Aloe Vera as A Skin Care Ingredient

Aloe vera in skin care products

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that biologically acts as a salicylate.

It has soothing and calming properties and is considered an anti-inflammatory and humectant ingredients.

Aloe is good for your skin if you have sensitive skin. This is why aloe is a popular cosmeceutical ingredient.

You can drink aloe juice, apply the juice from the plant to your skin, or use skin care products that contain aloe.

What are the Benefits of Aloe Vera on Skin?

Aloe’s natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities make A. vera ideal for soothing sensitive skin.

Aloe is also a humectant that helps hold water on the skin’s surface.

Find skin care products with aloe:

Aloe vera is used to treat:

Acne- Even though it is noncomedogenic, it is not the best skin treatment for acne. It should be combined with other acne medications.

Burns- applying aloe juice directly from the plant immediately after a heat burn can help reduced skin damage and blisters from the burn. Aloe is the best treatment to put on skin immediately after a burn.

Eczema- Aloe should be combined with barrier repair ingredients. It is not a good eczema treatment by itself.

Frostbite- frostbite is similar to a burn. Aloe can help reduce skin injury after frostbite.

Psoriasis

Radiation injuries- Aloe can help reduce injury from radiation burns when applied after the radiation procedure.

Seborrhea- Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, can benefit from anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe. Aloe is a sticky gel so it does not work well on the scalp when squeezed directly from the plant, but can be used to treat seborrhea on the sides of the nose.

Ulcers- Aloe has been used to treat aphthous ulcers on the corners of the mouth and leg ulcers.

Is aloe vera a humectant?

Yes aloe vera is a humectant moisturizing ingredient that pulls water onto the skin.

Is Aloe Vera Good for Your Skin?

Aloe has mineral such as iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. However, its skin benefits come mostly from it’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe Vera is known to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial[1], immunomodulatory, and wound healing properties.[2],[3] Aloe is used to treat abrasions, burns, sunburns, blisters, cuts, frostbite, insect bites, and wounds.

Aloe vera has the following skin benefits:

Anti-inflammatory

Aloe constituents such as salicylic acid, magnesium lactate, and several polysaccharides are instrumental in reducing levels of thromboxane A2, thromboxane B2, and prostaglandin E2, thus rendering anti-inflammatory effects. Salicylates found in aloe block the inflammatory pathways that utilize cyclooxygenases.

Antioxidant

There are several components in aloe that give it antioxidant free radical scavenging properties such as including cinnamoyl, p-coumaroyl, feruloyl, and caffeoyl aloesin.

Moisturizing

Aloe has humectant abilities that help hydrate the skin.

Aloe Vera is recommended for the following Baumann Skin Types:

DSNT, DSPT, DSNW, DSPW, OSNT, OSNW, OSPT, OSPW

Source of Aloe Vera in Skin Care:

Aloe vera is a member of the Xanthorrhoeaceae family and the subfamily Liliaceae (lily) native to North Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Aloe is derived from the cactus-like perennial succulent. Organic skin care products with aloe are available. You can also squeeze the aloe juice directly from the plant and use it on your skin.

Chemistry of Aloe Vera in Skin Care Products:

The major chemical components found in A. vera include: Aloe resin, aloesin (2-acetyonyl-8-glucopyranosyl-7-hydroxy-5-methylchromone), glucomannans, particularly acemannan (also known as acetylated mannose or mannose-6-phosphate), and other polysaccharides (galactose, xylose, arabinose); aloe emodin and other anthraquinones, including aloin A and B (anthrone-C-glucosyls or C-glucosides of emodin and also known collectively as barbaloin); lectin, phenols (gentisic acid, epicatechin, and quercitrin), amino acids, enzymes, lignin, minerals (selenium, zinc), salicylic acid, magnesium lactate, saponins, sterols, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Safety Issues and Clean Beauty Standards for Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). There are no clean beauty standards that exclude aloe extract.

Environmental Impact of Aloe Vera in Skin Care

Cultivating Aloe vera does not harm the environment, though it is one of the largest botanical industries in the world.[4] As a succulent, A. vera acts against desertification. Aloe is not dangerous to a marine life.

Aloe Vera Skin Care Product Formulation Considerations

Due to its versatility in delivering skin care, A. vera is used widely as a cosmetic and cosmeceutical ingredient. It is effective in liposomal and hydrogel form to provide its own benefits as well as those of other ingredients. Aloe should be formulated with water-based ingredients when possible such as glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

Products that list “aloe vera extract” tend to be more dilute, while those listing “aloe gel” are more likely effective. Aloe is known to be ineffective in concentrations below 50%. For optimal skin benefits, use the gel squeezed directly from the aloe plant or look for a product that is 100% aloe juice.

Aloe Vera in Skin Care Routines

The hydrophilic nature of A. vera limits penetration into human skin. Products or skin care routines that combine aloe with penetration-enhancing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and oleic acid are the most effective.

When designing a skin care routine, care should be taken to design the order of steps in the routine to increase absorption of Aloe vera.

Types of Skin Care Products with Aloe Vera

When you take the skin type quiz, you will receive skin care product recommendations. You can shop for products that have aloe in them. Once you know your Baumann Skin Type, look for your colored octagon that denotes your skin type to know if that products is right for your skin type.

Cleansers

Deodorants

Moisturizers

Deodorants

Shampoos

Shaving Creams

Soaps

Sunscreens

Tissue Papers

Evidence- Based Research on Aloe Vera

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that the topical administration of A. vera has enhanced wound healing as well as re-epithelialization and granulation in burns and prevented the development of pressure ulcers.[5] Oral administration of A. vera has also been shown to contribute to maintaining healthy skin.[6]

In 2013, López et al. observed in vitro antioxidant activities displayed by methanol extracts of A. vera leaf skin and flowers, using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric antioxidant reducing power (FRAP) assays. The leaf skin fraction was more active, also exhibiting activity against tested microbial strains.(7)

History of Aloe Vera Usage in Skin Care

Aloe is believed to have been first cited in English in John Goodyew’s 1655 translation of De Materia Medica by the Greek physician Dioscorides, who used the plant to treat sores and wounds in the first century CE. Modern clinical use of A. vera began in the 1930s, when it was shown to be effective in treating chronic and severe radiation dermatitis.

Aloe vs Aloesin

Aloesin is an extract of aloe used to treat skin hyperpigmentation.

Bottom Line

Aloe Vera is found in many skin care products to treat burns, eczema, psoriasis, acne, sensitive skin, rosacea, and wounds. It can be used directly from the plant, as an aloe juice, or in skin care products.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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