As temperatures continue to dip lower and winds start to howl, skin starts to show some winter weathering.  Natural moisture and oils in the skin continuously evaporate in winter months and skin becomes dry, chapped and irritated. To help keep skin healthy beyond having a better nutritional diet, it’s important to apply moisturizer in the winter.

But with so many products out there, what is the best to use?  Joseph Sweere, DC, a professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University, recommends using plant-based aloe vera healing lubricants and skin care products to prevent dry, scaly skin. In his book, “Golden Rules for Health in Mind, Body & Spirit,” he says aloe is described as the “medicine plant” and the “plant of immortality.” The 1996 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that aloe vera speeds up wound healing and increases scar strength, perhaps by increasing collagen formation. The gel penetrates injured tissue and increases blood flow to the injured areas.  Although there are 500 species of aloe, aloe vera is best known for its healing properties and has been used for centuries to treat skin care problems.

According to Dr. Sweere, the following are benefits to using aloe vera based products:

1. It’s extraordinary food plant that can be used externally for the treatment of burns such as sunburns, infections, parasites, and wounds, and is used internally for the prevention and treatment of colitis, digestive disorders, and ulcers;
2. Aloe is great for improving circulation and aids in gallbladder, kidney and liver functions; and helps maintain the immune system and detoxify the body;
3. Aloe vera has more than 200 biologically active agents, containing vitamins such as E, B, C, and zinc that help strengthen skin tissue and keep it supple and soft by bringing oxygen to the cells;
4. It has traditionally been used to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and inflammations; and
5. Studies show that aloe vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin.

Sources: Joseph, J. Sweere, D.C., Golden Rules for Vibrant Health in Body, Mind and Spirit (2004), Basic Health Publications, Inc; and WebMD.