You’ve probably heard of aloe vera at least once or twice, but you
might not be sure how it can help you with your acne. Is it actually good for
acne? Or just another product being peddled to people with acne? If you’re
curious about aloe vera and its ability to treat and prevent acne, keep
reading! Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the United States, so
this guide will definitely come in handy.
5 reasons why it might be working
There are plenty of reasons why aloe vera can be a great cure for
acne, but here are 5 big ones:
1. Antibacterial properties
Just like using a lotion with benzoyl peroxide (an
over-the-counter acne medication), aloe vera also has antibacterial
properties. When applied to your skin it reduces inflammation and soothes
redness and irritation.
2. Anti-inflammatory benefits
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory agent,
which means it helps reduce any swelling or redness that could occur from
pimples and other breakouts.
3. All-natural ingredients
Aloe vera is 100% natural and doesn't contain any
harmful chemicals or additives that could irritate your skin.
4. All-natural moisturizer
It's also an
all-natural moisturizer, which means it helps reduce dryness and flakiness that
can occur from acne treatments or harsh soaps.
5. It's cheap
Aloe vera is a relatively
inexpensive treatment and can be purchased at most drugstores or online.
Why
you shouldn't use it: While aloe vera has plenty of benefits, there are also
some reasons why you might not want to use it as an acne treatment:
All-natural doesn't mean 100% safe: Just because something is natural doesn't
mean it's completely safe to use on your skin— especially if you have sensitive
skin. Aloe vera can cause irritation and redness in some people, so if you're
experiencing any negative side effects from using it, stop using it immediately
and consult your doctor before trying again.
R E A D M O R E
Aloe Vera - The Best Cure for Acne?
5 Reasons to Eat Watermelon When You're Pregnant
5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Bananas Everyday
How to use your aloe vera plant
Aloe
vera plants come in many different varieties, but all of them contain a
gel-like substance called aloin that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
properties. Some companies also put chemical additives in their products to
increase viscosity or make them smell better. Do not use these products as they
may irritate your skin. Instead, look for pure 100% aloe vera juice from a
reputable company. Many companies also add other beneficial ingredients like
vitamin E and green tea extract to promote overall health. Here are some
suggestions on how to incorporate your plant into your skincare routine:
A
good start is making an all-over facial toner by mixing one part water with one
part juice from your aloe vera plant. It’s best to do this at night because it
can be drying if you use it during the day. Using a cotton ball, apply directly
onto your face after cleansing and let dry. It’s important to note that using
too much aloe vera can cause redness and irritation so only apply small amounts
at first until you see how your skin reacts. If you don’t have any adverse
reactions after two weeks, then you can gradually build up usage over time
until you find what works best for you. You can also try adding small amounts
of pure aloe vera juice directly onto blemishes before bedtime as well as any
time of day when needed.
DIY face mask with aloe
Keep aloe on hand to make a DIY face mask, which can help you not only treat acne, but also address other issues like oily skin. Try whipping up a face mask that includes two tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add one egg white if you're also looking to tighten pores or reduce inflammation.
Other benefits of taking aloe orally
A
lot of people are also unaware that aloe vera has a whole host of health
benefits. Studies have shown that aloe has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and
antimicrobial properties. In fact, some studies have even looked at it as a
potential treatment for HIV and cancer! Taking aloe orally can help to boost
your immune system, too. It’s also an anti-aging agent, making it useful in
helping you look young and vibrant. And did we mention that it’s great for your
digestive tract? When taken internally, aloe helps stimulate peristalsis—the
rhythmic contraction of muscles along our digestive tract that moves food
through our intestines. And because most diseases begin in our gut, keeping things
moving through there is important for optimal health.