Make Your Own Aloe Vera Skin Cream

For gardeners the problem of dry skin is made worse by working in the garden, coupled in 2020 with the constant use of hand sanitiser. Fear winter no longer, for your plants are once again here to save you! The soothing, moisturising and cooling properties of aloe vera make it a prime candidate for a healing skin cream, and you can make your own aloe vera skin cream by following these simple steps:

For Your Aloe Vera Skin Cream You Will Need:

• 5 aloe vera leaves
• 500ml aqueous cream
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1 tablespoon glycerine
• Pot and glass bowl to double boil
• Beater
• Glass jar
• Funnel

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Instructions:

1. Before you start, sterilise the glass jar by filling it with boiling water, and then leave it to cool.

2. Place a pot filled with water on the stove and place the glass bowl inside it, making sure that the bowl does not touch the water. Bring the water to a boil.

3. Slice the aloe leaves in half and remove the sap.

4. Once the water is boiling, place the sap in the glass bowl and beat with the beater for about 1 minute to break down the gel.

5. Add 500ml aqueous cream and continue beating until the mixture becomes runny.

6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the glycerine and vitamin E oil, beating once more for 1 minute until the mixture is well combined.

7. Using a funnel, pour the cream into the sterilised jar and leave it to cool before sealing.

Remember to test the cream in a small quantity on your skin before use. Store it in a cool, dry place and use within a few weeks.

Aloe barbadensis ‘Aloe Vera’ Originally from Barbados, ‘Aloe Vera’ is now found everywhere and is well known for healing sunburn, grazes and cuts. The clear gel inside the leaves is best applied directly to the skin, but if you make a cream you will have a soothing lotion available at all times. It will also take the sting out of mosquito bites, and is great for cats and dogs with skin ailments. Grow this aloe in well-draining soil in full sun in the garden or in pots, and water well every two weeks.