The Benefits of Aloe Vera for Your Skin

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is famous for its healing and moisturizing properties, especially for the skin and hair. Historically, aloe vera has been used to treat people with skin disorders and burn injuries since it is considered safe and non-toxic. Because of the long list of benefits associated with its use, aloe vera has become a staple ingredient of creams, soaps, shampoos, and lotions (even your very own skincare staples)! Scroll down to learn more about the wonderful effects of aloe vera for boosting skin moisture and repair.

Historical Background

Aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) is commonly found in hot and dry areas, especially in Central America and Asia, where the plant has been used for centuries as a health supplement.1 The word aloe comes from the Arabic word meaning shining bitter substance, while vera is a Latin word meaning truth. Back in the day, aloe vera was used by the Egyptians for body care, even dubbing aloe vera as the plant of immortality. As a plant with a wide range of therapeutic effects, aloe vera is also known as the miracle gift of nature.1

Nutritional Components

The aloe vera plant is rich in nutrients that ultimately promote healing and repair. Its most important component is its leaf, which contains the liquid gold that is the aloe vera gel. This gel contains amino acids (a.k.a. the building blocks of proteins), healthy fats, chromones (which contain anti-inflammatory properties), vitamins, and sterols (essential components that maintain the strength and integrity of your cells).1 In fact, more than seventy-five (75) nutrients can be found within the aloe vera gel, including vitamins A, C, and E, which help nurture healthy, glowing skin!1
 
Bonus point! Aloe vera gel is also rich in salicylic acid, the famous ingredient of skincare brands that can help exfoliate your skin and maintain its youthful glow.
 
Aside from its skin-saving properties, aloe vera is also effective in relieving pain, preventing constipation and infections, reducing inflammation, regulating your immune response, and preventing irritation.1 

Skin Healing Effects

Dry and damaged skin may not only affect your physical health, but also your mental well-being. Because the skin serves as a protective barrier that safeguards your body from harmful microorganisms in the environment, a break in skin integrity can put you at risk of acquiring dangerous infections that will put your immune system out of balance. In a similar way, damaged skin can affect your mental health by affecting your self-esteem and confidence, especially during social interactions and events. Hence, healing is a vital process that your skin naturally undergoes after every injury. Aloe vera helps nurture this process, helping your skin to recover faster and healthier.
 
Aloe vera can help improve the flexibility and prevent your skin’s fragility through its hydrating properties, as 99% of aloe vera gel is made of water. Its amino acid and zinc components help nurture your skin’s natural integrity and prevent damage. Interestingly, the gel of the aloe vera plant can inhibit tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that promotes the production of melanin (the pigment that gives color to your skin, eye, and hair). This effect can be beneficial for those with hyperpigmentation or sunspots caused by this enzyme’s overactivity.1 Aloe vera is also considered safe and effective to use for people with burns because of its abilities to promote faster healing without having toxic effects.1

CLICK ME TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE ALOE VERA GEL AT HOME

​If it sounds like too much bother to make, no worries! We've linked some of our favorite aloe products for you to check out.

​Safety and Considerations

The use of aloe vera for topical use is generally safe, without any known effects to pregnant women. However, taking oral forms of oral vera is not recommended for pregnant mothers, as it is a strong laxative that may stimulate the uterus and cause premature contractions.1 Because of this effect, the use of aloe vera is also contraindicated for people with abdominal pain or discomfort.1 
 
It is important to remember that talking to your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctor is crucial before exploring the benefits of aloe vera, as well as other herbal medications, for your health and wellness concerns. Like all other herbal medications, the use of aloe vera should be regulated and monitored to make sure that the levels of nutrients delivered by the plant to your body is within optimal therapeutic levels.

The Naturopathic Approach

The aloe vera plant is one out of the million wonders offered by nature for your optimal health and wellness. Its powerful components not only help heal your skin and repair your body’s first line of defense against harmful pathogens, but also nurture your self-esteem and confidence. At Natural Path to Wellness, our team of naturopathic medicine experts will help you discover and enjoy the full potential of aloe vera for your skin, helping you and your body naturally heal from within. To learn more about the wonders of the naturopathic approach for optimal skin health, talk to us today!

BECOME A CLIENT

​This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. 

Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.

REFERENCES:

1. Catalano A, Ceramella J, Iacopetta D, et al. Aloe vera-An Extensive Review Focused on Recent Studies. Foods. 2024;13(13):2155. Published 2024 Jul 8. doi:10.3390/foods13132155