The best type of acne treatments is the ones that restrain sebum production, and bacteria growth, and renews skin cell quickly.
Chemical treatments for acne can cause side effects, so it is better to follow precautions especially if you have sensitive skin.
You need a prescription from a dermatologist before you use any such treatment. Natural remedies are much safer and more effective in relieving acne, one such is aloe vera gel.
For centuries people have been using aloe vera gel for various skin disorders.
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot climates. The plant produces two substances- latex and gel. The gel is a clear substance that has a jelly-like consistency. It is found in the inner part of the leaf. Latex is the yellow substance underneath the plant’s skin.
Aloe gel can help with skin diseases like psoriasis. It may improve blood circulation and speedy recovery of wounds. Studies have also shown that aloe vera gel is effective against bacteria and fungus.
Aloe Vera gel can absorb excess oil from your skin which saves the pores from clogging.
The antioxidant, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E present in aloe vera gel give it moisturizing properties. It can also aid in blood purification and cell growth to heal the damaged skin.
This article lists 12 ways to use aloe vera gel for acne remedies and additional safety tips to follow if you have an acne outbreak.
12 Natural Uses of Aloe Vera Gel for Acne and Pimples
1. Raw Aloe Vera
Take a medium-sized aloe vera leaf. Remove the green part with a sharp knife. Let it sit for a minute or two. You will notice that latex is being released. Wash it off with cold water.
What remains is the freshly extracted aloe vera gel. Then clean your face with your favorite face-wash and pat dry it. Apply the extracted gel to the clean affected skin.
Leave it on your skin for the entire night and wash it off with cold water the next morning. Repeat this procedure daily, and you will notice a difference within a week. If you can’t find fresh aloe vera leaves nearby, try using aloe vera gel that is sold in stores.
2. Aloe Solution
Peel the aloe vera leaf and wash it thoroughly to ensure there is no latex left.
Cut it into pieces and pour boiling water over it. Let it boil for 15 minutes.
Afterward, let it cool for a bit. Strain the mixture to ensure there are no bits of aloe vera gel left.
Dip a cotton ball into the cooling solution and wipe over the affected skin. Repeat this procedure twice daily.
This solution can replace your toner as well.
3. Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice Mask
You can make a face pack by mixing aloe vera gel with lemon juice. This mask will not only helps clear pimples but also works as a natural skin brightener. Take a medium-sized lemon and squeeze a few drops out of it.
Mix this juice with one or two teaspoons of aloe vera gel. In case you have sensitive skin add a few drops of water to this mixture to dilute the lemon juice. Put it on the affected skin and leave it for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can leave this mixture on your face for the entire night.
In that case, the next morning you have to wash it off with warm water followed by cold water.
Apply a good moisturizer after that, preferably oil-free.
4. Egg White, Lemon Juice, and Aloe Vera Face Mask
Take the white part of an egg, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and two teaspoons of aloe vera gel. Mix them well.
Apply this mask generously to your face. Wait till it dries completely. Wash it off with cold water.
As both lemon and egg white can dry out your skin, it is necessary that you use an oil-free moisturizer afterward.
5. Honey Aloe Face Mask
Honey has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties. Additionally, it also contains minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Together honey and aloe vera are effective acne treatments.
To make this treatment, you will need equal parts of aloe vera gel and honey- preferably one tablespoon each. Apply this mask to affected areas for about twenty minutes.
Wash it off with cold water and pat dry your face. Do not forget to use an oil-free moisturizer after that.
6. Sugar, Milk, and Aloe Vera DIY Mask
Take one tablespoon of sugar and add half a tablespoon of milk to it. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add this to two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and mix well. Apply it as a mask on the affected skin.
Leave it on for twenty to thirty minutes and then rinse your face with warm water.
This anti-pimple mask not only fights acne but also brightens, moisturizes, and soothes the skin.
7. Aloe Vera with Glycerol and Oat Flakes
Take equal parts of aloe vera gel, glycerol, and oat flakes. Mix them well and form a paste.
Apply it to the affected areas and wait till it dries. Wash it off with cold water.
