Breakouts! A common skin concern which has been faced by a lot of people in all age groups. One standard solution, which is used for centuries is nothing but using ALOE VERA GEL. A single star ingredient used in ancient times for cooking to incorporate in cooling sunburns and cuts on the skin. They are rich in anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A one stop product to calm irritated/red skin, reduce painful acne, and speeden up the skin concerns. You can use them directly from plants, or choose one which is natural.

Is Aloe Vera Good for Acne and Pimples?

Absolutely yes. They are super-beneficial when you are someone who has acne-prone skin or sensitive skin.

The anti-bacterial property in this aloe gel helps in fighting acne-inducing bacteria. The anti-inflammatory property is aloe vera helps in calming skin and reduces the breakout’s swelling. They have the ability to heal and moisturize naturally; When used continuously you can find the scars fading away, and heals skin gradually. 

The active acne or pimple in the skin can be well managed when incorporating aloe vera in skincare routine. Even the painful acne settles and calms down when aloe gel is used as spot treatment. They work on keeping the natural oil secretion at bay, which is one of the major reasons for breakouts.

How Aloe Vera Works to Heal Acne and Pimples

A multipurpose gel - aloe vera contains properties like glycoproteins and polysaccharides. The glycoproteins content helps in reducing the inflammation and redness on the skin, while also easing the painful acne and its swelling! The polysaccharides content helps in skin re-generation,and reduces the spots and marks on the skin.

They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which helps in keeping skin well nourished and hydrated. This ingredient has a natural healing property, which speeds up recovering the skin burns, cuts, and skin irritation.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne and Pimples

1. Patch test

• If you are using it for the first time, make sure to patch the test on your neck or behind your ears. Wait for 24hrs, and there is no irritation or redness, you are okay to go with it. 
  

• If you have redness or irritation, stop, and try again after a week. If the issue persists, try using store-bought ones. If it continues, you are allergic, and stop using.

2. Choose your aloe

• You can cut from the plant, let the edges sink in water for 10 to 15mins. You will see yellowish substances in water. Not cut the spiky edges, scrape the gel after cutting into halves.
  

• You can also try a store bought gel. Always pick odorless, no alcohol, and colorless one.

3. Apply on Clean Skin

Use gentle cleanser/face wash. Pat dry. Always apply the gel on clean face

4. Face Moisturizer

Apply the gel all over your face post serum application. Smooth a pea-to-dime sized amount over the face like a serum. Let the gel sit for 10mins, and you can continue with moisturizer and sunscreen.

5. Spot treatment

• If you have active acne / pimples, you can apply this gel as a spot treatment. 
  

• Let them sit for 30 minutes or overnight.

• You can do this daily for better results.

6. Aloe Face masks 

Here are some of the aloe vera face masks which you can use in your skincare routine once / twice in a week.

• HYDRATING MASK - Aloe Vera and Honey:

Mix one spoon of aloe vera gel with a tablespoon of honey. Apply on the face and neck. Rinse after 15mins.

• OIL CONTROL MASK - Aloe + Multani Mitti:

Mix one spoon of aloe gel with any clay of your choice (multani mitti, french clay, kaolin clay,etc). Let them sit for 10min or until they are 80 - 90%dry. Gently rinse and apply moisturizer.

• GLOW MASK - Aloe + Rosehip Oil:

Mix aloe vera with fixed drops of rosehip oil. Let them sit for 20 to 30mins, and you can wash off with plain water.

7. Storage:

• If you are using fresh aloe gel, just take the required amount. If it's excess, store in the refrigerator.
  

• If you are using store bought ones, use a spatula, and keep the air tight post application.

Aloe Vera for Acne Scars: Can It Help?

Honestly yes! Even the active acne goes away after a couple of weeks, but the scars remain for months and even years at times. These stubborn acne scars on the skin can be healed by using aloe gel when used continuously. The active components in the gel enhances collagen production and repairs the skin barrier; This is because of the natural compound called ALOESIN, present in the gel. They help in fading away the pigmentation marks, stubborn acne scars/spots in the skin.

Using them once after the acne settles will do wonders; Like fading away sooner than a long time period. Ensure to apply sooner for light marks, and at the same time to fade away sooner!

Aloe Vera Acne Treatment: Dos and Don’ts

When incorporating aloe vera in your skincare routine, they can be super-effective. But when used incorrectly, they will damage the skin. 

Here are some of the Do’s and Dont’s for getting maximum benefits while using them:

Do’s of Aloe Vera Gel:

• Always patch tests in your jawline or inner arm to check allergies / sensitivity.

• Ensure to apply the gel on clean skin, post facewash.

• Use them consistently for better results.

• Go for pure aloe vera gel. Scrape out from the plant and use them!

• If you are going to use store bought ones, go for colorless, odourless products.

• If you take fresh aloe gel, store excess in the fridge; They look best for a week.

Dont’s of Aloe Vera Gel:

• Never use too much, since they will leave sticky residue in the skin.

• Don't apply on open wounds; This will irritate skin and cause discomfort.

• Don't just use aloe vera to cure acne or breakouts.

• Never Skip sunscreen using aloe gel, since they worsen pigmentation and damage skin barrier.

Natural Alternatives to Aloe Vera for Acne

If you face irritation or allergies on skin post aloe vera gel application, then it's better to look for other options. Even though it's natural, everything natural will not suit all skin types. Some of the alternatives include:

1. A wonderful ingredient “Tea Tree Oil:, which is known for its anti-microbial properties. If you have acne prone skin or inflamed skin, using this oil, or diluting with carrier oils will be a better choice.

2. A skincare magic in the kitchen is “Honey”. Known for anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, they can be used as mask or spot treatment.

3. One more magical ingredient in the kitchen is Turmeric, which helps in making skin brighten naturally. You can mix with honey for calming skin!

4. Green Tea, packed with antioxidants helps in controlling oil production and soothes irritated skin.

5. Neem, an anti-bacterial agent, helps in reducing breakouts and prevents acne. You can use them as paste or use oil in any of your face packs.

Conclusion

Aloe vera - a multi-tasking agent, helps in fighting acne causing bacteria, and hydrates naturally. Whether you have acne or acne marks, using this will give you better results. Consistency should be there if you want faster results.

Incorporate aloe vera into your skincare routine today for clearer, healthier skin.

FAQs

1. Can aloe vera remove tan?

Yes,  they lighten tan over time. Because of the presence of compound “Aloesin”, they help in controlling pigmentation. Don't use sunscreen for healthy and tan-free skin.

2. Can aloe vera whiten skin?

No, whitening does not happen. But it can help in brightening the skin when mixed with the right ingredients. 

3. Is aloe vera good for oily skin?

Yes, for sure. If you are someone with oily skin, aloe vera does wonders. They help in preventing excess oil secretion, are non-greasy, and have less chance for breakouts.

4. Can I leave aloe vera on my face overnight?

Yes, you can apply a little thick layer for an extra dose of moisturisation. You can also use it as a spot treatment on acne and acne scars.

5. How long does it take aloe vera to clear acne?

This depends on your acne. For inflamed skin, it takes a couple of weeks; For scars, a month or two. But be consistent for visible results.