Aloe vera has long been a staple in skincare and it’s easy to see why. This simple yet powerful ingredient has been used for centuries to address a variety of skin concerns. Although it doesn’t get the same buzz as fancier ingredients, aloe vera is extremely popular in modern skincare for a number of reasons. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of aloe vera for skin, who its good for and the best way to use it. We’ll also review potential side effects of aloe vera and how it compares to other skincare favourites.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves. Its use in medicine and healing dates back thousands of years. It was first documented in ancient Egypt, where it was referred to as the “plant of immortality” and used to treat burns, wounds, and other skin ailments. Its medicinal properties were also celebrated in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, where it was used to cool inflammation and accelerate healing. Over time, aloe vera spread across the world.
Historically, aloe vera has been used for its ability to soothe burns, heal wounds and treat inflammatory skin conditions. It is one of the most versatile and effective ingredients in both traditional and modern skincare. In addition, extensive scientific research has over the years supported aloe vera’s skin benefits and uncovered the reason behind these. Aloe vera’s skin benefits lie in the rich chemical composition of the gel inside the plant which include:
- Polysaccharides such as acemannan which form a protective layer on the skin. This locks in moisture and aids in repair.
- Antioxidant content like Vitamins C and E neutralise free radicals to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Amino Acids calm irritation and support the skin barrier.
- Enzymes help exfoliate dead skin cells gently improve overall texture.
Both traditional and professional skincare products use aloe vera gel that is extracting from the inner part of the plant’s leaves. However, modern skincare manufacturers then put the raw gel through additional processing to remove impurities and stabilise its active compounds. The resulting product is then ready to use in its pure form or as an ingredient in formulations like moisturisers, serums and masks.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
Aloe vera is the skincare equivalent of “quiet but confident”. There’s a reason its been a steady staple in skincare throughout the ages. It is widely available, relatively inexpensive and offers a wide range of benefits for almost every skin type. Here are the key benefits of aloe vera for skin:
- Lightweight Hydration: Aloe vera works as a natural humectant. It draws water into the skin and also locks in hydration. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture means even people with oily or combination skin can tolerate it. Its also gentle and so may be suitable for even people with sensitive or reactive skin types.
- Calms Skin: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera has long been a go to ingredient for soothing redness and irritation. It’s particularly effective for sunburn, post-acne inflammation, as aftercare for aggressive treatments like laser and even general skin sensitivity.
- Promotes Skin Healing: Aloe vera supports skin regeneration and can help to repair minor wounds, burns or blemishes.
- Protects Against Environmental Damage: Rich in antioxidants, aloe vera helps defend the skin from free radical damage caused by pollution and UV exposure. It also helps support the skin barrier which further protects the skin. Over time, this protective action help to promote a healthier and brighter complexion.
- Regulates Oil Production: Aloe vera also helps balance oil production whilst maintaining adequate moisture.
How to Use Aloe Vera in Your Skincare Routine
Luckily, aloe vera is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that you can easily add to your skincare routine. It’s also widely available in a range of different skincare products so you can easily find the best one for you. Here are our top tips for the best ways to use aloe vera in your skincare routine:
- Pure Aloe Vera Gel: This works great as a lightweight moisturiser for oily or sensitive skin and can be applied to specific areas to reduce redness or irritation. It’s also great for sunburn as it helps cool and sooth skin. Another good use is for post-treatment care following things like waxing, shaving, chemical peels, lasers or microneedling. Here its anti-inflammatory benefits can help sooth and calm irritated skin.
- Moisturisers: These are great for daily use. Aloe vera-based moisturisers are lightweight but hydrating. They are suitable for all skin types. Look for gel based ones for oilier skin types and creams for for dryer skin.
- Serums, Toners & Essences: Aloe vera serums, essences or toners are a great way to deliver additional hydration or get the benefits of aloe vera without changing the rest of your skincare routine. They’re especially great for sensitive, reactive or very dry skin. Opt for toners if you have oily skin and essences or serums for dryer skin.
- Face Masks: For an intensive dose of hydration and relief, aloe vera face masks can offer a quick pick-me up. You can use these once or twice a week when your skin feels tired, dry or irritated. You can also use them as a calming treatment after exposure to harsh elements or aggressive skincare treatment.
Safety, Side Effects & Precautions
Although aloe vera is safe for most people, as with any skincare ingredients there are some potential side effects. The main risks to be aware of include:
- Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include redness, itching or rash. These are rare but especially likely to occur in individuals allergic to plants in the Liliaceae family (e.g., garlic, onions). Always perform a patch test before use to check for allergy.
- Overuse: Excessive application can lead to dryness or irritation for some people. This side effect is due to aloe vera’s mildly astringent properties.
Additionally, there are certain individuals who should avoid aloe vera all together or at least take additional precautions. These include:
- Allergies: People allergic to aloe vera or related plants should avoid its use.
- Severe Skin Conditions: If you have active skin infections or severe inflammatory conditions, you should consult a dermatologist before use.
- Pregnancy and&Breastfeeding: Topical aloe vera is generally safe, but concentrated products or supplements should only be used with prior medical advice.
Comparison with Similar Skincare Ingredients
Aloe vera is extremely well known for its soothing and hydrating properties, but it’s not the only player in this field. There are several other skincare ingredients that offer comparable benefits. Here’s how aloe vera stacks up against its main skincare competitors:
- Snail Mucin: Both ingredients provide hydration and promote skin healing. Aloe vera is plant-based and offers anti-inflammatory effects, making it a vegan-friendly suitable for calming irritated skin. Snail mucin, on the other hand, contains growth factors and glycoproteins that aid in skin regeneration and collagen production. As such snail offers more pronounced anti-aging skin benefits.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, providing intense hydration. Aloe vera also hydrates but adds soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes aloe vera more beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin. You can combine both to get the best of both worlds.
- Niacinamide: Also know as Vitamin B3, this ingredient strengthens the skin barrier, shrinks pores and brightens skin. Aloe vera is great at hydrating and soothing so is generally better for irritated and sensitive skin. Niacinamide is useful for specific skin concerns like enlarged pores and uneven pigmentation. Luckily, you can use them together to get all of these benefits.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica): Both aloe vera and Centella Asiatica are famous for their soothing and healing properties. Centella is particularly effective in promoting wound healing and reducing redness so it has the edge for very sensitive or compromised skin. Aloe vera offers broader hydration benefits alongside its calming effects so its great for more general use.
- Allantoin: This ingredient is a powerful agent for soothing and skin healing. In many ways it is similar to aloe vera in terms of its kin benefits. However, aloe vera provides additional benefits due to its antioxidant, vitamin and enzyme contents which may give it a slight edge.
As you can see aloe vera is a versatile and effective ingredient with a rich history of use skincare across the ages. Its ability to hydrate, calm irritation and support skin repair make it valuable for almost all skin types. What’s more you can easily add it to your skincare routine and it can help reduce irritation from active skincare ingredients or harsh professional skin treatments.
We strongly believe that skincare is personal and should always be tailored to each person. Our virtual skin clinic offers safe and effective custom treatments using ingredients like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate. We treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Book a virtual consultation with one of our doctors today. The journey towards great skin starts here.
