Aloe vera is a common household plant known for its skin healing properties. Using aloe vera can help moisturize and soothe the skin. Regularly applying a small amount of aloe vera to the face can help treat various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and sunburn. Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in desert regions around the world. Its leaves produce a gel that is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12.
Benefits Of Aloe Vera On The Skin
- its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce pain, swelling, and soreness of wounds or injuries
- it supports the production and release of collagen
- it can speed up wound healing time and limits scarring
- it reduces the healing time of first-degree and second-degree burns
- it is effective in treating fungal and bacterial infections
- it has an antioxidant effect that can help repair sun damage and slow down the aging process of the skin
- it protects the skin from the damaging effects of radiation therapy
- it contains 98% water, which helps moisturize, soothe, and hydrate the skin
- it helps to make the skin more flexible and supple, rather than stiff and leathery
- It has a cooling effect on rashes or sunburns
What Conditions Can Aloe Vera Treat?
People have used aloe vera for centuries as a treatment for various types of skin disorders and injuries. Some of these conditions include:
- acne
- sunburn pain and swelling
- minor burns
- cuts or skin wounds
- fungal infections, such as ringworm and tinea versicolor
- eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- rosacea
- sun or chemically damaged skin/wrinkles
- bug bites
Side Effects and Cautions
While considered safe in topical form when used as directed, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate aloe vera products. This means that it’s up to you, the consumer, to use aloe vera safely and to report any adverse skin reactions to your doctor.
You may also consider steering clear of aloe vera if you have a severe burn or other significant wounds. Aloe may decrease your skin’s natural ability to heal from deep wounds related to surgery.
Some users may experience itching or slight burning as the aloe vera goes to work in your skin. However, if you experience a rash or hives, you could have a sensitivity to the gel and should stop using it immediately.
Don’t use aloe vera gel on infected skin. While the gel has microbial properties, its protective layer can disrupt the healing process and make an infection worse.
Products with Aloe Vera
Here are some professional products that contain Aloe Vera:
- GlyMed Plus Lactic Action Pre-Treatment Solution (GM55A)
- GlyMed Plus AHA Accelerator with BIOCELL-sc (GRX6)
- GlyMed Plus Sal-X Purifying Cleanser (GM49)
- GlyMed Plus Comfort Cream (GM56)
- 2B Bio Purifiant
- Safetec Instant Hand Sanitizer Spray
- Skin for Life Professional Scrub for Face & Body