What is Aloe Vera? Aloe Vera is a cactus that is native to North America, Southern Europe and the Canartsy Islands. It has been used for medical purposes dating back to Ancient Egypt. Each plant stores water in i leaves and the water combine with complex carbohydrates. When it comes to skin care, Aloe Vera helps keep your skin clear and hydrated. (1) Aloe Vera is believed to act with the skin to help with skin disorders like psoriasis. It helps with wound healing by improving blood circulation and preventing cell death. It also has properties that kill certain bacteria and fungi. (2)
Aloe Vera or Aloe Barbadense Leaf Juice has been used in many cultures as remedies for skin care issues. There was a study done from 2012 to 2015 where they had patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. The results showed that at the end of a 12-week period only 7.7% had no response to the Aloe Vera treatment. The placebo group had no significant improvement in their skin condition. (3) When it comes to Aloe Vera and being applied to psoriasis, studies showed that it can help manage some symptoms caused by the disorder. It can have a soothing effect, reduce inflammation and improve hydration to the skin. (4)
Aloe Vera, helps with wounds and minor burns, because it helps with reducing inflammation and speeds up the healing process while reducing scar tissue. (5) It does this by working with certain cells. Studies have shown that Aloe Vera protects certain skin cells that produce keratin as well as other cells which play a major role in wound healing. As your body might try to eliminate them for preservation, the Aloe Vera will promote life in the cells to help bring the damaged cells back to life. (6) The results from this study shows or explains the positive effects of Aloe Vera relative to how it interacts with your skin and the benefits of using it to treat wounds or burns. (7)
Aloe Vera is an antimicrobial, Anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal. It contains a powerful antioxidant from the family of polyphenols. These antioxidants prevent the growth of certain bacteria that can cause human infection. (8) People are claiming that Aloe Vera can prevent and fight infection. A study conducted in 2012 showed just that. The study explored the use of Aloe Vera to fight multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study identified that Aloe Vera was an effective and cheaper way to treat or dress wounds, especially when dealing with drug -resistant organisms. The best part is, it does not have any side effects and does not lead to drug resistance. This helps reduce the threat of what are becoming multi-drug resistant bugs or super bugs. (9)
When looking for a skin care product, consider using one with Aloe Vera. This plant is so beneficial. Aloe Vera can act with the skin to help with skin disorders like psoriasis, helps with wound healing by improving blood circulation and preventing cell death. It also has properties that help kill certain bacteria and fungi. (10)
Footnote
- Wilson, Debra Rose. “7 Amazing Uses for Aloe Vera.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 6 Sept. 2016, www.healthline.com/health/7-amazing-uses-aloe-vera#skin-care.
- “Aloe: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-607/aloe.
- El-Gammal, Agharid et al. “Is There a Place for Local Natural Treatment of Psoriasis?.” Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences vol. 6,5 839-842. 18 May. 2018, doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.106
- Burgess, Lana. “Aloe Vera for Psoriasis: Benefits and Treatments.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320081.php.
- Oryan, Ahmad, et al. “Topical Application of Aloe Vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling: An Experimental Study.” Annals of Plastic Surgery, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25003428.
- Teplicki, Eric, et al. “The Effects of Aloe Vera on Wound Healing in Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Viability.” Wounds Research, Sept. 2018, www.woundsresearch.com/article/effects-aloe-vera-wound-healing-cell-proliferation-migration-and-viability.
- Ibid
- Leech, Joe. “Aloe Vera: Eight Health Benefits.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 28 May 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318591.php.
- Banu, Asima et al. “Efficacy of fresh Aloe vera gel against multi-drug resistant bacteria in infected leg ulcers.” The Australasian medical journal 5,6 (): 305-9. doi:10.4066/AMJ.2012.1301
- “Aloe: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-607/aloe.