9 Benefits Of Using Aloe Vera For Skin Care & More

Aside from being a staple in your mother's medicine cabinet for sunburned skin, aloe vera has been used by different civilizations for centuries for a range of skin care, health, and medicinal purposes.

A cactus plant that naturally grows in arid climates, the succulent-like leaves of the aloe plant house a clear gel that's home to more than 751 (and perhaps up to 2002) different active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, sugars, enzymes, salicylic acids, and amino acids.

Topping off our list is aloe vera's most well-known usage: soothing sunburned skin. Because of its naturally moisturizing, and subsequently healing, properties, research has shown that aloe vera may help heal3 first- and second-degree burns on the skin, although the mechanism in which it does so has yet to be fully understood—probably because it is a combination of factors. 

Dark spots on the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation, can leave their mark for a variety of reasons. Whether from sun exposure, acne, or just the normal aging process, all dark spots typically have one thing in common: They're stubborn. However, a compound called aloesin, found in the aloe vera plant, could help lighten things up.

Aloe vera's moisturizing properties are twofold. "The leaf of the aloe vera plant is rich in water, particularly in the innermost layer, so it helps to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture," explains board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D. "The sugars [it contains], also known as mucopolysaccharides, [also] help to retain moisture in the skin."

Though there is little research specifically on aloe vera as a scalp mask, all of the plant's beneficial properties for skin—namely, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial—also lend themselves to the scalp (which is also skin, after all).

Hydrated skin is happy, healthy skin, and as we know, sufficient moisture also helps stave off the visible signs of aging (e.g.: fine lines and wrinkles).

"There is data to suggest that aloe may have antimicrobial properties and may help acne-prone skin," says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research, department of dermatology, at Mount Sinai Hospital. "It should not take the place of your traditional acne medications but can be used alongside them."

Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis10 signal general inflammation and a compromised skin barrier—both of which can be helped by aloe vera.

Dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis11, and aloe vera has been found to be an effective treatment for the scalp irritation, scaliness, and flakiness caused by seborrheic dermatitis.

Another unwanted skin signal of aging, as well as pregnancy, are stretch marks. According to some research, the topical application of aloe vera has been shown to be effective in lessening the appearance and preventing the spread of stretch marks14.

Although the exact mechanism is still unknown, aloe's ability to help fade stretch marks is likely in part due to its skin-restoring and anti-inflammatory properties (promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin). 

Aloe is a popular natural ingredient for many products from face creams to body lotions to hand treatments—thanks to the fact that the botanical comes with all those healthy skin benefits mentioned above. It's also a popular addition because of the texture: By adding it to lotions, creams, or gels, it provides a smoother slip and absorbency.

Perhaps this goes without saying, but a product infused with aloe extract might not yield the same results as slathering on a fresh aloe gel. That's not to say those aloe-infused products aren't worth your while—they can certainly have some skin-soothing benefits, and many formulas are laced with other hydrating players as well!—but if you're attempting to soothe a sunburn or are just generally looking for straight-up aloe, a 100% pure gel is your best bet.

Although, you might not want to snag any aloe gel from the drugstore and slather on. Try to use a pure, fresh aloe leaf if you can (like from your local grocery store or farmer's market), as many commercial gels can include irritating fragrances or preservatives.

"Fresh aloe vera is best, as the medicinal properties deteriorate over time. Many commercial aloe vera gels and juices contain other ingredients such as preservatives," says California dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. 

Generally, no. Aloe, as mentioned, is an incredible hydrator and anti-inflammatory, but you should always patch-test before applying it all over your skin, just to make sure you don't have a reaction. As one scholarly review15 reads, "It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely generalized dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin." 

"Despite the emergence of many new botanical ingredients in skin care, aloe has been used in the skin for centuries and has proven skin benefits," explains Zeichner. In other words, while it may not be the newest, trendiest skin care ingredient on the market, aloe vera is tried and trusted, and its benefits are backed by plenty of research.