Chances are you've probably heard about the healing powers of aloe vera at some point. In 2021, it was one of the most Google-searched skincare ingredients in the world, according to Skincare Hero.
Aside from adorning living rooms everywhere, the succulent plant is commonly used for both cosmetology and medicinal purposes (via a Natural Medicine Journal). In fact, aloe has been used to treat a multitude of ailments, ranging from skin conditions to stomach infections to bug bites. Originally grown in dry and subtropical destinations, the herb has been lauded in various cultures, including African, Asian, and Mediterranean. Aloe gel, which is extracted from the inner leaf, is often used topically for dehydrated skin and sunburn. Aloe juice, on the other hand, also known as latex, is known for its laxative effects, and has been used to relieve constipation (via Journal of Environmental Science and Health).
Traditional medicine certainly hasn't ignored aloe vera. Its benefits aren't merely anecdotal; studies have shown that the plant is a powerful remedy for burn wounds, skin irritation, and other ailments. So, what is it about this versatile ingredient that makes it so special?
It can heal skin wounds
Aloe vera is famous for being the go-to natural product for burns, abrasions, scrapes, and cuts, according to the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences. Its therapeutic use for skin lesions and diseases can be traced back to 1500 B.C., and it's remained popular in countries like Greece, Mexico, and China ever since.
The ancient plant has been shown to heal skin conditions like psoriasis, ulcers, herpes, and bedsores. It can soothe a nasty burn after it's happened, reducing the chances of getting a blister. It's also commonly used for sunburn rashes. The application of aloe gel can be used as a complementary treatment for all kinds of skin wounds. Aloe vera is packed full of immune-boosting nutrients like polysaccharides, amino acids and zinc, which preserve the moisture and integrity of your skin.
Aloe works its magic by reducing inflammation, per a paper published in Surgical Science. In turn, it can relieve pain, itching, burning, and redness. It promotes the synthesis of cytokines, which speed up the healing process and help your body fight infections. What's more, through stimulating the production of collagen and removing dead tissue, aloe vera encourages the skin to repair itself.
It helps minimize wrinkles
Aging is an inevitable part of being human. We can't stop the march of time, but we can slow down the speed and impact of aging by adopting some healthy life hacks. For those who are keen to avoid the toxins in many skincare products, aloe vera is a natural and sustainable way to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, according to research in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Egyptian queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti famously added Aloe Vera to their beauty rituals, per a paper in the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences. The botanical ingredient has 75 compounds, after all, including amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and water. They help keep your skin vibrant and fight off free radicals that give rise to creases and blemishes.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that women who took aloe vera gel supplements for 12 weeks had younger-looking skin compared to those who took a placebo. This is because aloe vera contains sterols, which increase moisture and promote skin barrier function by boosting production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. So, consuming aloe vera won't make your wrinkles magically vanish, but it can make them less visible and reduce some signs of aging, say researchers.
