Aloe Vera Plants & Acne
Aloe vera plants have become well known for alleviating many skin conditions. According to Dr. T. Ombrello of Union County College Biology Department, aloe seems to help skin irritations such as insect bites, sunburns and even wrinkles. This may be why aloe vera treatments for acne are gaining popularity. Aloe may reduce pain and swelling associated with acne and decrease incidence of infection.
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History
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For over 2,000 years, the pulp of aloe vera plants have been used for a variety of healing purposes. Although currently believed to be native to Mediterranean climates, the true origin of the plant has been lost in the past. There are plant experts who feel aloe did not develop naturally, but rather evolved as a kind of ancient hybrid. The Netherlands Antilles is currently a main source of raw aloe.
Aloe Vera Varieties
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Aloe vera is a perennial member of the lily family, keeping company with Easter lilies, asparagus, garlic and tulips. Even though there are over 200 varieties of aloe vera in many textures and colors, the one used in popular medicine and creams is Aloe vera barbadensis.
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Plant Parts Used
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Aloe vera leaves or stalks are used for medicinal purposes. The bitter, sticky sap inside the stalk is used fresh or added to skin care products such as lotions and salve medications. The juice can be taken internally for digestive disturbances. Aloe vera's active compound, aloin, still serves as a laxative and body detoxifier in modern synthesized medications.
Acne Complications
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Although acne is not caused by bacteria as previously believed, bacteria can cause secondary infections. The antimicrobial agents inherent in aloe vera may help avoid these infections while supplying welcome relief for acne sufferers. Growing bacterial resistance to current antibiotics is a concern that can be circumvented with the use of herbals such as aloe vera.
Aloe Vera Acne Treatment
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Cut a fresh stalk of aloe vera down the middle, and rub the gel over the acne affected area. Do this twice a day and you should see improvement in about a week. Increase skin vitality by drinking 2 to 4 ounces of organic aloe vera juice twice a day. Aloe vera gel caps and ready-made juice may also be purchased in most grocery stores.
Considerations
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Do not expect aloe vera to cure acne. Look to aloe as a natural aid to reduce swelling, redness, inflammation, possible bacterial infections and other miseries that can accompany acne. Aloe vera is a safe and inexpensive solution for acne sufferers.
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References
- Union County College: Aloe Vera, by Dr. T. Ombrello - UCC Biology Department
- Journal of Microbiology: Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe barbadensis Miller Leaf Gel Components, by Ian Edwin Cock, Biomolecular and Physical Sciences Griffith University
- Natural News: Hidden Secrets of Aloe Vera: Naturally Treat Acne and Many Other Skin Conditions
Resources
- Photo Credit Aloe Vera image by Leo Lintang from Fotolia.com
