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10 Benefits of Using Aloe Vera on Your Face
Aloe vera has healing properties that may benefit burns, itching, acne, and other health conditions affecting the skin.
Aloe vera is perhaps one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. This is because the gel-like components of the plant are known to heal the skin from a variety of minor ailments.
You might have even used aloe in the past for sunburn, minor cuts, or small abrasions.
Despite its healing powers, you may be wondering if it's safe to use on your face. Generally speaking, the answer is yes. When used correctly, aloe vera can help with various ailments that might affect your skin. However, some people may have a sensitivity to it that can cause skin irritation. It's best to test any new product, including aloe vera, on a small area of your skin until you know how your skin reacts to it.
Keep reading to learn the possible benefits.
Aloe vera gel vs. plant
The aloe vera we use on our skin in over-the-counter (OTC) gels is derived from plants of the same name.
There's more than one kind of aloe, with an estimated 420 different species. The most commonly used form for skin conditions is a plant called Aloe barbadensis Miller.
In conventional medicine, aloe vera is used as a topical gel, which is made from the gel-like substance inside the plant's leaves. It's also possible to use the leaves directly by breaking them apart and pressing out the gel.
However, it's much easier to use gel that's ready to go, especially in the case of emergency burns and wounds. OTC aloe gel may also contain other skin-soothing ingredients, such as echinacea and calendula.
Benefits of aloe vera on the face
Using aloe vera gel or products that contain it on the face may have benefits for certain skin issues.
If you have a chronic skin condition or have concerning skin symptoms, it's a good idea to check with a dermatologist before applying any products to your face. Talk with your doctor about the following potential benefits of aloe vera.
1. Burns
Aloe may help speed up the healing of minor burns. A 2023 review of research compared topical aloe vera gel to silver sulfadiazine and other herbal remedies on people with second-degree burns. Multiple studies found that aloe vera is more effective. Its antimicrobial properties may also help prevent infection.
It may also help with burns from radiation therapy.
However, if you have a second-degree or worse burn, it's best to practice first aid for burns and talk with a doctor before treating it at home, especially if the burn is large. Severe burns require urgent medical attention.
For minor burns, apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. You may also need to protect the area with gauze.
2. Sunburn
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using a product containing aloe vera to soothe sunburn. It may have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve discomfort.
However, it's important to note that research doesn't suggest aloe vera heals or prevents sunburn.
3. Small abrasions
It may also help support wound healing.
If you've scuffed up your chin or forehead, you can try applying aloe vera for relief from pain and burning sensations.
4. Cuts
If you don't have Neosporin for a minor cut, you can try applying aloe vera instead. Its molecular structure helps heal wounds and minimizes scarring by supporting collagen production and reducing the risk of bacterial growth in the wound.
5. Dry skin
Aloe vera gel absorbs easily, making it ideal for oily skin. However, it can help treat dry skin, too. Consider using aloe vera in addition to your regular moisturizer to help seal moisture into your skin.
6. Cold sores
Unlike canker sores, cold sores develop on the outside of your mouth. Aloe vera may help treat the herpes virus, which is also the underlying cause of cold sores. Apply a small amount of the gel to your cold sore twice daily until it goes away.
7. Acne
Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera, the gel may help treat inflammatory forms of acne, such as pustules and nodules. Apply the gel with a cotton swab directly to the pimple three times daily.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggests that aloe vera may help relieve acne when used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
8. Psoriasis
Aloe vera may help relieve inflammation and itchiness from psoriasis. For best results, apply aloe vera gel twice daily to the affected area of skin.
9. Eczema
The moisturizing effects of aloe may possibly help relieve discomfort of dry, itchy skin associated with eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. While this oily form of eczema is most often found on the scalp, it can also affect parts of your face and behind the ears.
However, research hasn't shown that it's effective for treating eczema.
10. Frostbite
People historically used aloe vera for frostbite, and research suggests it may have some effectiveness. However, frostbite is a serious condition that requires emergency medical treatment. Medical treatments are more effective than aloe vera for frostbite.
If you may have frostbite, it's best to practice first aid for frostbite and get urgent medical care, especially if your frostbite is stage 2 or more severe.
What to look for when selecting aloe vera
The insides of an aloe plant's leaves are the most potent form of aloe vera gel. However, not everyone has an aloe plant hanging around their house. In such cases, OTC products work just as well. For the best results, look for a gel that lists aloe vera as its main ingredient.
For skin ailments, aloe vera extracts don't work as well as gel. This is because the gel itself has moisturizing elements to protect and heal the skin.
Side effects and cautions
While considered safe in topical form when used as directed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate aloe vera products. This means that it's up to you, the consumer, to use aloe vera safely and to report any adverse skin reactions to your doctor.
It's also best to avoid aloe vera as a remedy if you have a severe burn or other significant wounds. These require emergency medical attention. Not getting urgent medical treatment may increase your risk of serious complications.
Some users may experience itching or slight burning as the aloe vera begins to work. However, if you experience a rash or hives, you could have a sensitivity to the gel and should stop using it immediately.
Do not use aloe vera gel on infected skin. While the gel has microbial properties, its protective layer may possibly disrupt the healing process and worsen an infection.
The bottom line
Aloe vera may be a source of natural treatment for a variety of skin ailments. Still, the NCCIH says there's not enough definitive evidence to support all the purported benefits of aloe, though it's safe when used on the skin.
Remember that topical aloe gel isn't the same as using the plant directly on your face.
If you use aloe vera on your skin and don't see any improvements within a few days, it's best to talk with a doctor, such as a dermatologist. They can help with specific concerns you have regarding your overall skin health.
