Introduction – Keep That Aloe!
Aloe vera gel is an essential part of any skincare routine. It is a popular ingredient in face masks, creams, and moisturizers. Aloe vera gel contains vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are vital for the health and appearance of the skin by stimulating collagen production and helping to prevent premature skin aging. When used daily, aloe vera gel can help reduce acne breakouts and scars caused by blemishes or pimples.
Preserving aloe vera gel is necessary since it tends to dry out if it stays on the shelf for too long. Hence, you must preserve aloe vera gel effectively to keep it fresh and ready for use.
Since it’s a plant-based product, you can preserve aloe vera gel by adding a few drops of water. This helps retain the gel’s consistency and texture and prevents it from drying out. Applying this mixture to the surface of your skin can help seal in moisture, which is essential for well-hydrated skin. We will discuss more about how to preserve aloe vera gel in this article.
A Little Bit About The History Of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant with a long history of being used for its medicinal and beauty benefits. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning “shining bitter substance” and Latin meaning “true.” People have used aloe vera for centuries, with the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians believing it was a universal cure-all (which it is not!). Today, it is used in dermatology for skin care treatments. A very cool description of it is in a scientific review article by the Indian Journal of Dermatology.
The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in Latin means “true.” 2000 years ago, the Greek scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of immortality.” Today, the Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology.
Indian J of Dermatology
How Long Does Aloe Vera Gel Last?
This is an important question for anyone who uses the gel for its numerous benefits, such as soothing sunburns or helping with skin irritation. Aloe vera gel typically lasts for three to four years when properly stored.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that certain factors could impact the longevity of your aloe vera gel. For example, if the product contains added fragrances or preservatives, those may go bad quicker. It is also important to store aloe vera gel in a cool, dry place and ensure the lid stays tightly sealed to extend its shelf life.
As a general rule, always check the expiration date on your aloe vera gel and discard any product that has passed its shelf life. Additionally, pay attention to changes in texture or smell – these can indicate that it’s time to replace your aloe vera gel.
5 Ways To Preserving Aloe Vera Gel
There are many ways of preserving aloe vera gel. Most people will freeze it to preserve aloe vera gel. If you have a small quantity of the gel, you can preserve it by keeping it in an airtight container and storing it in your refrigerator.
1. Freeze The Aloe Vera Gel
Freezing the aloe vera gel is one of the easiest ways of preserving this natural ingredient for later use. To keep it fresh for longer, store a small amount of aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray and pop them into a freezer bag or an airtight container after freezing. Take out as many cubes as needed and thaw them at room temperature before using them on your face.
Remember that thawing and refreezing may impact the consistency and efficacy of the gel. It’s advisable to only take out as much as you need without intending to refreeze the remainder.
2. Store In The Refrigerator
Another way to store aloe vera gel is to store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. This method will help preserve the freshness of the aloe vera gel for at least a couple of weeks, if not more. Just check the expiry date on your bottle of aloe vera gel before using it in any beauty recipes or on your skin.
If you’re using fresh aloe vera gel from the plant, remember it doesn’t have any preservatives, so try to use it within a week
3. Keep It Out Of Direct Sunlight
Aloe vera gel should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible since exposure to sunlight can dry up this natural ingredient quickly. To prevent this from happening, store your bottles or containers of aloe vera gel either in a cool dark place or inside your refrigerator instead. This is why many aloe vera products are sold in opaque or dark-colored bottles. Sunlight can cause the gel to degrade faster, reducing its effectiveness.
4. Add A Few Drops Of Water To The Gel
Adding a few drops of water to the aloe vera gel can also help preserve it effectively by protecting it against evaporation and drying out. Ensure you mix the ingredients well, so no lumps are left. You can store this blend of aloe vera gel and water in an airtight container or bottle and refrigerate it for future use.
Vitamin E, citric acid, and certain essential oils can act as natural preservatives to extend the shelf life of aloe vera gel. Remember they won’t make the gel last indefinitely. Also be aware that some people may be sensitive to these preservatives.
5. Use A Preservative
If you have a large quantity of aloe vera gel, adding a safe preservative like vitamin E oil may be necessary to preserve it for longer periods. Make sure to check with your healthcare provider before using any preservatives on your skin, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What Are The Benefits Of Preserving Aloe Vera Gel?
There are many benefits of preserving aloe vera gel. Some key benefits include improving the appearance and health of your skin, reducing acne breakouts, minimizing scarring from blemishes and pimples, and promoting the healing of damaged skin.
Aloe vera gel has long been used for its healing and soothing properties. Preserving it allows us to keep its benefits at our fingertips, ready to be applied whenever needed. The gel can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin or sunburn relief, as well as for bug bites and minor cuts and scrapes.
Moreover, the gel contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and may even offer anti-aging benefits when applied to the face. Overall, using aloe vera gel regularly can help improve your overall complexion and keep your skin looking smooth, healthy, and radiant.
By preserving aloe vera gel, we can enjoy these benefits any time without waiting for a fresh aloe plant to grow or buying expensive store-bought products containing aloe. It’s easy to preserve the gel at home by freezing it in ice cube trays or mixing it with a preservative like a vitamin E oil or carbomer before storing it in a pump or squeeze bottle.
How to Store Aloe Vera Leaf?
When harvesting aloe vera leaves, handling them with care to preserve their healing properties is important. A quick rinse in cool water can help remove any dirt or debris. Then, cut off the desired portion of the leaf close to the base, leaving about an inch of stalk attached.
Next, slice off the edges of the aloe vera leaf to reveal the clear gel inside. This gel can be directly applied onto the skin as needed or stored for later use by placing it in a sealed container and storing it in the fridge for up to a week.
Alternatively, if you have a surplus of aloe vera leaves, you can freeze them by placing them in a resealable plastic bag and removing as much air as possible before storing them in the freezer for up to six months. Just thaw out when ready to use and enjoy the amazing benefits of fresh aloe vera!
How To Use Preserved Aloe Vera Gel
Preserving aloe vera gel is a great way to make sure you can get the most out of this beneficial natural product. Once preserved, aloe vera gel can be used for a variety of purposes. For skin care, it can be used as a moisturizer and to soothe sunburns and other skin irritations. For hair care, aloe vera gel can be used as a conditioner to help keep hair soft and shiny. Finally, for oral care, aloe vera gel can be used as a mouth rinse to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. By preserving aloe vera gel, you can enjoy the many benefits this natural product has to offer.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, preserving aloe vera gel offers many benefits for your skin and overall well-being. Whether you use it as a moisturizer or natural remedy, the healing properties of this amazing plant will help keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. So whether you’re harvesting fresh aloe leaves or buying premade gel from the store, store it properly to ensure you get the most out of this versatile ingredient.
