Anyone who suffers from acne knows what it feels like to have that intense desire to have smooth and pimple-free skin.
Well, it’s not as difficult as it seems.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that flawless skin can only be achieved by celebrities, or by people who have lots of money to use on expensive skin treatments.
It’s possible to have healthy, beautiful skin using natural remedies that are readily available. This article will focus on using aloe vera for acne relief.
With the use of natural anti-acne solutions like aloe vera, you can finally bid goodbye to those annoying red marks on your face.
You can once again wear your skin proudly and confidently.
Here are some of the important things that you’ll learn from this post:
- An extensive guide on acne, including its causes, types, and effects
- The useful properties of aloe vera that make it suitable for the treatment of acne
- Practical remedies that make use of aloe vera and other natural ingredients for acne relief
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What is Acne?
Acne is a chronic skin condition that develops due to high production of sebum as well as bacterial infection by Propionibacterium acnes [1].
It occurs when the hair follicles of the skin are clogged with sebum, oil and dead skin cells, and are infected with bacteria [1].
There are various types of acne:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Papules
- Pustules
- Cysts
These unsightly blemishes can be found anywhere in the body, but mostly on the face, chest, shoulders, neck and back [2].
This skin problem is actually very common.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are more than 50 million Americans who suffer from acne.
The most common victims are teens and young adults.
About 80 percent of people between 11 to 30 years of age have at least one minor acne breakout [3].
While it’s true that acne doesn’t have any negative effects on the health, it can leave both physical and emotional scars [4].
Stress, anxiety, and depression are just few of the many harmful emotional consequences of acne.
For some, it can even result in “decreased employability in adulthood” [4].
Some teens have been reported to have suicidal tendencies after being bullied for their physical appearance, or after being depressed about their acne breakouts.
Yes, it’s that serious.
To make sure none of these happen to you or anyone in your family, treat acne right away with natural remedies that have been proven safe and effective in scientific research.
Properties of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a perennial succulent that belongs to the Liliaceal plant family [5].
It was first discovered in Africa many centuries back [5].
This cactus-looking plant is known to thrive in hot and dry locations but is now being cultivated in many parts of the world due to its high medicinal value [5].
Throughout history, aloe vera gel has served countless medicinal purposes in Greece, Japan, China, India, Egypt and Mexico [6].
Aloe vera gel is composed of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, saponins, amino acids, sugars, and salicylic acids [6].
Its clinical efficacy as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic has long been established by experts [6].
It has also been found to have profound benefits in skincare.
In fact, aloe vera is widely used today as a key ingredient in many skincare products including facial creams, facial washes, face masks, body lotions, bath soaps and many more.
It’s no wonder it’s being touted as one of the most effective remedies for the skin problem that many people complain about—acne.
Why Aloe Vera is an Effective Solution for Acne?
Aloe vera has many valuable effects on the skin.
One of these is to eradicate blemishes like acne that make the skin look terrible.
Here are the different ways it works:
#1. Aloe Vera Combats Bacteria
Aloe vera resolves acne by getting to the root of the problem.
As a strong antibacterial agent, it has the ability to neutralize the activities of acne-causing bacteria.
In a 2009 study that can be found in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, aloe vera’s efficacy against various types of bacteria has been confirmed [7].
The polysaccharides in aloe vera gel have been found to reduce or even completely eradicate bacterial strains like Propionibacterium acnes [7].
This is made possible by the activation of the phagocytic leucocytes in the body, which in turn destroy the bacteria [7].
#2. Aloe vera soothes inflammation
Among the many unpleasant symptoms of acne is inflamed skin.
It’s a good thing that this can be alleviated with aloe vera gel, which has been verified to possess anti-inflammatory properties [8, 9].
There’s sufficient evidence that aloe vera can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes that trigger the process of inflammation on the skin.
RELATED: 13 Essential Oils for Inflammation & How to Use Them
#3. Aloe vera speeds up healing of lesions
It’s no secret that aloe vera is a great healer of wounds.
In fact, it has been used centuries ago to treat and disinfect wounds as well as many other skin injuries.
Infected acne can be treated with the topical application of aloe vera gel.
A 1998 study performed by Indian researchers confirms that aloe vera is capable of speeding up the healing of dermal wounds [10].
#4. Aloe vera keeps the skin hydrated and nourished
As if all these are not enough, aloe vera can also hydrate and nourish the skin.
According to a Brazilian research, the mucopolyssacarides in aloe vera help lock in moisture in the skin with its humectant mechanism [11].
Not to mention, it has loads of antioxidants that can also neutralize the damage caused by free radicals, and improve overall skin health.
Indeed, there are many skin benefits that can be obtained from the use of aloe vera.
Don’t hesitate to use it as part of your skincare regimen, as it has been proven a number of times to be effective not only in controlling acne but also in keeping the skin fresh and healthy.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne Treatment?
Here are the various remedies that you can use for treating acne with aloe vera.
#1. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is so potent yet so gentle as an anti-acne that it can be used in its pure form.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 aloe vera leaf
Recommended Directions:
- Cut an aloe vera leaf
- Squeeze to release the gel.
- Use a cotton pad to apply on acne.
- Leave it on for 10 hours.
- Rinse it with cool water.
- Repeat this remedy everyday until acne clears.
#2. Combine Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also a strong anti-microbial that can help in fighting bacteria that cause pimples to appear on the skin.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
Recommended Directions:
- Combine aloe vera gel and lemon juice.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture on your face.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Do this technique once a day for two to three weeks.
RELATED: 10 Ways Lemon Oil Can Benefit your Health
#3. Mix Aloe Vera and Honey
Honey has many valuable skin benefits. Not only does it keep the skin moisturized, it also puts up a good defense against acne-causing microbes.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Add honey to aloe vera gel.
- Mix well.
- Slather a generous amount on your skin.
- Wait for 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
RELATED: 10+ Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)
#4. Use Aloe Vera, Milk and Sugar
Vitamin D in milk boosts skin elasticity and helps in reducing acne. Sugar, on the other hand, acts as a natural exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Recommended Directions:
- Dissolve sugar in milk.
- Add aloe vera gel.
- Mix well.
- Use a facial mask.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water.
- Repeat procedure every other day for up to four weeks.
#5. Apply Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has long been confirmed to have significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help battle acne.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
Recommended Directions:
- Add tea tree oil to aloe vera gel.
- Using a cotton pad, spread the oil blend on your skin.
- Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Pat it dry.
- Do this once a day for three to four weeks.
#6. Pair Aloe Vera with Rose Water
Rose water is soothing on the skin, and can help tone down inflammation caused by acne.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 cup of rose water
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Recommended Directions:
- Dissolve aloe vera gel in rose water.
- Use this mixture to wash your face everyday.
- After washing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil mixed with olive oil.
- Spread a thin layer on your face.
- Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before wiping it off.
- Do this procedure daily for two to three weeks.
Bottom Line
Acne is not a medical emergency that you should be overly concerned about.
However, since it can cause embarrassment and affect your self-confidence, it’s only right that you find a way to treat it.
Make use of aloe vera, which has different modes of actions that can benefit your pimple-ridden skin.
