You probably know aloe vera is very soothing to the skin. It has the ability to repair and recover skin cells that have been damaged. Moreover for fading out scars & skin blemishes and swelling aloe vera is very effective. It even has astringent properties.
For those who wish to use a natural approach to treat acne, aloe vera is a good option to try, especially in case of skin types that are dry and sensitive.
Before we tell you the various ways to use aloe vera to improve acne prone skin conditions, it’s important that you understand what is acne and acne types? Read here to learn about acne.
Also we encourage you to read causes of acne, as that will also help you in selecting specific treatment that is best for you. Read here about acne causes.
Let’s find out why aloe vera is useful for acne? As a matter of fact this amazing herb can heal acne and pimples and treat the scars caused by them:
(i) It has antibacterial properties that are very effective in treating acne and diminishing the redness caused by it. It inhibits bacteria from infecting acne wounds and speed up the process of healing. Moreover, it contains antifungal properties as well that help to treat inflammation like boils and cysts on the skin.
(ii) Aloe gel contains magnesium lactate that helps to relieve the itching sensation caused by acne. It is also effective in reducing skin rashes and treating sunburns.
(iii) Its astringent property takes away excess oil and dirt from the skin to avert acne breakout. It also helps in decreasing the size of inflamed nodules and cysts to alleviate pain caused by the swelling.
(iv) Aloe gel contains anthraquinone that helps revitalizes and regenerate skin cells, which leads to skin repair and restoration. So, it has the ability to remove acne scars, thereby makes your skin look radiant and flawless.
(v) Acne is caused by dirt build-up as it clogs skin pores causingto bacterial infection and blackheads. Regular application of aloe gel on the face shrinks the pores, thereby, reducing the exposure of pores to germs.
(vi) Its saponins like gibberellin, mannans, and polysaccharides contents can kill acne-causing bacteria and viruses, including Propionibacterium that causes severe acne.
(vii) This plant also has salicylic acid, a compound that helps cleanse the pores and get rid of acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. It also helps to regulate the pH balance of the skin.
(viii) Moreover, it also lightens skin pigmentation to decrease the appearance of scars and blemishes caused by acne and pimples. (Source)
How To Use Aloe Vera For Treating Your Acne?
Here are best ways to use aloe to improve acne-prone skin:
Aloe Vera Facial Wash
To keep acne under check you need to keep your skin clean and bacteria free. Use this face wash take away oil, dirt, and grime from the surface of your skin.
To make a facial cleanser you need to mix an antibacterial agent such as aspirin – salicylic acid – or lemon juice with aloe vera juice. The antibacterial agents with the aloe will help to clean out your pores and get rid of existing bacteria. You can add a scrub such as oatmeal to help clean your skin better and give your skin more nutrients.
Use Aloe Vera As Exfoliant
To keep acne trigger under control, it’s important to slough off dead skin cells. Use this scrub to take away any dead skin cells while stimulating circulation.
This scrub needs only 3 ingredients. Simply mix a tablespoon of sugar in a teaspoon of milk. Add in about 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed aloe or aloe vera gel. Mix well, and use your clean fingertips to rub this exfoliator gently in circular motions onto clean skin. When done rinse it off with lukewarm water, and pat dry with a clean towel.
Use Aloe Vera As A Toner
To reduce acne inflammation, use this toner.
You need just 2 ingredients to make aloe vera toner. Just mix a splash of apple cider vinegar with a splash of water. Now add in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and stir them together well. Soak a cotton ball with the solution and dab over clean skin. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
Use Aloe Vera Mask
Unlike a classic clay mask that dries out your skin, this acne-fighting treatment on one hand will moisturize and at the same time it will treat acne, using the power of antibacterial and anti-fungal tea tree oil.
You need just 2 ingredients. Simply mix well a few drops of tea tree oil with about a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply to your skin, leaving it on for 25 minutes and then rinse it off.
Aloe Vera Basic Treatment
You just need only aloe vera leaf. You just get hold of the source – a leaf of an aloe plant. Just snip off an end using a clean scissor or a knife, and apply aloe gel directly onto acne scars before bed. Let it sit overnight. Rinse it off with cool water in the morning.
Way Forward
Whereas aloe and other topical remedies are fairly effective in keeping the surface of your skin clean and soothed, but they may not work as much efficient to treat the condition of acne completely. To treat the root cause we may have to use acne over the counter treatments to achieve real, lasting results. Read here to learn the best acne OTC remedies.
If your acne condition is severe or if you don’t get relief then you need to consult a dermatologist to find out the root cause and take his proper prescription.