Aloe Vera
The beauty benefits of Aloe Vera are well known all across the world. This plant is believed to have originated in Northern Africa, Madagascar and Arabian Peninsula. This succulent plant stores water in its leaves stems and roots, which gives it a fleshy appearance.
It is used as an active ingredient in moisturizers, face washes, face masks, soaps and sunscreen lotions due to its moisturizing, curative and calming properties. The ancient Greeks and Romans used aloe vera for treating wounds, cuts and inflammation. It is believed that Egyptian Queen Cleopatra used aloe vera gel as a part of her beauty regime.
Acne Treatment with Aloe Vera
Let’s find out how this herb heals acne and pimples and treats the scars caused by them:
Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Acne Treatment:
- The antibacterial properties of aloe vera gel are very effective in treating acne and reducing the redness caused by it. It prevents bacteria from infecting acne wounds and accelerates the process of healing. Its anti-fungal properties are useful for treating inflammation like boils and cysts on the skin.
- Magnesium lactate present in Aloe helps to alleviate the itching sensation caused by acne. Magnesium lactate is also effective in treating skin rashes and sunburns.
- The astringent property of aloe removes excess oil and dirt from the skin to prevent acne breakout. It reduces the size of inflamed nodules and cysts to relieve pain caused by the swelling.
- Not just acne, aloe gel also helps to reduce acne scars by promoting skin regeneration. Anthraquinone present in aloe invigorates skin’s essential nutrients and boosts cell development and restoration. This can be very helpful in removing acne scars and make your skin look radiant and flawless. It also lightens skin pigmentation to reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes caused by acne and pimples.
- Aloe Vera contains saponins like gibberellin, mannans and polysaccharides which kill acne causing bacteria and viruses, including propioni bacteria that lead to severe acne. This plant also contains salicylic acid, a compound which unclogs the pores and eliminates acne, blackheads and whiteheads from the skin. It further helps to regulate the pH balance of the skin.
- Dirt build-up in the skin clogs the pores, leading to bacterial infection and blackheads. Regular application of this gel on the face tightens the pores, thereby, decreasing the pores exposure to germs.
- Remember! Aloe Vera does not cure acne, but reduces the swelling, inflammation and redness associated with it.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne?
Aloe Vera Home Remedies For Pimples, Severe Acne, Acne Scars And Acne Treatment:
There are numerous ways to use aloe to fight acne, pimples and acne scars. Some of them are given below:
1. Aloe Vera Gel
For treating acne and scars with aloe vera.
Method
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply this gel on face and neck area.
- Leave it overnight and wash the next morning.
2. Aloe Vera Gel Facial Mask
You can also use this gel as a facial mask.
Method
- Blend aloe vera gel, honey and rose water to make a smooth paste.
- Apply this mask on the acne prone areas and wash it off after 20 minutes.
- Apply this mask thrice a week to get rid of acne.
- You can also add a pinch of turmeric to this facial mask to brighten your complexion.
3. Aloe Vera Soap
Use organic aloe vera soap twice a day to reduce acne and maintain an even skin tone. Make sure that the soap contains glycerin as an active ingredient, lest it might result in dry and flaky skin.
4. Aloe Vera Juice
Not just the gel, but even the juice is also effective for treating acne.
Method
- Blend aloe vera gel with water.
- Apply it on the face using a cotton ball.
- Leave it for an hour and then wash it off.
- This will reduce the formation of acne by nourishing the skin.
5. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice
Drink half a glass of freshly squeezed aloe vera juice daily to increase the vitality of the skin.
6. Aloe Vera And Carrot Juice
Method
- Pick a large leaf of aloe vera juice and wash it thoroughly to remove all the dirt and debris.
- Squeeze the gel from it and blend it with carrot juice to make a refreshing drink.
- Apply this mask on the acne prone areas and wash it off after twenty minutes.
7. Honey And Aloe Vera For Pimples
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1-2 teaspoons rose water
Preparation
- Blend aloe vera gel, honey, and rose water to make a smooth paste.
- You can also add a pinch of turmeric to this facial mask to brighten your complexion.
Method
- Apply this mask on the acne prone areas and wash it off after 20 minutes.
- Use this mask thrice a week to get rid of acne.
How Does It Works?
- Honey is an antibacterial agent and also contains a variety of antioxidants.
- It re-hydrates the skin, and this brings under control the excess sebum that was being produced.
- Honey also has cleansing and healing properties which are beneficial for treating many skin ailments apart from acne.
Precautions
None
8. Aloe Vera And Lemon For Pimples
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- Few drops of lemon juice
Preparation
Add the lemon juice to aloe vera gel and mix well to form a paste.
Method
- Apply this mask on your face and neck and let it stay overnight.
- If you feel that it is too sticky, leave the mask for at least an hour before rinsing it off.
- Repeat this every night until the acne heals.
How Does It Works?
- The antibacterial properties of lemon and aloe vera gel clear acne and will prevent a further breakout.
