicrobial – helps fight skin infections
• Anti-ageing – helps prevent wrinkles

Research has shown that honeybush extract improves skin elasticity and hydration. Skin wrinkles were significantly improved.*

Honeybush extract and Aloe Ferox are combined in our Bitter Aloe Gel and will help clear skin blemishes up faster.

3. Squalane

A natural antioxidant, squalane has many benefits for skin and hair. This a saturated oil is actually produced by our own bodies and some plants, such as olives and palms.

It has these properties:

• Antioxidant – stops or limits cell damage
• Anti-ageing – helps prevent wrinkles
• Anti-inflammatory – reduce swelling
• Detoxifier – helps remove harmful substances
• Hydrating – increases the water content in skin cells
• Noncomedogenic – won’t clog pores

This natural moisturiser sinks into the skin fast. It’s non-greasy and can be used for all skin types- even oily skin, sensitive skin, skin with acne or psoriasis.

Squalane is a true hero as a moisturiser. It can be used by everyone, including babies, teenagers, and grannies.

4. Honey

Research has proven what our mothers have been saying for years. Honey has healing properties for the skin:

• Antimicrobial – helps fight skin infections
• Humectant – helps draw moisture into the skin
• Antioxidant – stops or limits cell damage
• Anti-inflammatory – reduce swelling

The Aloe Unique Aloe and Honey Gel Mask combines Aloe Ferox and Honey to deeply hydrate, soothe and repair the skin.

5. Clay

Clay face masks have been used for centuries because they are so good at rejuvenating facial skin. They contain minerals and have special healing properties that soothe skin problems.

• Red clay – refreshes, softens and tones
• Kaolin clay – gently exfoliates and cleanses
• Green clay – stimulates circulation, helps heal blemishes, draws out impurities
• Bentonite Clay – treats wounds, skin allergies and acne
• Ghassoul Clay – high in vitamins and minerals, to cleanse and detox

A clay mask can give your skin a great boost, help protect against breakouts and revitalise your skin.

Here at Aloe Unique, we scientifically select ingredients found in nature to soothe and heal skin.

 

NOTE:
It’s a good idea to test any product you haven’t tried before on a small area of skin before using on a large area, in case of allergies, but generally, skincare products using natural ingredients are known to work better for people with sensitive skin. If you have a severe skin condition, you should discuss it with your doctor or dermatologist.

 

* Sources:

1. Beneficial effects of Aloe ferox on lipid profile, blood pressure, and glycemic control in obese persons: Gherbon A, Frandes M, Timar R, Nicula M. – NCBI
2. Nutraceutical and Functional Food Regulations in the United States and around the World (2019), Theeshan Bahorun, … Vidushi S. Neergheen-Bhujun
3. In Bioactive Polysaccharides, 2018, Shaoping Nie, … Mingyong Xie
4. “Protective effects of fermented honeybush extract) against skin aging: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.” Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy
5. Squalene: A natural antioxidant? Petdiatric – Ryszard Amarowicz
6. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review, B. Burlando, Laura Cornara