Achieve smooth and healthy skin using the calming effects of this natural gel.
Acne is a common skin problem in the United States, affecting up to 50 million people each year. Many of us turn to home remedies for mild to moderate acne, and one popular natural option is aloe vera. But does aloe vera really help with acne? Yes, it does! Aloe vera gel, known for its healing properties, can be used to treat minor cuts, burns, rashes, and even soothe inflammation, potentially reducing acne. Curious to learn more? Keep reading to discover how to use aloe vera for acne treatment, incorporate it into your skincare routine, and understand any possible risks involved.
Does Aloe Vera Work for Acne? Let's Explore the Scientific Evidence
Absolutely! Aloe vera can help prevent acne because it contains substances like sugars and fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory abilities. Additionally, aloe vera has other qualities that make it a safe choice for keeping your skin healthy and reducing inflammation:
Natural aloe vera gel contains around 75 active components, such as amino acids, salicylic acid, lignins, vitamins, minerals, saponins, and enzymes.
Aloe vera also encourages the production of collagen and speeds up the healing of wounds and scars. This feature is helpful for healing acne scars and blemishes more quickly.
It shields your skin from problems like redness, harm, and sensitivity triggered by sunlight (UV exposure).
Aloe vera also aids in keeping your skin hydrated, boosting the production of elastin and collagen, and stopping wrinkles from forming.
The amino acids and zinc in aloe vera make your skin smoother and reduce the size of your skin pores.
In a study from 2014, scientists looked at what happened when they used a mix of aloe vera gel and acne medicine on 60 people. They found that the mix of aloe vera gel (50%) and acne cream (0.5%) worked a lot better at getting rid of acne than a fake treatment (placebo). Plus, the people in the study didn't have any problems using it.
In another study, they checked how good a mix of propolis, tea tree oil, and aloe vera was at getting rid of acne. They compared it to another group that used a cream called erythromycin. The study found that the mix of aloe vera gel (10%), tea tree oil (3%), and propolis (20%) worked better in making acne less severe, reducing the number of pimples, and making red marks go away (erythema scars).
So, can aloe vera help with pimples? Yes, as mentioned earlier, it might reduce acne. Aloe vera can be used to treat pimples and reduce inflammation because it can make your skin pores smaller and possibly control excess oil. But, if you're allergic to aloe vera, it could cause rashes or allergic reactions when applied to your skin. Although using pure aloe vera gel on your skin is generally safe, you can do a small patch test first to check if you're allergic. Keep scrolling for some simple ways to use aloe vera for acne.
Using Aloe Vera for Acne: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Using Pure Aloe Vera Gel for Acne
How to Do It: Cut a piece of aloe leaf and use a spoon to scoop out the clear, jelly-like part. Put this aloe vera gel on your face, especially on the areas with pimples. Leave it on overnight, and in the morning, wash it off. Do this every day until your pimples are gone.
2. Aloe Vera, Honey, and Cinnamon Mix
Aloe vera can be useful for managing acne because it can fight the bacteria that cause acne, reduce redness, and help wounds heal. It's especially good for mild to moderate acne. Honey and cinnamon gel have also been studied and found to work well for acne. When you mix these three ingredients in your homemade masks, it can improve your chances of having clear and smooth skin without acne.
How to Make It: Combine two tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel with four tablespoons of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder or oil. Put this mixture on the areas with pimples and leave it there for 10 minutes. Do this every other day.
Note: Cinnamon powder might cause a slight tingling sensation, so you can use less if it feels uncomfortable on your skin.
3. Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice Mix
Lemon juice is a popular remedy for various skin problems, including acne. It has properties that can help dry out pimples and lessen acne because it works as an astringent (drying agent).
Caution: If you have sensitive skin, avoid using this remedy, as lemon juice may cause redness and irritation. Using too much lemon juice can also make your skin dry.
How to Do It: Combine ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Put this mixture on the areas with pimples. After it dries, wash it off. If you're going outside, be sure to use sunscreen because lemon can make your skin sensitive to the sun.
4. Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Blend
Putting 5% tea tree oil directly on your skin can help with mild to moderate acne and make redness go away.
