Reasons to Love Aloe Vera

Are you an ingredient snob? It is ok if you are, we are the same. It is easy to get excited about peptides, actives, liposomes and all the latest ingredients coming out of cosmetics labs. But what about good old Aloe Vera? You might think to yourself, Aloe Vera? It has been around forever. But there is a lot to get excited about when it comes to Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera - the basics

Aloe Vera is also known under its botanical name Aloe barbadensis, a succulent that belongs to the species of the Liliaceae family. Even though its origins can be traced to Africa, nowadays it can be found just about everywhere since it is easy to cultivate. For centuries it has been used in all parts of the world for its medicinal properties (both internal and external).

The leaves are green, thick and with serrated edges. When cut, the leaves will release a clear gel.

What is so awesome about Aloe Vera?

It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12. Vitamins A, C, and E are all antioxidants, which means they protect against free radical damage. Aloe Vera is also rich in minerals - zinc, potassium, magnesium and calcium (among others). Aloe Vera also contains fatty acids (4 plant steroids, cholesterol among others) and enzymes.

How can you use Aloe Vera?

Let's get obvious out of the way. Anyone who ever had a sunburn probably used Aloe Vera or an Aloe Vera based product. It goes without saying - please do remember to wear SPF on daily basis. And reapply often, especially during the summer when you know you will be out and about.

Aloe Vera is a great anti-inflammatory, it soothes, hydrates and helps the skin heal more quickly. This also makes it a great ingredient for blemish prone skin. It will hydrate the skin without making it feel greasy and still treat blemishes at the same time by reducing inflammation.

Ishtar products that contain Aloe Vera

Cleansers

Clarity-C Wash - a gentle facial cleanser with 15% stabilised vitamin C. Fades hyperpigmentation and sun damage, balances sebum production, refines skin texture and encourages collagen synthesis.

Prep & Glow PHA Toner - an exfoliating toner with 7% D-Gluconic Acid, Aspen Bark extract, and a pH of 3.5. It improves skin tone, hydration and smoothness.

Trizyme Cream Mask - a nourishing mask with Pumpkin and Papaya Enzymes to exfoliate and refine the skin.

Treatments

Bioactive 1% Retinol Treatment - a light serum with 1% Retinol to diminish fine lines, boost collagen synthesis and fade hyperpigmentation.

Bioactive 2.5% Retinol Cream - an easily absorbed cream with 2.5% microencapsulated Retinol to intensively repair more mature and damaged skin.

Clarity-C Serum - a light, silicone-free serum with 18% stable form of vitamin C to brighten, protect and fade sun damage.

Lip Plenish Line Renewal Serum - with peptides and microencapsulated Hyaluronic acid to boost lip collagen, plump up and hydrate.

Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment - with Pumpkin, Papaya and Pomegranate enzymes to clarify pores, reduce inflammation and gently exfoliate.

Ultralase 10% Serum - with 10% Mandelic acid and a pH of 3.5. Treats acne, blemishes, congested skin and fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Ultralase 15% Serum - with 15% Mandelic acid and a pH of 3.5. It exfoliates and promotes deep skin renewal safely.

Moisturizers

Hydraplus Cream - with 5% Beta Glucan and 5% vitamin C to boost natural Hyaluronic acid levels in the skin and aid barrier repair.

Clarity-C Lotion - with 15% stable form of vitamin C, it brightens, protects the skin against free radical damage and fades hyperpigmentation.

Ultralase 5% Moisturizer - a light moisturizer with 5% Mandelic acid to gently refine, brighten and hydrate.

Body

Kigelia Body Touch lotion - light, easily absorbed body lotion with 5% Kigelia extract to deeply hydrate and improve skin’'s elasticity and firmness.