Why Aloe is so Great for Sensitive Skin
Aloe Vera has been used by various cultures for centuries due to its many benefits for the skin.
“When people think of aloe, they think pure, organic, soothing, calming, healthy,” says Lisamarie Jaconi, esthetics educator for Naturopathica. “Aloe contains a message of healing.”
And one of the best parts about aloe? It’s great for those with sensitive skin as negative effects or allergic reactions are rare!
Where Does Aloe Come From?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that grows in subtropical and tropical locations. As we mentioned earlier, it has been used topically in many cultures to heal a variety of skin conditions such as burns, wounds, and rashes. During most of the 18th and 19th centuries, aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines and still remains one of the most commonly used herbs in the U.S. today, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
According to one source, “History has shown us that aloe vera is one of the oldest mentioned plants on record due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. Ancient Chinese and Egyptians used aloe vera to treat burns, wounds, and reduce fever. Legend reports that Alexander the Great, upon the advice of Aristotle, conquered the island of Socotra, off the coast of Africa, to secure supplies of aloe vera in order to treat wounded soldiers. Cleopatra used aloe in her daily skin treatments. In 1944, the Japanese who were exposed to the “A” bomb applied aloe gel to their wounds and reported faster healing and less scarring.”
"Aloe vera has long been established as an excellent remedy for a myriad of conditions, including bug bites," Dendy Engelman, dermatologic surgeon at New York City's Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center, tells Allure.
Aloe for Heat Rash and Sunburn
Heat rash is a common skin condition that typically occurs during the summertime when it is warm and humid outside. Because aloe has both cooling and anti-inflammatory properties it is often recommended as part of the treatment.
Along that same vein, sunburn is the most common reason people use aloe. And there is a good amount of research that suggests that the gel found in an aloe vera plant can be used to speed up the healing process of a sunburn. And in a more recent study, a compound that is found in aloe, “aloin,” was found to be the reason that the plant has so many anti-inflammatory benefits. And aloe vera can also help keep the skin hydrated which will prevent the peeling that oftentimes happens when you get a sunburn.
That is why Aloe is often added In many conventional or natural herbal skincare products designed to soothe the burning, stinging sensations after a sunburn.
Aloe for Irritation
For those who are suffering from contact dermatitis, or an allergic reaction that is causing the skin to become irritated, aloe may work to help soothe itching and stop the inflammation. It can also improve the appearance of the rash as well by reducing redness. Keep in mind that aloe alone will not CURE an allergic reaction or irritation but should rather be used to help with the symptoms.
Aloe for Diaper Rash
And aloe is also safe for babies older than three months (but speak to your pediatrician about any questions or concerns you have before using it.) In one study conducted in 2012, topical aloe vera was used in a small 2012 study of infants with diaper rash. The researchers concluded that “the use of aloe vera as a home remedy for diaper rash was “clearly supported” because of aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.”
How to Use Aloe
Before applying any product onto your skin, be sure you are using one that contains 100 percent aloe vera. This way you will be sure to avoid using anything that could make your rash or sensitive skin even more irritated. Apply the aloe to the affected area and let dry. You should reapply the aloe vera gel every couple of hours as needed but twice per day is typically enough to see results!
Bottomline
If you have sensitive skin or recently experienced a rash or sunburn, aloe is an effective way to soothe that irritation and get your skin feeling normal again
Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare co-founder Steven Wang, MD has enjoyed a long and successful career as a board-certified dermatologist. He currently holds the title of Director of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Dr. Wang and his father Gui Wang, a licensed acupuncturist with over 40 years of experience, have teamed up to create Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare.
We believe that our experience and knowledge of both modern Western medicine and time-honored Eastern medicine allows us to provide unique skincare solutions. But don’t take our word for it! Read what experts from such reputable organizations as Bloomberg and The New York Times have to say about our products.