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We all know aloe vera as the green, spiky succulent that sits on our windowsills, but did you know that this humble plant has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments?
But what about its effects on your skin? Aloe vera is packed with vitamins and minerals that can do everything from soothe a sunburn to boost your immune system.
Does Aloe Vera Clog Pores? Is Aloe Vera Comedogenic?
Let’s take a closer look.
The Good: Aloe Vera is Hydrating
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to keep it hydrated, and aloe vera is an excellent way to do just that.
This succulent contains two substances—glycoproteins and polysaccharides—that work together to form a barrier on your skin that prevents moisture loss.
In other words, aloe vera helps to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
The Bad: Aloe Vera Can Be Comedogenic
While aloe vera is great for hydration, it can also be bad for your skin if you’re not careful.
That’s because aloe vera is a natural emollient, which means it can clog your pores if you use too much of it. It can also clog your pores if you don’t wash it off properly.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to use aloe vera sparingly or not at all.
The Ugly: Aloe Vera Might Cause Allergic Reactions
As with any new product you introduce to your skin, there’s always a risk of an allergic reaction. While most people can use aloe vera without any problems, some may experience redness, itching, or swelling.
If you notice any of these signs after using aloe vera, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor if necessary.
How to Spot the Best Pure Aloe Vera for Your Skin
The wonder plant is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can do wonders for your skin.
But with so many aloe vera products on the market, how do you know which one is the best?
1. Check the Ingredients List
When you’re looking at an aloe vera product, the first thing you should do is check the ingredients list.
The vast majority of aloe vera products on the market today contain other ingredients.
Including, fragrances, preservatives, or colorants.
While these ingredients may be fine for some people, they can cause irritation or allergic reactions in others.
That’s why it’s important to know what’s in your product before you buy it.
If you’re looking for a pure aloe vera product, make sure that aloe vera is the only ingredient listed.
2. Look for a High Aloin Content
Aloin is a compound found in aloe vera that has powerful laxative effects. While this may not sound like something you want in your skincare products, trust us—it is!
A high aloin content is actually a good thing, because it means that the aloe vera in your product is of a higher quality.
So when you’re looking at an aloe vera product, make sure to check the label for a high aloin content—typically around 10%.
3. Avoid Products with Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative that are commonly used in skincare products to extend their shelf life.
However, parabens have been linked to cancer and other health problems, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
When you’re looking at an aloe vera product, make sure to check the label to see if it contains any parabens.
If it does, put it back on the shelf and keep looking.
With so many aloe vera products on the market today, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But by following these simple tips you can be sure that you’ll spot the best pure aloe vera for your skin.
How to Use Aloe Vera Without Breaking Out
Aloe vera is a popular natural remedy for a variety of skin conditions, including sunburns, cuts, and scrapes.
However, some people find that aloe vera can actually cause them to break out.
If you’re one of those people, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to use aloe vera without triggering a breakout.
Keep in mind that everyones skin reacts differently. If you have any concerns on using or applying aloe vera, please see a licensed professional for a better individual recommendation.
1. Use a small amount of aloe vera gel. A little goes a long way when it comes to this stuff! Just apply a thin layer to the affected area and you should be good to go.
2. Avoid using aloe vera gel on broken skin. This could cause further irritation and lead to a breakout. If you have open cuts or scrapes, wait until they’ve healed before using aloe vera gel.
3. Rinse off the aloe vera gel after a few minutes. Some people find that rinsing the gel off after letting it sit for a few minutes helps to prevent breakouts. Give it a try and see if it works for you!
4. Only use pure aloe vera gel. Many commercial aloe vera products contain other ingredients that may trigger breakouts in sensitive skin. To be on the safe side, only use pure aloe vera gel that you’ve purchased from a reputable source.
If you’re careful about how you use it, aloe vera can be a great natural remedy for your skin woes. Just remember to use a small amount, avoid using it on broken skin, rinse it off after a few minutes, and only use pure aloe vera gel.
Do all of this and you should be able to enjoy all the benefits of aloe vera without having to worry about breaking out!
Aloe Vera Face Mask Recipe Without Breaking Out
There are ways to make an aloe vera face mask without breaking out.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp yogurt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
2. Apply the mask to your face and leave on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry.
4. Enjoy your soft, glowing skin!
By following the steps above, you may enjoy all the benefits of an aloe vera face mask without having to worry about breaking out.
Conclusion
Aloe vera has been hailed as a miracle plant for centuries, used for everything from soothing sunburns to reducing inflammation.
Recently, it’s even become a popular ingredient in skincare products. But does this so-called “miracle plant” clog pores? Is aloe vera comedogenic?
The answer is yes and no. Aloe vera can be both good and bad for your skin depending how you use it. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to use aloe vera sparingly or not at all.
And as with any new product you introduce to your skin, there’s always a risk of an allergic reaction.
If you notice any redness, itching, or swelling after using aloe vera, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor if necessary.