Latest news with #aloeVera
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Third of Brits are skipping SPF on this crucial body part as expert warns 'do not ignore'
We might think we're covering every area with SPF but it turns out we're overlooking one key body part Sunshine is finally breaking through the UK skies after a period of heavy downpours, wind, and thunderstorms. Even when the sun is behind the clouds, though, it is important to protect our skin by wearing a good SPF. The UK weather offers little certainty, and with the summer holidays approaching, travellers may be actively seeking destinations with guaranteed sunshine, where, after lathering on the sun cream, they can kick back and relax. New research from Saga Holidays, found that 68 per cent of Brits surveyed consider beach temperatures a key factor when choosing a holiday. There's a reason for this - a little sun is quite literally what the doctor ordered. Pharmacist Carolina Goncalves says moderate sun exposures "helps your body produce serotonin, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter that lifts your mood and brings a sense of calmness". However, the research from Saga Holidays and Carolina also revealed that almost a third of Brits are making a crucial mistake by not protecting the delicate skin on one part of their body from the sun. It turns out the most common mistake Brits make when using SPF is overlooking the lips. In fact, almost a third of Brits fail to protect their lips with SPF lip balm, whilst just one in four do so. To ensure we are enjoying the sun safely and maintaining a healthy sun exposure balance, Carolina has teamed up with GP Dr Hana Patel to reveal their top tips for how to protect our skin. Health experts' top tips for safely making the most of the sun Protect your lips "The skin on the lips is thinner and more delicate, so use an SPF 30 lip balm or higher," Carolina urged. "If you do get burnt, a thin layer of aloe Vera gel or petroleum jelly will soothe." As mentioned, only one in four Brits consistently protect their lips with SPF lip balm – and 30 per cent never do this. Regularly apply sunscreen- even if it's 'water-resistant' "Even if your SPF is 'water resistant', reapply lotion straight after you have been in water, after towel drying and sweating," Patel advised. Alarmingly, less than half (45 per cent) of Brits say they always reapply sunscreen - but one in ten never do this. Take regular breaks during peak UV hours Carolina warns to take regular breaks between peak UV hours (10am-3pm), yet only 39 per cent of Brits always do this and one in seven (14 per cent) never take breaks during peak times. In a separate report, Yinka Ebo, Senior Health Information Officer at Cancer Research UK explained: "We all need some sun to keep us healthy, but it's important to stay safe when the sun is strong and take care not to burn. "In many cases sunburn actually happens in the UK, often when people are out and about. The sun's rays can be strong enough to burn in the UK from around April to September. "You can protect yourself and your family from sunburn by using a combination of shade, clothing and at least SPF 15 sunscreen when enjoying the sunshine." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Vogue
07-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
11 Best Aloe Vera Gel to Soothe Skin After a Long Beach Day
We've all been burned before, literally, but the best aloe vera gels can help quickly soothe skin when your sunscreen application has been lacking. Small but mighty, the aloe plant and its gel offer a range of skin benefits, including moisturizing, hydrating, and calming irritated skin. Vogue's Favorite Aloe Vera Gels While it might be tempting to think all aloe vera gels are created equal, it's important to look for one that lists aloe as the main ingredient and contains minimal additives, especially if you have sensitive skin or are treating a sunburn. Some gels are great for the body but may not be ideal for use on the face. There's also a wide range in price points—some can be picked up at your local drugstore, while others are more of a splurge. Below, with insights from leading dermatologists, we break down the 11 best aloe vera gels on the market, what to look for when shopping, whether it's safe to apply aloe directly from the plant (spoiler: it is), and how to use it effectively. In This Story Vacation After Sun Gel Why We Love It: One of our favorite sunscreen brands, Vacation, also makes an aloe-based after-sun gel—for those moments when you either forgot to reapply or simply had too much fun in the sun. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Asmi Berry breaks it down: the active ingredients in this gel include aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, prickly pear, and tremella mushroom—all of which are excellent for hydration and calming inflammation. The combination of humectants and antioxidants makes it a great option for sensitive or sun-exposed skin. Unlike some after-sun gels that contain alcohol or feel overly sticky, this one is alcohol-free and glides on smoothly without any residue. Plus, it smells delicious, with notes of aloe vera and cucumber water. One of our favorite sunscreen brands, Vacation, also makes an aloe-based after-sun gel—for those moments when you either forgot to reapply or simply had too much fun in the sun. