Health News

Teenage acne is often triggered by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, causing skin to become much oilier. With the right treatments and guidance, acne can be kept under control.

• Follow a skin care routine suitable for oily and acne-prone skin

• Look for acne treatments for teens including products formulated with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene (a topical retinoid)

• For more severe acne, consult your dermatologist, who can create a personalized treatment plan for you

• Sticking to your recommended treatment is the key to its success

What are the causes of teenage acne?

Did you know that nearly 85% of teenagers suffer from acne? That’s the vast majority! If you are dealing with breakouts, you are definitely not alone. But what is the root cause of teenage acne? In most cases, it is triggered by hormonal changes. Genetics may also play a role; if your parents had acne, you may be more likely to develop it as well.

During puberty, your body begins producing more hormones called androgens. One of the most commonly known is testosterone. Androgens have many effects on the body: in both boys and girls, they stimulate the growth of body hair and increase muscle and bone mass. In boys, higher levels of androgens also cause the voice to “break” and facial hair to grow.

As for the effects of androgens on skin, these hormones communicate directly with the sebaceous (oil) glands, telling them to produce lots of oil. As a result, during puberty, the face, and often the back, become oilier. When there is too much oil, the skin’s pores may become blocked with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells. From here, different types of blemishes can form, ranging from blackheads to pustules to deep, painful cysts.

What is the best acne treatment for teens?

Worried about your teenage acne and looking for a solution? It is recommended that you consult with a dermatologist for the best course of treatment for your skin. Your skin care professional may recommend over-the-counter treatments formulated with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or adapalene (a topical retinoid).

In more severe cases, you may be prescribed an oral antibiotic such as doxycycline. For very severe and resistant acne, your dermatologist may suggest treatment with Isotretinoin. Regardless of your form of treatment, dermatologists emphasize the need for regular follow-up, and compliance – that means sticking to the treatment – is the key to success.

Are there any in-office acne treatments for teens? There is no one-size-fits all solution when it comes to acne. In addition to topical and oral acne treatments, your dermatologist can perform in-office treatments to help manage your acne. These include:

• Chemical Peels: During this procedure, your skin care professional will apply a chemical solution featuring a high-concentration of ingredients such as salicylic acid. This solution rapidly exfoliates your skin, allowing dead skin cells to shed more easily. It also creates a controlled injury to skin, revealing new, healthy skin cells underneath.

• Extraction: In cases of non-inflammatory acne such as blackheads and whiteheads, your dermatologist may use special sterile tools to manually remove the contents of a pimple.

• Light Therapy: C. Acnes bacteria is often linked with the development of acne. This bacteria can be killed with certain types of light. Most often blue or red light is used, but your dermatologist will determine which treatment is most effective for you.
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Often times, in-office treatments such as chemical peels and light therapy are deemed most effective when performed in a series of multiple treatments. 4-6 treatments is often quoted, but your skin care professional will work with you to determine the most optimal course of treatment based on your specific skin type.

To avoid the possibility of scarring, pigmentation, or other skin damage, it is very important that these treatments are administered by a licensed skin care professional. They should not be performed at home. Because many of these in-office treatments make skin more sensitive to sunlight, a broad spectrum face sunscreen should be used daily. Look for formulas which are oil free and non-comedogenic, meaning that they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Teenagers – now is the time to start good skin care habits!

A good skin care routine is vital for oily and acne-prone skin. Here are some tips to help keep your acne under control:

• Cleanse Daily. Use gentle cleansers formulated specifically for oily and acne prone skin. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid and zinc pidolate.

• Avoid harsh scrubs. Acne prone skin needs to be treated gently. Using harsh exfoliating scrubs may trigger redness and inflammation.

• Moisturize. If you have acne prone skin, you may be tempted to skip using a moisturizer. However, many acne treatments are formulated with exfoliating ingredients that can have a drying effect on skin. When your skin does not receive enough moisturize, it may start to produce even more oil. If you are looking to offset these effects, opt for an oil free moisturizer to replenish moisture and help restore the skin's natural protective barrier. If you’re looking for a mattifying moisturizer that targets excess oil.

