The aloe vera plant lying in the corner of your balcony is a treasure house of benefits for skin, hair and overall health. If you’ve hardly noticed this plant, it’s time to give it your complete attention. Read the blog to know how to use aloe vera on your face, advantages and potential risks.
What Are the Benefits of Using Aloe Vera on Your Face?
1. Aloe Vera Helps Moisturize Your Skin
Aloe vera has about 98% water which aids in making your skin supple, smooth and hydrated. Unlike Moisturizers available in the market, it is light and doesn’t feel greasy at all. Therefore, people with oily skin can use it too.
2. Prevents Sun Damage & Skin Ageing
Aloe vera helps hydrate your skin and makes it radiant. It is rich in vitamin E, C, and beta carotene that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Additionally, it repairs skin cells and enhances skin elasticity.
3. Heals Burns & Wounds
It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in healing burns, wounds, cuts, and other injuries. It speeds up wound healing (1) along with first-degree and second-degree burns (2).
4. Eczema
You can use aloe vera gel to reduce itching and dryness in your skin because of eczema. It can also help treat seborrheic dermatitis, which is an oily form of eczema. Commonly found in the scalp, behind the ears and parts of your face.
5. Gets Rid of Puffiness & Dark Circles
Aloe vera has vitamin E and antioxidants, which help in lightening the discolouration around your eyes. The cooling properties soothe the skin and reduce puffiness.
6. It Helps Heal Inflammatory Acne
Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help reduce inflammation on the skin and may have a role in inflammatory acne. However, studies are limited and it should not be used without the advice of your doctor.
How to Use Aloe Vera on Your Face?
The pure aloe vera gel from the insides of the plant’s leaves is the purest and most potent. You may use it as a face wash, toner, face mask, moisturizer, make-up remover, etc. Everyone may not have an aloe vera plant at their place. Therefore, another option is to use products that contain aloe vera. Look for products that mention aloe vera as the main ingredient. Avoid using products that contain alcohol and other chemicals.
A Word of Caution
Always take a patch test before using aloe vera on your face. Apply aloe vera gel on a small area, such as inside your wrists or behind your ears. Wait for 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. If the skin starts to change colour, itch or swell, do not apply it. Be cautious before you directly use them. You can consult with a doctor if you plan to use it to discuss your concerns and queries.
Can Aloe Vera Gel Cause Any Side Effects?
You may feel a burning sensation after using aloe vera gel, especially in people with sensitive or dry skin.
Leaving aloe vera gel for an extended period may dry out your skin. Rinse the gel after a few minutes to avoid this effect.
Aloe vera in topical form can lead to an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) in some people. It is better to go for a patch test before applying it to your face.
Applying aloe vera gel can also lead to rashes in your skin.
Avoid using aloe vera on severe burns and wounds. Some reports suggest (3) that it may not be a great idea to use aloe vera on post-surgery deep wounds as it can decrease your skin’s ability to heal these wounds.
It’s a Wrap
Aloe vera gel is massively popular as a natural remedy for various skin issues. Due to limited evidence and studies, it’s still early to claim if it’s useful or not. Hence, be careful before applying aloe vera on your face. If you notice any adverse reaction or no improvement after a few days/weeks, talk to a dermatologist.