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Asmi Berry breaks it down: the active ingredients in this gel include aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, prickly pear, and tremella mushroom—all of which are excellent for hydration and calming inflammation. The combination of humectants and antioxidants makes it a great option for sensitive or sun-exposed skin. Unlike some after-sun gels that contain alcohol or feel overly sticky, this one is alcohol-free and glides on smoothly without any residue. Plus, it smells delicious, with notes of aloe vera and cucumber water. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, niacinamide, glycerin, prickly pear, vitamin E, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom Aloe vera, niacinamide, glycerin, prickly pear, vitamin E, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom Size: 6 Fl oz. Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel Why We Love It: While the price point of this gel is on the higher side, Dr. Berry assures us that 'you're paying for a clean, science-backed formulation' made with 90% pure aloe and antioxidant-rich ingredients like panthenol, fermented extracts, and biosaccharides. 'This formula is elegant and great for barrier repair and hydration,' she explains, noting that it's 'gentle, non-irritating, and ideal for calming stressed or reactive skin.' You don't even need to be sunburned to use it—it's safe for daily use on both the face and body, especially if you're looking for something cooling and soothing. While the price point of this gel is on the higher side, Dr. Berry assures us that 'you're paying for a clean, science-backed formulation' made with 90% pure aloe and antioxidant-rich ingredients like panthenol, fermented extracts, and biosaccharides. 'This formula is elegant and great for barrier repair and hydration,' she explains, noting that it's 'gentle, non-irritating, and ideal for calming stressed or reactive skin.' You don't even need to be sunburned to use it—it's safe for daily use on both the face and body, especially if you're looking for something cooling and soothing. Key Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, glycerin Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, glycerin Size: 4.2 oz. Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel $12 AMAZON Why We Love It: This drugstore-friendly option is easy to grab in a pinch, and you know you're in safe hands. Dr. Berry explains that it combines aloe with vitamin E and tea tree oil, making it both soothing and lightweight. She notes that it's especially well-suited for oily or acne-prone skin that needs calming after sun exposure, so you can use it without worrying about breakouts. However, she does caution that the tea tree oil may be too strong for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. This drugstore-friendly option is easy to grab in a pinch, and you know you're in safe hands. Dr. Berry explains that it combines aloe with vitamin E and tea tree oil, making it both soothing and lightweight. She notes that it's especially well-suited for oily or acne-prone skin that needs calming after sun exposure, so you can use it without worrying about breakouts. However, she does caution that the tea tree oil may be too strong for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, tea tree oil Aloe vera, vitamin E, tea tree oil Size: 8 Fl oz. Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel $15 AMAZON Why We Love It: If you're looking for a truly simple, plant-based gel, Dr. Berry says this is 'a great clean-beauty option with 96% certified organic aloe.' She adds, 'The rosemary and anise extracts offer antioxidant benefits, and the formulation is very minimal, which I like for sensitive skin.' It's a great bang for your buck given the size and versatility—it can also be used in your hair, as a conductive gel for your microcurrent devices, as an after-waxing treatment, or for post-shave care. If you're looking for a truly simple, plant-based gel, Dr. Berry says this is 'a great clean-beauty option with 96% certified organic aloe.' She adds, 'The rosemary and anise extracts offer antioxidant benefits, and the formulation is very minimal, which I like for sensitive skin.' It's a great bang for your buck given the size and versatility—it can also be used in your hair, as a conductive gel for your microcurrent devices, as an after-waxing treatment, or for post-shave care. