Aloe Vera Part 2: What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel?
Updated: Sep 27, 2022
Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years and is revered for its healing, calming, and soothing properties.
The Benefits Are Impressive
Burns and Sunburns: Apply pure aloe vera gel to minor burns and sunburn to soothe the skin. Apply up to three times a day.
Dry skin: Aloe vera gel is an excellent moisturizer and great for anyone with acne / oily skin. It doesn’t leave an oily layer and absorbs quickly.
Cold sores: The gel can be applied to a cold sore on the outside of the mouth to promote healing. Apply twice a day.
Eczema and Psoriasis: The plant gel contains enzymes that can help to combat the itchy dryness associated with these skin conditions because of its moisturizing and soothing properties. It can also alleviate inflammation. Apply twice a day.
Acne: Many acne treatments leave the skin dry. Aloe vera gel has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Use a cotton swab to apply aloe vera gel directly to the individual acne eruptions to promote their healing, moisturize, and soothe the skin.
Versatile and nourishing: Aloe vera gel can be used on the skin from head to toe. The gel is packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and beneficial enzymes.
Insect bites: Since aloe vera gel can soothe, calm, and promote healing, it can help to calm an insect bite, including those pesky, itchy mosquito bites.
Allergies and Skin Reactions to Aloe Vera Gel
Always do a spot test on your skin before you use aloe vera gel as a moisturizer or first aid for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes. Sensitive skin may not react well to aloe vera and develop rashes.
If you are allergic to latex, do not use aloe vera gel.
The thick sticky yellow stuff between the aloe leaf skin and its gel contains latex and may be present in the gel after harvesting.
While the aloe vera gel will alleviate some inflammation and soothe skin, it is not a cure and should not be considered a treatment for inflammatory skin conditions. Always talk to your doctor and follow doctor’s orders if you are diagnosed with a more serious skin condition.
Sources:
The International Aloe Council
U.S. National Library of Medicine; Composition and Applications of Aloe vera Leaf Gel
U.S. National Library of Medicine; An evaluation of the biological and toxicological properties of Aloe barbadensis (miller), Aloe vera
Mayo Clinic
Wilson, Celeste. Isla Verde Spa Training Academy Certificate of Aromatherapy Course.
Wilson, Celeste. National Higher Certificate in Beauty Therapy. The Durban University of Technology.
Parts of this article first appeared in a piece I wrote for Remedy Grove in January 2022