Aloe Vera : A Natural Acne Skin Care Remedy

Aloe Vera is well-known for its skin benefits, healing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Widely cultivated as a house plant, it’s also agriculturally grown for its topical medicinal properties. Aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties derived from naturally produced bacteriostatic anthraquinones and polysaccharides. To obtain the gel, select a thick healthy leaf, cut it and squeeze out the liquid inside. Aloe vera’s gel form is typically used in skin care, wound healing, insect bites, sunburn, dental and hair care.

Acne is another condition where Aloe Vera may provide some relief. Also known as acne vulgaris, acne is a persistent skin disease caused by the clogging of hair follicles; acne lesions are frequently complicated by bacterial infection. More than 600 million people suffer from it globally with varying levels of severity. While acne can occur at any age, it occurs most commonly during adolescence and has a strong genetic predilection (as high as 80%). Due to its chronic and persistent clinical course, acne may lead to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring. Hyperpigmentation refers to a dark skin patch that develops after an acne lesion has completely healed. Skin hyperpigmentation may be temporary or permanent so it’s important to take steps to prevent and/or reduce PIH. Aloe Vera has shown promise in reducing acne-related inflammation and scarring. It may also aid in the prevention of hyperpigmentation via its anti-inflammatory action but offers little to no benefit once hyperpigmentation has occurred. This is why prevention and proper skin care are so important.

“Woman Skin” by Authentic Stock/ CC0 1.0

Ways to prevent postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) :

Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating (above 30 or higher, especially if using retinoid products) and wear hats and protective clothing. Increased production of melanin causes skin hyperpigmentation so one of the best ways to prevent it is by protecting the skin from sun exposure and UV rays.
Avoid picking acne lesions and large pimples
Use a gentle skin care routine. Incorporate ingredients with known anti-inflammatory properties like Aloe vera into your daily skin care routine.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps inhibit melanin production.
Hydroquinone is a highly popular and effective product used for treating hyperpigmentation. It works by reducing the number of melanin producing cells (called melanocytes) and thereby reducing hyperpigmentation. A prescription from a doctor is needed to obtain the most concentrated and effective forms — typically above 2% concentration or higher
Retinol is a natural form of Vitamin A. It comes in various concentrations and acts by increasing skin cell turn over and accelerating healing. Retinol and all retinoids cause photosensitivity or extreme sensitivity to sunlight and UV rays. Retinol should not be confused with Tretinoin (also known as the brand name Retin-A). Tretinoin is a synthetic form of Vitamin A, stronger than Retinol and available only by prescription. Sun blocking clothing, limiting sun exposure and sunblocking cream with a very high SPF rating (above 50) are recommended while using all retinoids. Some also recommend using retinoids only at night and SPF during the day.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA). AHA and glycolic acid accelerate skin exfoliation to produce smoother brighter skin. It comes in various forms and products; stronger preparations typically require a doctor’s prescription.
Vitamin A, Niacinamide, licorice extract and N-acetyl glucosamine have been used
Chemical peels and ablative lasers work by removing the excess melanin causing hyperpigmentation

A brief note of caution : Orally ingested Aloe vera is listed as potentially carcinogenic by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and is potentially toxic. Ingested Aloe vera products can adversely interact with certain drugs, including several commonly prescribed prescription medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to using any product with known drug interactions or side effects.

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