Aloe vera gel has a wide range of uses. From sunburn relief and dry skin moisturization to easing skin irritation, the aloe vera plant is a wonder. And some people say that aloe vera gel for scars is also a great idea.
Whether from a store-bought gel or extracted directly from the leaves of your own organic aloe vera plant, aloe vera has mighty power, especially when used in combination with more powerful scar solutions.
Read on for more about this plant-based approach for your skin health.1
What Is Aloe Vera Gel?
Aloe vera gel comes from the aloe vera plant, the best-known type of aloe. Aloe is a succulent perennial herb – a hardy plant with fleshy leaves. These plants store water in tissue, and their leaves are often greenish-blue in color.
The fleshy aloe leaves contain a jelly-like matter that has medicinal properties. This aloe gel is obtained by cutting the leaves open.2 Aloe vera gel contains dozens of active components, including:
Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B-12- Minerals
- Hormones
- Enzymes
These components of aloe vera gel, as well as others, have multiple uses. Aloe’s vitamins and minerals are antioxidants, and its enzymes may help reduce skin irritation. Some of its compounds may help with wound management.3
The Many Uses Of Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a versatile substance that may help improve the appearance of certain skin conditions. Some people believe aloe should be used for acne outbreaks and other skin care routines, or that its unique properties can be utilized to help with scarring and sensitive skin. In any case, having some aloe around the house is handy.
Skin Care
The topical application of aloe vera gel may help with:
- Skin breakouts
- Moisturizing
- External pain
- Itchy, irritated skin
Internal Health
Aloe vera may also help with these internal health issues:
- Internal discomfort
- Immune system strength
- Joint pain
- Blood sugar issues4
You Can Use Aloe Vera In Masks, Sprays, And Even Drinks
There are several ways to use aloe vera gel at home. While studies suggest that using aloe vera is generally safe, always talk to your doctor about it first.
Here are some different ways to use aloe vera:
Organic Aloe Vera Topical Application
If you have a green thumb, you may want to keep an aloe vera plant at home. To use it, simply cut open an aloe leaf, extract the gel, and place the aloe vera gel directly on your skin.
Aloe Vera Mask
An aloe vera mask made from aloe vera gel and other skin care ingredients may be applied directly to the face.
Aloe Vera Spray
Aloe vera may also be diluted with water and sprayed directly on the skin. Take care to avoid spraying in the eyes.
Mixing Aloe Vera Gel With Other Ingredients
Combining aloe vera with other ingredients known to help improve skin care and boost health may be a helpful technique. There are many aloe vera recipes available today, but be sure to always consult with your doctor or skin care professional first.
If they give you the go-ahead, try mixing aloe with things like: :
- Tea tree oil
- Coconut oil
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Onion extract5
- Apple cider vinegar6
Drinking Aloe Vera
By grinding an aloe vera plant leaf, then filtering and purifying the resulting watery substance, a potable aloe vera liquid can be made. Drinking aloe vera may be an enjoyable way to reap the healthy benefits of aloe vera gel.7
Some say that drinking aloe vera has a laxative effect. If you are worried about these symptoms talk with your doctor before use.
What Is A Scar?
A scar is a mark left on your skin after your body naturally repairs an injury. Using a fiber called collagen, the body reconnects the harmed tissue with a scab protecting the healing process. Scar formation occurs when the dry scab falls off, leaving behind a mark.
Scars come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. The type of scar you have depends on the cause of the injury, the scar tissue thickness and amount, and other aspects of the healing process.8
Types Of Scars
Here are some different types of scars:
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are thick, raised scars within the original injury’s margins that are formed by an excess amount of collagen.
Keloids
A keloid is a large, puffy scar that can expand beyond an injury’s edges on the skin.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are formed when the skin expands quickly, like with weight gain or pregnancy. Stretch marks may also appear when a wound near an elbow or knee joint is continuously stretched during movement.
Contracture Scars
Contracture scars, commonly known as burn scars, are scars left from a burn that often appear shiny and flat.
Atrophic Scars
An atrophic scar is a scar with a pit caused by a traumatic skin event, such as a burn, chicken pox, or acne.9
Acne Scars
Acne scars typically result from aggravated marks on the skin. Sometimes these blotches are caused by extra oily skin pores or skin pores overly filled with dead skin cells or bacteria. Acne scars may form if the skin’s collagen tissue repair leaves the skin blemished or less smooth than its natural state.
Aloe Vera Gel For Scars: Can It Help?
Aloe vera gel is a versatile substance, and it can be an asset to keep it in your home. In addition to its internal and dermatological benefits, some studies have shown that aloe vera helps with scarring and with wound management, too, especially when used in combination with other scar solutions.
Aloe Vera Gel and Wounds
Studies suggest that aloe vera gel can help with tissue repair. It is also known to help protect, insulate, and hydrate scarred skin.10
Aloe Vera Gel May Help Scarring From Burns
Aloe vera gel is especially well known for helping with burn scars. Burned skin cells treated with fresh aloe vera gel have been shown to heal more quickly than some other treatments. This may decrease the chance of scar formation.11
Aloe Vera Gel Can Promote Cell Growth to Help Reduce Scarring
Studies on aloe vera’s ability to stimulate wound healing suggest that the gel can be very helpful in cell proliferation, or cell growth.12
Is Using One Type Of Aloe On Scars Better Than Another?
There are many different types of aloe vera gel to choose from. Most studies suggest that using gel from fresh aloe leaves is more effective than using a prepared gel from a store. Here are a few reasons why fresh gel is the preferred variety:
- The number of active ingredients in a prepared, bottled gel can be diluted.
- Some of aloe vera’s active ingredients can deteriorate while sitting on the shelf or in storage.
- Prepared, bottled gels often contain other substances which can destabilize the gel’s active ingredients.13
- Leaves from a fresh aloe vera plant typically re-grow, while store-bought aloe vera gel will have to be bought over and over.14
The Takeaway
Aloe vera gel comes in many varieties and may be a useful way to manage scarring. Aloe vera gel for scars may help make a scar less noticeable, especially when used in conjunction with other scar remedies. If you are considering using aloe vera gel on a scar, consult your doctor first to discuss the best application.
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Sources
1 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/aloe-vera-for-face
2 https://worldofsucculents.com/succulent-herbs/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
4 https://www.naturalhealers.com/holistic-health/aloe-vera-ultimate-guide/
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17722521
6 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321273.php
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
8 https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/bumps-and-growths/scars
9 https://nyulangone.org/conditions/scars-keloids/diagnosis
10 https://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/6.html#Js2200e.6
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7561562
12 https://www.woundsresearch.com/article/effects-aloe-vera-wound-healing-cell-proliferation-migration-and-viability
13 https://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/6.html#Js2200e.6
14 https://thesucculentsource.com/blogs/succulent-cactus-news/how-to-grow-and-trim-your-aloe-vera-plant