• Be Patient. Acne treatments can take at least 6-8 weeks before they begin to work. During the early weeks of starting an acne treatment, your acne may appear to worsen before it improves (this is normal). Continue with your treatment as directed unless you get irritation that becomes severe.

• Makeup is okay to use. However, opt for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores. It is also important that you remove makeup using a gentle cleanser before going to bed.

• Wear Sunscreen Every Day. Many acne treatments can cause skin to be more photosensitive. As a result, a broad spectrum facial sunscreen should be applied daily to protect your skin.

• Consult with a dermatologist. If over-the-counter skin care products aren’t providing you with the results you’re looking for, consult with a dermatologist. They can help develop a treatment plan personalized for your unique skin needs.

Remember, however severe your teenage acne, there are effective acne treatments for teens out there. The key is to get professional advice from a Dermatologist and stick to your recommended treatment.

Have you just welcomed or are expecting a new baby? Maybe you want to breastfeed to maintain the intimate relationship you developed over the past nine months, and you want to do it right. Or maybe you have not made up your mind yet and want to clear up a few questions. Here is everything you need to know about breastfeeding, for baby and mother.

Breastfeeding is your choice as a new mother

Although the question of breast or bottle obviously did not exist for millennia, you have a choice. Whether or not to breastfeed will be one of your very first decisions as a young mother. Maybe you’ve long since made up your mind, or maybe you’re still not sure and need to understand exactly what it means to breastfeed. Either way, what is important for you and your baby is that you feel good about your thought process and decision. This is a deeply private choice between you and your spouse, and it should be respected.

A source of benefits for you and your baby

 Your breastmilk is indisputably and marvellously suited to your baby’s nutritional needs; its composition evolves as your baby grows, and even over the course of feeds during the day. The WHO (World Health Organization) and the PNNS (French national nutrition and health program) even recommend exclusive breastfeeding until a baby reaches 6 months. Even for shorter periods, however, breastfeeding is still recommended, because the infant formulas sold in stores do not share all the characteristics of breastmilk. In addition to this biological fact, the tender, nutritive act of nursing obviously creates a special connection between mother and baby.

For your baby
Breastfeeding is the main factor in providing lasting protection for your baby’s health, ensuring that he receives all the nutrients he needs to grow and develop. Although the exact composition of breastmilk varies between mothers, it contains precise proportions of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates along with exactly the right amount of vitamins and mineral salts.

Your milk contains a number of antibodies, naturally protecting your baby from the risk of infectious diseases (bronchiolitis, bronchitis, ear infections, sore throats, etc.) as well as from certain allergies, including food allergies. 

According to the latest research, breastmilk also contributes positively to a child’s weight, limiting the risk of obesity during childhood and adolescence.

For you
- Nursing while holding your baby close to you is a unique experience that not only helps build a deep bond between you but also releases hormones that make you feel good between feeds.
- By triggering uterine contractions, nursing helps your uterus regain its tone and shrink back to its usual size more quickly.
- Various studies have shown that breastfeeding is a real asset to your health as a new mother. It drastically reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
- By breastfeeding, you’ll get your figure back more quickly: you burn approximately 800 calories for every liter of milk produced.
- Finally, breastfeeding simplifies your life: no bottles to prepare or emergency runs to buy powder on a Sunday evening.

Worried about the first few nursing sessions? Don’t be

So you’re convinced of the benefits of breastfeeding but, like all new mothers, you have a lot of questions about how to start and continue milk production? Don’t worry, there are just a few little things to keep in mind as you begin breastfeeding.

