Aloe vera, a cactus-like plant thriving in desert environments, has been celebrated for centuries for its therapeutic and skin-healing qualities. Its leaves contain a gel abundant in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, making it a sought-after component in numerous skincare items, including facial cleansers and toners. Using aloe vera on the face delivers a multitude of benefits, including moisturizing the skin and potentially alleviating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and sunburn.
Why Aloe Vera Works: Unpacking the Benefits
Applying aloe vera to the face provides several advantages:
- Anti-Inflammatory Action: Reduces pain, swelling, and soreness associated with injuries or wounds. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This can help to reduce acne and prevent breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
- Collagen Support: Aids in the production and release of collagen, a protein crucial for skin elasticity and firmness.
- Accelerated Wound Healing: Speeds up wound healing and minimizes scarring. It promotes wound healing and can help speed up the recovery process for cuts, burns, and other minor injuries.
- Burn Relief: Shortens the healing duration of first-degree and second-degree burns, including sunburns.
- Infection Management: May assist in treating fungal and bacterial infections.
- Radiation Protection: Shields the skin from the detrimental effects of radiation therapy.
- Hydration: Primarily composed of water, it effectively moisturizes, soothes, and hydrates the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. It is also an excellent natural moisturizer, particularly for people with dry or sensitive skin.
- Increased Elasticity: Enhances skin flexibility and suppleness, preventing stiffness and strain.
- Cooling Sensation: Provides a cooling effect on rashes or sunburns.
The over 70 active components in aloe vera have many skin benefits. It contains water, which helps to hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. It is also an excellent natural moisturizer, particularly for people with dry or sensitive skin. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm irritated or inflamed skin. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which can help to protect the skin from free radical damage. This can reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It has a natural astringent effect, which can help to tighten and tone the skin.
Conditions That Can Be Treated With Aloe Vera
People have used aloe vera for centuries as a complementary 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
How to Extract Aloe Vera Gel from the Plant
The easiest way for a person to obtain fresh aloe vera gel is to keep a plant in the house. Aloe vera plants are often available from local garden stores or online. There are 420 different plant species of aloe. Most aloe-based products contain gel from the Aloe barbadensis miller plant.
Read also: Aloe Cleansing Foam: A Deep Dive
To extract aloe vera gel directly from the plant:
- Use a sharp, clean knife to cut off a leaf from the plant as near to the root as possible.
- Rinse the leaf and lightly pat dry.
- Place the cut side down in a bowl and leave it for about 15 minutes to allow the yellow aloe vera latex to drain out and discard it.
- Cut the narrow pointed end off from the top of the leaf.
- Drain the latex again if necessary.
- Press the leaf to help it soften.
- Cut the ‘spines’ off both sides of the plant as close to the edge as possible.
- Lay the leaf flat and slice it down the center from tip to tip, or for bigger leaves, cut the outer green layer off.
- Gently scoop out the gel using a spoon or knife blade. Very large aloe leaves may contain solid blocks of gel.
- Wash the gel carefully to clean it of any residue.
- Place the gel in a sealable container and refrigerate before use.
- Store the container of gel in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze the aloe vera gel in ice cube trays.
Ways to Use Aloe Vera on the Face
Anecdotal evidence provides the following tips for how to use aloe vera:
- Face Wash: Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the face with your fingertips after washing your hands. Cleanse the face gently in a circular motion, covering all the skin. Rinse with cool water and pat dry gently. Continue with aloe vera skin toner.
- Skin Toner: Combine 2 parts water with 1 part aloe vera gel to make an aloe vera skin toner. Store the mixture in a clean, airtight bottle in the refrigerator. Apply the toner to the face with a fresh cotton ball after shaking it thoroughly.
- Insect Bite Treatment: After washing the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, pat it dry with a paper towel. Apply aloe vera to the area and leave it on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Reapply as needed.
- Minor Skin Wounds or Cuts: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, then let it air dry. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera to the wound or cut. Apply a bandage to the area and let it heal overnight. If necessary, repeat this procedure the following day.
- Antifungal Treatment: For two weeks, apply a small amount of the gel to the affected area three times a day.
- Moisturizing Effect and Eczema Relief: Apply a thin layer of gel to the face and let it sit for five to ten minutes. After rinsing with cool water, gently pat dry.
- Acne Spots and Rosacea: Combine 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 2 to 3 drops of fresh lemon juice to make an acne solution. Keep the mixture refrigerated in a sealed jar. Apply a small amount to acne spots and scars once or twice a day after washing your face gently. Alternatively, mix aloe vera gel with a couple of drops of tea tree oil.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Applying aloe vera gel to the face does not have associations with any severe health risks. However, some people may experience an initial stinging or burning feeling after using the gel on dry or sensitive skin.
Leaving aloe vera gel on the face may cause it to dry out. To avoid this effect, rinse the gel off after a few minutes. Some people may experience an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) to topical aloe vera. Always do a patch test first to check for sensitivity before using it on the face. Experts generally consider it safe to use aloe vera on the face.
Few, if any, in-depth clinical studies have examined the possible adverse effects of long-term use of aloe vera products. People can leave aloe vera gel on their faces overnight, although this may cause the skin to become dry. However, they should always conduct a patch test before using it for the first time.
Read also: Hydrating Facial Spray with Aloe
Important Precautions
- Consult a Doctor: Anyone who wants to use aloe vera as a complementary treatment for skin conditions should first speak with a doctor.
- Allergy Patch Test: Always do an allergy patch test before applying aloe vera to the face. Apply a small amount of gel to the inside of the wrist to check for a reaction. Wait 24 hours. If the skin starts to itch, swell, or change color, do not apply aloe vera to the face.
- Product Selection: When buying an aloe vera product, avoid products with added ingredients, such as alcohol or other chemicals. These may irritate the skin.
- Minimal Amounts: Applying large amounts of aloe vera gel to the face may cause the skin to dry out. Therefore, a person should only apply aloe vera gel in minimal amounts.
- For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the topical application of aloe vera gel is unlikely to pose a risk. However, oral use of aloe is not recommended in pregnant women due to a theoretical risk of stimulating uterine contractions. Oral aloe is also not recommended during breastfeeding as this has been known to cause gastrointestinal upset in nursing infants. There are also some interactions with other medications. Concomitant use of aloe vera with topical steroids may cause increased absorption of the steroid cream.
Aloe Vera Versus Other Ingredients
Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in skincare due to its hydrating, cooling, and soothing properties. While it is effective for many people, other ingredients can serve similar purposes.
- Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping keep it hydrated and plump.
- Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is very popular in skincare. It promotes a healthy skin barrier by reducing moisture loss and dehydration and helps to calm skin with its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cucumber extract is another ingredient known for its cooling and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products designed to calm irritated or inflamed skin. It also has hydrating benefits and can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
- Calendula extract is derived from the marigold flower and is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can help to soothe redness, irritation, and minor skin wounds, making it suitable for sensitive or damaged skin.
- Chamomile extract is another ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for soothing sensitive or irritated skin. It can help to reduce redness and inflammation and promote overall skin health.
- Additionally, oat extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming and soothing irritated or itchy skin.
Read also: Get Rid of Facial Hair