Aloe Vera For Skin: Benefits, Side Effects, Myths & Facts

11 Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Your Skin

Aloe vera is rich in various active constituents beneficial for skin, including vitamins A, C, and E, minerals, anti-inflammatory enzymes and amino acids, among other constituents [1]. It can thus be used to treat multiple skin concerns. Let us take a look at several aloe vera benefits for skin:

1.  Soothes Sunburn & Irritated Skin

Explanation: The anthraquinones present in aloe vera have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties [2]. Its cooling nature helps in soothing burns and irritations.

Specific Use: People with itchy, dry or inflamed skin can effectively experience aloe vera gel for face benefits by applying a thin layer of pure or organic aloe vera gel to get prompt relief from sunburn or redness.

2. Deeply Hydrates & Moisturises Dry Skin

Explanation: The complex sugars present in aloe vera help to bind moisture to skin [3]. This helps prevent dehydration and locks in the much-needed moisture in the skin.

Specific Use: The advantage of applying aloe vera gel on face is that it can prevent and treat dryness, flakiness, as well as reinforce the skin’s natural barrier.

3. Fights Acne & Blemishes

Explanation: The salicylic acid and antiseptic properties of aloe vera make it effective against certain bacteria, fungi and viruses [4].

Specific Use: If you struggle with mild acne, you can reap the benefits of aloe vera for face by using fresh aloe vera gel as a spot treatment. To ensure suitability, remember to patch test before application.

4. Reduces Inflammation & Redness

Explanation: The anti-inflammatory enzymes and the antioxidants present in aloe vera help calm the skin and reduce redness.
Specific Use: Aloe vera gel benefits for skin range from treating minor burns and cuts to controlling of eczema symptoms, calming rosacea flare-ups, and reducing swelling and itchiness from insect bites.

5. Provides Anti-ageing Effects

Explanation: Studies have shown that the use of aloe vera and resultant skin benefits include increased collagen synthesis, pore-tightening, and decreased appearance of wrinkles [5].

Specific Use: Over time, using aloe vera gel can help improve the elasticity, plumpness, and softness of skin.

6. Gently Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells

Explanation: Aloe vera promotes cell renewal and helps loosen the bonds between dead skin cells.

Specific Use: This helps with mild exfoliation and subsequent surfacing of healthier, more radiant skin.

7. Fades Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation

Explanation: The presence of vitamins C and E makes aloe vera gel effective in evening out the skin tone over time.

Specific Use: Although aloe vera gel cannot completely remove dark spots, one of the aloe vera gel benefits is its ability to lighten hyperpigmentation and discolouration with consistent use.

8. Cleanses & Detoxifies Skin

Explanation: Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant that naturally detoxifies skin and helps boost immunity. The enzyme present in aloe vera unclogs pores and removes skin impurities, while the presence of saponins gives it antiseptic qualities [6].

Specific Use: Aloe vera can be used as a gentle natural cleanser or a soothing mask to replenish the skin with essential nutrients.

9. Relieves Itching & Discomfort

Explanation: Aloe vera can suppress histamine release, thereby strengthening the immune response of the body [7].
Specific Use: Aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin, relieve itching and rashes, and ease symptoms of minor reactions.

10. Protects Against Environmental Damage

Explanation: Antioxidants present in aloe vera help in fighting off free radicals resulting from pollution and the sun’s UV rays, thereby reducing environmental stress on the skin.

Specific Use: Applying aloe vera gel can enhance the sun protection ability of sunscreen, as well as shield skin against environmental pollution and damage.

11. Ideal For Sensitive Skin

Explanation: Gentle in nature, aloe vera can be beneficial for calming sensitive skin, as it helps restore the moisture balance and the skin’s protective barrier function.

Specific Use: Perform a patch test before application.

How To Use Aloe Vera For Skin?

Aloe vera can be used in various ways for the skin. For maximum aloe vera benefits on the face, apply fresh aloe vera gel as a spot treatment or thin layer to the skin and wash it off after 15-20 minutes. You can also prepare a face mask with aloe vera gel or use it as a hydrating moisturiser. To help calm the skin after a sunburn, apply a thick layer of aloe vera gel and allow it to be absorbed by the skin.

