Written by Lauren Curl-Ferrell on January 10, 2022. Medical Data Sourced from PubMed Medical Journals.
Can Aloe Vera Help With Acne?
Many people struggle with acne. From the start of a pimple forming, to the dark spots that are left once it's left the skin, aloe has been shown to help along the way.
Aloe vera is great at supporting traditional acne medications, or on it's own as well.
There's a reason why it is nicknamed nature's super plant.
From using it topically by applying it directly to the skin, to injesting it in the form of capsules and liquid, aloe vera is beneficial to reducing mild to moderate acne.
In this article, we'll look at 6 different reasons and ways to use aloe to reduce the appearance of acne.
6 Reasons Why Aloe Vera is Good For Acne Relief
Aloe vera is a skin savior for most of us thanks to it's cooling and medicinal properties.
The long succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant does all the magic.
They are so good at retaining moisture that the leaves of the plant contain a clear gel that is almost 99 percent water with 75 active ingredients, including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Antioxidants
- Minerals
- Amino acids
It's a win all around.
1. It's Hydrating
The reason aloe vera is so hydrating is the fact that it is mostly water.
We can thank the polysaccharides for it's magic hydrating abilities.
It can also help with transepidermal water loss. This is when the skin gets dehydrated, which causes dryness and inflammation.
2. It Contains Salicylic Acid
Aloe vera contains naturally occurring salicylic acid. If you've been struggling with acne this should be a familiar name. If you look on pretty much any acne treatment, you’ll see salicylic acid on the label.
Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, helps unclog pores, and prevents acne from developing.
When you use aloe vera as an exfoliant, it removes the layer of dead cells on your skin and promotes the growth and strength of the new skin underneath.
3. It Helps To Fade Dark Spots
As we age, natural enzymes build up in the skin and cause dark spots often associated with UV damage (a.k.a. UV-induced hyperpigmentation).
It's the compound called aloesin, found in the aloe vera plant, that could help lighten things up.
Applying a product that contains aloe vera after a day in the sun helps minimize these enzymes and keep dark spots at bay.
To reduce some of those more stubborn spots, apply Aloe vera gel 4 times a day for 15 days and you could find significant reduction of those dark spots.
4. It's Anti-Microbial
Aloe vera contains powerful antioxidants belonging to a large family of substances known as polyphenols.
These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
Aloe vera is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems.
5. It Helps Protect the Skin Barrier
Aloe vera is a rich source of vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants and because of those - it can help protect your skin.
Anyone who has applied a cool layer of Aloe vera to a sunburn can tell you about it's calming, and gentle effect.
Aloe is a natural friend in the fight against free radicals. Free radicals cause damage when they come in contact with skin because their search for a molecular pair can disrupt skin at the deepest layers.
The aloe's antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, which stops them from searching for a mate in your skin.
6. It's Anti-Inflammatory
Flared up skin is not a win. Aloe contains antioxidants that fight inflammation. When applied topically, it can help. When it's ingested, it can help with creating a better concept for healthy skin starts from within.
Aloe contains chemical compounds that work with your body’s natural defenses by creating antibodies that your immune system can use to fight off irritation, inflammation, and infection.
Taking capsules of Aloe vera will help to treat acne and skin challenges from the inside of the body.
Aloe also encourages new skin cells to grow at the site of the wound and jump-start the repair process.
There are plenty of other benefits that ingesting aloe will do such as:
- Stronger Hair
- Better Skin
- Restoring Gut Balance
- Boosting Immunity
Aloe Vera and Acne: 6 Ways to Use Aloe Vera
Not all methods are going to work for every person who tries them, but aloe vera is extremely gentle for the skin and gut so there is little risk to trying it.
Aloe vera is an alternative and holistic method to treating acne, so when beginning a regime of it, consulting a doctor or dermatologist can help. They will be able to help determine if aloe is the right natural treatment.
1. Aloe Vera Capsules
Most types of acne start when bacteria enter the hair follicle, inflame and infect it.
By protecting against this infection, aloe vera can offer people with acne a two-for-one treatment for both their hair and their skin.
The combination of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties in aloe vera make it an excellent part of any skin routine and has shown excellent results for people with mild to moderate acne.
It can help to clear up acne at the root—which is where all acne starts.
NB Pure's Organic Aloe Vera Capsules have natural and pure ingredients.
2. Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice
Citrus juice found in lemons can help fight acne. Pure lemon juice is acidic, so mixing this with aloe vera may stop the lemon juice from irritating the skin.
A person can make a face mask by mixing aloe vera and lemon juice in an 8 to 1 ratio, spreading this evenly over the face, and leaving it on for about 10 minutes. Importantly, they should avoid the sensitive eye area and wash the mask off thoroughly afterwards.
3. Cinnamon, Honey, and Aloe Vera
Making a face mask from honey, cinnamon, and aloe vera is another option that may help to soothe acne.
Cinnamon and honey have similar anti bacterial properties to aloe vera.
To make a cinnamon, honey, and aloe vera face mask, a person can mix about 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of honey, 1 tbsp of aloe vera, and ¼ teaspoon (tsp) of cinnamon in a small bowl. This can be applied to the face, left on for 10 minutes, and washed off with warm water.
4. Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil
Research published in 2017 shows that tea tree oil gels and face washes(
People should avoid leaving tea tree oil on the skin for long periods, but when mixed with aloe vera, it may be suitable for use as a cleansing solution.
To make a cleansing solution, mix together water, aloe vera, and 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Some people can be sensitive to tea tree oil, so it is essential to wash the solution off with water after a couple of minutes.
5. Aloe Vera Spray
Spraying the skin with a diluted aloe vera solution can help hydrate skin without causing extra oil production or shine.
A person can mix roughly 2 parts water to 1 part aloe vera to make a spray. The solution can be placed in a spray bottle and sprayed onto the affected area, avoiding the eye area.
6. Creams
Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter acne creams. People can find out which products contain aloe vera by looking at the active ingredients listed on the label.
It may be a good idea to use creams containing aloe vera as part of the everyday acne-fighting routine because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The Wrap Up
Aloe vera is a great safe and potentially effective way to treat and prevent acne. From applying it topically to ingesting it, it has many benefits.
There are several methods of using aloe vera at home, and one or more treatment options may be effective. Speak to a dermatologist or doctor for the best results for you.
