Aloe vera gel is a popular natural product in the beauty industry and is regularly used to soothe sunburn. But can aloe vera also make skin photosensitive?
Natural plant-based aloe vera gel is hailed as a miracle product that can heal wounds, moisturise skin and even clear up spots when teamed with tea tree oil!
But because this natural gel is most often used in its purest form, we rarely think about the side effects that may come with it.
Of course, it is right to assume that natural products carry less risk of side effects than chemical-based over the counter products. But what about aloe vera gel?
Can aloe vera make your skin photo sensitive? And does it cause any other side effects?
Well, we’re going to take a closer look at this plant-based gel and tell you whether aloe vera makes your skin photo sensitive!
Aloe vera and tea tree oil, a great team for spots!
What is aloe vera gel?
Aloe vera gel is produced in the leaves of the aloe vera plant. There are in fact, over 400 species of aloe vera plants, but the most commonly used one for medicinal purposes is called aloe barbadensis miller.
Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the aloe vera plant is a succulent. Much like a cactus, it thrives in hot, dry climates and is used to surviving on very little water.
But if it lives in hot climates, how does it produce such a moisture-filled gel?
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Alanah Light via Unsplash
Well, good question! On the occasions that the aloe vera does get any moisture, it stores the water within its short, thick leaves. Amazingly, the water turns into a gel-like substance. This gel lines the inside of the aloe vera plant leaves.
This same gel is the gel we use on our sunburn, to treat wounds, and can even be used as an overnight facemask (which we highly recommend by the way!).
Aloe vera gel can be bought as a 100% natural product. And since it comes straight from the plant, it still contains all the incredible properties and natural benefits of the plant itself.
So, in that case, there must be numerous benefits to using aloe vera gel?
Well, there are!
So, before we answer whether aloe vera can make your skin photo sensitive, let’s take a look at the benefits of using aloe vera!
Check out the benefits of an overnight, Aloe vera face mask!
Benefits of using aloe vera
There are many benefits to using aloe vera, which is why it has become such a popular product! But what makes the aloe vera plant so able to provide these health benefits?
Well, the aloe vera plant contains many different properties, including anti-inflammatories, vitamins, minerals and even antioxidants! When the plant stores the water and produces the gel, it contains all these properties within the sticky substance too!
When we use 100% natural aloe vera gel, we know that all these beneficial vitamins and minerals are all present.
So, what are the benefits of using aloe vera? Let’s find out!
Soothes burns
Yes, one of the most well-known uses of aloe vera gel is to soothe minor burns, particularly sunburn.
In fact, if you have been unlucky enough to get burnt by the sun, there is nothing more soothing that applying aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is an exceptional moisturiser, due to the fact it is almost entirely made from water!
Helps tackle acne
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Erik Mclean via Unsplash
Aloe vera contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that can help clear pimples and calm the redness and inflammation caused by acne.
Acne is caused by excess oil blocking pores and hair follicles, and so finding a moisturiser that doesn’t exacerbate this problem can be a struggle. Luckily, aloe vera is also a perfect moisturiser for oil, acne prone skin. Because this product contains no chemical or oil-based ingredients, it is unlikely to cause oil build-up in pores or irritate sensitive skin!
Treats wounds
Aloe vera has been used for centuries as an alternative medicine and is known to aid the healing of wounds.
Yes, aloe vera can be used to treat cuts and grazes! How? Well, the vitamins found in this miracle plant are known to speed up the healing process and can protect against bacteria and infection. In addition to this, aloe vera can also be used to help treat acne scars and blemishes when used as a face mask!
These are just some of the many benefits that can come from using aloe vera. In fact, there are many more!
However, now we know about the benefits of aloe vera, what are the potential side effects? And can aloe vera make skin photosensitive?
Read on to find out!
Does aloe vera make skin photosensitive?
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Aloe vera is known to be an excellent remedy to soothe sunburn, but can it also increase the risk of sunburn? Or cause skin to be more sensitive to sunlight?
Well, there has been no direct evidence that aloe vera can make skin photosensitive. That being said, exposing skin to sunlight with only aloe vera applied may increase your chances of sunburn if you aren’t wearing sunscreen. Particularly as it creates a layer of moisture over the top of your skin.
There may be extremely small amounts of photosensitive matter in aloe vera, but warnings against photosensitive properties in aloe vera are not usually issued when using the product.
But are there other side effects that need to be considered when use aloe vera?
Aloe vera: side effects
Almost all products that we use can cause side effects for some people. However, by using 100% natural products, there is a reduction in the risk of side effects in most cases.
So, does 100% aloe vera gel produce any side effects when applied topically?
Well, the only known side effect caused by aloe vera when applied topically, is allergic reaction. Almost anyone can have an allergic reaction to a product, so bear in mind you may have an allergy to aloe vera.
If you plan on using aloe vera topically, do a skin test first by testing a small patch on your inner forearm. If you have no reaction in 24 hours, you should be ok to use it.
As we know, most natural products do tend to carry less risk of side effects. When it comes to aloe vera and photosensitivity, there has not been any direct link between the two. But it is important to remember to protect you skin against sunlight and use proper sunscreen before exposure.
