If you’re only using aloe vera as a decorative plant or an after-sun remedy, you’re doing it wrong.
Within each aloe vera leaf is a gel-like consistency rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. When topically applied, the gel acts as a natural skin-soothing solution that can be used to de-puff the eyes as well as fight surface-level pimples.
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Its healing qualities have been praised by Greek scientists for over 2,000 years, and so, the fact some of our favourite skin care products utilise this star ingredient is hardly a surprise.
It is however, the combination of aloe vera and ice, as demonstrated to us by natural skincare expert and founder of Sugar Coated Hair Removal, Rosie Khandwala, that has given us a fresh appreciation for the plant.
In a recent video posted to IGTV, Rosie shared a recipe for aloe vera ice cubes, which she labelled as ‘skin tightening from home’. The step-by-step combines the soothing sensation of aloe vera, with the pore-tightening effect of plunging your face in ice.
Rosie isn’t the only expert to recommend the sub zero technique, with both Jessica Alba’s facialist, Kate Somerville, and Margot Robbie makeup artist, Pati Dubroff, also on board.
“What ice does, is it constricts the vascular system, so you’re really able to pump those lymph nodes out and really tighten the skin,” Kate said in a recent Instagram Live. The result? “It just literally lifts the skin and I know it’s really basic, but I’m telling you it’s like the best face lift ever.”
Meanwhile Pati has an entire Instagram highlight dedicated to the practice, in which the makeup artist reveals she plunges her face into an ice bath every night.
“I find I sleep better, deeper. Feel calm,” she said. And judging by her no filtered, no make-up selfie, she’s doing something right.
Image credit: @patidubroff
Convinced? Check out Rosie Khandwala’s aloe vera ice cube recipe here.
Or, if you’d rather someone else do the hard work for you: Sukin Naturals Aloe Vera Gel, Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence – Calming, Plunkett’s Hi-Potency Aloe Vera Facial Mask
Main image credit: @cecilialaulanne
Have you used aloe vera or ice on your skin? Will you give this a try?
I love Aloe Vera and have several plants in my garden, soothing and natural goodness. I couldnt open the link to the ice cube recipe 🙁 Will try again later.
Not sure about plunging my face into a ice bowl either – not in a Canberra winter!
I haven’t put ice on my skin but I have used Aloe Vera
I love drinking aloe vera juice. You can get it as a sweet and refreshing premade drink. Face (and even better whole head ) in ice stimulates the vagus nerve that regulates a lot of biological functions.
That looks easy. I could make bucket loads because my plants are going nuts.
I love aloe vera
Aloe Vera is amazing! I’ve got a plant & I think every household should have one. It’s one of the few plants I haven’t killed – it’s unkillable!
Only use aloe vera gel on my body when I’m sunburnt.
Don’t think I would try the ice method but Aloe Vera is great for sunburn or any other kind of burn very versatile plant.
Not for me. I try to protect from skin from extremes in temperature. Aloe yes, Ice no.
Can’t see myself plunging my face into a bucket of ice anytime soon. Pass!
An interesting proposal.
lol maybe in summer on a 40 degree day!
I have tried aloe vera but not ice on skin, thanks for a great read.
What a great idea. I have an aloe plant so will give it a try.
Interesting but I’ll pass on the ice bucket
its lovely and soothing
To Do: Get myself an aloe vera plant.
I would consider it in summer. For now will just stick to aloe Vera fresh from the garden.
Id try it to see if it works for my skin.
Great diy idea with aloe Vera!
Mmm not sure, I have used Aloe Vera for a face gel due to skin issues.
Too cold for me to be doing this in winter! Brrrr….
I think the Aloe Vera ice cubes are a great idea but I’ll wait until it warms up a bit before using them.
Interesting! I’ll give this a go 🙂
I can see the aloe aspect – but the ice aspect has be trembling!
Sounds interesting… Not sure I could be bothered though…
Just using the gel itself would be cooling…and sticky!
I want too, but can I ?
I have use fresh aloe vera on my face before.It was feeling itchy at first. But cool and soothing my dry skin.
Hmm interesting idea but might get tad messy.
Maybe when the weather is warmer 🙂
Not for me
Aloe vera gel is great for soothing irritated and sunburnt skin
I have a huge aloe vera plant outside – might need to look into this during iso.
Maybe I need an aloe vera plant. My ice cubes are for G&T but I’m sure I could find a space for an A&V cube.
This sounds great. Will wait till it’s a bit warmer though
Aloe vera gives me eczema 🙁
I’m reading this article while I have my fan heater on right next to me!
Wow! I am definitely trying this! I have an Aloe Vera plant all ready to go
I’ve been growing an aloe Vera plant for over a year and couldn’t figure out how to make something that worked but I will try this tonight.
That’s for sure Jodes.
I love aloe vera for soothing sunburn but hate ice on my skin,
great idea!
Wow