Aloe Vera For Acne: 3 DIY Aloe Vera Masks For Acne

November 26, 2022

Almost all of us have battled acne at one point in our lives. It’s irksome, exasperating, and worst of all, it brings down one’s self-esteem.

Most of these over-the-counter medications that claim to treat acne never seem to deliver what they promise. That’s why most people today are opting for natural resources like aloe vera for acne.

The extract obtained from aloe vera is a popular skin-healing agent. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties that help treat rashes and burns and boost skin health. It is due to these wonderful properties that aloe vera has also proven effective in addressing acne and other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

In this article, we are going to talk about why an aloe is an excellent option for acne treatment and how you can easily make an aloe vera mask for acne at home. Read on!

What Causes Acne?

Acne occurs when oil, bacteria, or dead skin clog your skin pores. Underneath the pores are sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance known as sebum.

These glands are connected to the pores through small sacs called follicles. When sebum is produced, it is transported to the skin’s surface through the follicles, to keep your skin soft and lubricated.

In most instances, acne occurs when there is a problem in the lubrication process. For instance, when there is excessive production of sebum, accumulation of dead cells in the pores, or build-up of bacteria in the pores. A pimple forms when a bacterium clogs a pore and sebum is unable to escape.

Symptoms Of Acne

The signs and symptoms of acne vary depending on how severe the condition is, but mostly, acne will be characterized by the following:

Blackheads
Whiteheads
Papules (small, red, soft bumps)
Pimples
Nodules (large painful lumps underneath the skin)
Cystic lesions (painful, pus-filled lumps underneath the skin)

There are many treatments available in drugstores today, but acne doesn’t just go away overnight. The bumps and pimples heal sluggishly, and when one starts to go away, another one pops up.

When the condition is severe, it can cause emotional stress and lower your self-esteem. The scars can also leave parts of your skin darker, and these are not that easy to treat.

But studies have shown that using aloe vera could help treat acne and prevent constant breakouts. More and more people are embracing at-home aloe vera mask for acne to lower their risk of this irritating skin problem.

What Experts Say About Using Aloe Vera For Acne

Aloe vera contains over 70 active agents, which include minerals, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, saponins, salicylic acid, and lignins. Experts argue that all these minerals, working together, can help treat acne.

The plant has also been found to promote the production of collagen and hasten the healing of scars and wounds. These two properties play an important role in healing acne blemishes and scars.

Furthermore, aloe vera protects your skin from hypersensitivity, damage, and inflammation caused by exposure to UV radiation. This hinders the multiplication of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that thrive in the oily parts of the skin pores and responsible for causing acne. Regular use of aloe vera treats oily skin too, leaving the bacterium with no space to breed.

3 Remarkable DIY Aloe Vera Masks For Acne

Owing to the benefits of aloe vera for skin, the extract of aloe vera can be applied directly on the face. To do this, just cut an aloe leaf and squeeze the gel out. Apply every night on a clean face and wash your face with lukewarm water the next morning and that’s it.

But when used in conjunction with other natural anti-acne medication, aloe vera has shown even more promising results. Here is how you can combine different ingredients from your kitchen to make an amazing DIY aloe vera mask for acne.

1. Cinnamon, Honey, And Aloe Vera Face Mask

Aloe vera gel is known to contain incredible antibacterial properties that can aid in controlling and reducing acne-causing bacteria. Honey and cinnamon have also been found to have similar effects. Combining all three ups your chances of obtaining smooth, acne-free skin.

Method

Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and scoop the gel out with a spoon. Catch the gel in a clean bowl.
Put 1 tablespoon of the aloe gel in a separate bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons of honey and a ¼ tablespoon of powder cinnamon.
Stir until it forms a smooth paste.
Wash your face with lukewarm water. Use a cleanser, preferably oil-free to remove makeup and open skin pores.
Apply the mask to your face and leave it to dry for about 10 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.
Splash some cool water onto your face to tighten the pores.
Pat the face dry with a clean piece of clothing or towel.

Using a mask made of honey, cinnamon, and aloe vera for acne will not only help clear existing acne but also fight breakouts, reduce acne scars, and tone skin.

