If aloe plays a role in your skin-care routine, you might use it when sporting a sunburn. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Aloe Vera can indeed help soothe sunburned skin. The ingredient has long been synonymous with after-sun care, but that's the plant has been used therapeutically for many centuries. You’ve probably wondered what else Aloe Vera gel is capable of.
What it is?
The botanical name of Aloe Vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family and is shrubby or arborescent，known for its healing and medicinal properties. Aloe Vera has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for millennia: Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan, and China. Aloe produces two substances, gel and latex, which are used for medicines. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. The gel contains most of the bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
What is Aloe Vera Gel good for and why?
- Soothe sunburn
Aloe Vera gel contains compounds called polysaccharides that encourage skin repair and new skin cells to set up shop, says Kenneth Mark, MD, New York-based board-certified dermatologist, and Mohs skin cancer surgeon.
- Relieve skin irritation
Inflammation underlies many skin conditions (think: psoriasis, eczema, and lichen planus), says Jennifer Gordon, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas. Aloe Vera gel contains compounds, such as acemannan, that suppress inflammation by showing the enzymes that trigger it who’s boss. (Tips: Make sure to do a patch test before putting it on inflamed skin, as Aloe Vera can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people.)
- Add moisture
Because Aloe Vera gel is mostly water, it helps to hydrate the skin without that post-application greasy feeling, says Dr. Schlessinger. It helps lock moisture into the skin, while also acting as a glue that makes the top layer of skin cells stick together, ultimately smoothing and softening your skin.
- Fight acne
Besides having serious antibacterial skills, aloe Vera gel contains salicylic acid, which is an exfoliant that helps to unclog pores, making it especially helpful if you deal with pimples and blackheads.
- Slow signs of aging
Aloe stimulates fibroblast activity, says Dr. Mark, which creates an uptick in collagen production and elastin fibers that make the skin less wrinkled and more elastic. Meanwhile, zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores, and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help prevent the formation of free radicals (aka, molecules that can do a number on your cells).
How is Aloe Vera Gel used?
Apply an appropriate amount and rub gently on the face or body until the gal has been fully absorbed by the skin. The gel should be used twice daily; in the morning and evening.
You could use it as these follow way:
- Use with your daily face and body moisturizer for deeper, long-lasting hydration.
- When you get a sunburn, redness and other skin irritations, use it to soothe your scorched skin.
- Use with your daily face help to unclog pores and deal with pimples and blackheads.