Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis Miller, is a genus belonging to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family that’s often referred to as the “wonder plant.” This is because it has so many healthy uses for your skin and hair that have been passed down for centuries—but what exactly does it do? “Aloe vera is a humectant, which means it helps to hydrate the skin, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties so it can help to soothe skin as well,” explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. As for aloe’s good-for-your-hair perks, it can help clear up dandruff, as well as calm itchiness and flaking. Margarita Lolis, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, NJ, says you can use the raw gel directly from a plant by cutting it open and scooping it out. “Apply the gel directly to your scalp using your hands and massage it in; leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off,” she advises. Keep reading for more reasons to keep aloe vera on hand in your home, plus the best aloe hair and skin products to stock up on!
What are the benefits of aloe vera?
According to Dr. Lolis, aloe vera contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. “They help inhibit the growth of bacteria and assist with wound healing (hence why we reach for it after sunburn),” she explains. “Additionally, aloe vera works to prevent transepidermal water loss by sealing moisture in the skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD. “Containing numerous moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-producing properties, aloe is a great natural remedy to retain the skin’s moisture. Aloe vera also contains salicylic acid to help calm redness, reduce inflammation and make blemishes disappear quicker.”
Is there anyone who shouldn’t use aloe vera?
While Dr. Dendy confirms aloe is going to be safe for pretty much any skin type, she doesn’t recommend using it to remedy severe burns as those should be treated by a health professional.
Can you apply aloe vera on your face daily?
Dr. King says yes, but remember that a good moisturizer contains three components: humectants, emollients and occlusives. “Aloe is primarily a humectant, so you need to also use emollients and occlusives,” she adds.
Is there such a thing as applying too much aloe?
“Applying aloe vera 1-2 times daily as a moisturizer should suffice,” Dr. Dendy advises. “However, I recommend rinsing it off of your face after 10 minutes as it can cause dryness if left on for too long.”
How to use aloe vera on hair
With so many skincare perks, it’s a given that aloe vera has to be great for our hair too, right? Right. “Aloe contains fatty acids and vitamins A, B12, C, and E—all of which can help to strengthen hair,” says Dr. Lolis. And if you happen to suffer from a scaly scalp, you’re in luck: aloe vera can be used as a solution for dandruff, given its anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Dendy also points out that aloe vera is a great moisturizer and thickening agent for the scalp. “Because aloe vera boosts cell turnover, it can be a highly effective way to eliminate dead skin cells,” she says. “As aloe vera’s active ingredients work to calm dryness, irritation, and itchiness, it can also promote hair growth as a result of a healthy, hydrated scalp.”
What’s the difference between aloe vera juice and gel?
If you’ve ever tried to buy aloe at the store or online, you’ve probably been met with a myriad of different products. Aloe vera juice, aloe vera gel, pure aloe vera…what exactly is the difference between all these leafy choices? Dr. Lolis clues us in: Aloe vera juice is designed to be taken orally, so it really won’t do anything for the skin. The gel is best to use after sunburn. You could also try Dr. Dendy’s genius trick this summer and put aloe vera juice into an ice tray and use the frozen cubes to soothe inflamed skin.
Best Aloe Vera Skincare Products
Erno Laszlo Firming Essence, $86: This firming gel-essence delivers a surge of moisture for a complexion that’s visibly plumped and lifted, thanks to super hydrator hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich aloe vera and skin-conditioning spirulina maxima. ITEM Beauty By Addison Rae Fast Pass Clean Gentle Gel Cleanser with AHA, $18: Dealing with a nasty sunburn? Switch to a cleanser that won’t strip the skin after some fun in the sun. ITEM’s skin-balancing cleanser removes daily grime, while nourishing and soothing skin with aloe leaf and cabbage rose flower. AAHAs also boost brightening benefits and sodium hyaluronate locks in moisture. Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice Gel, $49: One of Dr. Lolis’ aloe vera favorites is this Elemis Superfood Juice since it contains 75% organic aloe, and it helps to refresh, calm and hydrate the skin. Kiehl’s Since 1851 Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask with Aloe Vera, $45: Inflamed or irritated skin gets some welcome relief once this calming mask with aloe vera and calendula extract is applied. Redness is reduced, thirsty skin quenched and a more revitalized complexion is visible in as little as 15 minutes. Wishful Thirst Trap Rose & Aloe Vera Soothing Sheet Mask, $9: Soothing ingredients like rose, aloe and sodium hyaluronate offer aggravated skin a calming remedy in the form of this sheer genius sheet mask after one application. Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion, $12: Too much fun in the sun? Dr. Dendy loves this Cool Down Lotion for relieving sunburns because “it contains a soothing, non-greasy formulation to promote natural moisture balance and vitamin E to double as a preventive from UV damage that has already occurred.” NOW’s Aloe Soothing Gel, $8: Dr. Dendy also turns to this Aloe Soothing Gel to replenish dry skin, “especially during the summer when environmental factors such as A/C, UV and chlorine can deplete our skin’s moisture barrier.” Carter+Jane’s The Everything Oil, $128: Dr. King is a big fan of this holy grail oil that contains cold-pressed, organic prickly pear seed oil, organic avocado oil, organic sweet almond oil and organic aloe vera. “These ingredients both hydrate and moisturize, and they have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well,” she tells Parade. “And it’s vegan, organic and cruelty-free and it’s formulated without water, alcohol or silicone.”
Best Aloe Vera Hair Products
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Hair Reset Clarifying Shampoo, Aloe Vera, $7: Give your strands a healthy reset with Garnier’s clarifying shampoo that removes 100% of dulling residue, sebum, dirt, build-up and pollution, thanks to aloe vera and citric acid. The best part? Your new shiny, unbothered hair lasts for 96 hours. Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Hair Mask with Aloe Vera, $37: For thirsty locks in need of some hydrating love, slather on this aloe Vera-rich mask that fights frizz and dryness with weightless super powers. basically the equivalent of a salon-quality express treatment in just a few minutes. Chi Aloe Vera With Agave Nectar Moisturizing Curl Cream, $27: Tame frizzy, out-of-control coils with an aloe-agave nectar cream blend that locks in moisture to guard against humidity, increases elasticity and enhances natural curl pattern. Kim Kimble Healthy Hair Repair & Renew Color Protection Grow/Heal Leave-in Conditioner with Avacado, Jojoba Oil & Amino Acids, $11: Free of nasties like phthalates and parabens, this hair repair conditioner is infused with natural emollients of aloe vera, avocado and jojoba oils to moisturize, detangle and condition, while gently hydrating your hair from root to tip.
Sources:
Margarita Lolis, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey.Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Metropolitan Hospital.
