Nicknamed the “plant of immortality" in ancient times, aloe vera is a true wonder of nature. The spiky succulent plant has a vast variety of uses, the most famous being aloe vera for skin health. From acne and burns to stretch marks and more, this herbal powerhouse can moisturize, nourish, and soothe.
You can apply aloe vera gel — the clear, bitter, jelly-like substance from inside the leaf — directly to the skin as a healing salve, or combine it with other ingredients in unique skin-soothing recipes.
Scroll down for do-it-yourself (DIY) recipes you can make at home with aloe vera for acne, stretch marks, rashes, and skin conditions of all kinds.
Wow! Did you know that aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals?
Aloe vera gel contains at least 75 identifiable nutrients and plant compounds with various applications for health and healing.[1] This powerful constellation of healing agents makes aloe vera incredibly versatile for health, wellness, beauty, and cosmetic purposes.
Aloe vera contains plant compounds known for their natural moisturizing powers. Unique to aloe vera, the polysaccharide (plant sugar) acemannan has a hydrating effect on dry skin, as well as numerous additional therapeutic properties.[2]
Aloe vera's excellent moisturizing properties make it the perfect solution for preventing razor burn!
Aloe vera gel also has a high water content and is not greasy, making it an excellent moisturizer when applied directly to the skin. You can also apply aloe vera gel after shaving to retain moisture and prevent razor burn.
Did you know that aloe vera can stimulate collagen production?
Aloe vera can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, according to science. In one study, women over 45 years of age took aloe supplements orally for 90 days, after which the researchers measured the appearance of their eye "crow's nests" using skin microrelief maps. Dietary aloe stimulated collagen production and led to smoother skin.[3]
Aloe vera also contains antioxidants that may help with aging, since these compounds counteract the age-related damage of free radicals in the body.[4] Some people find that aloe juice complements topical gel as part of an overall anti-aging diet and regimen.
See "Aloe Vera for Healthy Skin" below for recipes.
Great news! Science shows that aloe vera helps with healing first- and second-degree burns.
Got a burn? Slather on some aloe vera gel. A scientific review of multiple studies revealed that aloe vera applied to the skin speeds healing for first- and second-degree burns.[5]
We know that the bioactive plant sugar it contains, acemannan, combined with antioxidants and other plant compounds, may help the body to heal.[2]
See "How to Use Aloe Vera for Burns" for recipes, including wraps and poultices.
Whoa! Did you know that aloe vera stimulates the growth of new cells?
Cool to the touch and naturally soothing, aloe vera gel is an intuitive remedy for sunburn relief. The plant's emollient properties and high water content may help to reduce the sting as well as the dry, flaky skin that comes with sunburns.
Aloe vera also contains the plant hormone gibberellin, which stimulates the growth of new cells and may aid in healing the skin.[6]
Aloe vera's antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective acne remedy when applied topically.
In one study, a combination of tretinoin cream (a common acne medication) and aloe vera gel was more effective than tretinoin cream on its own to help mild to moderate acne.[7] It appears that aloe boosted the effectiveness of the medication.
Aloe vera may boost the effectiveness of acne medications.
While more research into how aloe vera fights acne is always welcome, we do know that acemannan encourages wounds to heal at a healthy pace and also promotes smooth skin.[2, 8] Aloe vera's polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) may ward off harmful organisms and toxins within the pores that cause acne and worsen the redness.
See "Aloe Vera Masks and Scrubs for Acne" for recipes.
There is much science to support aloe vera's ability to heal wounds — perhaps due to acemannan's ability to assist the skin's natural healing properties.[8] Hence, aloe vera may have good use as a remedy for minor scrapes, cuts, and rashes. Aloe vera's polyphenols also have antibacterial properties that may ward off infection.[9]
Aloe vera may help to diminish the appearance of stretch marks, tiny tears just under the skin's surface that appear as reddish or purplish marks. These occur when the skin stretches beyond its normal limits, common after pregnancy or anytime someone experiences quick weight gain or loss.
