Sun protection is an important aspect of skin care. Though the sun is beneficial in order for the human body to get its daily dose of vitamin D, unprotected excessive sunlight can cause extreme damage to the skin. Ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation in the sun’s rays can cause sunburn in varying degrees, early ageing and increased risk of skin cancer. UV exposure can cause patches of uneven skin tone and dry out the skin.
Aloe Vera, a very versatile plant, can treat sunburns as easily as it can slow down the aging of the skin. The gel has healing properties instead of protection properties.
Since UV exposure can reduce the skin’s elasticity and encourage sagging and wrinkle formation sunscreen should be used as they can protect the skin from sun damage; sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before exposure, and should be re-applied every four hours. Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of the skin that will be exposed to sunlight, and at least a tablespoon (25 ml) should be applied to each limb, the face, chest, and back, to ensure thorough coverage. Many tinted moisturizers, foundations and primers now contain some form of SPF. Again, Aloe Vera gel has healing properties but not necessarily protection properties.
Sunscreens whether in the form of creams, gels or lotions should be used to protect skin against the sun UVs and their SPF number indicates their effectiveness in protecting the skin from the sun’s radiation. There are sunscreens available to suit every skin type; in particular, those with oily skin should choose non-comedogenic sunscreens; those with dry skins should choose sunscreens with moisturizers to help keep skin hydrated, and those with sensitive skin should choose unscented, hypoallergenic sunscreen and spot-test in an inconspicuous place (such as the inside of the elbow or behind the ear) to ensure that it does not irritate the skin.
Although Aloe Vera does not have major protection properties against the sun, the health benefits of Aloe Vera are numerous, far more than just skin healing properties, beginning with improving the digestive system all the way to preserving food; it can result in optimal health in the long run. It strengthens the immune system, delays the aging process, cures dermatitis, alleviates menstrual problems, reduces arthritis pain, heals wounds, cures nausea, eliminates ulcers, lowers blood sugar levels, prevents diabetes, reduces oxidative stress, inhibits cancerous growth, heals the side effects of radiotherapy treatments, promotes hair growth, and soothes acid reflux symptoms.
Aloe Vera has been a primary component in many skin which supports skin health and enhances skin re-creation while functioning as a wrinkle fader and skin rejuvenator – ultimately helping against developing acne, lightens stretch marks, and southing the skin after sunburn. The anti-aging properties works on the skin and keeps it fresh, supple, wrinkle-free, shiny, and bright. The properties of Aloe Vera make it penetrate quickly within the various layers of the skin, even down to the muscles of the body. In fact, its penetrating ability can even go deep into the bones. Thus, it is probably the best natural way to nurture and rejuvenate the skin cells.