Aloe vera is a natural skin-soothing ingredient and can be found in many products. However, it’s important to find a pure product without added ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction.
It’s also best to use the gel directly from an aloe plant versus a formulated product, as the amount of aloe vera in a formulated lotion is often minimal.
1. Relieves Burns
The best-known of all aloe vera benefits is its ability to soothe sunburns and other skin damage. Studies show that it can reduce the lobster-red rash of a burn and even encourage collagen synthesis and cross-linking to heal wounds faster.
If you’re going to use it topically on a burn, make sure to apply a thick layer without rubbing or scrubbing the affected area. The lotion should cool and hydrate the burned skin while inhibiting bacteria growth.
You may want to consider applying a topical vitamin E serum to the burn, as research shows it helps treat and prevent blistering in second-degree burns. (It also contains antiviral properties to help ward off cold sores.) If possible, look for a formula that contains aloe vera as one of the first three ingredients—formulated products often contain only a small amount of the plant extract.
2. Moisturizes Skin
You should look for an aloe vera lotion that contains a high amount of organic inner leaf aloe vera. It should also be free of harmful ingredients that could clog your pores or make your skin irritated.
A good lotion will moisturize your dry skin and create a barrier that keeps moisture in and other elements out. It should be a thin consistency that absorbs easily without leaving a sticky layer of residue.
If you're looking for a lotion that can be used all over your body, try this moisturizer by Forever Living. It contains a blend of aloe vera, eucalyptus and menthol to soothe your skin and ease muscle tension. This product also has a blend of shea butter and olive oil that helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
3. Reduces the Appearance of Large Pores
Aloe vera is an excellent pore minimizer because it helps to flush out the pores and reduce their appearance. This is mainly due to its antibacterial properties that kill the acne-causing bacteria. It also stimulates collagen and elastin, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy, smooth complexion.
To maximize the skin-soothing benefits of this multitasking plant, look for pure gel instead of a formulated product. “Look at the ingredients to make sure you’re getting a good amount of aloe,” says Grant. “If it’s listed as one of the first few ingredients, that’s a good sign.”
For an all-over glow, try this all-natural moisturizer, which features aloe vera and other natural extracts to soothe irritation and redness. It also includes wheat germ, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to boost collagen and hydration.
4. Soothes Acne
Those suffering from acne may benefit from aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties. The plant's fatty acids soothe inflammation and offer antiseptic and analgesic benefits, while the allantoin it contains has healing properties. It also has a mild exfoliating effect, reducing the appearance of large pores and helping other skin-care products work better by clearing away dead skin cells.
It's also a great way to soothe redness caused by sunburn or other irritants. Try this option from Innisfree, which uses soothing aloe from Jeju Island along with camellia oil and orchid to calm the skin and improve its barrier function.
However, it's important to note that aloe vera isn't a magic bullet and won't get rid of acne alone. You'll need to keep up with a regular skin-care routine, including topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.
5. Prevents Stretch Marks
The aloe vera plant—recognizable by its thick, fleshy leaves that can be found potted or bottled at most CVS locations—has been used to soothe skin and reduce stretch marks for centuries. The North African plant is rich in natural ingredients, including antioxidants and amino acids that soften the skin and prevent stretch marks.
The best way to score the most aloe vera benefits is to use 100% pure gel straight from the plant, which is often more effective than formulated products. “The majority of formulated products have a small amount of aloe vera in them,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick says.
Look for a product with a clean ingredient list that has the hero ingredient listed first, such as Honeyskin Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Gel or Green Leaf Naturals Aloe Vera Gel, which both have 99% pure aloe vera. Avoid a product with added fragrances, colorings or additives that can be irritating to the skin.