Yes, you will have enough milk
Milk production depends primarily on your baby’s needs. The baby’s sucking stimulates the release of prolactin and oxytocin, the two main hormones involved in lactation. Your breasts have been preparing to give milk since the start of your pregnancy, so have no fear: you will have milk. And the more baby nurses, the more milk you’ll have. Still, at birth and during the first two to three days, your breasts produce colostrum rather than milk. This thick yellowish orange fluid has exceptional nutritional and anti-infection properties. It contains everything your baby needs during his first days of life, including antibodies to protect him from any microbes he has already encountered after leaving your belly! That’s why it’s so important at first to offer the breast to your baby anytime he seems awake. Let baby nurse as long as he wants and make sure that he’s sucking effectively by listening for regular swallows. These frequent feedings will stimulate milk production and promote your milk coming in 48 to 72 hours after childbirth. Your breasts will swell, harden and become slightly painful. By nursing your infant as soon as your milk comes in and very frequently over the next few days, you’ll relieve your breasts and naturally establish your milk supply.

Yes, baby will find your breast
Whenever possible, your baby will be placed on your stomach right after birth, and the very first feed will take place within two hours after he is born. You will then see your newborn spontaneously seek the breast by moving his body and turning his head right and left on your chest until he latches on to a nipple. This is a perfectly natural reflex for him, since the scent given off by your nipple is similar to the smell of the amniotic fluid he spent the last nine months swimming in.

Let baby find your nipple on his own without holding his head or pulling him against your breast, which could cause him to pull back. When baby has found your breast, let him nurse as long as he wants. However, if a Caesarean section or other complication prevents you from breastfeeding this soon, don’t worry. The reflex for seeking out a nipple will just be slightly reduced, and you can gently guide your baby towards your breast and place your nipple in front of his mouth to nurse a little later. Just as you need to trust your baby to find your breast, you should also trust him to feed the right number of times each day. This will vary from one baby to another. On average, newborns want to nurse seven to eight times during a 24-hour period, but some demand up to 12 feedings or even more. Trust your baby and simply meet its needs, whether large or small!

The right habits to protect your breasts

Sometimes breastfeeding comes with some minor discomfort. By anticipating it, you’ll save yourself needless worry and know how to respond to make sure that nursing remains a pleasure for both of you.

Don’t be bothered by leaking
In the first weeks of breastfeeding, it’s common for milk to leak spontaneously. This can happen when you hear a baby cry, when your baby hasn’t nursed for several hours, when you’re thinking about your baby, during sexual relations or when you feel a strong emotion. These leaks can be annoying, but they are no cause for concern. Simply place a nursing pad in your bra to absorb them and then don’t worry.

Avoid cracks and chapping
Cracks and chapping, which many new mothers fear, occur more frequently among women with light skin and hair. They generally occur only during the first few weeks of breastfeeding and can range from just an irritated nipple to a fissure, which can make nursing sessions very painful indeed. Again, don’t worry: these are easy to avoid by taking a few precautions:
- Don’t remove the breast skin’s protective sebum by washing too frequently! One or two showers a day with a gentle cleansing gel is plenty.
- Make sure your baby is positioned correctly, facing the breast with his mouth wide open so he can latch onto the entire areola.
- After the feeding, dry your nipple and apply a special nursing repair cream.
- If cracks have formed despite your efforts, let your breasts air out as long as possible and regularly spread a special nursing repair cream on your painful nipples.

Avoid engorgement
The painful hardening of your breasts you’ve heard of is absolutely not inevitable! The best way to avoid it is to nurse your baby as often as possible starting as soon as possible, because engorgement is most frequent when your milk first comes in. If engorgement persists, you can hand-express breast milk by gently massaging the areola between your fingers. You may want to express milk under a warm shower, which helps the milk flow more easily. If you don’t succeed, try using a pump, and continue until your breasts soften and feel comfortable again.

