Aloe Vera for Your Skin: Benefits and How to Use It

Everybody wants glowing porcelain skin, and in the quest for that, people add many ingredients to their skin care routine and overlook others.

One ingredient that has always been loved and used by people since ancient times is aloe vera. It is known to heal skin conditions, treat acne, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face.

If you look into its composition, you will find that aloe vera is 99% water, and its gel contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins help heal and reduce pain and inflammation, while polysaccharides activate skin repair. (1)(2) They also strengthen the immune system. (1)

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Here are some perks of making aloe vera part of your beauty regimen:

1. Reduces dark spots

Aloe vera gel prevents scar formation or lessens its severity. Its anti-inflammatory properties boost the immune system and reduce the severity of acne formation.

Aloesin, a component of aloe vera gel, (3) reduces the appearance of scar tissue by lightening hyperpigmentation. 

Moreover, aloe vera gel contains collagen and elastin. When aloe vera gel is applied to the face, a strong collagen matrix is stimulated beneath the skin, which aids healing.

Aloe vera should be used regularly to nourish and heal the skin. (4)

2. Soothes skin burn

Aloe vera gel lotions have soothing and healing properties that are beneficial for treating sunburns. (5) They contain a compound called aloin, which soothes the skin and treats burns, including sunburns. (6)

The vitamins and nutrients in aloe vera have ultrasoothing properties that relieve sunburn for several days.

Aloe vera gel can be applied to the inflamed area. But since sunburns are painful and damage your skin, it is always better to prevent them. Cover your face with SPF-30 or higher to protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays.

3. Moisturizes the skin

Aloe vera gel is rich in mucopolysaccharides, which bind moisture to the skin. It stimulates the production of fibroblasts, improving collagen (2) levels and elastin fibers, making your skin look youthful and firm.

Aloe vera gel also has cohesive effects; it sticks the superficial flaking epidermal cells together and softens the skin. The amino acids present in the gel soften the complex skin cells. The zinc available in the gel act as an astringent, which tightens the skin pores.

Aloe vera tightens the skin, reduces wrinkles, and reduces erythema in the skin. Its moisturizing properties treat dry skin and make it soft and supple. (7)

4. Removes dead skin cells

One of the lesser-known benefits of aloe vera gel is when it is applied overnight, it removes dead skin cells from the face and boosts the skin regeneration process.

Long-term application of aloe vera can give your skin a healthy and youthful look. (4)

5. Exerts antiaging effects

As you grow old, the skin loses its elasticity, and you develop smile lines, crow’s feet, and more. Using aloe vera gel can help delay such common signs of aging.

Aloe vera gel improves your skin’s elasticity, brightens the skin, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, prevents premature skin aging, and repairs skin cells. (7)

6. Reduces puffiness and dark circles around the eyes

Aloe vera gel is packed with vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties (8) that reduce dark circles under the eyes, and its cooling properties reduce puffiness.

Furthermore, aloe vera has collagen-boosting properties that improve the condition of the face and help generate new skin for a younger-looking you. 

7. Reduces skin pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem that appears when extra pigments (melanin) are produced. It is not harmful or dangerous, but many dislike it and seek skin-lightening treatments to reduce such pigmentation.

Aloe vera gel contains aloesin and aloin, which reduce skin pigmentation and control melanin production. (9)

8. Treats acne

Acne makes your skin uneven and reduces the skin’s radiance. Aloe vera gel is packed with anti-inflammatory properties due to the abundance of sugar and fatty acids in it. (10)

A small study examined the impact of aloe vera gel on 60 people suffering from acne. The researchers have concluded that combining gel (50%) and topical retinoids (0.5%) helps treat acne. (11)

Note: Topical application of aloe vera gel may cause redness and dermatitis on sensitive skin. Also, allergic reactions can be caused by anthraquinones, aloin, and barbaloin. It is always better to test aloe vera gel on a small area of skin to check for untoward reactions. (12) If it does not cause allergies, you can apply it. (13)

How to Use Aloe Vera on the Face?

Here’s how you can use aloe vera for its skin care benefits.

1. For toning the skin

Skin toner and sprays tone the skin, reduce blemishes, and give it an even look. They also soothe and hydrate the skin.

Thus, it’s highly recommended to keep an aloe vera spray always handy. (2) You can even make it at home.

How to use:

1. In a spray bottle, add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, 1–2 drops of essential oils, and add 1¼ cups of distilled water.
2. Shake it well and carry it with you wherever you go.
3. Spray it to soothe and refresh your skin.

2. For acne treatment

Aloe vera is the perfect remedy to treat acne and other skin disorders. Its soothing solution can help you fight pimples.

To improve its effectiveness, you can mix it with cucumber and rose water (which acts as an astringent). (14) It is an easy-to-make solution.

How to use:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of rose water with aloe vera and cucumber juice.
2. Apply it to your face and neck using a cotton ball.
3. Let it dry for a few minutes, and then wash it off.

3. For skin brightening

You can improve your skin tone and achieve brighter-looking skin when you use aloe vera gel.

How to use:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of rice water, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and 1 vitamin E capsule to make a thick paste. The solution will differ if you use organic rice.
2. Apply the mixture to your face.
3. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

4. For dry skin

This DIY face pack can transform dull and dry skin into supple and nourished skin. You must blend aloe vera gel, honey, and cucumber. These three ingredients hydrate the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and radiant.

How to use:

1. Blend a slice of cucumber, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
2. Apply the mixture to your face and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

5. For oily skin

This aloe vera pack for oily skin sucks out excess oil from the skin and prevents acne and other skin disorders.

How to use:

1. Combine 10–12 drops of tea tree oil and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste.
2. Apply the paste to your entire body and leave it overnight.
3. Rinse it off with lukewarm water the morning after.
4. You can repeat the pack application twice a week.

Properties of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel boosts the collagen level in the body and alters collagen composition, thereby increasing collagen cross-linking, which promotes wound healing.

Studies have shown that aloe vera gel can increase skin flexibility and reduce its fragility since aloe is 99% water.

Aloe vera gel contains mucopolysaccharides, amino acids, and zinc, which improve skin elasticity, help to retain moisture, reduce erythema, and prevent skin ulcers.

Aloe vera gel prevents tumors and is known for its anti-inflammatory and diabetic skin-protecting properties. Since it prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses and kills the growth of microbes on the skin, it is an excellent aid in wound healing. (2)

General Queries Related to Aloe Vera for Skin Care

Final Word

Aloe vera has medicinal properties and is made from 80% water, vitamins, and minerals, all of which work together to make your skin smooth, soft, and glowing. You can use it every day to achieve youthful skin.

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