To use aloe vera on your face, you'll need to extract the gel from the leaf. Here's how to do it:
- Choose a leaf: Select a mature, healthy aloe vera leaf from the plant.
- Clean the leaf: Rinse the leaf thoroughly with water and pat it dry.
- Cut the leaf: Use a sharp knife to cut off the leaf from the plant as near to the root as possible.
- Remove the spines: Cut the 'spines' off both sides of the plant as close to the edge as possible.
- Slice the leaf: Lay the leaf flat and slice it down the center from tip to tip, or for bigger leaves, cut the outer green layer off.
- Scoop out the gel: Gently scoop out the gel using a spoon or knife blade. Very large aloe leaves may contain solid blocks of gel.
You can now apply the fresh aloe vera gel directly to your face or use it in a homemade beauty product.
Remember: Always use a sharp knife for a clean cut, and be careful not to cut yourself.