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It’s always important to assess what’s going on with your skin and if aloe will help (or hurt) your goals. According to aesthetician Melanie Grant, aloe vera is a “predominantly water-based succulent plant that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making it a wound-healing hero and perfect for those experiencing redness and irritation.” She adds that it also shares the same pH as skin, which makes it gentle enough for those of us prone to irritation. Apply the lotion every day, to the whole body, gently massaging until absorbed. It can be used as often as required. The clear gel that is inside the leaves can be taken directly from the plant," says Dr Phillips. It is this gel that’s commonly used in beauty products for its hydration and soothing properties.
However, "be sure to use a product that’s not mixed with harsh chemicals and ingredients," advises Dr Phillips. "Aloe vera holds many benefits when used raw, and even when bottled for manufacturing uses. But the added ingredients to preserve aloe vera to prolong its shelf-life can irritate some users’ skin." For so many of us, aloe vera was one of the first “skincare” products we used. It might have been to soothe a cut, a burn, or overexposure to the sun, but even now with years and products under our belt, it’s still something we call on regularly. The gel within the aloe plants can be used on the face, body and scalp to help with skin concerns you may have, avoiding the delicate eye area," advises Dr Phillips. "It’s used in many products for sunburn relief, hair care, pore cleansing and skin moisturising." So what about aloe in skincare? Is this still effective or should we be looking for pure gels only? Grant suggests that for those who require constant soothing (such as after a sunburn), applying pure gel, like the nearly 100% aloe vera gel by Badger is a great solution as the skin will receive the direct benefits in the most potent form. As it heals the skin, itching is soothed, redness is minimized, and hydration is replenished.
The spiky succulent grows naturally in dry, tropical climates in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the southern and western parts of the US. Dr Shotter tells us that those with sensitive and irritated skin are likely to benefit the most from choosing aloe vera over other moisturising products. Aloe vera is effective when it comes to soothing and cooling the skin, which is why it’s associated with sunburn. It’s essential to use SPF all the time and avoid unprotected sun exposure where possible, but if the unspeakable happens and you’re caught out, it is a great at-home solution.
Aloe vera tends to have a calming effect on the skin, especially its water-dense leaves, which allow it to thrive in dry and unstable climates. "When the gel from within the plant’s leaves is applied, it has a cooling sensation that provides instant relief," says Dr Philips. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), aloe vera is safe to use for soothing mild sunburns. Want to hear more about healthy-hair ingredients? Our guide to nixing problems with your crowning glory should help. When a cosmetic product harnesses a natural ingredient, it will use a concentrated version of the botanicals," explains Dr Shotter. "Using the gel from an aloe leaf will contain the same enzymes, vitamins and amino acids as the aloe extract in a product, but it will be less concentrated and so you are likely to need more of it." Aesthetic and skin doctor Dr Sophie Shotter adds: "It contains fatty acids and amino acids, as well as being rich in vitamins A, B12, C and E, which contribute towards stronger hair and healthy follicles." Generally aloe vera is a well-tolerated ingredient, but like any ingredient, it’s possible to develop dermatitis or hives afterwards," explains Dr Shotter. "This is more common in people who have allergies to other plants in the lily family, such as onions and garlic."Dr Phillips adds: "If you do react to aloe vera, you will notice an itching, burning sensation. If this occurs, ensure you rinse the aloe vera off with water immediately."
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