- Lemon juice cleanses and purifies your skin, and also tighten skin pores thus preventing them from getting clogged.
Precautions
If you have sensitive skin, replace the lemon juice with tomato juice as the latter is milder.
9. Aloe Vera And Turmeric For Pimples
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon gram flour (or chickpea flour)
Preparation
Mix all the ingredients to form a paste. Add a few drops of water if the paste is too thick.
Method
- Apply this on the face and let it dry for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat this twice a week.
How Does It Works?
- Turmeric is a potent herb that treats acne.
- Its antimicrobial properties kill the P.acnes bacteria while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling.
- The antioxidants it contains help in the healing process of a pimple and also prevents scar formation.
Precautions
Turmeric can stain your skin. You can gently rub some lemon juice to get rid of this yellow stain.
10. Tea Tree Oil With Aloe Vera For Acne
Ingredients
- 2-3 teaspoons aloe vera gel
- 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
Preparation
Add the essential oil to the aloe gel and mix them together.
Method
- Apply this on the acne-affected area and leave it on overnight.
- Rinse thoroughly in the morning.
- Use this aloe remedy every night until your pimples go away.
How Does It Works?
- Tea tree oil is antimicrobial in nature.
- It kills bacteria and fungi present on the skin.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the swollen areas of the skin.
- This essential oil also brings the sebum production under control, especially for oily skin.
Precautions
- Tea tree oil is known to cause rashes on sensitive skin.
- It is advisable to conduct a patch test before using it.
11. Baby Oil With Aloe Vera For Acne
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- Few drops of baby oil
Preparation
Mix the ingredients together.
Method
- Apply this liquid mixture carefully on the affected area, as it can be a little drippy.
- Leave it on for an hour or so before rinsing with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this once every day.
How Does It Works?
Baby oil is essentially a mineral oil fortified with vitamin E to hydrate, nourish, and heal the skin. By providing the skin with the required amount of oil, the excess oil that is being produced and causing acne can be brought under control.
Precautions
None
12. Aloe Vera Gel With Vitamin E For Acne
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 vitamin E capsule
Preparation
Puncture the vitamin E capsule and add the oil present inside to the aloe vera gel. Mix well.
Method
- Apply this on the affected area and let it dry.
- Rinse after an hour. You can leave this mask on overnight as well.
- Repeat this for a few nights until the acne fades away.
How Does It Works?
- Vitamin E oil is often used in skin care products for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties.
- It not only helps in healing the acne but also keeps your skin healthy and flawless.
Precautions
None
13. Apple Cider Vinegar And Aloe Vera For Acne
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon water
Preparation
Mix all the ingredients together.
Method
- Either using your fingers or a cotton ball, apply this mixture all over the face area.
- Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with water.
How Does It Works?
- Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which acts as an astringent on the skin.
- It removes all bacteria and also brings the skin’s pH to normal levels.
- It also exfoliates the dead skin cells that have accumulated in the acne.
Precautions
Apple cider vinegar may not suit sensitive skin.
14. Aloe, Milk And Sugar Mask
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Preparation
Add the sugar to the milk and mix until the sugar dissolves. Add aloe gel to this and mix well.
Method
- Apply this acne mask on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Do this daily.
How Does It Works?
- Milk soothes and cleanses the skin. It also keeps it hydrated.
- Sugar is an humectant and helps your skin to stay hydrated for longer periods of time.
- This reduces the sebum that is being produced.
- Sugar also aids in the cell turnover as it contains glycolic acid.
Precautions
Do not use this remedy if you are allergic to milk.
15. Aloe Vera And Cosmetic Clay For Pimple Treatment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel or juice
- 1 tablespoon cosmetic clay (white or pink)
Preparation
Add the aloe vera gel to the clay powder and mix well to get a fine paste.
Method
- Apply a thin layer on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Use this mask twice a week.
How Does It Works?
Cosmetic clay possesses antibacterial properties. It also works as an astringent, especially for oily skin.
Precautions:
- If you have never used cosmetic clay before, use a small amount of it on your inner arm to make sure you are not allergic to it. If you experience any burning sensation or develop rashes, do not use this mask.
- Apart from using these aloe masks during and/or after breakouts, you can also use organic aloe vera soap twice a day to reduce acne and maintain an even skin tone. Make sure that the soap contains glycerin as an active ingredient, lest it might result in dry and flaky skin.
How Long Does It Take For Aloe Vera To Cure Acne?
It takes just a few days of regular application of aloe vera to notice a difference in your acne. They will start healing faster than they usually do, with less discomfort and swelling. Within two to three weeks, you will start noticing a difference in your acne scars as well.
It is important to remember that aloe vera does not cure acne, but reduces the infection, swelling, inflammation, and redness associated with it. With its biologically active components, it fastens the healing process. Using it regularly over the course of time can also prevent breakouts in the future.
So, why wait? Make aloe vera your friend while your friends start envying you for your radiant and glowing skin.