One of the most common uses of aloe vera is as a nourishing, moisturizing skin lotion. It’s also a good plant to keep in your bedroom to improve air quality while sleeping, which will also benefit your skin.
Aloe vera is gentle, so using the product overnight shouldn’t have any adverse effects. Trial a small amount of aloe vera on a non-visible body part, such as behind the ear, before applying it to your face.
It’s easy to find aloe vera-based skin products, but you can make your own aloe vera face mask from the plant’s leaves if you want to ensure that everything is 100% natural.
Can You Sleep Overnight with Aloe Vera on Your Face?
Assuming you’re not allergic, aloe vera is 100% safe to be left on your face overnight. Apply an aloe vera face mask last thing at night before bed, and leave it to work while you sleep.
Aloe vera is most effective when applied to wet skin. If you’ve just washed your face, ideally with warm water in the shower, your skin pores will be open. This helps aloe vera sink into your skin. Once the aloe vera is applied, rinse your face with cool water.
Be careful, as you’re not attempting to wash the face mask off. You’re just removing any excess gel or liquid to avoid staining your pillow or bed sheets. In addition, cold water closes the pores in the skin of your face, locking the aloe vera within.
Benefits of Applying Aloe Vera to the Face at Night
If you still need to be convinced that aloe vera is a positive addition to your nighttime routine, consider that doing so will lead to a better night’s sleep.
The plant purifies the air and releases oxygen into the atmosphere, encouraging deep breaths and a restful night’s sleep. The same benefits apply when aloe vera is worn.
As per the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, aloe vera has a sedative impact on rats, suggesting that the same applies when we massage aloe into the face.
Aloe vera improves skin conditions. Whether applying a homemade aloe vera solution from a plant or purchasing a 100% aloe vera gel from a pharmacy, your skin will enjoy these benefits.
Moistening Dry Skin
Aloe vera is a natural remedy for dry skin, something that can trouble many of us overnight.
Skin Research and Technology stated that aloe vera is an effective remedy for dry skin. Its use is particularly recommended during winter when airflow is most restricted.
When the weather is cold, you’re unlikely to open windows in your home to allow air to circulate. Equally, you may be reliant on artificial heat sources to stay warm. While sleeping, you’ll continually recycle the same stale, dry air, which will take its toll on your skin.
Wash your face with warm water, apply the aloe vera, and lightly rinse it off with cool water. This will ensure that your skin is hydrated while you sleep.
Increased Skin Elasticity
You’ll notice that aloe vera focuses on skin elasticity and the anti-aging properties of the ingredients. As per Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, aloe vera increases collagen production.
Collagen is the protein in the body that gives the skin its elasticity. The body produces less collagen as we age, which is why the skin develops wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other aesthetic imperfections.
No product can stop time or reverse the process of aging, but aloe vera can help you look younger.
Alleviating Eczema
If you have eczema (atopic dermatitis), you’ll be no stranger to rashes and sore, irritated skin patches. Discomfort caused by eczema can keep you awake at night. However, the antibacterial properties of aloe vera, while not a cure, neutralize some of the effects.
Get 100% aloe vera, especially for anybody using the product for eczema. Gels containing perfumes or oils are likelier to irritate, and no amount of aloe vera can counter that problem.
Aloe vera can be used in conjunction with other natural dermatitis remedies. Add apple cider vinegar or sunflower seed oil to an aloe vera face mask.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Aloe vera is a product rich in anti-inflammatory qualities due to the essential vitamins and minerals found in the plant, which include vitamins A, C, E, and B12.
Some cultures advocate for oral consumption of aloe vera, believing this enhances the performance of the body’s internal organs. The presence of glucomannan alone is enough to make aloe vera effective.
These inflammatory properties can prevent acne breakouts and rosacea. This can also ease pain and aches in the facial muscles, helping you relax and enjoy a long, uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Relief from Pain Caused by Cuts and Scrapes
The anti-inflammatory properties can work wonders for wound healing, as it speeds up skin repair from minor cuts.
The aloe vera will bolster collagen production in the cut, closing it up and minimizing the irritating side effects, such as itching, and reducing the risk of bacterial infections.
A nick to the chin from shaving or a cut knee after a minor fall are examples of minor cuts that can be resolved with aloe vera gel. This also means that you could apply aloe vera to newly-shaven legs.
Treatment for Minor Burns
Aloe vera is sometimes used to treat first-degree and second-degree burns. Of course, more serious burns (including sunburns) should be inspected and treated by a medical doctor.
The impact of aloe vera on more severe skin burns is debated, but the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand confirms its effectiveness on minor ailments.
This means that aloe vera is ideal for use on a sunburnt face, especially considering its hydrating qualities. While it’s not a miracle cure and can’t double up as a sunblock, aloe vera offers relief from sunburns.
The main advantage of aloe vera on minor burns is a relief from itching and irritation, so you’ll be less likely to scratch at the point of the burn and aggravate any discomfort further.
The facial application of aloe vera overnight enhances sleep, not hinders it.
