Anything that's beloved by skin-care pros and endorsed by moms has my full attention. Aloe vera, the OG healing skin-care ingredient is ubiquitous in the wellness world both in beverages and beauty products as an uber-soothing and hydrating force.
Adina Grigore, skin-care guru and founder of S.W. Basics, notes that it's the ultimate multi-tasker. "Aloe vera speeds up your skin's ability to heal and it's a great moisturizer," she says. "It also fights inflammation and it's high in antioxidants."
"It's an amazing healing and anti-inflammatory ingredient."
"It's an amazing healing and anti-inflammatory ingredient," adds Joanna Czech, a Dallas-based celebrity facialist who's worked with Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet. "It actually reduces heat, which is why you use it post-sunburn."
Despite its hydrating and soothing cred, however, Czech notes that aloe vera isn't a long-term fix. "It's for temporary hydration," she says. "It's not for deep hydration."
Blended in a concoction with other skin-boosters, Grigore's notes that her DIY recipe is the perfect solution for those with sensitive skin and who are prone to breakouts. "It has Manuka honey, so it's loaded with antibacterial properties," she explains. "And the added lavender oil makes this as calming for the mind and body as it is for the skin." Sounds like the radiance-boosting jackpot.
Keep reading for Grigore's face mask recipe so you can whip one up yourself.
Calming Aloe Vera Face Mask
Ingredients
1 Tbsp S.W. Basics Aloe Vera Powder
1⁄2 Tbsp Manuka honey
2 to 3 drops lavender essential oil
1. Place the aloe, honey, and lavender oil in a small bowl and stir well so that the honey melts into the aloe and lavender.
2. Apply with clean hands to entire face.
3. Leave on for a few minutes up to a half hour. Store extra mask in a jar with a lid—it will last a few months.
4. Rinse for a glow.
If you're in the mood to mix things up, here's a DIY pumpkin face mask from Joanna Vargas. And these are 9 mood-boosting face masks that don't take all day to make.
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