DIY Aloe Vera Recipes For Every Skin Concern

Let’s explore some easy DIY aloe vera recipes effective in treating different skin concerns:

1. Hydrating Aloe & Honey Face Mask: Mixing aloe vera with honey is a powerful way to hydrate your skin and deeply moisturise it. While honey acts as a natural humectant, aloe compounds help in binding moisture to the skin. To make a hydrating honey-aloe mask, mix equal parts of honey and aloe vera and apply a thin layer to your face. Let it sit for 20 minutes and wash thoroughly with warm water.
2. Acne-Fighting Aloe & Tea Tree Spot Treatment: Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. On the other hand, aloe vera is known to have both antiseptic and healing effects, as it contains sulphur and salicylic acid, among other antiseptic agents [8]. To create this powerful acne-treatment face mask, mix 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel with 1-2 drops of tea tree oil and use it as a spot treatment for affected areas. Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
3. Soothing Sunburn Relief Spray: You can mix ¼ cup of pure aloe vera gel with ¼ cup of alcohol-free witch hazel and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil to make a calming after-sun spray. This concoction can provide instant relief from sunburn as all the ingredients have effective healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Generously mist it on sunburnt skin for a rapid cooling effect.
4. Anti-Ageing Aloe & Vitamin E Serum: Aloe vera has anti-ageing properties as it can enhance collagen and elastin production, which can help reduce wrinkles [9]. When used in conjunction with an antioxidant-rich vitamin E serum, it can provide powerful anti-ageing benefits and help maintain a youthful appearance.
5. Gentle Aloe Vera Cleanser: Aloe vera benefits for skin can be enjoyed in the form of a gentle cleanser that can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine. To prepare, mix ½ cup aloe vera gel with ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon jojoba oil and 1 tablespoon glycerine. Gently massage in circular motion for a minute before washing away.

Potential Side Effects And Precautions

Aloe vera is generally safe for all skin types, but some individuals may experience certain unwanted effects. Some of the potential side effects of aloe vera on face include:

• Allergic reactions like itching, redness and inflammation.
• Ingestion, abdominal discomfort, or kidney issues may occur upon oral consumption of the latex (aloin).
• If taken without a doctor’s consultation, aloe vera ingestion can adversely interfere with certain medications like those for diabetes and other prescription drugs.

Aloe Vera: Myth Vs Fact

1.Myth: Aloe Vera Is A Magical Cure For All Ailments

Fact: While aloe vera has excellent therapeutic effects, it is not a panacea for all health concerns. It is true that being rich in antioxidants, it helps maintain the overall health of the skin and immune system, but it cannot be taken as a universal treatment for all diseases.

2. Myth: Every Aloe Plant Is Identical

Fact: It is easy to imagine a thick, plump herb with rosetted green leaves when one mentions aloe vera. However, you would be surprised to know that this is just one out of the 250+ varieties of aloe available worldwide [10]. Known as Aloe barbadensis Miller, it is the most commonly used variety for medical and cosmetic purposes. When selecting aloe plants or products, ensure you inquire about the correct variety for safe use.

3. Myth: Aloe Vera Permanently Fades Scars

Fact: Though aloe vera gel is good for speeding up healing and enhancing cell regeneration, it is not a magic bullet for completely eliminating scars. Holistic scar treatment can be achieved by advanced medical treatment after consultation with an experienced dermatologist.

4. Myth: Aloe Vera Is For Topical Application Only

Fact: It is common knowledge that applying aloe vera gel can help soothe and heal burns, cuts, or other skin inflammations. Nonetheless, this is not the only way to harness the aloe vera benefits for skin and body. Consuming aloe vera juice or supplements can help improve digestion and strengthen the overall immune system of the body. To ensure safety, consult a doctor before use.

5. Myth: Aloe Vera Can Be Consumed Directly From the Plant

Fact: When consumed directly from the plant, its latex, known as aloin, can be particularly harmful and cause a tender belly, spasms, diarrhoea, or even kidney damage. Always consult a healthcare professional for specifically formulated products for consumption.

When To Consult A Dermatologist?.

You should always patch test before application to avoid adverse effects, such as itching, irritation, or a severe allergic reaction. If you do not notice any improvement in your specific skin condition after regular aloe vera application, it is best to consult an expert dermatologist. At Oliva Skin, Hair and Body Clinic, our certified specialists conduct thorough skin analysis to recommend exclusive treatments tailored to your skin needs.

Takeaway

Aloe vera is a botanical variety, renowned for its natural antioxidant and healing properties. Its benefits for skin range from wound and scar healing to anti-ageing and an instant cooling effect. Though safe for sensitive skin, it is always recommended to patch test pure as well as processed aloe vera gel before facial application. If specific skin-related issues persist despite after diligent application, booking a consultation with a certified skin doctor is your best bet. Oliva provides easy booking of consultations with highly experienced dermatologists, specialising in delivering hi-tech skin treatments. Book an appointment now to experience world-class care!