Suffice it to say, all of these components have been shown to provide a wide array of benefits for skin care and beyond: Some research has found that aloin4, a compound found in the aloe plant, has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the skin-healing process. Aloe is also chock-full of antioxidants, and one antioxidant protein, in particular, called metallothionein, has been found to have a protective effect on skin1 that’s been exposed to and damaged by UV rays. The plant is also incredibly hydrating, which could help combat the skin peeling that usually takes effect post-sunburn. According to one study, when applied four times per day for 15 days, aloesin was found to be effective in treating UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation5. Another study found that the topical application of aloesin can directly inhibit hyperpigmented skin from producing more melanin, the pigment that, when overproduced, causes dark spots to form. Mucopolysaccharides, as found in the aloe plant, help retain moisture in the skin. When applied topically, aloe vera has been shown to increase the water content6 of the outermost layer of skin (called the stratum corneum), making it an ideal ingredient for dry skin types. Applying it as a scalp mask can help soothe irritation, exfoliate, replenish hydration, and even strengthen and smooth hair follicles. “It can also be used to keep hair smooth and shiny and also for the scalp to help eliminate dead skin cells,” Garshick says. In addition to its ability to help replenish and retain moisture in the skin, aloe also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen and elastin fibers in the skin—all of which are necessary to keep skin hydrated, firm, and supple, and all of which decline naturally with age. Applying aloe vera topically has been shown to help restore skin elasticity7 and decrease the appearance of fine lines8. In addition to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is also a natural source of salicylic acids, “which can also help with breakouts such as blackheads and whiteheads,” Garshick says. Aloe’s acne-busting powers are backed by science: One study found that the topical use of aloe9 in combination with tretinoin cream was found to be effective in treating inflammatory and noninflammatory acne. Additionally, skin with a broken barrier is also more prone to fungal and bacterial infections, and aloe vera “can be considered an antiseptic acting against fungi, bacteria, and viruses,” Garshick says. According to the Mayo Clinic, using aloe vera cream on psoriasis may also help reduce the scaling, redness, and irritation caused by the disorder. In one study, participants who applied aloe vera onto the scalp saw a significant reduction in symptoms11, namely scaling and itching. According to another body of research, the antibacterial and antifungal properties12 of the plant help prevent and treat dandruff altogether. Although the exact mechanism is still unknown, aloe’s ability to help fade stretch marks is likely in part due to its skin-restoring and anti-inflammatory properties (promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin). Although, you might not want to snag any aloe gel from the drugstore and slather on. Try to use a pure, fresh aloe leaf if you can (like from your local grocery store or farmer’s market), as many commercial gels can include irritating fragrances or preservatives. “Fresh aloe vera is best, as the medicinal properties deteriorate over time. Many commercial aloe vera gels and juices contain other ingredients such as preservatives,” says California dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. Bonus points if you grow your own aloe plant and harvest the fresh gel yourself: See here for a full guide. And if you do opt for a commercial gel? Just make sure it’s from a brand you trust. Again, it’s not common, but a reaction is not impossible, either. Of course, if you use a commercial gel with artificial fragrance or irritating preservatives, those additives cause a reaction as well. We should also warn against drinking the juice or consuming the gel—while using aloe topically is considered safe, there are plenty of health concerns from taking it internally.