2. Shea Butter And Aloe Vera Mask

Shea butter is known for its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells, prevent breakouts, rejuvenate oily skin, and moisturize dry, flaky skin. A face mask that combines shea butter and aloe vera will destroy the breeding ground for the bacteria that causes acne, and leave your face refreshed and invigorated.

Method

Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe gel with 2 tablespoons of shea butter in a clean bowl.
Stir gently until the ingredients are mixed.
If the butter is not dissolving, probably due to room temperature, warm in a microwave for a few seconds, then stir again. Do this until it is completely dissolved.
Leave the mask to cool.
Wash your face with warm water and a mild, oil-free cleanser.
Apply a generous amount of the mask to your face and leave it to dry for about 15 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water. You can use a soft washcloth to get rid of any leftover mask. Just make sure you are not scrubbing too hard or you will remove all your skin’s natural oils.
Splash your face with cold water, then dry it with a clean cloth.

3. Brown Sugar, Coconut Oil, And Aloe Vera Mask

Since brown sugar is a proven exfoliator and acne-fighting ingredient, combining it with aloe vera gel and coconut oil produces an amazing acne treatment. Exfoliating your face helps you remove dead skin cells that clog pores. Brushing the old cells away leaves a clear path for aloe vera to seep into your skin and fuel healthy skin growth.

Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties. The main ingredients in this oil are an effective acne treatment. Using brown sugar, coconut oil, and aloe vera mask for acne treatment undoubtedly leaves your face feeling smooth and refreshed.

Method

Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (you can use white sugar too).
Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Wash your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and if possible, an oil-free cleanser.
Apply the mask to your face and massage gently in circular motions for 4-5 minutes.
Leave the mask to dry for about 10 minutes then rinse off with warm water.
Splash your face with cold water and pat it dry with a clean, soft towel.

Are All Aloe Vera Types Good For Face?

If you don’t own an aloe vera plant, then the only way to obtain aloe vera is by purchasing bottled one from drugstores. However, you need to know exactly what you are looking for because not all types of aloe vera are designed for the face.

Look for labels like non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, suitable for face, 100% pure aloe vera gel, etc. Some aloe vera products are prepared with topical anesthetics to minimize inflammation caused by sunburns or wounds. Usually, these are not intended for acne.

The best aloe vera for the face should have the fewest ingredients possible. Ideally, you should look for products with a safe and mild preservative like potassium sorbate.

If the product doesn’t have any preservation, make sure it has a label that specifies ‘refrigeration’. You can even contact the company directly, just to be sure the product isn’t processed with sodium benzoate.

If you come across an aloe vera product that reads ‘preservative-free’ and also doesn’t require refrigeration be very careful. Chances could be either the product contains harsh preservatives that could harm your skin or it is just not preserved, making it breeding and thriving ground for acne-causing bacteria.

Potential Risks Of Using Aloe Vera For Acne

Using an aloe vera mask for acne or any other skin condition is usually not harmful. But people with sensitive skin are advised to do a patch test before applying aloe vera on their faces. If you experience redness, inflammation, or any sort of reaction, look for alternative ways to treat acne, as aloe vera may just not work for you.

Some people use aloe vera internally to treat acne. This method, however, should be approached with caution because aloe vera interacts with other drugs and can reduce their effectiveness. If you decide to ingest aloe vera for acne, make sure to check with your doctor first.

How To Reduce Acne Breakouts

In most cases, leaving aloe vera on the face overnight or using an aloe vera mask for acne will help keep breakouts at bay. However, there are other effective ways that experts recommend. Keep reading!

1. Clean Your Face At Least Two Times Daily

Always wash your face in the morning and before bed. Apply an aloe vera lotion for the face to moisturize. If you are headed for bed, wear an aloe vera night cream to keep your face hydrated throughout the night.

During the day, and especially when out in hot weather, apply sunscreen on your face. Once you are back home, clean your face immediately to remove the sweat.

Only use mild cleansers or those that do not promote the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, comedones, or pimples. Also, keep away from products that contain alcohol, as these can damage and dry your face.

2. Be Gentle With Broken-Out Skin

Do not touch, squeeze, pop, or pick acne. This can cause flare-ups and scarring, which can take longer to heal.

Leave any pimple to disappear on its own. And when you clean a broken-out area, use only the tips of your fingers. Using a sponge or washcloth can irritate the skin, causing more breakouts.