Scientific evidence does not directly indicate that aloe vera helps get rid of stretch marks, but acemannan's ability to promote skin healing may help fade these marks over time, especially when used in combination with other substances, like vitamin E.
See "Best Aloe Vera Recipes for Stretch Marks" for recipes
Check this out! Pure aloe vera gel may provide some relief to the itchiness of psoriasis.
If you suffer from flaky, itchy skin, pure aloe vera gel may provide some relief. The cool gel soothes the skin, reduces redness and swelling, and promotes hydration. One study demonstrated the effectiveness of topical aloe vera for psoriasis.[10] However, more studies can help shed light on aloe for psoriasis in humans.
With its emollient properties, aloe vera may relieve an itchy scalp and help with dandruff. Its combination of proteolytic enzymes, antibacterial properties, and moisturizing emollients can help soothe the scalp and repel the microbes that cause dandruff's dead skin flakes.[11]
In all of the recipes below, make sure to use either 100 percent pure organic aloe vera gel (if store-bought), or aloe gel taken directly from an aloe plant.
The following aloe vera recipes offer ways to take advantage of the plant's ability to deter harmful organisms, including those that contribute to acne.
Use organic, locally grown raw honey, which soothes the skin and naturally wards off bacteria, among numerous other health benefits.
Rosewater also lends a lovely fragrance to this soothing face mask. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice in place of rosewater, which brightens and clarifies the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid using lemon juice.
Vitamin E oil has antioxidant and emollient properties, making it ideal for moisturizing and skin blemishes.
Although studies have not yet tested aloe's effects on stretch marks, its ability to smooth fine lines and moisturize skin make it promising. You can try the following aloe vera recipes.
Coffee grounds exfoliate the skin and may increase blood flow for effective healing. Be warned that working with ground coffee is messy — so use it in the shower and rinse well afterward.
Coconut oil offers deep hydration in this daily skin rub.
As mentioned earlier, aloe vera gel is an excellent home remedy for both first- and second-degree burns. A first-degree burn results in pain and a reddening of the outer layer of the skin. A second-degree burn affects both the lower layer of the skin, resulting in blistering as well as pain and reddening.
On burned skin, apply a thick layer of pure aloe vera gel. Reapply after the gel dries out.
If desired, place a bandage over the aloe vera to hold it in place and retain moisture.
To prevent scarring from burns, apply an aloe vera and carrot poultice. Both carrots and aloe contain vitamins A, C, and E, which may assist healing as well as reduce redness and swelling.[12, 13, 14]
After your burn begins to feel better, try a soothing bath with aloe vera juice, liquid chlorophyll, and organic rolled oats. Chlorophyll can help ease skin redness, according to at least one study.[15] Giving the bath a silky feel, the oats contain silica, which studies find improves skin strength and elasticity.[16]
If you purchase aloe vera gel from a store, make sure it is pure organic aloe vera gel with no additives. If you prefer, you can use aloe vera capsules to take internally or to use in recipes. I recommend Global Healing's Aloe Vera. Made with 100 percent pure, organic inner leaf aloe vera powder, it has the highest concentration of bioavailable acemannan on the market.
Alternatively, you can extract aloe vera gel directly from the plant using the following instructions:
A highly versatile plant with an array of wellness benefits, aloe vera can support healthy skin in numerous ways. Aloe vera gel — sourced from inside the aloe's leaves — contains at least 75 beneficial nutrients and plant compounds, including the plant sugar acemannan, which hydrates the skin and aids with wound healing.
Among its many uses, pure aloe vera gel is helpful for the skin. It may help acne, burns, scrapes, and rashes due to its antioxidant properties, rich nutrients, and natural moisturizers. Aloe is a common folk remedy for diminishing the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
To reap the full benefits of aloe vera for your skin, use 100 percent pure organic aloe vera gel, either store-bought or extracted from the plant itself. If preferred, you can take aloe vera orally for its many health benefits. I recommend Global Healing's Aloe Vera, an organic, high-potency aloe vera supplement.
Have you tried aloe vera for a skin remedy? Share your story below!
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