Aloe vera has some important medicinal
qualities that are very effective in the treatment of acne. Aloe Vera
has been used in a wide variety of medicinal ways both historically and
in modern time. It is used to treat burns, wounds and infections to
regenerate skin and provide the building blocks needed to rebuild
scarred or damaged skin areas. In addition it aids in treating acne by
acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and an immune booster.
Aloe Vera
Solutions
Acne can be treated by either soaps
containing aloe vera or aloe vera gel. Soaps should be used at least
twice a day and the skin should be patted dry following the wash. A
topical gel or cream application of aloe vera can then be applied to
the inflamed or infected areas. Acne is not cured by aloe vera but the
symptoms of redness, flaky skin, and swelling will be rapidly decreased
with consistent use.
Aloe vera, in liquid form, can be applied to
the facial area to remove excess oil. The face should then be washed
with a soap containing aloe vera and then a commercially prepared aloe
vera cream can be applied. This treatment uses all the medicinal
components of the aloe vera to help keep skin looking soft and breakout
free. The mild astringent qualities of the allow vera will prevent
future acne outbreaks and help reduce redness and swelling.
Medical
Findings
As far back as 1750 B.C clay tablets were
written addressing the medicinal properties of aloe vera. A Greek
physician wrote in 74 B.C about using aloe vera to cure infections of
the skin, burns and to decrease hair loss.
In 1935 the first medical report was
published describing the medical use of aloe vera in burn patients. It
has since been the focus of many studies addressing the healing
properties of aloe vera for all skin conditions, including acne. As
with all herbal and medical treatments individual responses will vary
with most users indicating a decrease in the redness and flaky skin
around the acne blemishes.
There are no known side effects to using
aloe vera externally. If any irritation occurs simply discontinue use.
