Why Aloe Vera Gel is So Good and Why You Can't Buy It

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It will help with herpes and seborrheic dermatitis. But it is not exactly.

Aloe gel is one of the newest hits in cosmetics. It is used as a face cream, it is used to treat sunburn, applied to the hair and soften the heels.

The life hacker took a closer look at the product from a scientific point of view and found out why and how it works.

Why is aloe gel useful?

First, let's define the concepts. Dozens of cosmetic products of various brands are sold under the name "aloe gel". All of them have one thing in common: a very high - as a rule, at least 90% of the composition - the content of the juice of the leaves of aloe vera.

It is the juice that is the main active ingredient of such cosmetic preparations. And it really has the potential to improve skin and hair health. Here are some of the properties of aloe vera.

1. Helps restore skin after sunburn

Aloe-based gels (as well as creams and ointments) accelerate the healing of sunburned skin. Thus, a number of studies The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review confirmed: if you lubricate the irritated epidermis with products with plant juice, the skin will fully recover 8-9 days faster than the untreated cover.

This happens for a number of reasons. First, First Aid moisturizes aloe gel well. Sunburn. Secondly, it contains a substance called aloin Aloin Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide ‑ Induced Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis by Inhibiting the Activation of NF-κB, which reduces inflammation.

Attention! You can only hope for aloe gel if you have a light burn without complications.

Do not self-medicate, but consult a physician or dermatologist as soon as possible if:

• blisters with a diameter of 1, 5 centimeters or more have formed on the skin - they can become a focus of infection;
• the blisters are not large, but cover a large area (for example, the entire back) - in this case, there is also a great risk of introducing dangerous microbes;
• at the site of the bursting bladder, obvious inflammation began - the skin turned red, became hot, went into a rash;
• the pain from the burn does not go away, but, on the contrary, intensifies;
• there are reasons to suspect infection: for example, pus is visible in the blisters or red streaks appear on the surface at the site of the burn.

2. Improve skin healing for minor abrasions and cuts

Aloe juice contains vitamins C, E and some amino acids that The Review on Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds suggests can accelerate wound healing. It's about complex action. Aloe gel:

• increases collagen production - cuts and wounds heal faster, reducing the risk of scars;
• fights germs and reduces inflammation;
• reduces Antibacterial activities and antioxidant capacity of Aloe vera the action of free radicals, which could slow down skin regeneration.

To get this effect, apply aloe gel to the previously washed and disinfected wound three times a day.

3. Effectively moisturize skin and hair

Cosmetics with aloe juice help to retain the Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques moisture in the stratum corneum. This means they can be used as a daily moisturizer. Especially for people suffering from dry skin.

The moisturizing effect of aloe vera gel is also evident on the hair. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends Handle with care: African ‑ American hair needs special care to avoid damage to use cosmetics with aloe juice when caring for brittle and dry hair: for example, lubricate the ends after washing.

4. Possibly improve skin condition in case of dermatitis

There have not been enough studies on this subject, but there is reason to believe that aloe gel is useful for seborrheic dermatitis. So, in a small experiment A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A.barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis with the participation of 44 adult patients, the scientists found: in those people whose skin was treated with an emulsion based on aloe juice, itching, flaking and the overall size of the area affected by seborrheic dermatitis significantly decreased.

5. May help with herpes

It's too early to say for sure, but some studies show Assessment of Anti HSV-1 Activity of Aloe Vera Gel Extract: an In Vitro Study: aloe gel can slow down the multiplication of the virus that causes cold sores. In addition, products with the juice of this plant accelerate wound healing.

Why you shouldn't buy aloe gel

Despite all of the above useful properties, evidence-based medicine has a restrained attitude towards aloe gel. For example, the US National Aloe Vera Center for Complementary and Comprehensive Health reports: there is no sufficient evidence for the effectiveness of aloe vera remedies so far. Only one thing can be said for sure: they are most likely safe to use.

If you still want to experience the wonders that aloe cosmetic product promises, do it carefully and carefully observe how your skin reacts.

Any redness, irritation is a sure signal: you should stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.

You don't have to waste money on an experiment. An ordinary aloe, which is often grown on windowsills, can serve as a replacement for the gel. Add a few drops of its juice to your favorite hair cream or serum, or simply dilute the juice with water in a 2: 1 ratio. And again: when using, watch how your hair and skin react to the novelty.

Perhaps you, too, will join the fan base of aloe products. But it also happens differently. And it is wiser not to overpay for this experience.