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera Aloe vera Size: 300 mL Fruit of the Earth Moisturizer Gel Fruit of the Earth Moisturer Gel $5 AMAZON Why We Love It: At under $5, it feels almost irresponsible not to have one of these on hand in case of emergency. It's fragrance-free and contains a high concentration of aloe, but Dr. Berry notes that it 'contains preservatives like DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea, which can be sensitizing for some.' While it's affordable and effective for occasional use, she doesn't recommend it as a daily moisturizer for compromised skin barriers. At under $5, it feels almost irresponsible not to have one of these on hand in case of emergency. It's fragrance-free and contains a high concentration of aloe, but Dr. Berry notes that it 'contains preservatives like DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea, which can be sensitizing for some.' While it's affordable and effective for occasional use, she doesn't recommend it as a daily moisturizer for compromised skin barriers. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera Aloe vera Size: 12 oz. Standard Procedure Aloe Vera Gel Standard Procedure Aloe Vera Gel $20 AMAZON Why We Love It: Australian-made and reef-safe, this potent gel is great for targeting damage caused by sunburn, acne, and psoriasis. It's non-greasy, dries clear, and leaves the skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. Pro tip: store it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. However, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Teresa Song notes that it 'contains fragrances and preservatives, which may not be ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.' Australian-made and reef-safe, this potent gel is great for targeting damage caused by sunburn, acne, and psoriasis. It's non-greasy, dries clear, and leaves the skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. Pro tip: store it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. However, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Teresa Song notes that it 'contains fragrances and preservatives, which may not be ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.' Key Ingredients: Aloe vera Aloe vera Size: 2 Fl oz., 3.4 Fl oz., 8.5 Fl oz., 16 Fl oz. Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Gel Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Gel $7 AMAZON Why We Love It: Affordable and easily accessible, Banana Boat is a classic for many families. While it contains alcohol and dyes, which can be drying or irritating if used too frequently, Dr. Song says it's still worth keeping on hand. In a bind, it can help soothe sunburned skin instantly. Affordable and easily accessible, Banana Boat is a classic for many families. While it contains alcohol and dyes, which can be drying or irritating if used too frequently, Dr. Song says it's still worth keeping on hand. In a bind, it can help soothe sunburned skin instantly. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera Aloe vera Size: 16 Fl oz. Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Moisture Type Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Moisture Type $14 YESSTYLE Why We Love It: Alcohol-free and made with 80% aloe vera leaf extract from California, this gel gets the go-ahead from Dr. Song, who says it's even 'good for sensitive skin.' It's super lightweight and absorbs easily, so you won't have to spend extra time rubbing it in. Plus, it contains moisturizing powerhouses like hyaluronic acid and betaine, allowing it to double as a daily moisturizer. Alcohol-free and made with 80% aloe vera leaf extract from California, this gel gets the go-ahead from Dr. Song, who says it's even 'good for sensitive skin.' It's super lightweight and absorbs easily, so you won't have to spend extra time rubbing it in. Plus, it contains moisturizing powerhouses like hyaluronic acid and betaine, allowing it to double as a daily moisturizer. Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera leaf juice Aloe Vera leaf juice Size: 150 mL Holika Aloe Soothing Gel Holika Aloe Soothing Gel $13 AMAZON Why We Love It: With 99% aloe content, this gel is about as close as you can get to the plant in a bottle. It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture that feels soothing on dry, itchy skin and offers instant relief. However, Dr. Song notes that it contains fragrance, and some versions include alcohol, which may not be ideal for those with sensitive skin. With 99% aloe content, this gel is about as close as you can get to the plant in a bottle. It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture that feels soothing on dry, itchy skin and offers instant relief. However, Dr. Song notes that it contains fragrance, and some versions include alcohol, which may not be ideal for those with sensitive skin. Key Ingredients: Holika aloe Holika aloe Size: 250 mL Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Gel Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Gel $7 AMAZON Why We Love It: After-sun gel is one of those products you typically need to apply generously, which is why this drugstore option is a favorite—it's under $10 and contains 80% aloe vera. It also features cooling ginkgo biloba leaf and can double as an aftershave gel to soothe irritation from nicks or cuts. Dr. Song notes that while the formula is free of parabens, some versions contain small amounts of alcohol, so she recommends doing a spot test before applying it to your entire face. After-sun gel is one of those products you typically need to apply generously, which is why this drugstore option is a favorite—it's under $10 and contains 80% aloe vera. It also features cooling ginkgo biloba leaf and can double as an aftershave gel to soothe irritation from nicks or cuts. Dr. Song notes that while the formula is free of parabens, some versions contain small amounts of alcohol, so she recommends doing a spot test before applying it to your entire face. