Aloe Vera – The Ultimate Skin Healer For Sunburns & Scars

Introduction

There are approximately 420 different species of aloe, with aloe barbadensis Miller being the most commonly used for skin conditions. Aloe vera is a well-known plant in many households, valued for its ability to heal the skin. Regularly applying a small amount of aloe vera to the face can effectively treat various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and sunburn. In traditional medicine, aloe vera is often used as a topical gel derived from the gel-like substance in the plant’s leaves. However, using readily available gel for convenience in emergency burns and wounds is much more practical.

Aloe vera plant

Aloe barbadensis miller is the botanical name of aloe vera; it belongs to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family. Aloe Vera is derived from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’, which means ‘shining bitter substance’ and ‘vera’ means ‘true’ in Latin. Two thousand years ago, aloe vera was considered an all-curing plant in Greece, and the Egyptians considered aloe vera a ‘plant of immortality’. Aloe vera is a succulent plant. They are often misunderstood as cactus varieties. Succulent plants, otherwise just called succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, engorged and fleshy. They are usually found in places with insufficient water in the soil; hence, they retain the water from the soil and air. They are found in dry regions. Some other succulents are snake, jade, and burro’s tail.

Aloe vera plants are great at retaining water content in their leaves. Due to this, we see the clear gel inside the aloe vera leaf, which contains ninety-nine per cent water with seventy-five active ingredients, including twenty minerals, vitamins, water, and twenty amino acids. 

Aloe vera plants have been known and used for their medicinal properties and beauty for centuries. 

The plant possesses triangular, succulent leaves with serrated edges, yellow tubular blossoms, and fruits that house numerous seeds. 

Each leaf is comprised of three distinct layers: 

1. An internal transparent gel of 99% water, glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols, and vitamins. 
2. The middle layer, known as latex, is a bitter yellow sap containing anthraquinones and glycosides. 
3. The outer layer, the rind, is a thick protective barrier composed of 15-20 cells. This layer performs the vital function of synthesizing carbohydrates and proteins. Within the rind, vascular bundles are present, in charge of the transportation of substances such as water (xylem) and starch (phloem)

How to use aloe vera gel naturally?

• Utilize a sharp blade to sever a leaf from the plant as close to the root as feasible. 
• Rinse the leaf and delicately pat it dry. 
• Position the cut side facing downwards in a bowl and allow approximately 15 minutes for the yellow aloe vera latex to drain and dispose of. This substance possesses laxative properties and may not be suitable for everyone. 
• Remove the narrow pointed end from the top of the leaf. 
• If necessary, drain the latex once again. 
• Apply pressure to the leaf to aid in its softening. 
• Trim off the ‘spines’ from both sides of the plant as near the edge as possible. 
• Lay the leaf flat and slice it down the centre from tip to tip, or for larger leaves, remove the outer green layer. 
• Carefully extract the gel using a spoon or knife blade – note that substantial aloe leaves may contain solid gel blocks. 
• Thoroughly wash the gel to eliminate any residue. 
• Transfer the gel into a container that can be sealed and refrigerate it before usage. 12. Keep the gel container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, or freeze the aloe vera gel in ice cube trays.

Benefits of aloe vera on skin

Aloe vera has abundant properties that can be used for many skin conditions and even to better the skin. The following are a few cases where aloe vera can be used:

Minor skin wounds or cuts: Aloe vera gel is rich in minerals and vitamins, promoting wound healing. Glucomannan is a compound found in aloe vera which encourages cellular regeneration and collagen production that promotes wound healing. 

Insect bites: Insect bites may collect bacteria or fungi on the skin; this causes irritation and sometimes inflammation. Aloe vera gel relieves itchiness and swelling, soothes the skin and removes bacteria or fungi after consistent usage. 

Moisturizing the skin: When aloe vera is used as a moisturizer, it can help revive the collagen and elastin fibres. This helps boost skin elasticity, which helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Suntan & burn: Aloe vera has a calming effect on the skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties. So, it is an excellent remedy for sunburns and tanning. Applying aloe vera also helps keep the moisture locked in the skin, creating a barrier from environmental harm. 

Minor burns: Aloe vera gel has gained immense popularity for its ability to alleviate burns due to its active compounds that can reduce pain and inflammation and promote skin growth and repair. However, it is essential to note that aloe should only be used in case of minor burns and skin irritations. It should never be applied to an open wound.

Fungal infections: Aloe vera is a well-established natural remedy that has proven effective in treating various skin infections. Not only does it provide relief from the disease, but it also can soothe and heal damaged skin. Aloe vera effectively combats both fungus and bacteria, eliminating them. It can also hinder yeast growth, making it an exceptional home remedy for fungal infections.

Anti-Inflammation & Antiseptic: Aloe vera gel is enriched with potent antioxidants categorized as polyphenols, a diverse group of substances. These polyphenols, in conjunction with various other compounds found in aloe vera, can impede the proliferation of specific bacteria that can potentially induce infections in humans. Aloe vera is renowned for its remarkable attributes, such as anti-inflammation, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. These properties contribute to its efficacy in promoting wound healing and addressing various skin issues.

Side effects of using aloe vera

It is suggested that avoiding aloe vera for severe burns or significant wounds is advisable. Several studies indicate that aloe vera may hinder the natural healing process of deep wounds caused by surgery. 

Some individuals may experience itching or mild burning when applying aloe vera to their skin. However, suppose you develop a rash or hives, mainly if you are allergic to other plants in the lily family, like onions, garlic, and tulips. In that case, it is essential to discontinue its use immediately, as you may be sensitive to the gel. 

Also, please refrain from using aloe vera gel on infected skin, as its protective layer can interfere with healing and potentially worsen an infection.

Conclusion

Aloe vera’s specific properties and compounds make it suitable for maintaining skin moisture and preserving its integrity. Moreover, it prevents skin ulcers due to mucopolysaccharides, amino acids, zinc, and water. Given the inclination towards promoting traditional medicine and the minimal occurrence of side effects associated with Aloe vera, it is advisable to incorporate this medicinal plant as a complementary treatment alongside other methods to enhance wound healing.

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