Skincare for Scumbags

Humectant

Aloe Vera

GOATed succulent.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent with plump leaves that contain a clear inner gel composed of 99% water. This inner gel has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions and ailments.

While it's most known for it's ability to soothe burns, it can also be used to treat ance, moisturize skin, calm irritation, and promote collagen production. It's packed with antioxidents (vitamins A, C, and E), naturally antimicrobial (stops bacteria), and contains a small amount of salicylic acid (up to ~0.2%). It's a humectant, which means it draws water into the skin.

A couple of notes: the yellow latex (aka sap) in the aloe can cause irritation and has very limited medicinal use (can be used in moderation as a laxative). If you are allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips you might want to steer clear. Those are in a closely related family to aloe.

Different types

There are over 240 varieties of aloe, but only a few are medicinal. Here are the outliers for topical application:

  • Common Aloe (Aloe barbadensis Miller): Most widely used variety for a wide range of skin ailments as well as ingestion.
  • Cape Aloe (Aloe ferox): Highly potent variety, commonly used in African formulas for deep skin repair.
  • Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens): Extremely soothing variety, great for burns and irritations.

What it is used for

  • Soothing mild burns (especially sunburns)
  • Treating acne
  • Preventing infections of minor cuts
  • Moisturizing skin
  • Anti-aging treatment

How to apply

Aloe is most effective when it is applied to damp skin. Be sure to let it absorb completely before moving onto your next steps.

For hair treatment, massage it onto your scalp and work to the ends. Leave it on for 30m to an hour and then shampoo. You might want to shampoo twice to remove the residue.

Where it goes in routine

  1. Cleanser
  2. Toner or watery products
  3. Aloe Vera
  4. Heavier serums or creams
  5. Moisturizer
  6. Sunscreen (AM)

What to avoid

Steer clear if you are allergic to tulips, garlic, or onions. Don't apply to dirty skin, open zits, deep wounds, or severe burns. Don't apply the yellow latex, only use the gel. Avoid over-applying because this can dry you out.

How to shop for it

  • Buy clear or slightly yellow gels, not green ones
  • Look for 99% pure forumulas
  • For longer shelf-life, look for formulas with natural preservatives
  • Avoid formulas with alcohol or fragrance
  • 100% formulas are a sham
  • Cold-pressed & organic is better
  • African aloe formulas are stronger

How to steal it

  1. Find an aloe plant (identified as one of the above)
  2. Slice off a leaf
  3. Let the leaf dry for 3-5 days (to form a callus)
  4. Pot it in some succulent mix (6:4 soil / sand)
  5. Place in indirect sunlight
  6. Water lightly when completely dry

How to harvest it

  1. Cut off a leaf
  2. Place cut-side down in a cup for 10-15m to drain sap
  3. Wash the leaf
  4. Cut off the thorns
  5. Slice off the top skin
  6. Scoop out the gel

You can store the gel in a sealed jar and chuck it in the fridge for up to 7 days.

DIY recipes

  • Soothing Spray: Aloe & water (1:1) + lavender oil
  • Overnight treatment: 4 tbsp aloe + 2 tbsp shea butter + lavender oil
  • Dark spots: 1 tbsp aloe + 3 drops of lemon juice
  • 15m acne mask: 1 tbsp aloe + 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp coconut oil
  • Hair detangler spray: 1 tbsp aloe + 2 tbsp water

Scumbag verdict

Aloe has everything I love in a skincare product. It's natural, has MANY applications, easy to work with, low irritation risk, and you can grow it at home.