Can You Use Aloe Vera on Your Face? | Featured In Real Simple

Dr. Mona Foad expands upon the insights she shared in her recent Real Simple feature: Is Aloe Vera Good For Your Face?

Is it OK to use aloe vera on your face?

It is generally safe to use aloe vera on your face. It can have numerous benefits for the skin, including moisturizing, soothing inflammation, reducing acne, and promoting healing. Many skincare products contain aloe vera as a key ingredient due to its calming and hydrating properties. However, if you know you have very sensitive and reactive skin, I would recommend doing a patch test first. This allows you to ensure that you don’t have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to aloe vera. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to a small area of your skin (such as the inside of your wrist or elbow) and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any adverse reaction before applying it to your face.  If you are sensitive, applying aloe vera may cause redness, burning, or a rash. 

What are some of the key benefits of using Aloe vera on your skin?

Aloe vera has been around for centuries and has been used in many cultures for its healing properties.  The over 70 active components in aloe vera have many skin benefits.  It contains water, which helps to hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. It is also an excellent natural moisturizer, particularly for people with dry or sensitive skin. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm irritated or inflamed skin. For this reason, it can be beneficial for soothing sunburns, rashes, and other skin irritations.

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This can help to reduce acne and prevent breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. It promotes wound healing and can help speed up the recovery process for cuts, burns, and other minor injuries. It also contains compounds that stimulate the production of collagen, which is essential for repairing damaged skin tissue.

Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which can help to protect the skin from free radical damage. This can reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It has a natural astringent effect, which can help to tighten and tone the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of pores and give the skin a smoother, more refined texture.

What’s the best application method?

When it comes to the best application method for aloe vera on your face, this really depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your skin. One way to use aloe vera includes sourcing it directly from the plant itself. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can cut open a leaf and extract the gel directly from the plant. Apply the gel directly to your face as a moisturizer or soothing treatment. This method ensures you’re using pure, natural aloe vera without any added ingredients or preservatives.

Many skincare companies today produce aloe vera gel products specifically formulated for topical use. These products can include moisturizers, serums, masks, and cleansers. Be aware that they often contain additional ingredients such as preservatives, thickeners, or other beneficial compounds. Look for products that contain high concentrations of aloe vera gel and minimal additives.

You can also creating your own aloe products by mixing aloe vera gel with other natural ingredients, such as honey, coconut oil, or essential oils. DIY recipes allow you to customize the formula to suit your skin type and address specific concerns.  Always make sure to patch-test products to ensure you do not have a sensitivity. 

Who shouldn’t use Aloe Vera?

While aloe vera is generally safe for most people, some people may be allergic. If you have a known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family (such as onions, garlic, or tulips), you may also be allergic to aloe vera. This is why performing a patch test before using aloe vera on your skin is important, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies. 

Even if you’re not allergic to aloe vera, it’s possible to experience skin irritation or sensitivity from its use. If you have very sensitive skin or any existing skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before using aloe vera. 

For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the topical application of aloe vera gel is unlikely to pose a risk. However, oral use of aloe is not recommended in pregnant women due to a theoretical risk of stimulating uterine contractions. Oral aloe is also not recommended during breastfeeding as this has been known to cause gastrointestinal upset in nursing infants. In general, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using it.

There are also some interactions with other medications. Concomitant use of aloe vera with topical steroids may cause increased absorption of the steroid cream. Oral use can lower potassium levels, so should not be used with digoxin, digitoxin, or furosemide and should be used with caution in patients using insulin or oral hypoglycemics.

How does this Aloe Vera compare to other ingredients?  

Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in skincare due to its hydrating, cooling, and soothing properties. While it is effective for many people, other ingredients can serve similar purposes. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping keep it hydrated and plump. It is often used in moisturizers and serums to provide and maintain hydration.  

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is very popular in skincare. It promotes a healthy skin barrier by reducing moisture loss and dehydration and helps to calm skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps with oil control and can also help with acne 

Cucumber extract is another ingredient known for its cooling and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products designed to calm irritated or inflamed skin. It also has hydrating benefits and can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Calendula extract is derived from the marigold flower and is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can help to soothe redness, irritation, and minor skin wounds, making it suitable for sensitive or damaged skin. Chamomile extract is another ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for soothing sensitive or irritated skin. It can help to reduce redness and inflammation and promote overall skin health. Additionally, oat extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming and soothing irritated or itchy skin. It can also help to improve skin barrier function and retain moisture.