The role of aloe vera in skin hydration

Aloe vera is a succulent plant, meaning it has the ability to store large amounts of water in its leaves. Since 99% of its content is water and it contains important bioactive compounds (vitamins, minerals, etc.), we can say that aloe vera is an ideal moisturising agent. If you want to combat the signs of dryness (dull skin, tightness or cracking), this article explains how to hydrate your skin with aloe vera — and how to get the most out of its benefits.

Why is hydration important for healthy skin?

The visible signs of healthy skin are: softness, radiance and elasticity. To maintain these qualities, skin needs to be well hydrated. In addition to improving the skin’s appearance, hydration helps prevent other dermatological problems. How can you tell if your skin is properly hydrated? Look out for the following signs:

Dryness, flakiness and roughness

If your skin feels less smooth or flakes easily, it may be lacking hydration and its natural barrier may be weakened. As a result, your face may feel tight — especially after cleansing, or when exposed to wind or sun.

Tip: It's essential to keep your skin hydrated, as dryness also limits its ability to defend itself from environmental aggressors. To avoid further damage, try not to use very hot water or harsh soaps.

Increased sensitivity and irritation

You may start reacting to products that never caused you trouble before. This increased sensitivity may indicate that your skin has lost its natural balance — a common sign of dehydration.

Tip: Dehydrated skin tends to become more reactive. In the shower, avoid exfoliating products and don’t rub your skin harshly when drying. Both physical exfoliants (with granules) and chemical ones (with acids) can increase redness and irritation. Rubbing too hard can also cause micro-irritation on sensitive, dehydrated skin.

Slower healing

Well-hydrated skin heals more efficiently. On the other hand, if small wounds or marks take longer than usual to fade, it could be a sign that your skin needs hydration to kick-start its natural repair process.

Tip: If your skin seems slow to recover from small wounds or marks, avoid products with alcohol or highly astringent ingredients, as they can slow down regeneration. Instead, choose gentle, soothing formulas that support hydration and help protect the skin as it heals.

Aloe vera for skin hydration: how does this natural ingredient work?

Dehydrated skin lacks water in its outermost layer. Aloe vera can play an important role in reversing this thanks to its natural properties. On one hand, its high water content gives aloe vera gel its moisturising power. On the other, studies show that aloe vera penetrates the skin effectively, allowing hydration to reach the deeper layers. Here are some of the key properties that explain how it works:

Mucopolysaccharides

These naturally occurring compounds in aloe vera help retain moisture and strengthen the skin’s structure. They form a light barrier on the surface of the skin, which reduces water loss and improves texture.

Keep in mind that for this barrier to be effective, you need to apply aloe vera regularly.

Humectant properties

Aloe vera has the ability to attract and retain water. This is essential for restoring the hydration balance in dry or dehydrated skin. The result is skin that stays soft and supple throughout the day.

Cell regeneration capacity

Aloe stimulates the activity of the cells responsible for collagen production. While this process is mainly associated with firmness and elasticity, good cell turnover also helps the skin stay hydrated and more resistant to external factors such as sun and wind.

100% organic pure gel — naturally moisturising and effective.
When aloe vera regenerates the skin, it also strengthens the natural barrier and improves its appearance.

Using aloe vera to hydrate the skin is a natural and healthy way to support your skin’s wellbeing. The plant also offers many other dermatological benefits.

You might also like:

• Aloe vera for dry skin
• Aloe vera and atopic dermatitis
• How to care for sensitive skin with aloe vera
  

Rosehip oil and aloe vera: a powerful hydration duo

As mentioned earlier, here’s how to maximise the moisturising benefits of aloe vera by combining it with rosehip oil.

What is rosehip oil?

Rosehip oil is a plant-based oil known for its ability to nourish, repair and improve skin elasticity. It contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids, making it an ideal partner for aloe vera in deep hydration routines.

Another key benefit is its antioxidant action, which helps prevent premature ageing. This is particularly helpful for skin that’s been exposed to dehydration or harsh environmental conditions.

How does rosehip oil complement aloe vera?

When combined, these two natural ingredients work in harmony: aloe vera provides and retains water in both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, while rosehip oil seals in the moisture, reinforces the skin barrier and stimulates cell regeneration. The result is smoother, more radiant skin — with improved healing of dry or damaged areas.

How to use aloe vera and rosehip oil for skin hydration

Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of aloe vera and rosehip oil, here’s how to incorporate them into your skincare routine and get the most out of them.

Pure aloe vera gel and rosehip oil

You can apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the skin, followed by rosehip oil as the final step. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Apply aloe vera gel to clean, dry skin
   Ideally in the morning or before bed.
2. Allow it to absorb fully
   It sinks in quickly, creating a fresh base that hydrates without feeling greasy.
3. Finish with a few drops of rosehip oil
   Perfect as the final step to seal in hydration and add essential nutrients.
   
   

Note: When buying aloe vera gel, make sure it contains a high percentage of aloe vera and is free from alcohol or harsh fragrances. In our article “How to identify fake aloe vera”, we explain what to look for to ensure you're getting a quality product.

Combined products

You can also find skincare products that already contain both ingredients, such as:

• Finca Canarias hand and foot moisturiser
  Hands and feet tend to dry out faster due to environmental exposure. This cream combines aloe vera with rosehip oil, shea butter and other natural ingredients to retain moisture and soften the skin from the very first use.
  
  
• Aloe vera and rosehip face serum
  If you're looking to hydrate your face with aloe vera while benefiting from the properties of rosehip oil, this serum is a practical solution. It helps restore the skin barrier, reduce dryness and improve skin tone and radiance.

Aloe vera deeply hydrates the skin. With this serum,
you’ll enjoy a soft, fresh and glowing complexion.

Note: To enhance the serum’s effectiveness, gently exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and allow better absorption of the active ingredients.

At Finca Canarias, we believe that skincare starts with respect for nature. That’s why we grow 100% organic aloe vera on our farms in the Canary Islands and cold-process it to preserve its nutrients. Our products combine tradition and environmental responsibility to offer effective, safe and skin-friendly solutions.

Incorporate the hydrating power of aloe vera and rosehip oil into your daily routine and give your skin the care it deserves — from the surface right down to the cells.