How to use fresh aloe vera

Which part of the leaf should you use?

Use the clear gel inside the leaf, not the green outer part or the yellow sap. The inner gel and outer leaf are chemically different. The yellow sap contains anthraquinones, a group of compounds distinct from the clear gel used on skin. Aloe latex comes from the outer layer, while crushed whole leaf contains both gel and latex. Make sure your plant is Aloe vera: other members of the Aloe family do not all have the same properties or uses.23

How to prepare and apply fresh aloe

1. 1Cut a leaf from the aloe vera plant.
2. 2Slice the leaf open to expose the clear gel inside.
3. 3Scoop out the clear inner gel, keeping it separate from the outer leaf and yellow sap.
4. 4Apply the gel directly to your skin. For mild sunburn, spread a thick layer gently and let it sit on the surface instead of rubbing hard.

Fresh aloe can go straight from the leaf to your skin, without a supporting cast of bottles.1

How often should you apply aloe?

For mild sunburn, reapply gel throughout the day when the skin feels dry, hot or itchy. Chilled gel can feel more soothing, so you can keep aloe in the fridge for cooling relief. Skip aloe if it has caused a rash or another bad reaction before.1

What can fresh aloe actually do?

Aloe gel is mostly water and is commonly used for its cooling, soothing and moisturizing feel. Treat comfort as the practical goal. Aloe does not reverse sun damage or make sunburn disappear overnight, and there is no reliable promise of a faster sunburn recovery.12

Some clinical research suggests aloe gel may speed burn healing and reduce pain, but that is not a reason to treat every burn with a fresh leaf. Evidence is insufficient to use aloe as a treatment for acute or chronic wounds. For acne, two small studies suggest a benefit alongside other treatments, not as a replacement for them. Aloe is also not an established treatment for eczema.234

What else should you do for sunburn?

Get out of the sun as soon as you notice sunburn, preferably indoors. Take a cool bath or shower and gently pat your skin dry. If you use a moisturizer containing aloe or soy, apply it while the skin is still damp and whenever you feel discomfort. Drink extra water because sunburn draws fluid toward the skin and increases the risk of dehydration.5

Do not pop sunburn blisters. Keep them clean and protect them with petroleum jelly while they heal. Protect your skin with shade and clothing, and use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin.5

Can you use bottled aloe instead?

Bottled gel is an option if you do not have a plant, so owning a windowsill garden is not an entry requirement. For sunburn, look for 100% aloe vera gel where possible and avoid added fragrance, dyes and alcohol, which can irritate sensitive skin. Read the label carefully if you have allergies. Aloe lotions can serve as daily moisturizers, but added ingredients can dry out or sting sunburned skin.1

Who should avoid aloe, and when should you get help?

Aloe gel is generally well tolerated, but burning, itching, rash and eczema have been reported. Stop using aloe if it causes a reaction. Avoid it if you have a known allergy to aloe; an allergy to lilies or tulips is also a reason to be careful. Aloe can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin reaction, or hives.236

Get urgent medical help for throat tightness, difficulty breathing or chest pain after using aloe. For sunburn, contact a healthcare professional if blisters are large, painful or leaking pus, or if you have severe swelling, chills, fever above 39 degrees Celsius, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, extreme thirst or peeing less. Sunburn in a baby younger than one year also needs medical attention.16

Should you eat or drink fresh aloe?

Keep homemade skincare aloe for external use rather than swallowing it. Aloe latex can cause abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhea, and oral leaf extracts have been linked to liver inflammation. Oral aloe can interact with medicines, including diabetes medicines and warfarin. Speak with your healthcare professional before using aloe if you take medication.234

Do not take aloe by mouth during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are considering applying aloe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, ask your healthcare professional first. Oral aloe sap and gel should not be used in young children.24

If someone swallows aloe intended for skin use, contact your local poison control service for advice. Do not make the person vomit unless poison control or a healthcare professional tells you to.6