Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions, especially sunburn. But does science support its use? In this article, we will explore the research behind aloe vera’s effectiveness for sunburn relief and how to use it properly.
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What Makes Aloe Vera Effective for Sunburn?
Aloe vera contains compounds that may help soothe and heal sunburned skin. Research shows aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects on skin redness caused by sunburn (UV-induced erythemas), making it potentially helpful for treating sunburn (1).
A high-quality study found that 97.5% aloe vera gel significantly reduced skin redness from UV exposure after 48 hours compared to placebo. This suggests it may be useful in treating sunburn (2).
How Aloe Vera Helps Heal Sunburned Skin
Several mechanisms contribute to aloe vera’s potential benefits for sunburn:
Aloe vera reduces inflammation in damaged skin, which may help reduce the redness and pain from sunburn (1).
Aloe Vera also helps with moisture retention. Research shows that aloe vera supplementation significantly improves skin moisture and barrier function, which may help skin recover from sunburn (3).
Furthermore, Aloe vera may speed up tissue healing and improve the wound-healing process, which can be helpful for sunburn treatment (4).
Evidence Supporting Aloe Vera for Sunburn Relief
Scientific research provides evidence for aloe vera’s effectiveness in sunburn treatment.
Aloe vera significantly reduces wound-healing time in second-degree burns compared to other topical treatments (5).
A review of multiple studies found that aloe vera treatment reduced burn wound healing time by an average of 3.76 days compared to other topical treatments (5).
Patients with thermal burns treated with aloe vera gel experienced faster healing and earlier pain relief compared to those treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (6).
While burns differ from sunburns, both involve skin inflammation and damage. The healing mechanisms may be similar, suggesting these findings could apply to sunburn treatment.
Limitations and Contradictory Findings
It’s important to note that not all research supports aloe vera’s effectiveness for sunburn.
One study found that applying aloe vera to the skin is not effective for preventing radiation-induced injuries and does not provide sunburn or suntan protection (7).
Another study found that aloe vera was equivalent or less effective than standard care for managing skin inflammation from radiation therapy. This may suggest limited effectiveness for sunburn relief as well (8).
How to Use Aloe Vera for Sunburn
If you have a sunburn and want to try aloe vera, here are evidence-based ways to use it:
1. Fresh Aloe Vera Gel from the Plant
Using gel directly from an aloe vera plant is one of the most effective ways to apply it to sunburned skin.
- Cut off a thick leaf from an aloe vera plant
- Slice the leaf open lengthwise
- Scoop out the clear gel from inside
- Apply the gel directly to the sunburned area
- Reapply several times a day as needed
2. Store-Bought Aloe Vera Gel
When buying commercial aloe vera products, look for:
- Pure aloe vera gel with minimal additives
- Products with high aloe vera content (ideally 97-100%)
- Alcohol-free formulations
- Products without artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives
Apply a thin layer to the sunburned area several times a day.
3. Aloe Vera Cream or Lotion
If your skin is particularly dry, an aloe vera cream or lotion may provide additional moisture.
- Choose products with aloe vera listed among the first ingredients
- Apply as directed on the package
- Reapply after bathing or swimming
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While aloe vera is generally considered safe for applying to the skin, be aware of potential side effects.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to aloe vera, such as skin rash, hives, or irritation. Always do a patch test before applying to large areas.
- Interactions with medications: Check with a healthcare provider if using other skin medications, as aloe vera may affect how well they work.
- Not for severe burns: Aloe vera should not be used on severe (third-degree) burns, which require immediate medical attention.
Preventing Sunburn
The best approach to sunburn is prevention. Follow these research-based strategies to protect your skin:
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
- Stay hydrated
Other Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
Beyond sunburn relief, aloe vera may offer additional skin benefits.
Taking Aloe sterol supplements by mouth has been shown to significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, and collagen content in carefully controlled studies (3, 9).
Applying aloe vera gel to the skin can promote faster healing of skin wounds compared to conventional treatments. This was demonstrated in a study of skin graft donor sites (10).
A product containing aloe vera gel along with several other plant extracts has been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity in sun-damaged skin (11).
Since this was a combination product taken by mouth, researchers cannot attribute these benefits to aloe vera alone.
Conclusion
Scientific evidence suggests that aloe vera has potential benefits for sunburn relief, mainly through its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to speed up wound healing. Research results are mixed, with some studies showing significant benefits and others showing limited effectiveness. However, aloe vera remains a generally safe option for mild to moderate sunburns.
Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Use sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing to reduce your risk of sunburn. If you do get sunburned, aloe vera may provide relief, but check with a healthcare professional for severe burns or if symptoms get worse.