How to Make Homemade Aloe Vera Facials

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 References

A facial consists several treatments, starting with deep cleaning and exfoliation, moving on to steaming and massaging, then finishing off with masks. Aloe vera is a wonderful plant, full of beneficial properties. It can help moisturize and hydrate your skin, as well as sooth irritations and acne. The next time you give yourself a facial, why not use aloe vera gel in all of the components?

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning and Exfoliating Your Face

1
Make a cleanser. Mix together ¼ cup (60 milliliters) aloe vera gel, ¼ cup (90 grams) honey, and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil or jojoba oil. This will give you a moisturizing, hydrating, and antibacterial cleanser.^{[1]
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Research source} Pour the cleanser into a jar. Store any leftovers in the fridge.
- You can use simple rose water, or a store-bought cleanser.^{[2]
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- You can also make a simple cleanser using 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of glycerin instead.^{[3]
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2
Wash your face. Gently massage the cleanser into you skin for 1 to 2 minutes.^{[4]
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Research source} Don't forget about your neck! Rinse the cleanser off when you are done, then gently pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Store any leftover cleanser in a sealed jar in the fridge.
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3
Prepare a simple scrub. Mix together ¼ cup (50 grams) of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel.^{[5]
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Research source} If you have sensitive or dry skin, try ground oatmeal instead of brown sugar.
- For a more complex, skin brightening scrub, mix together: 4 teaspoons milk, 1 teaspoon rice flour, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel.^{[6]
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- Avoid using white or granulated sugar. The granules are larger than brown sugar and much too harsh for the delicate skin on the face.
4
Massage the scrub onto your face for 1 to 2 minutes. Dampen your face first with water. Massage the scrub onto your face using gentle, circular motions. Keep massaging for 1 to 2 minutes. Take care to avoid the sensitive skin around the eyes.^{[7]
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Rinse the scrub off with cool water. Gently pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel. You are now ready for the next step in your facial!

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Steaming and Massaging Your Face

1
Fill a bowl filled with hot, steamy water. If you want to, you can add some essential oil or dried herbs, such as chamomile, rose petals, or lavender to the water. Not only will this make it smell nicer, but some oils and herbs can prove beneficial to your skin!
2
Lean over the bowl for 1 minute. Keep your face 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) above the water, and drape a towel over your head so that it traps the steam. During this time, the steam will help open up your pores and loosen dirt, making it easier to clean. You can steam for your longer, for up to 3 minutes, but remember to take a break and breath deeply after each minute.
- Splash your face afterwards with cool water. This will help tighten and seal your pores, and prepare your skin for the next step.
3
Prepare a simple massage cream. Mix together 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon honey. Break open 2 vitamin E capsules, and stir them into the cream as well.^{[8]
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- For a lightening cream, mix together 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) aloe vera gel, ½ tablespoon (11 grams) honey, and 2 to 3 pinches of tumeric instead.^{[9]
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4
Massage the cream onto your face for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently massage your forehead, chin, temples, and cheeks with your fingers. Take care to avoid the area around your eyes, and be gentle around your nose.^{[10]
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Rinse the cream off with warm water. If there is any residue, use a damp cloth to wipe it away. Gently pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Facial

1
Prepare a finishing mask. Mix together 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel, 2 teaspoons rose water, and 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder or fullers earth.^{[11]
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Research source}Pure sandalwood powder is great for treating acne and clarifying skin.^{[12]
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Research source} Fullers earth is great for absorbing excess oils, making it ideal for those with oily skin.^{[13]
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- You can also use a different aloe vera-based mask recipe if you have one that you prefer.
2
Apply the mask to your face with your fingers. For a more luxurious treatment, use a clean foundation brush to apply the mask instead. Spread it across your cheeks and forehead, and down your nose. Guide it along your jaw line and across your chin. Take care to avoid your lips and eyes.^{[14]
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- This mask can get messy. Tie your hair back and drape a towel over your shoulders.
3
Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, you can lay down on your bed or lean back in a comfortable chair. Close your eyes and relax. Consider practicing some deep breathing exercises.^{[15]
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4
Rinse the mask off using warm water. If there is any residue left over, use a damp cloth to gently wipe it away. Pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel afterward.
5
Apply toner with a cotton pad. You can use your favorite facial toner or rose water. You can also mix together some rosewater and aloe vera gel, and apply that to your face; it will act as both a toner and moisturizer.^{[16]
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- Rose water is a great, natural toner. It helps balance your skin's pH and is suitable for skin conditions, such as dermatitis and eczema.^{[17]
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6
Apply some moisturizer. You can apply your own moisturizer, or your can make you own by mixing together 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rose water, and ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) glycerin. If you have dry skin, add ½ tablespoon olive oil. If you have oily skin or acne, add ½ tablespoon lemon juice. Stir everything together.^{[18]
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- Rose water is a natural antiseptic while glycerin is great for moisturizing your skin without making it oily.^{[19]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I extend the shelf life of homemade aloe vera gel?

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.

Ritu Thakur, MA

Natural Health Care Professional

Expert Answer

On its own, blended aloe vera will hold for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. If you want to extend the shelf life, add a few drops of lavender, tea tree, or vitamin E oil into the aloe vera and mix it all together before you store it.