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Looking to level up your skincare game with a little help from Mother Nature? You’ve come to the right place!
Aloe vera, the OG of skin-loving ingredients, isn’t just for soothing sunburns—it’s been a beauty staple since, well, forever, and now, aloe vera face mask recipes are taking centre stage, revolutionising skincare routines.
In fact, #aloeverafacemask has racked up a whopping 13.7 million views on TikTok, proving that this green wonder is having a major moment in the beauty world.
For those battling stubborn acne, seeking to deeply moisturise dry skin, banish dead skin cells or simply wanting to pamper themselves with a ‘clean beauty’ must-have, we’ll explore why aloe vera deserves a starring role in your skincare routine and serve up eight ridiculously easy-to-make DIY face mask recipes that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and revitalised.
The best part? You can whip them up right in your kitchen using fresh aloe vera or store-bought gel.
So if you’re ready to pop on your DIY hat, let’s get started!
Why You Should Use Aloe Vera For Skincare
Aloe vera’s resume in skincare is pretty impressive!
This succulent plant has been used for centuries—dating back to the ancient Egyptians—who dubbed it ‘the plant of immortality’.
Its gel-like substance is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work wonders for your skin.
Modern research has caught up and confirmed that aloe vera:
- Cools and soothes the skin, making it perfect for sensitive or sunburned skin.
- Deeply moisturises thanks to a high water content, without leaving a greasy residue.
- Contains natural exfoliants which help remove dead skin cells and fight acne.
- Is anti-inflammatory, which can reduce redness and help with conditions like eczema.
- Promotes the production of collagen, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
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Fresh Aloe Vera vs. Store-Bought Gel
While store-bought aloe vera gel is convenient, using fresh aloe vera straight from the leaf can provide maximum benefits. Here’s how to extract gel from an aloe leaf:
- Cut a mature aloe leaf from the plant.
- Wash the leaf and let it stand upright for 10-15 minutes to drain the yellow sap.
- Carefully fillet the leaf to remove the gel.
- Blend the gel until smooth.
Fresh aloe vera gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re short on time, high-quality store-bought aloe vera gel can still offer great benefits for your skin.
Now for the recipes!
These aloe vera mask recipes are easy to make and you probably have many if not all of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
8 Aloe Vera Face Mask Recipes
1. Soothing Aloe Vera & Cucumber Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
1/2 cucumber, pureed
Preparation
In a bowl, mix the aloe vera gel with the cucumber puree until you get a smooth paste.
Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
Benefits for the Skin
This mask is the epitome of calm. Cucumbers’ high water content provides a moisture surge, while aloe vera combats inflammation and irritation. It’s a double dose of relief that leaves your skin happy and hydrated.
2. Hydrating Aloe Vera & Honey Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon of organic honey
Preparation
Mix the aloe vera gel and honey in a small bowl until thoroughly blended.
Apply to your face in a gentle, circular motion.
Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Benefits for the Skin
This mask is a hydration powerhouse. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin, and aloe vera enhances its benefits with its own hydrating properties. Perfect for a dewy, refreshed look.
3. Brightening Aloe Vera & Lemon Juice Mask
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Preparation
Mix aloe vera gel and lemon juice until well combined.
Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area.
Leave on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Benefits for the Skin
The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural exfoliant, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates. It’s a gentle way to lighten and brighten your skin tone and may help with reducing the appearance of dark spots over time.
4. Nourishing Aloe Vera & Avocado Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
Preparation
In a small bowl, mix the aloe vera gel and mashed avocado until creamy.
Apply the mixture to your face, steering clear of the eyes.
Let it work its magic for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Benefits for the Skin
This mask is a nutrient-packed meal for your face. Avocado is rich in fatty acids that help moisturise and repair the skin, and aloe vera enhances those properties while adding a dose of hydration and its own set of vitamins.
5. Exfoliating Aloe Vera & Brown Sugar Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Preparation
Combine aloe vera gel with brown sugar in a bowl.
Gently massage the mixture over your face in a circular motion for about a minute.
Let the mask sit for another 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Benefits for the Skin
Brown sugar acts as a natural exfoliant, while aloe vera helps to soothe the skin and prevent any irritation from the scrub. This mask will leave your skin soft, smooth, and ready to glow.
6. Anti-Aging Aloe Vera & Green Tea Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Contents of 1 green tea bag (steeped and cooled)
Preparation
Mix the aloe vera gel with the cooled green tea until combined.
Apply the mixture to your face and neck.
After 15-20 minutes, rinse off for refreshed, toned skin.
Benefits for the Skin
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can fight off free radicals and help prevent premature ageing. Aloe vera adds its array of skin-repairing vitamins, for a mask that’s great for both preventing and treating signs of ageing.
7. Acne-Fighting Aloe Vera & Tea Tree Oil Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil (diluted with a carrier oil if your skin is sensitive)
Preparation
Mix the aloe vera gel with the tea tree oil.
Apply the mixture to your face, focusing on the problem areas.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Benefits for the Skin
Tea tree oil is well-known for its antibacterial properties, making it a potent weapon against acne-causing bacteria. Paired with aloe vera’s soothing effects, this mask calms existing breakouts and helps prevent new ones from forming.
8. Revitalising Aloe Vera & Yoghurt Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened yoghurt
Preparation
Combine the aloe vera gel with yoghurt in a small bowl.
Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water and reveal glowing, revitalised skin.
Benefits for the Skin
Yoghurt is a gentle exfoliant and contains lactic acid, which can help purify and soften the skin. Aloe vera, as always, provides its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a mask for that fresh-faced, just-left-the-spa glow.
Tips for Applying Your DIY Aloe Vera Face Mask
To get the most out of your homemade face masks, follow these tips:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly before applying any mask.
- Apply the mask in a thin layer using clean fingers or a face mask brush.
- Avoid the delicate eye area when applying your mask.
- Leave the mask on for the recommended time – don’t exceed it, as this may dry out your skin.
- Rinse off with warm water, not hot, to avoid irritating your skin.
- Follow up with your regular moisturiser to lock in the benefits.
Incorporating Aloe Vera Face Masks into Your Skincare Routine
For best results, use these aloe vera face masks 1-2 times a week as part of your regular skincare routine. Here’s a sample routine incorporating an aloe vera face mask:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply your chosen aloe vera face mask.
- After rinsing off the mask, apply a toner if you use one.
- Follow with a serum targeted to your skin concerns.
- Finish with a moisturiser to lock in hydration.
Remember, consistency is key in skincare. Regular use of these aloe vera face masks, combined with a good skincare routine, will help you achieve that coveted glowing skin.
The Power of Clean Beauty
By creating your own aloe vera face masks, you’re embracing the principles of clean beauty.
You have control over the ingredients, ensuring that you’re putting only natural, beneficial substances on your skin.
This approach not only benefits your skin but also the environment by reducing packaging waste.
Additional Aloe Vera Skincare Tips
Beyond face masks, aloe vera can be incorporated into your skincare routine in other ways:
- Use it as a natural moisturiser by applying a thin layer of aloe vera gel directly to your skin.
- Mix a drop of aloe vera gel into your regular moisturiser for an extra hydration boost.
- Apply aloe vera gel to sunburned skin for instant relief.
- Use it as a natural makeup primer for smooth application.
- Apply to minor cuts or scrapes to promote healing.