How to Do It: Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of honey and a carrier oil like jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil. Put this mixture on the areas with pimples and leave it there for 15 minutes. After that, wash it off.
5. Aloe Vera Spray or Face Mist Application
You can also create a refreshing facial mist with aloe vera and use it anytime during the day to calm your skin.
How to Make It: Combine a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 1 ½ cups of distilled water. Add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil (but first, test it on a small area of your skin to be safe). Put this mixture in a spray bottle and spritz it on your face whenever you want. Before using it, make sure to shake the bottle well.
6. Aloe Vera, Sugar, and Oil Exfoliating Scrub
The buildup of dead skin cells on your skin is a significant factor that can cause acne. Using a scrub is an effective method to get rid of these dead skin cells.
How to Do It: Combine ¼ cup of aloe vera gel with ½ cup of jojoba oil and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Gently rub the scrub onto your face, then rinse it off.
7. Aloe Vera and Apple Cider Vinegar Combo
Apple cider vinegar has properties that can fight against microbes, which might be useful for treating acne.
How to Do It: Combine a teaspoon of aloe vera juice with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and a teaspoon of purified water. Put this mixture on your face like a toner.
Note: If you have sensitive skin, be cautious with apple cider vinegar as it may not be suitable for you.
8. Aloe Vera and Almond Oil Blend
Oils serve as an ideal foundation for any DIY home remedy.
How to Do It: Combine one teaspoon of aloe vera gel with 3-4 drops of sweet almond oil (or another oil you prefer), and spread it on your face. After waiting for a little while, wash it away.
9. Aloe Vera Gel, Cucumber, and Rose Water Mix
Rosewater tightens your skin and acts as a toner when dealing with acne. Cucumber has a calming effect on the skin, which can help reduce acne-related inflammation.
How to Do It: Combine a teaspoon each of cucumber juice, rose water, and aloe vera gel. Use a cotton ball to put this mixture on the areas with pimples or all over your face. After it dries, wash it off.
While aloe vera is a helpful remedy for acne, it's essential to be aware of potential risks. Learn about them below.
Possible Risks When Using Aloe Vera for Acne
If you're allergic to tulips, garlic, or onions, you might also be allergic to aloe vera. So, it's a good idea to perform an allergy test before applying aloe vera to your skin.
Don't Use Aloe Vera on Deep Cuts or Serious Burns.
Using aloe vera on your skin is generally safe unless you have an allergy to it, which is uncommon. However, there was a rare case involving a 72-year-old woman who experienced skin issues on her legs and eyelids, including allergic dermatitis and redness, after using homemade aloe vera juice.
Steer clear of eating aloe vera. It has a substance called latex, which can act as a laxative and lead to issues like diarrhea, pseudomelanosis coli, kidney problems, low potassium levels, and allergic reactions. Additionally, it could interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of other medications you might be using. If you're thinking about using aloe vera orally, it's best to consult with a doctor first.
If you're dealing with mild to moderate acne, you can try using aloe vera gel to treat it. We're not talking about the aloe vera gel you buy in stores but the natural sap you get when you cut open an aloe vera leaf.
Aloe vera has been used for centuries to address skin problems. So, considering aloe vera for your skincare routine is a wise choice. While the chances of aloe vera causing severe side effects are extremely low, it's still good to be aware of any potential risks.
Infographic: Simplest Aloe Vera Acne Solutions
Aloe vera has been used for generations to heal minor cuts and achieve clear skin, especially in times when cosmetic products weren't easily accessible. This article explores various ways to combine aloe vera with different ingredients for clear skin. For the simplest methods of using aloe vera for acne, take a look at the infographic below.
Aloe vera is great for calming inflammation, redness, and the discomfort linked to acne. If you're thinking about using aloe vera for acne, give the do-it-yourself remedies mentioned in the article a try. Keep in mind that these remedies are most effective for managing mild to moderate breakouts. Acne can result from a mix of internal and external factors, so it's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor can help identify the root causes of your breakouts and recommend appropriate treatments and strategies for effective healing.