Respond appropriately to mastitis
Sometimes, new mothers may feel a large and very painful swelling of the breast, which becomes red and hot. At the same time, they may also experience flu-like symptoms such as extreme fatigue and aches and pains. If you notice these symptoms, immediately take the following steps:
- Nurse your baby as often as possible, especially on the painful side.
- Rest, for real, in bed, with your baby beside you.
- Apply wet, hot towels to your painful breast, or use ice packs (wrapped in a cloth to avoid burns) if cold is more effective at relieving the pain.
- If you see no improvement within 24 hours, call your doctor, who will probably prescribe an antibiotic. You do not, however, have to stop breastfeeding when you have mastitis.

Pour bien pénétrer dans la peau, l’huile doit être légèrement réchauffée. Il faut donc en verser 4 gouttes dans la main, puis les chauffer entre les mains, et les appliquer en massages délicats.

Appliquer une huile végétale sur le visage

Afin de protéger au mieux votre visage, Natessance propose une sélection d’huiles végétales adaptées à chaque type de peau. Huile d’avocat pour les peaux sèches, huile de macadamia pour les peaux normales,huile de jojoba pour les peaux mixtes à grasses, huile de nigelle pour les peaux à problèmes, huile d’onagre pour les peaux matures… à chaque type de peau son huile favorite !

Cet hiver privilégiez l’huile d’avocat pour nourrir et réparer les peaux très sèches et éprouvées par le froid. Pour les peaux mixtes, l’huile de jojoba sera la plus efficace grâce à son pouvoir rééquilibrant : elle hydratera* et nourrira les zones sèches, tandis qu’elle régulera les zones grasses.

Appliquer une huile végétale sur le corps

Sur le corps, les vertus des huiles végétales sont les mêmes que pour le visage : elles nourriront l’épiderme en période de sécheresse.

Par exemple, comme pour le visage, appliquer de l’huile de carotte après l’exposition au soleil permettra de prolonger le hâle de l’été.

L’huile d’avocat quant à elle sera idéale sur les traces de cicatrices. Appliquée en effectuant de petits massages circulaires, elle favorisera leur amélioration et laissera une peau bien nourrie et mieux préparée pour combattre l’apparition de nouvelles petites ridules.

A la sortie de l’été, comme après le retour des températures hivernales, les huiles végétales sont nos meilleures complices !

Do you remember being totally unaware that collagen matters in skin? Possibly when you were 20 years old and your collagen production was so high, 75% higher than it will be with age, you didn’t need to think twice about it. You heard the word collagen mentioned vaguely, you knew it was a protein, you knew it was somehow related to your skin’s structure.

The reality is it, like so many things, it’s only when you start to see the effects of it leaving that you start to care. When your skin begins to show signs of aging, understanding what collagen is, what it does, and how you can encourage it to stay, is where dermatology comes in.

Collagen is the main protein in the body.
It’s everywhere. In your bones, in your gut, in your teeth, in your muscles. Everywhere. And it’s produced by the body every single day. But its production slows as you age.

Collagen and water make up most of the skin. 
Collagen is also the main protein in skin. Collagen alone accounts for between 80% to 90% of skin’s dry weight, when you exclude water. It resembles a triple helix, that is a spiral structure, made of three chains of a hundred or so amino acids.

Collagen is what makes our skin firm.
Just as it is used by the body in building muscles, collagen gives our skin the resilience and firmness it was born with. Originating in the Greek word, kólla, meaning glue, collagen type I and type III bind together in the dermis, like a connective cushion.

It’s made by fibroblasts, cells in the dermis, the skin’s second layer, also responsible for secreting elastin. And together with elastin and other proteins called glycoproteins, collagen forms part of what’s called the Extracellular Matrix. This is the network that structures the skin itself, like a muscle, providing its actual physical properties, like tonicity, resilience and firmness.

Skin loses collagen at a pace of 1% a year. 
After our mid to late twenties and early thirties, skin loses approximately 1% of collagen every year. Collagen synthesis by fibroblasts decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity, firmness and suppleness. So between now and the next football World Cup in 2022, most of us will lose 4% of our collagen. This is why by the time we’re 80, our skin will produce 75% less collagen than it did when we were 20.

