Does aloe vera help acne?

Why does aloe vera help?

Aloe gel has anti inflammatory properties, which explains its usefulness for calming an existing pimple. Acne involves more than redness: oil and dead skin cells clog pores, and bacteria and inflammation contribute to breakouts. Calming the surface does not address that whole process. Aloe has been called a miracle plant, which is a demanding job title for a leaf.12

Can aloe help alongside acne treatment?

Small studies suggest that aloe gel can help acne when combined with other treatments. The promising acne results involve combination treatments, so aloe does not get to take a solo bow. Aloe has been used alongside tretinoin, a prescription retinoid used for acne, with reductions in both inflamed spots and noninflamed lesions. Burning, scaling and redness also occurred with that combination. If you already use prescription treatment, ask your clinician before adding aloe rather than changing the prescription yourself.345

In an eight week facial acne trial involving 64 adults, aloe gel was combined with ultrasound and a soft mask, with professional cleaning and extraction also included. The treatment reduced raised acne spots and the area of dark marks left after acne. This was a procedural treatment, not an ordinary gel application at home. Do not copy the extraction procedure by squeezing or picking spots: doing so increases the risk of scars and dark marks.46

Another trial followed 60 people with mild to moderate acne for 28 days. A gel combining aloe, mangosteen and green tea reduced inflamed lesions. Redness improved by day three, and pigment measurements improved after 14 days of twice daily use. The reduction in the acne severity score was not significantly different from that with 1% clindamycin gel. Those timings belong to the combined formula; there is no established clearing timeline for plain aloe gel.7

How should you try aloe on a pimple?

1. 1Choose a topical aloe gel without fragrance or essential oils. Look for noncomedogenic wording, meaning the product is less likely to clog pores.
2. 2Test the product on a small area of your face for a week before using it more widely. Introduce only one new product at a time.
3. 3Use aloe as a spot treatment to calm an existing pimple. Follow the product's directions; there is no established universal acne schedule or layering order for plain aloe.
4. 4Stop using the gel if you develop itching, burning, a rash or new breakouts.

Who should be careful?

Topical aloe gel is generally well tolerated, but burning, itching, rash and eczema have been reported. Inner leaf gel, outer leaf latex and whole leaf extracts are different preparations. Drinking aloe is not an alternative way to get the topical acne benefit. Aloe latex taken by mouth can cause cramps and diarrhea. Oral aloe can be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding; discuss aloe use with your clinician during either. Check with your clinician before using aloe if you take medicines.3

What if breakouts keep coming back?

Use an acne treatment rather than relying on aloe. Benzoyl peroxide targets acne bacteria and helps clear pores; salicylic acid helps unclog pores in mild acne. Give treatment several weeks to a few months rather than switching repeatedly. Wash gently up to twice daily and after sweating, without scrubbing. If breakouts continue despite treatment and gentle care, see a dermatologist for help treating existing acne and preventing new spots and scars.16