
Many drugstore and higher-end skin care products contain aloe vera gel in their ingredient list, but usually not a lot of it. Store-bought varieties can be as effective as gel harvested from an aloe plant. bottled aloe vera: Is there a difference?īefore you run out to purchase and grow your own aloe plant, know that you have multiple options here. Just be sure to test a small amount on your wrist or inner part of your arm before putting it on your face, to make sure you aren’t allergic to the plant itself.įresh vs.

In its pure form, aloe vera gel is 100 percent natural, so it’s a great go-to product for many people who struggle with using chemicals on their skin. It’s good for most people with sensitive skin.No wonder it’s a popular ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams. Science is still inconclusive on this one, but some studies of aloe vera have shown promising effects in its ability to increase skin elasticity over time. It’s lightly exfoliating and won’t rub your skin raw. The salicylic acid in the plant helps get rid of dead skin cells and bad bacteria on your face. They also reduce overall inflammation in the face and help with the production of new skin - which makes you look radiant and glowy AF. Remember the collagen-producing effects of aloe vera? Those don’t just help with acne scars. It reduces puffiness and dark circles.Thankfully, aloe vera has been shown to both moisturize and soothe these trouble spots on your skin. Psoriasis and eczema can feel like an awful combination of a burn and a super itchy rash. It provides relief from psoriasis and eczema.Be careful, though - you can still pass on oral herpes to others if you have an active breakout (and aloe vera sadly can’t make it less contagious). The antiviral effects of aloe vera makes it a useful topical treatment to help with cold sores. The plant contains a high number of mucopolysaccharides (try saying that five times fast), a type of molecule chain with hydrating properties that’s a common ingredient in many moisturizers. It’s not clear whether it actually helps the sunburn heal faster ( some studies say it doesn’t) but it does lessen the discomfort and help with redness and peeling. Aloe vera gel is known for its cooling, soothing properties, and it feels amazing on your skin when you’re suffering from a sunburn. Aloe vera gel helps stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, which reduces the appearance of scarring.

Even if your acne isn’t a problem at the moment, those pesky scars can stick around for years.