This mixture will not only prevent acne but also will moisturize dry skin and prevent aging.
8. Aloe Vera with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is renowned for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
In one tablespoon of aloe vera gel, add a few drops of tea tree oil.
Apply it directly to the pimples and leave it on for half an hour. Wash it off and pat dry.
Repeat this regularly to see results.
9. Aloe Vera with Apple cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains alpha-hydroxy acids. This acid can rejuvenate the skin and treats acne making it look shiny and healthy.
Take one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with equal parts of water. Add it to one tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
Apply it to your skin using a cotton ball and massage gently.
Leave it on for around twenty minutes before rinsing it off with water.
Repeat this procedure regularly to see results.
10. Aloe Vera with Cinnamon
This ancient Ayurvedic recipe fights acne very well.
The antibacterial present in cinnamon improves blood and oxygen supply to the skin. It also dries out the acne while de-clogging the pores.
Take equal parts of aloe vera gel and honey, preferably one teaspoon each.
Add a few pinches of cinnamon powder into it and mix well. Apply it to the affected area. Keep it on while you sleep and wash it off the next morning. Repeat the process regularly.
11. Aloe Vera and Turmeric DIY Mask
Turmeric has properties that can effectively heal acne. It can also prevent and remove the accumulation of excess oil.
Aloe vera along with turmeric is the perfect mask for acne. To make this mask all you need is two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, and equal parts of turmeric powder and gram flour- preferably one teaspoon each.
Mix them well and apply them to affected areas for about 20 minutes. You can then wash off with cold water.
Repeat this process thrice a week, and you will notice a significant difference.
12. Aloe Vera with Honey and Neem Face Pack for Acne
You have probably heard about this combination before. Many artificial creams claim to have these ingredients in them.
Neem is renowned for its antifungal and antibacterial properties which can fight acne-causing bacteria. It also aids to balance the oil produced.
Moreover, it has many valuable substances such as fatty acids, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
These substances help to heal scars. For this face pack, take two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, two tablespoons of neem leaf powder, and one tablespoon of honey.
Make it into a paste and leave it on for 20 minutes. You will notice a difference within a couple of weeks.
What Not to Do When You Have Acne?
1. Holding cell phones too close to your face while talking [2]
You keep your cell phones in all places possible which causes dirt and bacteria to transfer from them.
When you hold that phone on your face, then all the bacteria and dirt are transferred to your skin. They mix with the oil and sweat on your face and create a perfect place for acne to live.
Try to keep your phone clean and keep it away from your face.
2. Using hair products too close to your hairline [2]
All that anti-frizz product, gel or pomade, dry shampoo that you apply to the roots of your hairline can easily transfer to your face.
These products are composed of heavy chemicals, and when it transfers to your skin, they can clog pores and result in acne.
3. Washing your face too often [2]
You continuously wash your face thinking it’s too dirty or oily but what it does is it strips away the essential oils of your skin.
This disrupts the natural balance of your skin, making your skin produce more oil which may lead to more acne.
Wash your face not more than two times a day.
4. Using too much zit cream [2]
We know it’s hard to deal with acne. We understand your impatience but loading your skin with zit creams is not the solution.
Use the product as needed but don’t overuse it. Overusing it may lead to your skin becoming
5. Picking on your pimples [2]
Well, most of us are guilty of doing this but popping your pimple will not help you to get rid of it in any way.
Instead, it will worsen the case and spread the germs around. So keep your fingers away!
Precautions
If you are pregnant or you breastfeed your child- make sure you consult a doctor before consuming aloe vera gel.
Make sure you drink the juice before it oxidizes otherwise you will lose out on the nutrients.
Ensure you wash the leaf thoroughly before use. Although you don’t have to worry about these things when you buy the packaged gel, freshly extracted aloe vera gel provides better results.
Conclusion
Apart from all these methods of using aloe vera gel for acne, you can also consider consuming the gel. It contains vitamin A and E, pantothenic acid, niacin, and zinc.
If you consume aloe vera gel on a regular basis, it will help to unclog your pores, prevent infection, purify the blood and reduce inflammation.
Read Next: 11+ Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
