Ways aloe vera can nourish your skin

NEW DELHI: When it comes to skin, the aloe vera benefits are no joke. Aloe vera is a natural, plant-based ingredient that's been used for medicinal purposes for, well, seemingly forever. When you open up the leaves of the succulent plant, you'll find a clear, jelly-like gel, which is rife with healing properties that are great for treating cuts, healing burns, improving digestive health when consumed, and promoting better oral health, says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist.

In other words, aloe vera is definitely worthy of a permanent spot in your medicine cabinet, but it isn't just there for you in times of minor ailments. It's also great for your skin, too. You can rub the gel straight from the leaf, and you can find it in many creams, gels, and ointments. Keep reading to learn other ways aloe vera can benefit your skin, plus tips on how to incorporate the star ingredient into your daily skincare routine.

Aloe vera is a great moisturizer

Aloe vera gel is incredibly moisturizing for your skin, hair, and scalp. "Aloe vera leaves, particularly in the innermost layer, are abundant with water, so it helps to hydrate the skin and seal in moisture," Dr. Frieling says. "The sugars it contains, also known as mucopolysaccharides, aid in retaining moisture in the skin."

Aloe vera can help to fade dark spots

If you have pesky dark spots, aka hyperpigmentation, aloe vera has your back (er, face). "A compound called aloesin, found in the aloe vera plant, could help to fade dark spots," Dr. Frieling says. "According to one study, when applied four times per day for 15 days, aloesin was found to be effective in treating UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation."

Aloe vera has antiviral and antibacterial effects

With aloe vera, you're well-protected thanks to anthraquinones, a compound found in aloe that boasts antibacterial and antiviral effects. Plus, the fatty acids and enzymes present in aloe vera gel help to reduce inflammation, Dr. Axe says. "These properties support aloe vera's ability to fight skin infections, like cold sores, when applied topically."

Aloe vera can heal burns

Studies have shown aloe vera is an effective way to heal first and second-degree burns, Dr. Axe says, hence why it's often an ingredient in over-the-counter medications for skin burns. "It works through its anti-inflammatory properties, promotes circulation, and prevents bacteria growth," Dr. Frieling says.

Aloe vera can help treat acne

"Aloe vera is a natural source of salicylic acids, which can assist with flare-ups of blackheads and whiteheads," Dr. Frieling says. One study showed that aloe vera topical gel, in combination with acne cream medication tretinoin, was significantly more effective at treating inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne than tretinoin on its own.

Aloe vera can help with chronic skin conditions

Aloe gel is also great for managing skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis, which cause inflammation and weaken the skin barrier, making the skin more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, Dr. Frieling says. (Agencies)

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