Collagen declines even faster depending on how we live. 
Collagen depletion can be accelerated: by photo-aging, by pollution, smoking and by diet. The associated free radicals and the process of glycation (the biological process whereby sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen) can wreak havoc, making existing collagen fibers hard and fuse together. Plus the enzymes which break down collagen (MMPs) are stimulated by UV rays. Also with age, collagen, typically a large protein, becomes thinner. Not surprisingly, given its major supporting role, this degradation of collagen is visible in skin, making it more rigid and less supple.

Collagen can be boosted inside-out and outside-in. 
Now that glycation is its own area of anti-aging research, mounting evidence suggests we can refill our skin with collagen – or at least slow its departure or destruction by eating our way to collagen health (going easy on sugar for starters) and avoiding overexposure to the sun. Collagen-protecting skincare can also work double-duty by defending the collagen in skin already, while simultaneously boosting skin to product more. 

It’s only natural that collagen declines with age. By making some very simple daily skincare decisions, we can, however, correct the signs of its loss on skin.

Vous rêvez d’une peau lisse, rebondie et fraîche à votre réveil ? Pour cela, il faut avoir les bons gestes !

LES GOLDEN HOURS, DES HEURES PRÉCIEUSES POUR VOTRE PEAU

La nuit, la peau active ses mécanismes naturels de récupération et de régénération. C’est notamment pendant les « golden hours », c’est-à-dire entre 23h et 2h, que la régénération de la peau atteint son pic maximum d’activité. Le stress, l’âge, les nuits plus courtes enrayent ce processus naturel de la peau. D’où l’importance d’adopter une bonne routine du soir pour booster ce phénomène de récupération.

4 ASTUCES POUR BOOSTER LA RECUPERATION DE LA PEAU !

• GOMMEZ POUR OXYGÉNER LA PEAU DU VISAGE

Gommer permet de débarrasser des cellules mortes et des traces de maquillage qui « asphyxient » la peau, provoquant un phénomène d’oxydation prématuré. Grâce aux micro-grains qu’il contient combiné au massage lors de l’application, le gommage contribue à augmenter la régénération cellulaire.

• PRÉPAREZ VOTRE PEAU À RECEVOIR LES SOINS

Pour optimiser l’efficacité des soins hydratants* et régénérants, il est recommandé d’utiliser une lotion de soin.

• MASSEZ POUR ACTIVER LE PROCESSUS RÉGÉNÉRANT

Afin de booster la régénération des cellules, des massages faciaux quotidiens peuvent être réalisés pendant l’application du soin, pour gagner du temps !

Par exemple, commencez par déposer par effleurages légers votre soin régénérant au centre du visage : front, nez, menton. Activez la pénétration en décrivant à doigts plats et joints des balayages du centre du visage vers l’extérieur, du front jusqu’au cou. Enfin, relaxez les traits en effectuant des gestes circulaires autour des yeux, puis en effectuant des pressions le long des sourcils, sur les tempes, de la narine vers l’oreille et terminez par le menton.

• CRÉMEZ POUR BOOSTER LES MÉCANISMES NATURELS DE RÉCUPÉRATION

Pour subvenir aux besoins de la peau la nuit, privilégiez des soins adaptés à votre type de peau. Vous pouvez demander conseils à l’une de nos conseillères

L’argile verte est un actif connu depuis des siècles pour ses multiples vertus. Découvrez pourquoi l’intégrer dans votre routine de la rentrée.

Pure et naturelle, l’argile verte est une terre extraite de carrières puis séchée au soleil. Riche en minéraux et oligo-éléments, elle offre de nombreux bienfaits qui permettent de soigner divers maux (petits boutons, inflammations, cicatrices etc…).

