Meanwhile, zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores, and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help prevent the formation of free radicals (aka, molecules that can do a number on your cells). Mark, which creates an uptick in collagen production and elastin fibers that make the skin less wrinkled and more elastic. Slow signs of agingĪloe stimulates fibroblast activity, says Dr. It may help speed up the healing process too, by creating antibodies the immune system can use to fight the cold sore virus. “Aloe vera is an antiseptic, containing six agents known to help inhibit fungi, bacteria, and viruses, including salicylic acid, phenols, and sulfur,” says David Lortscher, M.D., California-based board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology. Bonus: It also acts as an anti-inflammatory on the oil glands that cause acne, says Dr. 25 Coconut Oil Benefits for Your Hair and Skinīesides having serious antibacterial skills, aloe vera gel contains salicylic acid, which is an exfoliant that helps to unclog pores, making it especially helpful if you deal with pimples and blackheads.It helps lock moisture into the skin, while also acting as a glue that makes the top layer of skin cells stick together, ultimately smoothing and softening your skin. (Make sure to do a patch test before putting it on inflamed skin, as aloe vera can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people.) Add moistureīecause aloe vera gel is mostly water, it helps to hydrate the skin without that post-application greasy feeling, says Dr. Aloe vera gel contains compounds, such as acemannan, that suppress inflammation by showing the enzymes that trigger it who’s boss. Inflammation underlies many skin conditions (think: psoriasis, eczema, and lichen planus), says Jennifer Gordon, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas. The gel also contains a pain reliever called carboxypeptidase, which may be why aloe vera is so soothing. The skincare benefits of aloe vera Soothe sunburnĪloe vera gel contains compounds called polysaccharides that encourage skin repair and new skin cells to set up shop, says Kenneth Mark, M.D., New York-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs skin cancer surgeon. Plus, each study uses its own aloe vera composition, making it difficult to compare and contrast the research that’s completed.īut even though aloe vera gel won’t correct your skin issues on its own, when used in conjunction with other products, it may help speed the process along. What makes aloe vera gel so tricky to study is the fact that it contains oodles of promising ingredients that can improve the skin-so many, that it’s hard to hone in on the exact compounds and mechanisms involved. When it comes to solving specific skin issues, there’s not a lot of conclusive evidence on aloe vera’s efficacy, but “the biochemistry of aloe vera does have some anti-viral, anti-fungal, and cell-regenerative properties, so applying it to the skin in addition to other medications or remedies may prove to be helpful,” says Dr. So does all the hype surrounding aloe vera gel mean you should make it a permanent fixture in your skin care routine? While research is currently limited on the benefits of aloe vera gel specifically, it does contain many well-studied vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, leading experts to believe that it may offer an assist to the products already in your arsenal. “Its stems store water, creating a clear, gel-like substance in the leaves, which contains vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids.” The gel from aloe has been used throughout history to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as burns, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores, research shows. “Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant known for its healing and medicinal properties,” says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., Omaha-based board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. Because it brings so much relief during the healing process-almost like a gooey superhero-you’ve probably wondered what else aloe vera gel is capable of. When you skimp on the sunscreen (unintentionally, of course) and end up with a monster sunburn, chances are you turn to aloe vera gel to soothe your scorched skin.
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