Recap
Aloe vera gel is used in various skin products. This plant-based extract has vital antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used in the treatments of acne.
Aloe vera has been seen to work alongside regular acne medications. People can apply aloe vera gel to acne lesions on their faces and every other part of their bodies. It can also be used on its own or in combination with other natural products such as turmeric powder or lemon juice.
Bear in mind that not all method works for everyone, aloe vera is very gentle on the skin, but, there might be a little risk in trying it.
Aloe vera gel is a very popular recipe for treating acne, although it might not be very effective for everyone.
For decades, Aloe vera has been a popular medicinal plant that the ancient people used for various home remedies and antidotes.
Scientifically called Aloe barbadensis is a thick, short-rooted plant that stores water in its leaves. It is widely known for treating skin inflammatories, and also has several other medicinal uses that can benefit the health.
This article highlights 6 potential health benefits of aloe vera. It also lists some of the risks associated with improper usage.
1. Aids quick healing
Oftentimes, people use aloe vera as a topical medication, the gel is usually rubbed onto the skin rather than consuming it to soothe inflammation. It has a long history of use in treating sores, particularly burns, including sunburn.
The United States Pharmacopeia describes aloe vera preparations as a skin protectant In early [2] 1810–1820. Research also suggests that it is an effective topical treatment for first and second-degree burns.
For Instance, a review from a [1] reliable source of experimental studies discovered that aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared with conventional medication. It also helped prevent redness, itching, and infections.
The scientifically backed evidence for aloe vera in helping heal other types of wounds is inconclusive, but the research is very encouraging.
2. Great antioxidant and antibacterial properties
Knowing fully well that antioxidants are very vital to the wellness of the body, Aloe vera gel is packed with powerful antioxidants that belongs to a large family of substances known as polyphenols.
Polyphenols, along with various other compounds in aloe vera, help destroy the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
Aloe vera is known for [3] its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. This is part of why it may help heal wounds and treat skin problems.
3. Loaded with beneficial compounds
Aloe vera is well known for its thick, pointed, scaly-like, and fleshy green leaves, which grow to about 12–19 inches (30–50 centimeters) in length, it is a short-lived plant.
So many cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food companies use aloe vera extensively, and the plant solely has an estimated annual market value of $13 billion [4] worldwide.
Each leaf of the aloe vera plant contains a slimy water-filled tissue that stores water, and this enhances the thickness of the leaves. This water-filled tissue is the “gel” that most people use in aloe vera production.
The aloe vera gel contains more beneficial bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
4. Cures mouth sores
Research [4] shows that almost everyone experiences mouth ulcers, or mouth sores, at some point in their lives. These usually form a sore underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about a week. They most times go on their own.
However, studies have shown that aloe vera gel can serve as a treatment that can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.
5. For maintaining the skin
There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera gel can slow the aging of the skin.
In 2009 [5] research showed that about 30 females over the age of 45, took oral aloe vera gel to boost the production of collagen and improved skin elasticity over 90 days.
Survey [6] also suggests that aloe vera could help the skin store moisture and improve the function of the skin, which could benefit dry skin conditions.
See more about aloe vera’s effects on the skin here:
6. Risks Involved
Aloe vera is a safe home remedy with very few known side effects.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says that topical use is most likely safe. However, it should be used moderately.
Additionally, the oral use of aloe vera may often cause stomach upsets or diarrhea due to its laxative effects. There have also been some reports from reliable sources of liver damage associated with long-term aloe vera supplement use.
The NCCIH also stated that non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera plant may be associated with cancer risk in rats.
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