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, ginkgo biloba leaf Aloe vera, ginkgo biloba leaf Size: 8.5 Fl oz. Ma:nyo Real Fresh Aloe Soothing Gel Real Fresh Aloe Soothing Gel $31 YESSTYLE Why We Love It: If you're already obsessed with Ma:nyo's other bestsellers like their cleansing oil or cleansing foam, why not add their aloe vera gel to your routine? The Korean skincare brand is known for its focus on simplifying skincare routines, and this formula reflects that. It contains 90% pure natural aloe juice to help soothe inflamed, irritated skin. If you're already obsessed with Ma:nyo's other bestsellers like their cleansing oil or cleansing foam, why not add their aloe vera gel to your routine? The Korean skincare brand is known for its focus on simplifying skincare routines, and this formula reflects that. It contains 90% pure natural aloe juice to help soothe inflamed, irritated skin. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera juice Aloe vera juice Size: 300 mL Everything You Need to Know: What is aloe vera & how does it benefit skin? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its medicinal properties and skin-soothing benefits. Its gel contains a variety of ingredients that support skin health, and it has been used for centuries to calm inflammation, ease irritation, and promote wound healing. Dr. Berry says it is especially helpful for sunburns, minor cuts, and dry, flaky skin. 'Interestingly, a study found that aloe vera was nearly as effective as 1% hydrocortisone cream in reducing inflammation and healing the skin barrier. This is impressive for a plant-based remedy with zero side effects,' she explains. Dr. Song adds that aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, E, and B12, along with antioxidants and amino acids that help hydrate and protect the skin. 'It's often used for its soothing effects after sunburn or irritation, as it contains anti-inflammatory polysaccharides. It also has mild antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacteria on the skin,' she says. Do dermatologists recommend aloe vera? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Yes, both dermatologists agree that aloe vera is a great option for calming and hydrating the skin. 'I often recommend it to patients dealing with irritation, inflammation, or a compromised skin barrier, whether it's from a sunburn, dermatitis, or over-exfoliation,' says Dr. Berry. 'While it's not as strong as prescription creams, it can be a helpful standalone option for mild inflammation or used alongside other treatments to soothe the skin,' she adds. However, Dr. Song notes that some versions of aloe vera contain alcohol, dyes, or fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin. What to Look For in an Aloe Vera Gel AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Look for pure aloe vera with a high aloe content. One way to do this is by checking the percentage on the label or reviewing the ingredient list to ensure aloe is one of the first ingredients listed. 'Look for a high percentage of aloe vera and minimal additives, and avoid artificial fragrances, alcohols, and dyes, as they can cause irritation, especially if your skin is already compromised,' says Dr. Berry. What is the purest form of aloe vera gel? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron The purest form of aloe is straight from the plant itself, says Dr. Berry. 'You can cut open a fresh aloe leaf and apply the gel directly to your skin,' she explains. If you don't have a plant on hand, store-bought options work just fine. Dr. Song recommends looking for gels that are 99% pure aloe and free of preservatives like triethanolamine or carbomer. 'Check that 'Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice' is listed as the first ingredient,' she advises. How should aloe vera be used? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron If you're new to aloe vera, Dr. Berry says you can apply it directly to clean skin as a hydrating or calming layer. 'It works well as a post-sun treatment, after shaving, or even layered under a heavier moisturizer if your skin feels dry or tight,' she says. Dr. Song recommends using it on clean, damp skin and letting it dry before applying anything else. 'You can top it off with another moisturizer if needed, as gel formulas are not as moisturizing as creams,' she notes. Although allergic reactions to aloe vera are rare, both dermatologists advise performing a patch test—apply a small amount under the chin for a few days before using it all over the face. Dr. Berry also emphasizes that aloe vera is best used as a temporary calming product, not a long-term treatment for chronic skin conditions.
