Should Aloe Be In A Facial Product For People With Sensitive Skin?
When you have sensitive skin, gentle ingredients like aloe are often prioritized. But is this powerhouse item truly good?
Aloe Is A Powerhouse Beauty Ingredient
Avoiding harsh ingredients that might aggravate specific conditions like dryness or irritation is always recommended for people with sensitive skin. Often, individuals are encouraged to seek gentle alternatives like products made with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. But is aloe truly well-tolerated by people with sensitive skin, or are there better alternatives?
What is aloe?
Aloe is one of many different kinds of succulents. These hardy plants are relatively drought-resistant. Multiple different strains of aloe plants exist. However, the one most commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products is known as Aloe barbadensis Miller. The clear gel found inside the plant’s leaves can be used directly or mixed with other ingredients as a topical agent or even ingested. While people can consume aloe juice, the plant’s outer pulp can often create a laxative effect. And aloe latex can even cause kidney failure if eaten in large quantities.
Is aloe safe for sensitive skin?
In general, aloe is well-tolerated by people with sensitive skin. Because of that fact, this ingredient is frequently found in skincare products targeted specifically at people with troubled skin. That label can apply to dry skin, acne-prone individuals, and people with generally sensitive skin that’s easily irritated. While the best option is to open an aloe leaf and squeeze the gel out to apply topically, people can also opt for products with higher concentrations of the potent ingredient.
Gel vs extract
Most experts agree that aloe vera gel is better for individuals with specific skin concerns than extracts. The gel works better to protect the skin’s moisture barrier and restore general health. While fresh gel with no fillers is usually the best option, people selecting store-bought aloe vera gel should pay attention to the ingredients. With pre-made products, look for picks where aloe vera gel is listed higher within the ingredients list, as the higher an item is listed, shoppers can be confident that a greater concentration of that product is used.
Aloe may not work in all scenarios
While aloe is generally well-tolerated by most people, some individuals may experience side effects. Common reactions include itching and burning, even when used in topical form. Additionally, people using aloe as an aftercare treatment for severe burns or post-surgical recovery may also have adverse effects. For people with infections or eczema, aloe has sometimes been reported to worsen the conditions. Likewise, aloe has been known to create dangerous interactions depending on the prescription drugs a person is taking.
Protect the skin with confidence
Most experts agree that aloe vera is an item that’s generally well tolerated by most people, including individuals with sensitive skin. However, any person taking prescription medications or concerned about contraindications is encouraged to speak with a physician before incorporating aloe vera into a skincare routine.