One of the most popular ingredients in men's skincare is aloe vera, a succulent that has been used for centuries to soothe all sorts of skin complaints. Cleopatra and Nefertiti are said to have included it in their beauty rituals, and Christopher Columbus reportedly carried it on board his ships to treat his crew's wounds.
Read on to find out what aloe vera can do in men's skincare – and how it can help your skin look its best.
WHAT IS ALOE VERA?
Aloe vera is a succulent native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to soothe burns, cuts, grazes and skin complaints, as well as for digestive problems and general wellbeing.
It's packed with nutrients and active compounds that are good for the skin, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and polysaccharides. The pulp inside the leaf contains a clear gel that's used in countless cosmetic products – and, increasingly, in men's skincare, thanks to its many benefits.
THE BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA IN MEN'S SKINCARE
Aloe vera does a lot for men's skin, which is why it turns up in so many men's skincare products. Here are its key benefits:
Hydration
Aloe vera's biggest strength is hydration. It's 99% water and also contains mucopolysaccharides, natural humectants that help the skin hold on to moisture and prevent dryness. It also contains magnesium lactate, which helps calm itching – making it a great choice for dry, flaky or easily irritated skin.
Soothes irritated skin
Aloe vera is ideal for irritated, sensitive and sunburnt skin, which is why it's such a valued ingredient in after-sun and aftershave products – shaving often leaves the skin red and irritated, and aloe vera helps calm it down and recover. Its high antioxidant content also helps neutralise free radicals, one of the main causes of premature skin ageing – a real plus for its anti-ageing benefits.
Elasticity
The gel in its leaves contains glucomannan, which helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Aloe vera is thought to stimulate fibroblasts – the cells that produce new collagen and hyaluronic acid – leaving skin smoother, firmer and younger-looking.
Helps with breakouts
Aloe vera has antibacterial and soothing properties that can help keep breakouts in check and calm the redness that comes with them. It's especially useful in men's skincare because it helps clear the bacteria that build up on the skin and in the pores and lead to spots. It also naturally contains salicylic acid, a common ingredient in many anti-blemish products.
Helps skin recover
Aloe vera supports the skin's natural repair process. The plant compounds it contains help the skin renew itself, and its vitamins A and C and various enzymes help it look more even as it heals. All of this makes aloe vera one of the most versatile active ingredients in men's skincare.
OUR PRODUCTS WITH ALOE VERA
MEN'S FACE MOISTURISER, MATTE FINISH
With niacinamide, aloe vera, fig extract and shea butter to deeply nourish your skin and help smooth the look of wrinkles. A completely matte finish that's invisible and never greasy.
Aloha, aloe vera
One of the most popular ingredients in men's skincare is aloe vera, a succulent that has been used for centuries to soothe all sorts of skin complaints. Cleopatra and Nefertiti are said to have included it in their beauty rituals, and Christopher Columbus reportedly carried it on board his ships to treat his crew's wounds.
Read on to find out what aloe vera can do in men's skincare – and how it can help your skin look its best.
WHAT IS ALOE VERA?
Aloe vera is a succulent native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to soothe burns, cuts, grazes and skin complaints, as well as for digestive problems and general wellbeing.
It's packed with nutrients and active compounds that are good for the skin, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and polysaccharides. The pulp inside the leaf contains a clear gel that's used in countless cosmetic products – and, increasingly, in men's skincare, thanks to its many benefits.
THE BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA IN MEN'S SKINCARE
Aloe vera does a lot for men's skin, which is why it turns up in so many men's skincare products. Here are its key benefits:
Hydration
Aloe vera's biggest strength is hydration. It's 99% water and also contains mucopolysaccharides, natural humectants that help the skin hold on to moisture and prevent dryness. It also contains magnesium lactate, which helps calm itching – making it a great choice for dry, flaky or easily irritated skin.
Soothes irritated skin
Aloe vera is ideal for irritated, sensitive and sunburnt skin, which is why it's such a valued ingredient in after-sun and aftershave products – shaving often leaves the skin red and irritated, and aloe vera helps calm it down and recover. Its high antioxidant content also helps neutralise free radicals, one of the main causes of premature skin ageing – a real plus for its anti-ageing benefits.
Elasticity
The gel in its leaves contains glucomannan, which helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Aloe vera is thought to stimulate fibroblasts – the cells that produce new collagen and hyaluronic acid – leaving skin smoother, firmer and younger-looking.
Helps with breakouts
Aloe vera has antibacterial and soothing properties that can help keep breakouts in check and calm the redness that comes with them. It's especially useful in men's skincare because it helps clear the bacteria that build up on the skin and in the pores and lead to spots. It also naturally contains salicylic acid, a common ingredient in many anti-blemish products.
Helps skin recover
Aloe vera supports the skin's natural repair process. The plant compounds it contains help the skin renew itself, and its vitamins A and C and various enzymes help it look more even as it heals. All of this makes aloe vera one of the most versatile active ingredients in men's skincare.
OUR PRODUCTS WITH ALOE VERA
MEN'S FACE MOISTURISER, MATTE FINISH
With niacinamide, aloe vera, fig extract and shea butter to deeply nourish your skin and help smooth the look of wrinkles. A completely matte finish that's invisible and never greasy.
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