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Aloe Vera For Acne: 9 Ways To Use Aloe Vera For Acne And Pimples
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Aloe Vera For Acne: 9 Ways To Use Aloe Vera For Acne And Pimples

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Aloe Vera For Acne: 9 Ways To Use Aloe Vera For Acne And Pimples April 18, 2019

About 9.4% of the population across the world is affected by acne, which makes it the eighth most prevalent disease in the world (1). Alarming, right? Almost all of us get acne at some point in our lives. But did you know that you could use aloe vera to heal acne? The extract of aloe vera is often used to heal minor rashes, cuts, and sunburns – and is equally effective for acne. In this article, we have discussed why aloe vera is good for acne and how you can use it. Scroll down.

Is Aloe Vera Good For Acne? What Does Science Say?

Is Aloe Vera Good For Acne What Does Science Say Pinit

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Yes. Aloe vera can prevent acne as it has anti-inflammatory properties (1). It has several other properties that make it excellent for protecting your skin and preventing inflammation:

  • Pure aloe vera gel contains about 75 active ingredients, which include amino acids, salicylic acid, lignins, vitamins, minerals, saponins, and enzymes.
  • Aloe vera also promotes collagen synthesis and helps in fast healing of wounds and scars. This property is beneficial in healing acne scars.
  • It protects your skin from inflammation, damage, and skin hypersensitivity caused by UV exposure.
  • It also moisturizes your skin, promotes elastin and collagen production, and prevents the formation of wrinkles.
  • The amino acids and zinc in aloe vera soften your skin and tighten the skin pores (1).

Several studies found aloe vera to be effective in healing acne lesions.

A study published in 2014 examined the effect of a combination of aloe vera gel and acne medication on 60 subjects. Researchers concluded that this combination was much more effective in healing acne than placebo (2).

Another study evaluated the efficacy of a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and aloe vera in healing acne lesions. It compared the results with another group that was treated with erythromycin cream. It concluded that the combination of aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and propolis was more effective in reducing the severity of acne, total lesion count, and erythema scars (3).

If you have mild to moderate acne, you can use aloe vera gel for healing. We are not talking about the store-bought aloe vera gel but the sap that you get when you cut the aloe vera leaf.

How To Use Aloe Vera For Acne

1. Pure Aloe Vera Gel For Acne

Pure Aloe Vera Gel For Acne Pinit

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You Will Need

1 tablespoon pure aloe vera extract

Method
  1. Cut the aloe leaf and scoop out the transparent, fleshy part with a spoon.
  2. Apply the aloe vera gel on your face, focusing on the affected area.
  3. Leave it on overnight.
  4. Rinse it off in the morning.
  5. Repeat every day until the lesions heal.

2. Aloe Vera, Honey, And Cinnamon

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 4 tablespoons honey (organic)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (adjust the quantity)
Method
  1. Add the aloe vera gel, honey, and cinnamon powder to a bowl. Mix well.
  2. Once the mask is ready, spread it all over the face or just the affected area.
  3. Let it stay for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Rinse your face and pat dry.

Note: Cinnamon powder might sting, so you can adjust the quantity as per your skin’s tolerance level.

3. Aloe Vera And Lemon Juice

Aloe Vera And Lemon Juice Pinit

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You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice
Method
  1. In a bowl, add aloe vera gel and lemon juice. Mix well.
  2. Apply it to the affected area or the entire face. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Wash it off.

4. Aloe Vera And Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • 2-3 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 1 tablespoon of purified water
Method
  1. In a bowl, combine the gel, purified water, and essential oil.
  2. Apply a thin layer of the mixture on the affected area.
  3. Let it stay for a minute (not more than that) and then wash it off.
  4. Repeat the steps every day.

5. Aloe Vera Spray Or Face Mist

Aloe Vera Spray Or Face Mist Pinit

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You Will Need
  • 1 ½ cups purified water
  • 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
  • 2 drops of any essential oil
Method
  1. In a spray bottle, combine the water and aloe vera gel.
  2. Add the essential oil (optional).
  3. Shake the bottle well.
  4. Close your eyes and spritz the mixture on your face or just the affected area.
  5. Use it 3-4 times a day.
  6. Remember to always shake the bottle well before use.

6. Aloe Vera, Sugar, And Oil Scrub

You Will Need
  • ½ cup jojoba oil
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar
  • ¼ cup aloe vera gel
Method
  1. Combine the oil and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Add the aloe vera gel and mix well.
  3. Take a small amount of the scrub in your palms and massage on your face or just the affected area.
  4. Rinse with water and pat your skin dry.

7. Aloe Vera And Apple Cider Vinegar

Aloe Vera And Apple Cider Vinegar Pinit

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You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
  • 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons purified water
  • A cotton swab or ball
Method
  1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
  2. Add aloe vera gel and mix well.
  3. Dip the cotton swab or ball into the mixture.
  4. Apply it on the affected area. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Wash your face and pat it dry.

Note: Apple cider vinegar may not suit those with sensitive skin. Avoid using it if your skin is sensitive.

8. Aloe Vera And Baby Oil

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
  • 2-3 drops of baby oil
Method
  1. Mix the aloe vera gel and baby oil.
  2. Massage it all over your face or just the affected area.
  3. Leave it for an hour and then wash with warm water.

9. Aloe Vera Gel And Rose Water

Aloe Vera Gel And Rose Water Pinit

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You Will Need
  • 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon rose water
  • ½ cucumber (grated)
Method
  1. Mix the grated cucumber, rose water, and aloe vera gel in a bowl.
  2. Use your hands to apply it all over your face. Let it dry.
  3. Wash with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

Aloe vera can heal wounds and is exceptionally gentle on your skin. If you want to try out a few aloe vera products for acne, check out the list below.

Best Aloe Vera Products For Acne

1. Luckyfine Aloe Vera

It contains natural ale vera extracts and hyaluronic acid. It soothes irritated skin and is good for treating rashes, acne, and sunburn. Get it here!

2. Aloderma Pure Aloe Vera Gel

This product is good for healing acne and treating skin issues such as rashes, insect bites, and razor burns. It can also be used as a hair conditioner. Get it here!

3. Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel

This product is approved by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and contains 92% aloe vera extract. It soothes and relaxes your skin and doesn’t irritate it. Get it here!

People have been using aloe vera for centuries now for treating skin issues. So, it’s a good idea to incorporate aloe vera into your skin care routine. Although there are very rare chances of aloe vera causing any serious side effects, it is better to be aware of the associated risks.

Potential Risks Of Using Aloe Vera For Acne

People who are allergic to tulips, garlic, and onions are mostly allergic to aloe vera as well. Hence, it is better to do an allergy test before using aloe vera extract.

Avoid applying aloe vera to deep cuts and severe burns.

Topical aloe vera is usually not harmful for skin (unless you are allergic to aloe vera), but if you are taking it orally, you should consult your doctor. This is to make sure that the gel doesn’t interact with any other medications or supplements you are taking.

Do not rely on aloe vera alone to make your acne disappear. Use it to ease the pain and aid healing, but consult your doctor and take proper acne medication to address the root cause of the issue.

Have you ever tried using aloe vera gel on your skin or for acne? How was your experience? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

References

  1. “Aloe Vera: A Short Review” Indian Journal of Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine.
  2. “Effect of Aloe vera topical gel…” The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, US National Library of Medicine.
  3. “Treatment of acne with a…” Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Application, US National Library of Medicine.

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