Why You Should Be Using Aloe Vera for Acne and Acne Scars
Is there any skincare issue more frustrating than acne? Whether you are constantly fighting against breakouts day after day or you are just trying to minimize old acne scars, you don’t need to spend your hard earned cash on pricey department store products. In fact, there are all-natural products that can do more for you than any product that you might find in the pages of a glossy magazine.
Believe it or not, the humble aloe vera plant that our grandmothers relied on for every itch and burn is actually one of the most powerful skincare remedies out there. And it can transform acne damaged skin! With potent vitamins and minerals, aloe vera is one plant that you do not want to underestimate.
Ready to transform your skin? Here is everything that you need to know about why you should be using aloe vera for acne and acne scars.
Why Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera gel contains an amazing 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. Aloe vera gel even has naturally occurring powerful skincare ingredients like salicylic acid, which is one of the most effective weapons in the fight against acne.
Source: bbeautilicious.com
There is a reason why Vogue has called aloe vera gel the Miracle Ingredient That Fixes Everything. Used for thousands of years around the world, this plant is so much more than just a sunburn fix. It is amazing for healing acne, preventing premature aging, moisturizing your skin, eliminating scarring, and reducing redness.
Should You Use Aloe Vera for Acne and Acne Scars?
It is not just an old wives’ tale! Aloe vera is powerful and the science is there to prove it. In fact, in a recent study, researchers looked at 60 people with acne and treated their skin with topical retinoid cream (Retin-A) either without or without the added treatment of topical aloe vera gel. Half of the group combined retinoid cream with aloe vera gel while the other half just used retinoid cream alone.
Guess who had better results?
If you have ever used aloe vera gel, it will come as no surprise to you that those using the powerful green stuff had better results. According to researchers, people with acne who used aloe vera gel with the retinoid cream had significantly more effective results! We are talking about a 90 percent effectiveness with the combination of aloe and retinoid versus just 65 percent effectiveness with retinoid alone.
The incredible results of this powerful combo just make sense. Retinoids are powerful, but they can cause serious irritation and dryness. Ultra hydrating and nourishing aloe vera gel works to counteract this impact and it is just one of many reasons why you should be using aloe vera for acne and acne scars.
- Acne Preventing Pro Tip- When you are dealing with breakouts, it is so important to have a washcloth that you only use for your face. Wash it in ultra hot water every couple of times that you use it to prevent any bacteria build-up. And the same goes for your pillowcases! Anything that touches your face should be washed very regularly. While it might seem like a hassle, it is much cheaper and faster to grab a couple of extra pillowcases and towels than to use a complicated anti-acne skincare routine.
How to Use Retinoids with Aloe Vera
If you want the power of retinoids with the soothing quality of aloe vera gel to treat your acne or acne scars, it’s time to get started. Before you get started, however, it is important to note that there is a specific way to use retinoids and aloe vera gel together.
Start by using aloe vera gel on your face in the morning, then again in the evening. Before bed, at least 15 minutes after applying your aloe vera gel, use your retinoid cream.
How Aloe Vera Gel Works to Heal Your Skin
You probably already know that aloe vera gel is great for sunburns, but did you know that it is great for healing second degree burns too? It has been proven to make a massive different in the speed of healing even severe second degree burns. A recent study also found that aloe vera gel is effective in enhancing collagen production to improve wound healing, which is very good news for anyone who is looking to heal acne scars.
TRY THESE ALOE VERA FACIAL MASKS FOR ACNE
1. Aloe Vera Gel, Honey, & Cinnamon Facial Mask
Aloe vera gel isn’t the only powerful natural ingredient out there! In fact, cinnamon and honey have been shown to effectively treat and reduce acne-causing bacteria.
For the ultimate powerhouse, use aloe vera, honey, and cinnamon all together for an incredible at-home spa experience. Treat your skin once a week for an incredibly effective treatment mask.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. of raw honey
- 1 tbsp. of 100% pure aloe vera
- ¼ tbsp. of ground cinnamon
To make a mask, blend it all up and leave it on your skin for ten minutes then rinse it off. To make sure you’ve got every last bit off of your skin, use a warm washcloth to gently massage your face.
Aloe Vera Gel & Lemon Facial Mask
Lemon juice is another natural fix that has been shown to effectively prevent and treat acne. This simple citrus ingredient can clean your pores and kill bacteria just as well as pricey products from pharmacies and department stores.
For an effective way to reduce acne and help your skin to heal acne scars, why not make an aloe vera gel and lemon juice facial mask? It only takes a couple minutes and uses very easy to find ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. of 100% pure aloe vera
- ¼ tbsp. of fresh lemon juice
Just blend it all together and leave the mask on your skin for ten minutes. Rinse it off and again use a warm (and clean!) washcloth to gently massage your face.
Have you had success treating acne or acne scars with aloe vera? Know of another facial mask recipe? Leave a comment in the box below and share your experience!
