From the Guidelines
Aloe vera may have efficacy in the treatment of mild psoriasis, but its use should be approached with caution due to the risk of contact dermatitis in patients who are not allergic to it. The benefits of aloe vera for skin health are numerous, including its ability to soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin 1. Aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that help reduce inflammation and promote healing of minor cuts and burns. Its natural cooling properties provide immediate relief, while its anti-inflammatory compounds reduce redness and pain.
Key Points to Consider
- Aloe vera is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, as it does not leave skin feeling greasy.
- Regular application of aloe vera can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity due to its vitamin E content and ability to stimulate collagen production.
- For best results, use pure aloe vera gel directly from the plant or choose commercial products with high aloe content (at least 90%) and minimal additives.
- Apply aloe vera to clean skin 1-2 times daily, allowing it to fully absorb.
- The effectiveness of aloe vera comes from its complex mixture of over 75 active compounds that work together to hydrate, heal, and protect the skin's barrier.
Important Considerations
- Patients who are allergic to aloe vera should not use it, as it can cause contact dermatitis 1.
- While aloe vera may be beneficial for mild psoriasis, its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Other treatments, such as topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, may be more effective for certain types of psoriasis, but they also come with their own set of risks and contraindications 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
- Aloe vera has been traditionally used to treat skin injuries, including burns, cuts, insect bites, and eczemas, due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties 2.
- The most investigated active compounds in aloe vera are aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, emodin, and acemannan, which have been shown to have anti-cancer, skin and digestive protective, and antimicrobial properties 2.
- Topical application of aloe vera has been found to be effective in treating genital herpes, psoriasis, human papilloma virus, seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, xerosis, lichen planus, frostbite, burn, wound healing, and inflammation 3.
- Aloe vera has been found to accelerate wound healing by increasing cell proliferation and migration, and protecting against cell death 4.
- A systematic review of controlled clinical trials found that topical aloe vera may be an effective intervention for burn wound healing, particularly for first to second degree burns, with a shorter healing time compared to control groups 5.
Limitations and Future Directions
- The quality of the included trials in the systematic reviews is generally poor, with a high risk of bias, which limits the conclusions that can be drawn 6, 5.
- Further well-designed trials with sufficient details of the contents of aloe vera products are needed to determine the effectiveness of aloe vera for skin conditions, including burn wound healing 6, 5.
- The clinical effectiveness of oral and topical aloe vera is not sufficiently and meticulously explored, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations 3.