Aloe verais a popular plant remedy for many skin problems.
But what about for acne?
Does aloe vera clear acne or get rid of acne scars?
Chris Gramly / iStock
Aloe Vera Basics
Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to Africa.
Inside of its plump leaves is a pulpy middle filled with copious amounts of mucilaginous gel.
Aloe vera has been used traditionally for different types of skin irritations.
It’s a popular houseplant and can be found at any local nursery.
But you have plenty of other options if you’d rather not grow your own aloe plant.
Aloe vera is used in numerous skincare preparations, from cleansers to moisturizers, masks, and more.
That means that aloe vera can help reduce swelling.
Putting aloe vera on a red, swollen pimple can help reduce tenderness and pain.
Aloe also has wound healing effects, so it may help heal open acne blemishes.
Some research has shown that aloe vera may boost the effectiveness of acne medications.
Aloe vera also has antibacterial properties.
This has not been proven, though, and aloe might not have any effect on propioni acnes.
The research, as of yet, is very limited.
But acne isn’t brought on by inflammation alone.
Aloe vera hasn’t been shown to do anything for these factors.
These are triggered by a loss of skin tissue.
you’re free to ask a dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon for help in treating pitted acne scars.
But aloe vera may help fadepost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, those dark acne marks left after pimples have healed.
This is due to a constituent in aloe vera calledaloin.
And, because aloe vera reduces inflammation, it may keep post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from developing in the first place.
One thing to remember is every aloe gel is different, so read the ingredient listings.
You may be surprised if an “aloe” gel you’ve bought contains very little aloe vera.
Just don’t expect aloe vera to be a miracle cureit’s not.
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