Published: October 29, 2021
Aloe is the name of a plant genus referring to over 400 types of plant varieties that grow in numerous places around the world. Aloe vera is a species of aloe that has been used for centuries throughout many cultures. Egyptian records dating back to the 16th century refer to aloe vera as “the plant of immortality”. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, aloe vera has been used in China, Greece, Mexico, and Japan for many issues including wound healing and anti-aging.
The aloe vera plant is a shrub-like succulent plant with stiff and triangular shaped leaves that contain a gelatinous substance. The benefits of aloe vera are numerous and people use this substance in tinctures, beverages like aloe vera juice, lotions, and oils.
Currently, aloe vera is mainly used in after-sun care products like aloe vera gel that soothes sunburn. However, as we look more at natural ingredients and natural remedies, pure aloe vera gel is taking center stage as a way to combat acne breakouts.
Aloe vera may help combat mild to moderate acne because of its myriad medicinal properties. There are a few key ways to use aloe vera on your skin as an acne treatment, either by applying it in raw form or using skin care products that contain the ingredient.
Safe for all skin types, aloe vera is so beneficial as an acne treatment because of its following properties:
The plant’s two main hormones - auxin and gibberellins - contribute to its anti-inflammatory nature. The skin disorder acne causes all sorts of inflammation. As pores get clogged from sebum, dead skin, and dirt, they become inflamed as the body attempts to fight infection.
Aloe vera’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help mitigate the risk of infection from open, cystic wounds.
Acne treatments have the tendency to dry out the skin, which can prompt it to produce more sebum and oil in an effort to rehydrate itself. Aloe’s moisturizing properties keep the skin well-lubricated without clogging pores.
Our skin is home to a whole microbiome that protects it and keeps it strong. Antioxidants and vitamins contained in aloe allow the skin to stay healthy and operate how nature intended.
Steroids or corticosteroid medication increase the likelihood of all types of body acne, including the kind that crops up on the back.
To implement fresh aloe vera in your acne-fighting skin care routine, you may use both DIY approaches and over the counter cleansers, toners, and moisturizers containing the wonder ingredient.
If you struggle with body acne, like back or chest acne, be sure to use after sun treatments with aloe to rehydrate tired skin. WATER SOUL is great for all skin types, offering soothing relief from redness, tightness, or itching after sun exposure.
Create your own aloe vera-based face mask. Combine aloe vera with ingredients such as greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and other natural options to accomplish your particular skin care goals.
For a shower scrub or weekly-face scrub that exfoliates while hydrating, combine aloe with a gentle, natural exfoliator. Sugar, salt, or cinnamon work well as gentle yet powerful exfoliators to slough off the top layer of skin, minimizing the risk of dead cells falling into pores and creating blemishes.
Combine aloe with witch hazel, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar to balance the skin’s pH levels while removing additional dirt or grime that your cleanser may have left behind.
Combine drops of tea tree oil with aloe vera for a strong spot treatment that targets and dries out localized zits and prevents them from becoming inflamed, infected, and scarring.
While aloe can work wonders for acne-prone skin, it’s important to consult with your dermatologist to understand ways in which your skin type may benefit from aloe vera. When using any new product or ingredient, perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area of skin to see if any negative reaction ensues.
Acne is often difficult to live with, however, constantly combating acne with hot water, harsh facial cleansers, and esthetician treatments means that your skin may not have a moment to rejuvenate. Products with aloe and DIY at-home remedies can quell irritation and soothe irritated skin that is in a constant state of distress from an acne skin disorder.
Natural products really are your best bet when looking for solutions to acne, breakouts, and blemishes. Add aloe to your weekly routine to promote a healthy skin barrier. Treating the symptoms of acne - such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples - won’t be enough to end this common skincare struggle. Instead, focus on overall skin health by providing the antioxidants, minerals, and moisture it needs to stay strong and fortified.
Aloe vera complements [ comfort zone ]’s moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, gentle toners, and overnight masks well and create a comprehensive skincare approach for all skin types. Our products are never tested on animals and we give back 1% for the planet.
HOW TO TREAT BACK ACNE
Select skin care products that cleanse, tone, and moisturize your body to get rid of any stubborn back acne.
HOW TO CARE FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Learn how to treat combination skin by both removing excess oil while replenishing moisture to any dry, flakey areas.
