Using aloe vera on the face can help moisturize skin and may help manage skin conditions, such as acne. It is a common ingredient in various products, including face wash and toner.
Aloe vera is a common household plant known for its skin-healing properties.
Applying a small amount of aloe vera to the face regularly can help treat various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and sunburn.
A person can use the gel directly from an aloe vera plant or buy a bottled variety from a health store.
This article explains how to use aloe vera for the face and looks at the benefits, the conditions it treats, and potential risks.
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in desert regions around the world. Its leaves produce a gel that is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12.
Using aloe vera on the face has benefits because:
- its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce pain, swelling, and soreness of wounds or injuries
- it supports the production and release of collagen
- it can
speed up wound healing time and limit scarring - it
reduces the healing time of first-degree and second-degree burns, which can include sunburns - it may help treat fungal and bacterial
infections - it protects the skin from the damaging effects of radiation therapy
- it primarily consists of water, which helps moisturize, soothe, and hydrate the skin
- it helps to make the skin
more flexible and supple, rather than stiff and strained - It has a cooling effect on rashes or sunburns
People have used aloe vera for
When buying an aloe vera product, avoid products with added ingredients, such as alcohol or other chemicals. These may irritate the skin.
The easiest way for a person to obtain fresh aloe vera gel is to keep a plant in the house. Aloe vera plants are often available from local garden stores or online.
There are
Follow these steps to extract the raw aloe gel from the plant’s leaves:
- Use a sharp, clean knife to cut off a leaf from the plant as near to the root as possible.
- Rinse the leaf and lightly pat dry.
- Place the cut side down in a bowl and leave it for about 15 minutes to allow the
yellow aloe vera latex to drain out, and discard it. - Cut the narrow pointed end off from the top of the leaf.
- Drain the latex again if necessary.
- Press the leaf to help it soften.
- Cut the ‘spines’ off both sides of the plant as close to the edge as possible.
- Lay the leaf flat and slice it down the center from tip to tip, or for bigger leaves, cut the outer green layer off.
- Gently scoop out the gel using a spoon or knife blade. Very large aloe leaves may contain solid blocks of gel.
- Wash the gel carefully to clean it of any residue.
- Place the gel in a sealable container and refrigerate before use.
- Store the container of gel in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze the aloe vera gel in ice cube trays.
Anyone who wants to use aloe vera as a complementary treatment for skin conditions should first speak with a doctor.
Always do an allergy patch test before applying aloe vera to the face. Apply a small amount of gel to the inside of the wrist to check for a reaction. Wait 24 hours. If the skin starts to itch, swell, or change color, do not apply aloe vera to the face.
Anecdotal evidence provides the following tips for how to use aloe vera:
Face wash
After washing the hands, use the fingertips to apply a small amount of the gel to the face. Gently cleanse the face with the aloe vera in a circular motion, covering all the skin. Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry. Follow with aloe vera skin toner.
Skin toner
To make an aloe vera skin toner, mix 2 parts water with 1 part aloe vera gel. Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight bottle and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before applying the toner to the face using a fresh cotton ball.
Insect bite treatment
Wash the affected area well with soap and water. Pat dry with a paper towel. Cover the area with aloe vera, leaving it on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Reapply as needed.
For minor skin wounds or cuts
Wash the area well with soap and water and allow it to dry. Apply a small amount of aloe vera to the wound or cut. Cover the area with a bandage and allow it to heal overnight. Repeat this process the next day if needed.
Antifungal treatment
Apply a small amount of the gel to the area three times a day for 2 weeks.
For moisturizing effect and eczema relief
Apply a small amount of the gel to the face and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and gently pat dry.
For acne spots and rosacea
Make an acne solution using 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 2 to 3 drops of fresh lemon juice. Store the mixture in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. After gently cleansing the face, apply a small amount to acne spots and scars once or twice a day.
Alternatively, combine aloe vera gel with several drops of tea tree oil.
Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
For sunburn
Apply chilled aloe vera gel two or three times a day to the sunburned area. Use for several days, or until the skin color has returned to its usual condition and inflammation has improved.
Alternatively, mix 2 parts water with 1 part aloe vera to make a spray. Keep the solution in the refrigerator. When using the spray, avoid the eyes.
For minor burns
Apply just enough chilled aloe vera gel to coat the burn completely. Cover the burn with a bandage. Remove the dressing the next day.
Applying aloe vera gel to the face does not have associations with any severe health risks. However, some people may experience an initial stinging or burning feeling after using the gel on dry or sensitive skin.
Leaving aloe vera gel on the face may cause it to dry out. To avoid this effect, rinse the gel off after a few minutes.
Some people may experience an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) to topical aloe vera. Always do a patch test first to check for sensitivity before using it on the face.
Experts generally consider it safe to use aloe vera on the face.
Few, if any, in-depth
People can leave aloe vera gel on their faces overnight, although this may cause the skin to become dry. However, they should always conduct a patch test before using it for the first time.
A person may want to try applying aloe vera gel to the face once or twice a day to the affected area.
However, there are no clinical guidelines for using aloe vera on the face, so a person should consult a doctor before using it as a complementary treatment for skin conditions.
Applying large amounts of aloe vera gel to the face may cause the skin to dry out. Therefore, a person should only apply aloe vera gel in minimal amounts.
Aloe vera is a popular vitamin-rich plant with skin-healing properties. It is safe to use on the face to help with many skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, or minor wounds.
However, people should speak with a doctor and conduct a patch test before using it for the first time. They can obtain the gel directly from an aloe vera house plant or buy it pre-prepared.