Aloe Vera for Acne and Acne Scars: What It Can and Can't Do

Do you suffer from embarrassing acne?

Are you still trying to cover up scars caused by acne from your teenage years?

If you answered yes, you may be wondering whether aloe vera can help.

Aloe vera gel may play a small supporting role as you heal your skin, but it isn't a stand-alone cure.

NCCIH notes that two small studies found aloe gel may help acne when combined with other treatments.

There's no good evidence that aloe fades existing acne scars.

Topical aloe is generally well tolerated, but it can occasionally cause burning, itching or a rash.

Why Is Aloe Vera A Great Natural Product?

Aloe vera contains about 75 potentially active compounds, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals and amino acids.

Some of the Vitamins include A, C, E and B12. Some enzymes are alliinase, amylase, catalase and lipase.

It also contains minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc.

Many people use the gel for its soothing, moisturizing feel.

Aloe latex, a different part of the leaf, is a strong laxative. FDA required it to be removed from over-the-counter laxatives in 2002 because of a lack of safety data.

What Makes a Good Aloe Vera Skincare Product?

A good skincare product is simply one that leaves your skin feeling soft and clear.

When it comes to home remedies for acne scars, an aloe vera skincare product should provide comfort and be able to reduce the visibility of scars that have been left over from acne.

It should be easy to apply and not feel sticky or slippery, nor emit any unpleasant smells. In no way should you feel irritation or discomfort.

Aloe works best alongside proven acne treatments, not instead of them.

Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel

Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel is an all-natural product that’s free from parabens, petrochemicals and fragrances.

This high-quality treatment is especially suited for those who suffer allergies and adverse reactions.

It’s a simple, fragrance-free gel.

Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel is quickly absorbed into the skin.

It’s a thinner consistency than many other aloe vera gels so it won’t leave an oily mess on your face.

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Pros and Cons

Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel comes with a free e-book. This outlines the many ways you can use aloe vera gel, including using aloe vera for acne.

According to the maker, the ingredients are organic and grown and bottled in the USA.

Some people dab it on spots overnight. Getting acne under control early, not aloe itself, is what prevents most new scars.

It won't remove scars you already have.

Many people also use aloe gel to soothe minor sunburn and dry skin.

On the other hand, a general-purpose gel isn't a targeted acne treatment.

For active acne, products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or a retinoid have much stronger evidence.

Despite the natural ingredients, there’s always the possibility of an adverse reaction, especially if used in large quantities.

The consistency of the gel from Earth’s Daughter may be a little thinner than other, similar products on the market.

This may make it great for a face wash, but a little tricky to apply without making a mess.

Other Aloe Vera Uses

People use aloe for many conditions, but the evidence varies a lot, according to NCCIH:

• Burns: some evidence it may speed healing and ease pain
• Psoriasis: limited evidence
• Eczema: not enough evidence to say
• Constipation: aloe latex works as a laxative but can cause cramps and diarrhea, and it's no longer allowed in OTC laxatives
• Diabetes: small studies only

Pure aloe gel is a popular, soothing choice for minor sunburn and skin irritation.

Don't use aloe to manage diabetes. Oral aloe may lower blood sugar, so talk to your doctor before taking it with diabetes medicine.

How Should I Apply It To My Acne Scars?

There are a few ways to apply aloe vera. Patch-test any new product on a small area of skin first.

Aloe Vera Gel

You can purchase the gel or cut it directly from the aloe vera leaf.

Apply it generously to the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes or so. Then wash off the gel with clean water.

You can do this twice daily.

Aloe Vera Juice

There's no good evidence that drinking aloe juice clears acne or "flushes toxins."

Oral aloe can cause cramps and diarrhea, has been linked to cases of hepatitis, and may be unsafe during pregnancy. Skip it for acne.

Aloe Vera Mixed With Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is a rich moisturizer, and some people mix it with aloe gel.

Research hasn't shown that it improves scars, and it can cause an itchy rash in some people.

Aloe Vera Mixed with Jojoba Oil

Aloe Vera also works well when combined with jojoba oil.

Jojoba is a gentle moisturizing oil, and this combination can help soothe dry skin.

When you’re applying the aloe vera gel to help your acne, there are some tips you’ll want to follow:

• With clean hands, and a clean face, dab a dot of the gel directly onto your pimples.
• If an entire area has broken out, rub the gel over the whole section.
• Do not touch your face as it dries.
• Severe or cystic acne needs a dermatologist. Aloe won't control it.

Bear in mind a couple of precautions. If you’re allergic to plants such as onions, tulips or garlic, you might also be allergic to aloe vera.

If the aloe vera causes any irritation or burning, discontinue use and contact your dermatologist.​

Alternatives To Aloe Vera For Treating Acne Scars

If aloe vera is just not your thing, or you would like to use it in conjunction with another natural acne scar treatment then I have a few more suggestions for you.

Sundown Vitamin E Oil

Sundown Vitamin E Oil is a rich oil that can nourish and moisturize dry skin.

Research hasn't shown that vitamin E fades acne scars, so treat it as a moisturizer, not a scar treatment.

Patch-test it first. Natural oils can still cause skin reactions.

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Leven Rose Rosehip Seed Oil

This pure, unrefined and cold pressed oil is a popular facial oil.

It contains natural fatty acids to help rejuvenate your skin, and is loaded with vitamin A.

The rosehip seed oil from Leven Rose comes with a handy dropper to help apply the oil directly to the acne scars both on your back and your face.

It’ll work even better on your scars if you massage the oil into the affected area.

The texture of the oil is thick but very easily absorbed into the skin.

Leven Rose Rosehip Seed Oil comes in a glass bottle to ensure longevity of the product and it will retain all its goodness for a long time.

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In Conclusion

Overall, Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel is a soothing, fragrance-free gel, but it won't erase acne scars.

Aloe is an inexpensive add-on to a proven acne routine. Natural doesn't mean reaction-free, though, so patch-test it first.

If acne or scarring bothers you, see a dermatologist. As the American Academy of Dermatology explains, treatments like chemical peels, microneedling and lasers can improve scars in ways over-the-counter gels can't.

Sources

• Aloe Vera: Usefulness and Safety, NCCIH
• Acne scars: Consultation and treatment, American Academy of Dermatology