Making your own aloe vera gel has a number of benefits that are not only beneficial to your wallet but to your health as well. Commercial gels contain preservatives and other ingredients such as alcohols and dyes which can harm the skin, so if you have an aloe plant, it’s always best to make your own gel! Even if you DON’T have your own aloe vera plant, it’s very easy to purchase one at your local nursery or you can even learn how to grow your own aloe plant. Want to learn how to make aloe vera gel? It’s SO easy, just keep reading!
How to Make Aloe Vera Gel at Home- a DIY Guide
#1. Selecting Your Leaves
Start by cutting off 2 large aloe leaves. This is usually sufficient to make 1/2-1 cup of aloe vera gel which is plenty. Because there are no preservatives added, it will go bad much quicker than commercial ones, so just make smaller batches when you need them! Cut off two bottom leaves – the leaves all the way at the bottom of the aloe plant are the most mature and will contain more pulp.
#2. Drain the Resin
Once cut, place them in a bowl with the cut side down so that the resin will drain. This resin can stain the skin and also irritate it, so leave it to dry for about 10 minutes.
#3. Peel the Leaves
Once the resin has drained, go ahead and peel the leaves using a vegetable peeler of a knife. If using a knife, make sure to be careful not to cut yourself, and always slice away from your body. Peel off both sides of the leaves, which will leave you with only the gel part of the aloe.
#4. Scoop Out the Gel
Using a small spoon, scoop out all of the gel from the aloe vera leaf. The gel should easily come off with a spoon. Place the gel into a bowl.
#5. Preservation
If you intend to make a bigger batch, consider adding a natural preservative to keep the gel for longer periods of time. This will ensure that your aloe vera gel will keep for a month or two. Mix in 500mg of powdered vitamin C or 400iu vitamin E for every 1/4 cup of gel. Place all ingredients in an immersion blender and blend until smooth. For fresher results, make small amounts at a time.
#6. Storage
If you’re not using a preservative, the gel will keep for a week or two. In either case, the aloe vera gel should be kept in a clean, airtight jar or container in the refrigerator.
#7. Usage
Your fresh aloe vera gel can now be used on your skin to soothe burns, get rid of acne, prevent cellulite, prevent wrinkles, and also reduces the appearance of dark circles, dark spots, and acne scars. Aloe vera can also be used as a hair mask to promote healthy, shiny hair as well as hair growth. A fun way to use aloe vera gel is to pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it. It’s a great little beauty trick that reduces inflammation on the skin and also prevents breakouts! Read more
Also read: Homemade Leave-In Conditioner