Ses principales actions :

• Elle purifie la peau grâce à son rôle d’éponge naturelle. Elle absorbe et régule le sébum de la peau
• Elle possède des propriétés cicatrisantes et antiseptiques qui vont accélérer la guérison des boutons
• Elle est riche en silice et en minéraux essentiels (calcium,  fer, magnésium…).
• Elle apaise la peau en cas d’inflammation

L’argile est donc un incontournable pour le soin de l’épiderme et particulièrement pour les peaux mixtes à grasses.

Hydration is crucial to the wellbeing of your skin, no matter your age. Still, during menopause dryness is one of the most common issues and can occur regardless of the season. Below, you will see that during menopause the most important thing to treat your dry skin is to use the right products and to stick to a routine. 

Taking care of your skin during menopause is key

Hormone imbalance during menopause can decrease your skin's hydration levels. Sebaceous secretions decrease with age as well. If you have noticed that you are experiencing a dull complexion, roughness and your skin is more sensitive it means that you have to modify your skincare routine.

For once, sebum is a good thing, keep it coming!

Here are a few steps you can take to hydrate on a daily basis:

• Use gentle cleansers that protect your skin barrier function twice a day and try to avoid hot water
• Moisturise your face and body at least twice a day
• Choose products that contain water-attracting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine
• Flaky, rough skin needs regular exfoliation as well, because it may not absorb the hydrators that you are applying. The key is to remove the dead skin cells from the top layer. Either you can do it at home or you can also try in-office professional care like chemical peels, or microdermabrasion. Always use broad-spectrum sun protection products after exfoliation. Consult your dermatologist to determine the best treatment course for your skin needs. 
• Consider living a healthier life! Smoking, alcohol, and excessive tanning without sun protection can worsen your skin condition and cause dryness.
• Start using hydrating face mist or spray thermal water during the day and avoid the places where the air is dry. This extra dose of hydration can do a lot for your skin throughout the day.
• And, please, do not forget to eat well. Drink suitable amounts of water to provide enough hydration to your body. Try to include water-rich products and omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet.

Key elements to remember

Hydrating is a must do. It is the "how to" that matters the most. Keys to preventing dryness:

• No perfume
• Avoid hot water when you cleanse 
• Be sure to hydrate at least twice a day
• And maintain a healthy lifestyle

If you love makeup, you probably know that hydrated skin is an essential part of a healthy, glowy look. Moisturizing certainly plays a vital role in a healthy complexion: water is responsible for giving skin its smooth, soft and velvety appearance, whereas dehydration will result in skin that is dull, rough and has fine lines. So, it makes sense that makeup applied on hydrated skin will look better, and also require less coverage. Here’s how.

Why is hydration so important for glowing skin?

Without adequate hydration, your skin feels tight and uncomfortable. Your skin is vulnerable to environmental factors like pollution and smoke. These aggressions can result in less smoothed skin, which makes makeup crease more easily. In addition, your complexion also becomes dry and flakey¹, often resulting in more makeup being used to counteract these symptoms. That’s why it is important to first treat dehydration, in order to get your skin makeup-ready. and sensitive skin, but also to wrinkles and dark spots³. For your makeup routine, this implies having to add heavy layers to cover up fine lines, blemishes and redness, without treating the real problem. But now you can reduce the affect of all these issues with Minéral 89! This skin booster creates a film over the skin’s surface to decrease pollution adherence. The result? Healthy skin to obtain a natural coverage.

How can Vichy Mineral 89 improve the appearance of your makeup?

Minéral 89 can be beneficial for all steps of your makeup routine. The first one is to use the booster to prepare the skin, even before your usual primer, foundation or concealer. This not only helps to improve application of products to the skin, but also smooth skin to help have a more even coverage for a glowing, healthy skin. If you have sensitive skin, Minéral 89 can unify skin and reduce any discomforts you may experience.

With the skin booster, you won't have to worry about your makeup drying out early on, as it helps to lock in moisture all day long. It can also smooth out skin, helping it to look radiant and healthy. Before bed, remember to remove all your makeup and apply the skin booster one more time. You can bet your skin will be less dehydrated and smoothed by morning.

