SHOULD ALOE VERA BE USED FOR SCARS?
As a succulent plant known for its incredible natural properties, Aloe Vera has been used for thousands of years. Pure Aloe Gel is 99% water, filled with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharide, and fatty acids. Almost certainly ancients didn't know the chemical makeup of Aloe Vera or that it has over 200 active beneficial components in it, but they did know that it was natural and it was incredibly effective when applied topically.
Today, Aloe Vera is cultivated for cosmetic and wellness purposes throughout the globe. The soothing, moisturizing gel offers relief for all types of skin conditions such as burns, wounds, skin infections, and yes, Aloe Vera can naturally help support the healing process of scar tissue and potentially even assists in reducing scars!
WHAT IS A SCAR AND WHY DOES IT FORM?
The largest organ on the entire human body is our skin. It covers the body surface to create a protective barrier against disease, UV light, chemicals, and physical damage that may be found in or caused by the environment. Scars can be formed by anything—injuries, acne, or surgery. Once the surface of skin is broken or damaged by cuts, wounds, infections, or scrapes, it heals itself by forming stronger, fibrous connective tissue that we know as a scar. Once this happens, ridding yourself of a scar can be difficult. Diminishing the appearance of scars can be problematic as there are no topical solutions to make scarring completely vanish. However, as a treatment, the application of Aloe Vera gel has shown to help lessen the appearance of scars and in some cases, quite dramatically so.
HOW ALOE VERA AFFECTS SCARS
The time it takes for a scar to heal depends on the damage to the skin. A scar’s shape and size - be it from a surgical wound, injury or acne - along with several other factors such as age, genetics, and severity or any preexisting skin conditions are all part of the equation.
Applying Aloe Vera gel on a scar right when your skin begins healing after an injury will help strengthen the collagen structure within it. Because the gel contained within the plant contains many nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, it supports skins' natural repairing process while helping soothe irritation. The polysaccharides, gibberellins and glycoproteins found in Aloe Vera have properties that promote skin growth and repair, and are known to support cell growth, help wound healing, and even help diminish the appearance of acne scarring.
ALOE VERA AND ACNE SCARS
Specifically for acne scarring, the natural anti-bacterial properties contained within Aloe Vera gel have made it popular for use on acne. Not only has it been found to help diminish the appearance of acne itself, but it can also supports the skin recovery process and reduce the appearance of acne scarring. Acne can leave two types of scars—atrophic and hypertrophic. Indentations in the skin are a result of atrophic. The dark, thick bumps that appear on the skin are from hypertrophic. Aloe gel acts as a natural astringent. It helps removes dead cells and excess oil, which can lead to clearer skin. Those antioxidants in Aloe Vera also work to fight free acne radicals, support damaged skin, and diminish scar formation. The vitamins and minerals in Aloe Vera work to help lighten the appearance scars on the skin.
HOW TO USE ALOE VERA ON SCARS
First and most importantly, Aloe Vera should not be applied until after a wound or lesion has been properly cleaned and closed. If the wound is severe, please consult with your physician prior to using any product. Using Aloe gel on any open wound may result in irritation and may slow the healing process if an infection is present.
WHAT TYPE OF ALOE TO USE
When it comes to topical application (rubbing it on skin), whole leaf gel is acceptable to use. If you own an Aloe Vera plant, simply cut off a section of a leaf and squeeze out the inner gel directly onto the area to be treated. For a more sterile and concentrated option, look for a Pure Aloe Vera Product that will provide an easy, convenient, and sanitary aloe treatment that you can integrate with your skin care routine or take with you on the go.
HOW TO APPLY ALOE GEL ON SCARS
Follow these steps to ensure you maximize your Aloe treatment's potential:
- Thoroughly wash, clean, and dry the area to be treated
- Apply Aloe gel liberally to the area so that the scar surface is coated in a thin layer of gel
- Let dry before letting clothing or anything else contact the skin to ensure the Aloe is absorbed
- Repeat this application 2-3 times daily
For acne treatment, follow the steps above, but be sure to use a gentle cleanser as skin on the face is more sensitive. Do it in the morning and before going to bed at night (make sure the gel has completely dried before hitting the pillow).
ALOE VERA'S BENEFIT TO SCARS
As a topical solution, Aloe Vera’s cosmetic applications are often mentioned to ease skin conditions and irritations. One of the more important beneficial properties of Aloe Vera is reducing the appearance of scars and scar tissue. Aloe Vera does this by:
- Helping support the natural repair of damaged skin cells
- Maintaining newer and healthier cells
- Moisturizing and soothing
- Increasing the amount of collagen present
To be clear, the use of Aloe Vera will not make a scar vanish, but its many benefits will help hydrate the skin and provide essential vitamins necessary to support the natural healing process.