Table of contents:
- How does aloe vera work to treat acne
- Side effects of aloe vera for acne prone skin
- How to get rid of acne with aloe vera
- Fresh aloe vera mask
- Aloe vera mask with lemon
- Aloe vera mask with turmeric and honey
As a plant with a myriad of properties, aloe vera is quite popularly used to treat acne. Various skin care products containing aloe vera are claimed to be effective in dealing with acne problems. Has it been proven?
How does aloe vera work to treat acne
Aloe vera is a plant native to Africa that has been used in traditional medicine for skin problems, including acne and irritations. This plant with green leaves has a gel content which turns out to be quite efficacious in getting rid of acne.
You see, aloe vera contains gibberellins and polycasarida which help lock the moisture in the skin. The polysaccharides in aloe vera stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin fibers to make the skin more elastic.
This compound also has a cohesive effect on the cells of the outer layer of the skin. This means that the skin will peel off faster and be replaced by new, softer skin cells. Therefore, this clear colored gel helps disguise scars.
In fact, polysaccharides and gibberellins also act as antibacterials to fight acne-causing bacteria. Both help remove excess oil, remove dead skin cells and bacteria that clog pores.
Apart from that, aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that help reduce redness, inflammation, and pain associated with acne.
Therefore, the use of aloe vera gel is believed to help treat mild to moderate acne types. Even so, further research is needed to recognize the benefits of aloe vera and its side effects as an acne medication.
Side effects of aloe vera for acne prone skin
Generally, tongue gel is considered safe and effective for treating skin problems such as acne and burns. However, it is recommended to use aloe vera gel only topically.
Use of aloe vera orally, aka eaten or drunk, is at risk of cancer. The reason is, untreated aloe vera sap contains cancer-causing chemicals.
Also, consuming 1 gram of aloe vera gel for a few days can cause kidney damage and can be fatal. Therefore, aloe vera gel should only be used topically.
There are other side effects when consuming aloe vera gel, such as cramps and abdominal pain.
Always consult a dermatologist before using aloe vera gel, either orally or topically, especially when undergoing certain medications.
How to get rid of acne with aloe vera
Since ancient times, the aloe vera plant has been used for the treatment of acne. Not only on the face, this plant which is also used as juice is used to treat acne on the body and even those on the scalp.
Below are some ways you can get rid of acne with aloe vera.
Fresh aloe vera mask
Fresh aloe vera masks are one way that is often done so that the process of treating acne prone skin is faster. Here's how to make it.
- Take the aloe vera and press it to release the gel.
- Apply the gel to the skin infected with acne.
- Repeat this process twice a day for at least a week.
Aloe vera mask with lemon
Apart from fresh aloe vera gel, you can also use lemon for acne. The reason is, lemon contains acidic compounds that can kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Take the aloe vera leaf, cut the leaves, and press until the gel comes out.
- Place the gel in the blender.
- Add one lemon or lime juice and mix.
- Store this aloe vera lotion in the refrigerator and let it sit for a while.
- Apply lotion to your face like a mask every night before going to bed.
- Leave it on overnight and rinse your face in the morning.
Aloe vera mask with turmeric and honey
Did you know that it turns out that turmeric and honey have the same properties as aloe vera, which is to effectively help get rid of acne? The mixture of these three ingredients can make the skin free from acne faster. Follow the steps below.
- Take fresh aloe vera gel and mix in a little turmeric, honey, milk, and a few drops of rose water.
- Stir the ingredients well.
- Apply lotion to the skin with acne.
- Let stand for 15 - 20 minutes and rinse with water.
- Repeat this process regularly.
The use of aloe vera gel on the skin is fairly safe. However, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist before routinely using aloe vera to treat acne.