Aloe Vera as a Skin Care Ingredient: Benefits and Uses

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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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