Can "aloe vera" leaves wipe your face? what you're asking
The crystal gel-like substance in aloe vera leaves always arouses the curiosity of skin care enthusiasts. This species, known as the "immortal plant" in ancient Egypt, appears frequently in the ingredient list of contemporary skin care products. But is it feasible to directly cut fresh aloe vera leaves to wipe the face? Behind this seemingly simple move is hidden skin care knowledge that requires vigilance. Three major scientific controversies about aloe vera wiping the face. Plant variety differences affect more than 500 Aloe vera species around the world, only Curacao has been proven to be suitable for human skin. The juice of aloe vera arbosa and soapy aloe vera, which are common in family potted plants, contains a higher concentration of aloe-emodin, which may cause a burning feeling when contacted with the skin. Active ingredient stability After the polysaccharides in fresh aloe vera gel are exposed to air, the active ingredient is attenuated by 60% within 72 hours. Industrial-grade extraction uses low-temperature freeze-drying technology and can retain 97% of the active ingredients, which cannot be achieved by home processing. Microbial contamination risk A 2022 study by the German Dermatology Association shows that unsterilized aloe vera stock solution can contain 10^4 CFU per milliliter, far exceeding the hygiene standards for skin care products. Contaminated and improper storage of knives can aggravate the growth of microorganisms. Professional doctors recommend that if you insist on using fresh aloe vera, it is recommended to follow: ① Choose to plant mature plants more than 3 years old ② Use medical alcohol to disinfect knives ③ Only take the middle transparent gel layer ④ Remove it now and not store it; ③ Test behind the ear for 72 hours. Patients with sensitive muscles and rosacea should avoid this method completely.
Commercially available aloe vera gel has removed allergens and retained active ingredients through processes such as decoloration, desensitization, and pasteurization. It is recommended to choose products labeled "99% Organic Aloe Vera" and certified by ISO22716. Each batch of these products has undergone microbial testing, making their safety more guaranteed.