Using Aloe Vera for Acne

Acne is a common skin problem that affects both adolescents and adults. Basically, it is a bacterial infection where growth of bacteria takes place inside the tiny skin pores. These pores are actually opening of the hair follicles present on the skin surface. Each hair follicle consists of a hair and one oil gland. The oily substance produced by these oil glands is known as sebum which make the skin smooth and facilitate easy removal of old, dead skin cells. When there is an overproduction of sebum by the oil glands, then the old skin cells are not removed properly and they get accumulated inside the skin pores. The excess of oil, skin cell debris, dirt, etc. block up the skin pores and provide an ideal condition for growth of bacteria. As the bacteria multiply in numbers, the skin get inflamed and pus fills up the root of the hair follicle. Thus acne is formed. The main aim of using aloe vera for acne is to treat the infection and improve the skin condition.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Since ages, the multipurpose benefits of aloe vera were known to people. The long, thick skinned leaves of aloe vera plant contains a transparent, gel like substance. It is a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C and E, minerals, salicylic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, Saponins, etc. It can be used both internally as well as externally to bring about improvement in the acne condition. When it is taken internally, then it strengthens the immune system and help the body to fight off the infection. When it is applied on the acne outbreaks, two of its vital components gibberellin and polysaccharides reduces the skin inflammation. Antibiotic properties of aloe vera gel destroy the bacteria. Thus the key ingredients of the gel play a major role in healing up the infected part of the skin. They also promote growth of new skin cells and help in elimination of scarred tissues. This way the acne scars are also removed.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne?

There are many different ways of using aloe vera on acne which are:

Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
If you have a aloe vera plant at home, then you can take a leaf from there. Or else, you can purchase fresh leaves from the market. Wash the leaf thoroughly, cut open its thick skin and you will find the thick gel oozing out of it. Apply this gel directly on the acne after washing your face properly. It has a calming effect on skin irritation, redness and inflammation caused by acne. It also unclog the skin pores and improve the blood circulation in the area. Thus it facilitates healing up of acne. It also rejuvenates the damaged skin cells and make the skin healthy. You can apply it on old acne marks to reduce their appearance.

Aloe Vera Products
Aloe vera is used as an ingredient for making various acne skin care products like soap, cream and lotions. You can include them in your daily skin care regime to get rid of those ugly pimples. Use an aloe vera based face wash or soap for cleansing up your facial skin twice daily. Gently rub it all over the face with special attention on the infected areas and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. After every wash, apply an aloe vera cream or lotion for moisturizing your skin. These creams and lotions will not only hydrate the skin but also prevent accumulation of excessive oil on the skin surface. Thus the chances of any further outbreak of acne is reduced to a great extent.

Aloe Vera Face Masks
You need half tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel, half tablespoon of raw honey and one tablespoon of sea kelp powder. Mix all these ingredients properly and keep it untouched for 10-15 minutes. In the meantime, wash your face with a mild cleansing soap and pat it dry with a soft towel. Apply the freshly prepared mask generously all over the face except around the eyes. Allow the mask to stay on the face for 15 minutes and then wash of with lukewarm water. You should use this face mask twice or thrice a week at night before going to bed to make your skin free from acne.

Aloe Vera Juice
Fresh aloe vera juice is readily available in the local food stores and is fit for consumption. You have to drink half cup of aloe vera juice daily to get rid of the acne problem. If you cannot bear its bitter taste, then blend it up with any other fruit juice of your choice and have it. Drinking this juice regularly helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and ensure faster healing of the acne. It improves production of protein components elastin and collagen that makes the skin soft and smooth and remove the acne scars.

The best part of using aloe vera for acne is that it is absolutely safe and suitable for all types of skin. Another reason why people prefer it over other acne treatments is that it is not very expensive. One thing that you must keep in mind that while using aloe vera, you must eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water to get maximum benefits from the effects of aloe vera.