According to the internet, aloe vera benefits are endless. Hailed as being able to soothe sunburn, aid healthy hair, heal wounds, act as an anti-bacterial and reduce dandruff — to name just a few. Oh, and it’s supposed to be great when ingested, too. Which has us wondering: is there anything aloe vera can’t do?

We wanted to get to the bottom of the truth in all of that and whether aloe deserves a permanent place both in our bathroom counters and kitchen cabinets. We called in the help of two experts to give us the lowdown on all things aloe vera benefits.

What is aloe vera and what was aloe vera first used for?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows in hot, dry climates and is an extremely popular medicinal plant. It’s been used for thousands of years with the Egyptians calling it “the plant of immortality.”

The gel inside the plant has been historically used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, including wound healing, to aid digestion and add hydration to the skin. It’s basically an excellent all-rounder so it’s no wonder it’s one of the most widely used plants today.

Is aloe vera actually good for the skin?

In short: yes, it genuinely is. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties, which makes it an excellent product to have in your routine. It contains a potential 75 active components, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, fatty acids, sugars are more.

How can aloe vera help the skin?

Aloe can help the skin in a number of ways, mainly thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits. We’ve broken down all of the ways aloe vera can help the skin.

Sunburn

The perhaps most obvious way, and most notable it’s used today is being used as a sunburn treatment. Let's be honest, there’s nothing quite like the cooling feeling of aloe vera on our skin after a hot, sweaty day where we may have caught the sun a little more than we’d like to admit. This 2008 study suggests it can help when applied topically to mild sunburns thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Despite feeling cooling on the skin, the research on exactly whether it helps sunburn is still thin. It could be the act of applying lotion that is helping more than the aloe itself. In addition to this, aloe is never a replacement for sun safety or SPF. Always wear sunscreen and UV clothing to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Need help choosing a formula, check out our best sun cream guide.

Wound-healing

An excellent wound healer, aloe “contains compounds called anthraquinones which can help to calm and reduce inflammation in the skin,” says Dr Thivi Maruthappu, consultant dermatologist and nutritionist and author of Skin Food.

Antioxidant benefits

In addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, aloe vera also has antioxidant properties.”It’s great at fighting harmful compounds in our bodies, known as free radicals,” explains Amanda Azzopardi, nurse practitioner and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics. This prevents oxidative stress, which reduces signs of premature ageing.

Acne and breakouts

Now, we absolutely won’t say that aloe vera can cure your acne because there’s a lot more to it than that. But, due to the inflammatory reduction and antibacterial properties, in some people breakouts can be reduced with topical aloe.

How does aloe vera benefit hair?

Surely if it works for the skin, it’ll work for the hair too, right? Well, kind of. In a sense yes because applied to the scalp it’ll have the same soothing and cooling effect as it does on the skin. When added to formulations, aloe can have added moisture-boosting benefits, but the research is still fairly limited.

Slathering on aloe vera to your ends at home won’t do as much as a deep conditioner mask will though. So best to stick to the formulas that never steer us wrong. But in terms of hair health, Dr Maruthappu admits that it won’t do too much. Unfortunately, it doesn’t aid growth either.

Can you use aloe vera in DIY beauty treatments at home?

The good news is, you can use the plant both as a pure ingredient in DIY treatments at home or as part of formulations in manufactured products.

“Either is fine,” says Dr Maruthappu. “But remember that when using straight from the plant, there is a much shorter expiry date on the product, you need to use it within 24 hours and keep it stored in the fridge.” Amanda echoed this, adding that “formulated products may contain additional ingredients to enhance benefits or provide specific properties.”

Can you eat aloe vera?

Now onto the wellness benefits. “You can eat raw aloe vera gel but be careful to strip it away from the yellow latex part of the plant which can have harmful effects, particularly in pregnancy,” says Dr Maruthappu. “My advice would be to stick to aloe vera juices and supplements if you want to take it internally,” she adds. Amanda agrees. “If you want to experience the benefits of aloe vera internally, it is best to use commercially available aloe vera juices or supplements specifically intended for oral consumption,” she says. “Smoothies can be a good way to incorporate aloe vera juice, but it is important to follow the instructions on the product and not exceed the recommended dosage.”

How to use raw aloe vera?

To use it raw, cut off a piece of the plant with scissors and then trim off all four edges. At this point, you might have some of the gel leaking out so make sure you have a clean surface down that you don’t mind getting aloe on. Then, you just peel either side of the skin away from each other to reveal the clear, sticky gel inside. You can either scoop out the gel into a tub and use from there, or you can apply the leaf (gel side down, obviously) directly onto the burn or affected area. Make sure you use up all of the gel in 24 hours.

Best ways to consume aloe vera?

“You can eat it any way you wish and it is thought to help with constipation and some people find it helps with IBS symptoms too,” Dr Maruthappu explains. By the same token, “aloe vera contains compounds that can have a laxative effect,” says Amanda, so if you’re worried, consult your GP before ingesting aloe vera.

Are there any disadvantages to aloe vera?

Aloe vera is considered to be very safe but there’s always a risk someone could have a reaction to it. “It’s generally considered safe for topical use, however some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to it,” Amanda says. “It is recommended to perform a patch test before applying it to a larger area of skin. In rare cases, aloe vera may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.”

TL;DR

Aloe vera is an excellent cooling agent and soothing ingredient. It provides relief for mild sunburn, dry skin and can promote wound healing for mild cases. It can also aid digestion in some people but should be used with caution for those who are sensitive to laxatives and digestion aids. The benefits are plentiful, so it’s no wonder it’s been used for years and years.

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