The Couple you Need to be Best Friend With: Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil

Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil have the perfect Marriage.

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The combination of these two ingredients is one of the most perfect gifts that nature has given to us for hundreds of years. In ancient cultures, they have been used to maintain the beauty and health of the skin.

Aloe is a plant native to Arabia and Northwest Africa. Its common name is Aloe, which comes from the Arabic word "sabaira" which means bitter; the scientific genus Aloe comes from another Arabic word "Alloeh," which means bitter and shiny substance.

Aloe Vera contains more than 200 active elements, including numerous vitamins, minerals, ethereal oils and salicylic acid that function as an analgesic. It also has a high concentration of vitamins A, C and E. These active substances are found within the gel inside of the plant. This gel is full of excellent properties for the skin, and it is mainly used to reduce inflammation of the skin when catching a sunburn, it also helps to soothe irritation, as well as to hydrate the skin.

Coconut oil possesses antioxidant properties, which help the skin to absorb all the vitamins and minerals we need to produce a smooth, firm, and healthy skin.  It contains fatty acids and vitamins E and K, making it a great facial moisturizer. The oil stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two substances that stimulate the elasticity and flexibility of the skin.  It also works as a natural screen against the armful rays of the sun.  Apart from being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it also helps to reduce the visibility of age spots and to even out the skin tone of the face. Another great benefit is that it helps combat the effects of aging on the skin. This is because it neutralizes the action of free radicals on the skin, which are mainly responsible for the oxidation of cells that cause premature aging.

Nothing but all good things! Here is our recipe to make an amazing natural moisturizer at home.

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Ingredients

1tablespoon of organic coconut oil

1 whole leave of Aloe

2 drops of any essential oil you like - we recommend lavender

First, cut the Aloe branch half an inch from the area where it was detached, put it in a glass with water, and let it rest for 24 hours. The branch is going to release an ochre-colored liquid; this is normal, in fact it is necessary! The liquid that is coming out of the Aloe branch is aloin, a yellowish latex that turn socher when oxidized.

Once all the ocher is released, you need to wash and peel the branch. With a sharp knife, cut the thinnest contours, the ones with the little spikes and then carefully remove the skin from one side and then the other - set aside the pulp.

This pulp might not smell very good, and it does taste a little bitter.  It is also viscous and sticky, but you will forget about all of that when you feel and see the benefits on your skin.

In a food processor, blend the Aloe pulp and the coconut oil (make sure the oil is melted but not super-hot). The mix will foam and increase its volume, like when you beat an egg; add the drops of essential oil. Use a clean glass container and refrigerate. This mix can be used on your face and body; believe me, you will immediately feel a difference on your skin!

For an extra tip, If you did not use the entire branch of Aloe, you can repeat the for the same procedure - but without oil -and place it into an ice cube container and put it into the freezer.

Now every morning you will have a 100% natural moisturizer that will help you reduce inflammation and give cryotherapy to your skin. In a few days you will see the difference, and you will love it! We all do in Mexico.

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