3. Don’t Stay Out In The Sun For Too Long

The UV rays emitted by the sun can damage your skin, causing wrinkles, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Sure, you can use aloe vera for wrinkles and premature aging but the best line of defense against skin conditions resulting from UV radiation is avoiding excessive exposure to the sun.

Also, some acne medications such as tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. So if you are on these, you may want to stay out of the sun.

You might also like: Aloe Vera Juices

4. Avoid Vigorous Exfoliation

It’s true; scrubbing your face helps get rid of dead skin cells and open clogged pores. But it’s also true that overdoing it can lead to permanent scarring of the skin. It will also make acne worse.

The scrub you use on your face may also be removing skin that is not ready to fall off yet, which could cause bleeding. And when your skin bleeds, it often leaves a scar, which can be hard to treat. You can use aloe vera to whiten skin areas that have been affected by scars, but it would be best to prevent your skin from scarring in the first place.

5. Eat Healthy Foods

Certain types of foods increase your risk of acne. Dairy products and foods high in processed sugars have been found to increase inflammation and provide a breeding environment for acne-causing bacteria.

If you are looking to have glowing acne-free skin, increase your intake of veggies and fruits. You may even consider adding aloe vera juice to your diet, as it comes with a host of benefits to the skin. The plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that may benefit people with acne.

FAQs

Q: Is Aloe Vera Good For Acne?

Yes, aloe vera is good for acne. The gel extracted from an aloe plant has remarkable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe burning, itchy skin and hinder the growth and multiplication of the acne-causing bacteria. It is also jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that help accelerate the healing of acne scars.

Q: Can We Apply Aloe Vera On Face Daily?

Yes, you can apply aloe vera on face daily, without drying out your face or experiencing harsh side effects. Aloe vera keeps your face moisturized, smooth, and flawless. It also promotes the production of collagen fibers that help slow signs of aging. Using aloe on your face every day will give you that vibrant, youthful look and feel you seek.

Q: Is Aloe Vera In A Bottle Good For Acne?

Yes, bottled aloe vera is good for acne and is a great option for people who don’t have an aloe plant at home. If you decide to go for off-the-shelf aloe vera, however, make sure that the product is labeled as ‘pure aloe vera gel’ and does not contain any harsh preservatives.

Q: Does Aloe Vera Make Acne Worse?

No, aloe vera does not make acne worse, it actually does the opposite. The plant is packed with nutrients and healing ingredients that help speed up the healing of acne. It also has incredible antibacterial properties that inhibit the bacteria that cause pimples, preventing future breakouts. Aloe vera will only make your acne worse if your skin is allergic to it.

Q: Can Aloe Remove Acne Scars?

Yes, aloe vera can help remove acne scars and even your skin tone. The gel of aloe vera contains aloesin, a compound known to reduce the rate at which melanin is produced in your skin. Overproduction of melanin is what makes your acne scars more visible, and spot treating your scars with aloe vera will make them less noticeable. Learn more about aloe vera for acne scars.

Q: How Can I Use Aloe Vera On My Face Naturally?

To use aloe vera on your face, cut a fresh aloe leaf and squeeze the gooey gel into a clean bowl. You can use it as is or add coconut oil, shea butter, honey or other ingredients to make a mask. Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild, oil-free cleanser and apply the gel/mask in circular motions. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse your face with warm water.

Q: Does Aloe Vera Have Salicylic Acid?

Yes, aloe vera does have salicylic acid, an exfoliant that aids in unclogging skin pores, making it especially beneficial for people with pimples, cysts, and blackheads. A mask containing aloe vera will, therefore, slough dead cells off your skin and destroy the breeding grounds of the acne-causing bacteria. Following it up with an aloe vera moisturizer will keep your face looking smooth and hydrated.

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Aloe vera ranks among the most effective treatments for acne and skin conditions. It deep cleanses your skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and kills acne-causing bacteria, leaving you with a smooth, healthy face.

You can use aloe vera for acne, either as a gel or as a face mask. Both applications have very little health risk and a high chance of success in fighting acne.

But the easiest way to win the battle against acne is to prevent constant breakouts. So, eat right, use mild face cleansers, and always wear sunscreen when heading out in the sun. However, if all self-care remedies fail, seek medical assistance.

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Aloe Vera For Acne