Who can use Minéral 89?

Minéral 89 is recommended for all skin types. Its lightweight texture makes it perfect for oily, and sensitive skin types. It can be used day and night, as the first step of your skincare routine- booster first, cream second. So, before putting on makeup and your sun protection, don’t forget to apply Minéral 89.

Benefits of face masks

Whether you’re trying to combat oiliness, tackle congestion or restore moisture levels, there’s a face mask for almost every skin concern. As a general rule of thumb, masks that provide an exfoliating effect are best at tackling concerns such as dullness, while mineral clay formulas are better suited to blocked pores and congestion. Sheet masks, on the other hand, are largely used to restore hydration levels, and to create a beautiful base for makeup.

Prepping the skin before a face mask

One common mistake that many people make when using a face mask for the first time, is skipping a thorough cleanse beforehand. It’s vital that you create a clean, dry base before applying your mask, as this will remove all traces of dirt, makeup and pollution and allow skin-boosting ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin - and most importantly, work their magic far more effectively.

Applying your face mask

If you are applying a mineral clay or exfoliating mask, make sure you cover the entire face and neck, while avoiding the delicate eye area. Gently tap the fingertips over the face, before massaging in any excess or dabbing it off with a tissue.

Knowing when to remove your mask

You should always check the directions of each individual face mask for usage instructions, but as a general rule, five minutes is adequate time for a mineral mask. Be careful to not let clay formulas dry too much before you remove them, as this can strip the skin of essential oils. Some sheet masks however, are designed to be left for a longer period of time, up to 20 minutes as they saturate the skin with moisture, rather than providing a deep cleanse. Use this time to sit back, relax and enjoy a few moments of peace.

The aloe vera cactus may not seem like the obvious beauty treat, but this succulent has an unprecedented healing effect on skin and body. Read on to discover its healthful benefits, both inside and out.

Why a spiky cactus plant holds the secret to beautiful skin?

Aloe vera is a bona fide super ingredient, with a long list of health benefits and a celebrity following that dates right back to Egyptian times. Cleopatra used the plant in her beauty regime, selecting it to treat everything from burns to infections and parasites.

But it’s not only the rich and famous who reap the benefits of aloe vera for skin, it’s well known among health and beauty aficionados who seek out the medicinal wonder ingredient in everything from food supplements, drinks and smoothies to cleansers, masks and after sun care. Why? The jelly-like substance found inside the thick spiky leaves of the aloe vera cactus is laden with an impressive list of nutrients, including 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 active plant compounds or phytonutrients.

There’s a myriad of health benefits attributed to the plant. As well as being a potent antioxidant, aloe vera is said to boost immune function, reduce high blood pressure and aid digestion.

Aloe vera gel benefits for skin

Applied topically, the gel is purported to be outstanding for skin health. The high water content (99.5 per cent) means it’s very hydrating, soothing and cooling (that’s why it’s a common ingredient in after sun products). It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can treat skin conditions including psoriasis, sunburn, acne, dry skin and frostbite. Furthermore, it makes a very effective make-up remover.

Drink to health

Aloe vera has a slightly bitter flavor so is not the most pleasant tasting plant. However, blended into a smoothie with other ingredients such as berries, coconut milk and green vegetables like cucumber and spinach, it provides a nutrient-rich super drink that will cleanse your system and benefit your skin.

Tip: When using fresh aloe vera leaves, allow them to drain before cutting out the gel-like flesh from skin. Stand the leaf in a glass leaving the cut end down. A yellow substance should leak out after a while. This is a latex found just beneath the skin and is what gives the aloe vera its bitter taste. It’s also a common ingredient in laxatives.

So whether you’re ingesting it or applying it to your skin, harvesting it from a plant or buying it in products, this natural plant ingredient will soothe, hydrate and repair stressed skin, for a newly radiant look.