Ingredient Focus: Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Brilliance: Unveiling the Benefits for Postnatal Care
Referred to as the ‘plant of immortality’ by ancient Egyptians, aloe vera has been used as a healing treatment for thousands of years. Cleopatra and Nefertiti used it in their beauty routines, while Alexander the Great and Christopher Columbus used it to treat their soldiers’ wounds. Indeed, remnants of the plant have been found in the tombs of pharaohs, meaning that they chose to take it with them to the afterlife.
A member of the succulent plant family, aloe vera grows in dry, tropical climates. There are over 400 species, with aloe barbadensis miller being the most prevalent and widely used in cosmetic products. The clear gelatinous substance found inside the thick leaves of this cactus contains 12 vitamins, 20 minerals and 18 amino acids and 200 phytonutrients.
Although commonly used topically to soothe and cool sunburn (you may have even used it for minor cuts or abrasions), aloe vera offers so much more; providing a myriad of health and skin benefits, from aiding digestion to being a potent antioxidant. Now often included in good quality skincare products, such as Little Butterfly London’s, this ingredient is particularly beneficial to sensitive, irritated or dry skin.
Tip: If you’re looking for a product for you or your baby that contains aloe vera, choose one with a higher percentage; this means it’s more concentrated.
How Little Butterfly London uses aloe vera
We’re a massive fan of this gem of an ingredient and use it in the majority of our mother and baby skincare products - whether they be lotions, creams, serums, gels or washes. Being an organic skincare brand, we naturally use only organic aloe vera.
Aloe vera works equally well for both mum and baby, and can help to address a host of conditions - from nappy rash to wrinkles. It’s perfect for sensitive, irritated, itchy or even eczema-prone skin.
Anti-inflammatory, healing, moisturising, soothing and protecting; aloe vera keeps the skin healthy, soft and feeling comfortable. We combine it with other hydrating and soothing plant oils and extracts for optimum effectiveness.
Just some of the reasons we include aloe vera in our skincare
- It’s rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium and zinc, that support its healing benefits.
- Water-loving polysaccharides give aloe vera its hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits, while providing a protective barrier on the skin.
- Phytosterols found in aloe vera are anti-inflammatory and help to soothe itchy skin, while also providing moisturising benefits.
- It contains two hormones, auxin and gibberellins, that help the skin to repair.
- With vitamins C and E, aloe vera helps to deflect free radicals that can be damaging to the skin.
- Since aloe vera is mostly water (99.5%) it helps to hydrate, soothe and cool. Locking in moisture, it gives the skin a soft and smooth feel.
- It contains 6 antiseptic agents that inhibit bacteria.
- It contains anthraquinones that offer antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.
- Its flavones help to protect skin against free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress
Little Butterfly London products that contain aloe vera
Baby
bubbles in the breeze TOP TO TOE WASH
floating on clouds BEDTIME BATH MILK
wrapped in love CALMING ANTI-POLLUTION BABY FACE CREAM
Mum
cocoon of bliss STRETCH MARK BUTTER
scent of seas TONING BODY SERUM