Natural skin care is important to many Spanish women, especially in the more remote mountainous areas of the peninsula and in the Canary Islands. The plant Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) is one of Mother Nature’s great healers. As the plant loves a warm and dry climate, it is grown extensively in the Canaries. The plant is indigenous to North Africa and with the Canaries only a couple of hundred miles from the West coast of Africa, it is easy to see how it migrated to the Islands.

The use of Aloe Vera as a natural skin care remedy has been well documented as far back as ancient Egypt. It is believed that Christopher Columbus took plenty of Canarian aloe vera with him on his epic journey across the Atlantic to America; it was especially useful for the sun ravaged skin of the ship’s crew! The aloes that are now widely grown in the USA probably came from the Canary Islands.

Aloe Vera has been found to have many medicinal properties, but skin care and healing rank highest. So, why is Aloe Vera so beneficial in natural skin care products? The clear sap that runs from a cut leaf can be used as a natural skin care gel, to topically treats a wide variety of skin conditions. One of its most beneficial properties is the incredible moisturizing effect; it is great for use on dry, cracked skin and has been shown to provide relief from insect bites, heat rash, eczema, psoriasis and many other minor skin complaints.

Research is ongoing all over the world, to try to understand more about this amazing natural skin care plant. The research already completed, has lead to a huge variety of natural skin care products on the market. When choosing a natural skin care product with aloe vera, make sure to read the label and check that the product you are considering really is natural skin care and not a chemically manufactured copy. There is no evidence that shows aloe vera is unsafe to use topically, so you can use this natural skin care with confidence.

One of the most popular uses for aloe vera here in Spain is for sun damaged skin or sunburn. Although we should do everything in our power not to get burned in the first place, accidents will happen. This is where aloe vera really comes into its own in my opinion. The natural skin care properties get to work straight away on burned skin, and relief is almost instantaneous. It is a good idea to always have a mature plant around (they can easily be grown in pots in temperate climates) so that you can just cut off a piece of leaf and apply the cooling gel directly to the skin. Alternatively, you may purchase some high quality aloe gel and keep it handy for emergencies. A warning that although aloe is also taken internally for many conditions, it can cause uterine contractions and cramps, and should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women. If in doubt, consult your medical practitioner.

*A word of caution: although aloe is also taken internally for many conditions, it can cause uterine contractions and cramps, and should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women. If in doubt, consult your medical practitioner.