What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel On The Face?

Aloe is a plant whose gel has been used for a variety of health and beauty purposes for thousands of years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The gel can be obtained from an aloe plant by snipping off the tips of the leaves and squeezing the insides out. Aloe plants are popular house plants and can be purchased in most grocery and home and garden stores.

History of Use

The aloe plant has been used all over the world and throughout history due to its medicinal values. According to John S. Haller, Jr., Ph.D. in an article on the history of the aloe plant published in the November-December 1990 "Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine," the aloe plant originated in Southern and Eastern Africa. According to the UMMC, aloe was one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the 18th century. It was a popular medical treatment in the United States during the 1800s for a variety of uses, including the treatment of skin burns, wounds and irritations. Aloe is still used today for these purposes in modern herbal medicine. Aloe is also a common ingredient in many topical treatments for facial skin care.

Acne

Aloe is used in many popular commercially-prepared facial acne treatments. However, most scientific evidence points to the benefits of aloe in healing the scars caused by acne, as opposed to aloe being a useful treatment for preventing or treating acne. According to Discovery Health, aloe has moisturizing properties that can help to reduce inflammation and decrease the appearance of acne scar tissue.

Psoriasis

According to the UMMC, preliminary studies suggest that aloe may be a beneficial treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis. Facial psoriasis occurs mostly on the areas near the eyebrows, between the nose and upper lip and the hairline, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. It is characterized by scaly, red patches that cover these specific areas of the skin. Using aloe may help to ease the symptoms of this painful and delicate condition.

Itching

Aloe has soothing properties that can cool and calm itchy skin. According to Dónal O'Mathúna, Ph.D in his book, "Alternative Medicine," aloe contains magnesium lactate, which blocks the production of histamine, which causes pain and itching. Aloe may be beneficial for use on itchy, flaky facial skin caused by weather or environmental factors.

Dry Skin

Aloe is a natural lubricant and humectant, meaning that it helps your skin retain moisture. According to a July 2007 study by researchers Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani, and D.G. Saple published in the "Indian Journal of Dermatology," aloe is a natural moisturizer for dry skin that can improve the appearance and integrity of skin and decrease skin wrinkling due to dryness.