“On TikTok, people are saying, ‘Oh, this is amazing to me,'” she says. Lacey Gill“My response is, ‘Yes, what’s good for you may not be good for the other person,'” says the vice president of the Cosmetic, Aesthetic and Massage Institute in Houston.
Aloe vera has been used medicinally for thousands of years, but society’s emphasis on a “healthy lifestyle” has fueled the plant’s modern popularity. 1 Review Said.
The global aloe vera extract market was valued at $1.6 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a compound growth rate of 7.6% through 2025. Grand View ResearchMarket forecaster.
“If there’s something that doesn’t require a prescription, that’s somehow taken from the ground and is perceived as natural, people are going to want to try it.” David LeffelChief of the Department of Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Dermatologists and other skin care experts say aloe vera is generally safe to use topically, but it doesn’t work for everyone, and there are best practices users should follow to get the desired results beyond what’s claimed on social media.
What is the science behind Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is 96% water.
the study Identified 75 CompoundsThe remaining 4% contains polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and the seven essential amino acids. Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral drugs It also has an antiseptic effect.
the study Indicated Many of the benefits come from the polysaccharides contained in the clear gel inside the aloe vera leaf.
However, rigorous clinical trials have not been conducted to ascertain the exact mechanisms behind aloe vera’s effects. Oliver GrundmannClinical Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.
This is the formula for aloe vera gel. Approval It is sold as a cosmetic by the FDA and is therefore isolated. Most natural products Exempt There’s no chance of patenting it, which discourages researchers from investing money into discovering what aloe vera does, some experts say.
Most clinical trials of aloe vera have been conducted in test tubes or on rodents. Joseph F. Fowler Jr.Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
What scientists do know is that aloe vera gel contains a carbohydrate called glucomannan, which coats the skin and dampens the inflammatory response, Grundmann said. When used on intact skin with no signs of deep redness or peeling, aloe vera gel is safe to use topically, he said.
Is store-bought gel as good as plant-based gel?
Dermatologists say over-the-counter gels don’t pose any significant risks.
But store-bought aloe vera gel isn’t standardized, Leffel said, leaving consumers in the dark about how the gel was extracted and what excipients, or inactive substances, it may contain, he added.
Gill said that for people looking to use it in their skin care routine, a commercial gel might be more practical (aloe vera has a high evaporation rate, which means cut leaves don’t stay in place well).
In these cases, buy a clear gel that’s visible in nature, as other gels often contain additives, says Gill, and avoid aloe vera gels sold with the local anesthetic lidocaine, as it has a limited ability to penetrate intact skin, says Grundmann.
How do you harvest raw gel?
When extracting gel from aloe vera leaves, it is best to choose mature leaves that are plump and fleshy. Missy GableDirector of the University of California Master Gardener Program. Cut the leaf as close to the base as possible to avoid damaging the roots. Then wash the leaf with soap and water.
They excrete latex, a foul-smelling yellow sap found under the bark of their leaves. Allison KeaneyAssociate Director of the Mathias Botanical Gardens at the University of California, Los Angeles.
the study Indicated Aloe vera latex contains anthraquinones, which can be harmful, including being a strong laxative and promoting phototoxicity. “Latex can be an irritant if placed directly on the skin,” Keaney says.
Keaney says aloe vera dries out quickly, so it’s best to gradually drip some latex on it, or even better, soak the leaves in water.
Then, place the leaf, rounded side up, on a flat surface, says Gable. Cut a thin strip from the edge of the leaf to remove any thorns. Finally, use a knife or your thumb to peel away the outer layer of the leaf, leaving only a clear or slightly cloudy gelatinous substance. Store in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in its gel form for up to a year, says Keeney.
Grundman said storing glucomannan in the refrigerator is also preferable, as it can break down over time when exposed to sunlight.
Does aloe vera help with sunburn?
Aloe vera does not prevent sunburn. Shari Lipner“Only sunscreen can do that,” says dermatologist at Cornell Medical School. She said:
But if you’ve already got a sunburn, Grundmann says aloe vera can reduce the body’s inflammatory response to UV rays. “Inflammation basically heats up the skin as the body tries to break down invading substances, like bacteria,” he says.
To soothe inflammation, first apply a cool, wet towel to the area, which will help evaporate the moisture from the skin and reduce inflammation, then apply cooled aloe vera gel.
Aloe vera gel is more effective than aloe vera cream products because of its higher water content, he says. Creams “may stick a little longer, but the water evaporates faster.” [gel] “Moisture also has a cooling effect on the skin,” Grundmann says.
Is Aloe Vera Good for Skin Care?
According to Gill, aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, and moisturizing, making it good “food” for the skin. Aloe vera gel is particularly effective in treating acne. It also repairs the skin’s barrier function and relieves itching in people with acne. eczemaFowler said.
Gill says aloe vera can be used as an occasional face mask or as part of a daily skin care routine.
As a face mask, apply a thick layer of aloe vera gel to cleansed skin. Wait 20 minutes or until the mask dries, then rub off the excess gel and wash your face with water, not cleanser, she said.
Aloe vera gel also fits perfectly into a multi-step skincare routine: Cleanse and prep your skin, then apply a thin layer of gel before thicker serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens, says Gill. You only need a small amount to get it absorbed into your skin; if you press the gel into your skin instead of rubbing it in, it will cake on your skin, she adds.
Chilled aloe is best used for sunburns, whereas room temperature aloe is best for everyday use.
“Warming the skin helps the product penetrate and expand the hair follicles,” Gill says. “When you cool the skin, the hair follicles shrink and you don’t get the same penetration.”
Dermatologists and aestheticians say you should only use aloe vera gel if it works for you, but if your skin condition doesn’t improve or gets worse with aloe vera treatments, experts say it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist.
