Tag: natural skincare

The Wonders of Aloe Vera for Your Skin and Overall Health

On By Capital FemmeIn Clean SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Picture of hummingbird on Aloe Vera Plant benefits for skincare and overall health. By Capital Femme

Aloe Vera, in Jamaica it is also known as Sinkle bible. It is usually grown in tropical, semi- tropical zones but can be found all over the world. It thrives in warm, dry climates. This plant has many purposes, especially for skincare. Let’s look at a few of them.

Skincare benefits

It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can be used to treat numerous skin conditions. This plant has healing powers and can help treat cuts, scrapes minor burns including sunburn and minor wounds.

Due to its anti-bacterial properties, it helps manage excessive acne. It is also anti-inflammatory and soothes redness, flare-ups, irritation and promotes healing of acne scars. 

The antioxidants found in Aloe help fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. 

Some of its additional benefits are moisturizing oily and dry skin, soothing inflammation, frostbite, cold sores, eczema and psoriasis.

For oily skin, aloe vera works because it has high water content which hydrates the skin and is a non-greasy moisturizer. Aloe vera can also be used as a toner as it is gentle enough that it won’t dry out your skin while helping to control oil production.

This plant is also known to help with wrinkles by increasing collagen production and improving skin elasticity.

The most potent form of the plant is the gel, you can use Over-the-counter aloe gel or you can use it directly from the plant.

Digestive benefits

When consumed aloe vera can be used to reduce:

Dental plaque – It can be used as an alternative to chemical mouthwash and can provide relief from bleeding or swollen gums.

Constipation – laxatives within the plant may help relieve constipation.

Blood sugar levels – consuming aloe vera can help persons with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Aloe vera is a rich source of:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Beta-carotene
  • Calcium
  • Folic Acid
  • Magnesium

Precautions

It may soothe sunburn but is not a replacement for sunscreen. So please use your sun protection. You can be sensitive to aloe vera and should try a small patch test on somewhere like your forearm. If you experience any adverse reaction stop using it. Try not to use this plant too frequently.

Finally

Aloe vera is a succulent plant packed with many benefits including skin care, digestion and nutrition. There are studies and data available that back these claims. However, you should be cautious of how much aloe you consume. This natural resource is truly extraordinary and with care can be great for your health.

 

Common Skincare Misconceptions

On By Capital FemmeIn Clean SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

common skincare misconceptions/ myths along with the correct facts

When taking care of yourself, part of that usually includes indulging in your skincare. To do so you have to learn about the skin. So I’ve put together a little list of common skincare misconceptions out there that I’ve heard of and encountered on my journey as well. The corresponding facts included are also worth taking note of. They apply no matter what stage of your skincare you are in.

1. Oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturized.

The obvious choice may be to skip moisturizing if your skin feels greasy but this can actually lead to your skin producing more oil due to dehydration. Using the right moisturizer can actually help control oil production without feeling heavy on the skin.

2. You should exfoliate everyday.

Over exfoliating your skin can cause a breakdown in your natural barrier and cause the skin to become irritated.

3. Pores can open and close.

Pores can appear larger when clogged by dirt, debris and oil. Clean pores will look smaller and prevent them from stretching.

4. Sunscreen is for certain climates and persons with certain skin issues.

Sunscreen should be applied no matter the skin tone or time of year. Sunscreen is for everyone and should be part of any basic skincare routine. Up to 80% of ultraviolet rays can penetrate through clouds on cloudy days.

UV rays can also reflect off of surfaces and cause sunburn. Sunscreen prevents premature aging (wrinkles, fine lines) and lowers your risk of developing skin cancer. It’s recommended to use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

5. Dark circles under the eyes are from a lack of sleep.

A lack of sleep can worsen dark circles but is not the only cause. Other factors such as genetics, aging,  pigmentation, dryness etc. can play a role. This can be treated based on what is causing the dark circles. Getting a vitamin C serum may be a viable option for you.

Finally

I hope this helped spread some light on some misconceptions about skincare and help you better understand your skin.  Share it with a friend if you found this helpful.