Aloe Vera gel as facial moisturizer. It's simply FABULOUS and cheap! Aloe is so light and breathable, yet moisturizing at the same time. Based on a recipe from Better Basics for the Home, that called for 1/2 cup Aloe Vera gel and 1/8 cup Glycerin, I did a little experimenting. I came up with the perfect formula for my skin and for the current weather. One great thing about making your own products is that you can adjust them as needed. Another thing is this recipe is so cheap!

Facial Moisturizer

2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel (drinkable kind)
1/2 teaspoon vegetable Glycerin
3 drops Jojoba oil
6 drops Lavender oil

Place all ingredients in a small glass jar. Shake before each use. After washing your face while it is still damp, apply with your fingers. It will feel wet at first, but as it dries and absorbs, you will be left with silky soft skin. You can adjust this formula to meet your skin needs. Use less glycerin if it makes your skin feel sticky. Use more glycerin to increase the moisturizing ability. You can eliminate or increase the jojoba oil or try a different oil. You can also eliminate/change the lavender oil (I like lavender because it is antiseptic and antibacterial and it smells great). Better Basics for the Home describes a similar recipe for homemade baby lotion. The recipe calls for 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel and 1/2 tablespoon Glycerin. So if you invest in buying Aloe and Glycerin, they have multiple uses!

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

"Extracts of Aloe Vera first became popular as a proven skin healer. Aloe is said to improve collagen repair, heal burns and prevent wrinkles. It is a powerful detoxifier, antiseptic and tonic for the nervous system. It also has immune-boosting and anti-viral properties. Research has proven that adding Aloe Vera to ones diet improves digestion. As a general health tonic, there are benefits in taking a measure of Aloe Vera each day"

Patrick Holford, Founder - Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) (Source: Metro Magazine August 2000)

Here are few benefits of Aloe Vera:

- Studies have shown that Aloe Vera speeds the healing process, particularly in burns, including those from radiation. It is also used by dermatologists to speed healing after facial dermabrasion, which helps remove scars from the top most layers of the skin. The other health benefits from the use of Aloe Vera include helping to soothe skin injuries affected by burning, skin irritations, cuts and insect bites, and its bacterial properties relieve itching and skin swellings.

- Aloe Vera possesses incredible moisturizing properties. Studies show that Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin.

- Aloe Vera is also known to help slow down the appearance of wrinkles as it can actively repair the damaged skin cells that cause the visible signs of aging. Components of Aloe Vera have been found to reverse degenerative skin changes by stimulating collagen and elastin.

I hope you enjoyed my lil Beauty Tip of the Day! Have you ever tried Aloe Vera as facial moisturizer? What were your results?