What Can Treat Acne Effectively?
Without exaggeration, acne can ruin a person's quality of life, which is why the dermatology industry has put immense effort into producing the most powerful acne-blasting treatments possible. But what if you don't want to risk the extreme side effects of Accutane or load your skin with harsh chemicals because you have sensitive skin? The words "natural" and "acne cure" aren't often found in the same sentence. But there is one major exception: An all-natural acne fighter you can find in any produce aisle or your favorite natural skin care brand!
We're talking about aloe vera, the plant we often turn to for sunburns but that secretly has incredible skin-clearing benefits too. Love for aloe runs deep. If you have struggled with breakouts and the early signs of aging, aloe vera is a go-to natural skin remedy for everyone! How does aloe vera work against acne? It helps to fight and prevent:
- Breakouts
- Diminishes surface scarring
- Reduces inflammation
- Soothes redness
America's natural beauty gurus aren't the first to take advantage of aloe's incredible skin-healing abilities. Did you know that the aloe vera plant has been used for centuries for beauty and skin care? Egyptians called it the 'plant of immortality,' and Nefertiti and Cleopatra are said to have used aloe as part of their beauty regimen. Well, if Cleopatra used it…
On the flip side, there is limited medical research on the use of aloe vera for skin. This makes sense since, in the acne world, modern medicine tends to focus on pricey pharmaceuticals over accessible plants. Aloe works to clear the skin of acne through several mechanisms. Keep scrolling to learn how this natural plant works to clear acne!
HOW ALOE CURES ACNE
- It's rich with antioxidants that fight inflammation
Aloe's robust antioxidant content makes it an incredible anti-inflammatory. It’s rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, which help reduce inflammation and the redness that is often associated with acne. The plant is also rich in vitamins B2 and B6, as well as the minerals zinc, magnesium, and selenium. As a result, aloe vera also protects skin and repairs the damage caused by the sun, dust, pollution, and harsh chemicals, not to mention it retards wrinkle formation!
- It contains an anti-redness enzyme
We already knew that aloe reduces redness from sunburns, but it also works to curb acne-related redness. Aloe contains the enzyme bradykinase, which minimizes redness and inflammation. Aloe also contains the pain-fighting enzyme catalase, as well as the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which has additional antioxidant benefits.
- It's antibacterial
Breakouts are caused by trapped bacteria, which leads to infection—but one of the two main active ingredients in aloe is something called anthraquinone, which is antibacterial and antiviral. This secret-weapon ingredient works to clear bacteria naturally, so an infection can never form.
- It has natural salicylic acid
The other primary active in aloe is salicylic acid. You read that right—the unassuming plant is actually a natural source of this age-old acne fighter, famous for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The salicylic acid content helps to unclog pores and prevent further clogging.
- It helps heal wounds
If all these secret-weapon ingredients weren't enough, aloe vera also contains the hormones auxin and gibberellin, which are anti-inflammatory and help in wound-healing. That means your infections will heal faster and leave less scarring!
- It's easy to work into your routine
Among all of these perks, aloe is also cheap, effective, and readily available. And there are so many ways to work it into your regimen. Using an aloe-containing moisturizer morning and night can greatly help reverse your negative skin problems. (Yes, acne-prone skin can still benefit from moisture, as long as it's not oil-based.)
You can also try a natural, aloe-based makeup product, which works double duty to heal your acne and provide coverage. Or, you can treat the skin directly with a 100% pure aloe gel. Apply it to face twice a day after cleansing. Then apply other treatments, sunscreen, makeup, etc. You can also use it to spot-treat acne or hyperpigmented lesions!
For all aloe vera-containing products, visit the Wild Naturals store today!
