Aloe vera benefits: Is aloe vera good for skin?

Aloe vera is a key ingredient in many different skincare products. But what exactly is it, and is aloe vera good for skin? If you want to know more about this ingredient or if you’re looking for natural solutions to common skin problems, you’ll find lots of information here in our guide to aloe vera. We’ll cover:

• What is aloe vera?

• The benefits of aloe vera

• How does it work?

• Which skin types is aloe vera suitable for?

• How to use it

• Best aloe vera skincare products 

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves that contain a gel-like substance. It's widely known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries for various purposes, including skincare, wound healing, and as a natural remedy for burns, sunburns, and skin irritations.

Aloe vera gel is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, which contribute to its soothing and healing properties. It's also commonly found in skincare products, juices, and supplements.

Aloe vera is very good for skin. Aloe vera gel is known for its moisturizing properties and ability to soothe various skin conditions such as sunburns, minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. It’s thought to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching associated with skin irritations. The gel can hydrate the skin without leaving it greasy, and it's generally suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.

Even more impressively, the gel of aloe vera contains compounds that can accelerate the wound healing process by promoting collagen production and cell regeneration[1]. It may help heal minor wounds and reduce scarring. Aloe vera is commonly used to soothe sunburned skin due to its cooling effect and ability to moisturise the skin. It can help alleviate pain, redness, and inflammation caused by excessive sun exposure.

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts[2]. It can also soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness associated with acne. For older skin, the antioxidants present in aloe vera gel can help protect from damage caused by free radicals, which contribute to premature aging. Regular use of aloe vera may help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote a youthful complexion.

Aloe vera is also used in hair care products due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It can help hydrate the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth.

Other forms include aloe vera juice, which is believed to have benefits for digestive health including soothing gastrointestinal discomfort, promoting regular bowel movements, and supporting gut health[3]. However, it's essential to use it cautiously and consult with a healthcare professional, as excessive consumption may have adverse effects[4]. When taken orally, aloe vera juice is said to help sooth diseases like irritable bowel syndrome[5] and high blood sugar levels[6], but there is no scientific evidence it can help with chronic conditions like cancer[7].

The therapeutic properties of aloe vera are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants. Here's how some of these components work:

• Polysaccharides: Aloe vera gel contains polysaccharides such as acemannan, which have immune-stimulating and wound-healing properties[8]. These polysaccharides help stimulate the immune system, promote cell regeneration, and enhance the healing process of damaged tissues[9].
  
  
• Vitamins and minerals: Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage and promote collagen production, aiding in skin repair and rejuvenation[10]. Additionally, minerals like zinc and magnesium support skin health and wound healing processes.
  
  
• Enzymes: Aloe vera contains enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and bradykinase[11], which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Bradykinase, in particular, helps reduce inflammation and pain by breaking down bradykinin, a substance that triggers pain and inflammation in the body[12].
  
  
• Amino acids: Aloe vera contains a variety of amino acids, including essential ones like lysine and histidine, which are vital for protein synthesis and tissue repair[13]. These amino acids contribute to the regeneration of damaged skin cells and collagen formation, promoting wound healing and skin health.
  
  

• Antioxidants: Aloe vera contains various antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the skin[14]. By protecting skin cells from damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental factors, antioxidants help maintain skin health and delay the signs of aging[15].
  

  
  

• Moisturizing properties: Aloe vera gel has a high-water content — over 95%! — which helps hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. It forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin soft, supple, and moisturised.

  
  

• Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects: Aloe vera contains compounds like saponins, salicylic acid, and phenols, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, reducing the risk of infections and soothing inflammation in the skin.

Aloe vera is generally suitable for all skin types, including:

• Dry skin: Aloe vera gel is an excellent moisturiser that can hydrate dry skin without leaving it feeling greasy or heavy. Its hydrating properties help replenish moisture and restore the skin's natural barrier function, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and supple. This is especially beneficial to those who suffer from eczema.
  
  
• Sensitive skin: Aloe vera is gentle and soothing, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness, irritation, and itchiness, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.
  
  
• Oily and acne-prone skin: Despite its moisturising properties, aloe vera gel is lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or exacerbate oily skin or acne. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help reduce acne lesions, soothe inflamed skin, and prevent breakouts leading to clearer skin.
  
  
• Combination skin: Aloe vera is versatile and can be used on combination skin without causing imbalance. It provides hydration to dry areas while soothing and balancing oily or acne-prone areas, making it suitable for individuals with combination skin types.
  
  
• Normal skin: Aloe vera can help maintain the health and balance of normal skin by providing lightweight hydration, soothing minor irritations, and supporting overall skin health.

If you’re not sure what kind of skin you have, be sure to read our guide to different skin types.

Again, it's essential to perform a patch test before using aloe vera on larger areas of the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies, to ensure that you don't have any adverse reactions. While aloe vera is generally safe for most people, some individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to it. If you experience any discomfort or irritation after using aloe vera, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

Aloe vera can be used in various ways to reap its benefits for the skin and hair. To apply it directly, cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel by slicing it open. Apply the gel to the skin as a moisturiser, soothing treatment for sunburns, minor burns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or as a general skin treatment. It can even be used to soothe fresh tattoos. Gently massage the gel into the skin until absorbed.

You can also apply aloe vera gel directly to the scalp and hair strands as a conditioning treatment. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing with water. This can help moisturise the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. Alternatively, there are shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks infused with aloe vera readily available.

To harness the power of aloe vera in the most effective way, look for skincare products such as moisturisers, lotions, creams, gels, and masks, that contain aloe vera extract as a key ingredient, like our Ultra Dry Skin Cream, Organic Tea Tree Handwash, and Aloe Disinfecting Hand Spray. Aloe vera may also be a secondary ingredient in other skin products to target a range of skin concerns:

• Signs of aging: Aloe vera and collagen (such as our Collagen Mask or Rose Plus Marine Collagen), aloe vera and niacinamide (Niacinamide Ultra 5 Serum), or aloe vera and ginseng (Vitamin Protection Face Cream).
  
  
• Dull, scarred or pigmented skin and uneven skintone: Aloe vera and rosehip (Rosehip Serum).
  
  
• Excess redness, oil, or irritation: Aloe vera and honey (Honey Rich Nutrition Mask or Manuka Face Cream), and aloe vera and squalene (Double Rose Ultra Face Cream).

Aloe vera supplements can be consumed orally to promote digestive health and overall well-being. Our Detox supplements contain aloe vera to support the digestive tract, boost liver and kidney function, and assist metabolism of sugars, carbohydrates and lipids. These supplements are also available in a Detox kit with Detox body oil and brush, or as a 10-day Detox programme. Follow the recommended dosage on the product label or consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Always perform a patch test before using aloe vera on larger areas of the skin to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivity. Aoid applying aloe vera gel to open wounds or severe burns without consulting a healthcare professional first. Use pure, organic aloe vera gel or products containing high-quality aloe vera extract for best results. If you experience any adverse reactions or discomfort after using aloe vera, discontinue use and seek medical advice if necessary.

To find out more about the natural ingredients we use at The Organic Pharmacy, be sure to browse the rest of our A to Z of Skincare. You’ll find information, tips, and advice for other plant-derived hero ingredients such as rose, eucalyptus, and jojoba oil, as well as a variety of vitamins, acids, and more that occur naturally in nature.