When you think of “summer,” images of the beach, sun, and tanning might immediately come to mind. In the quest for the perfect tan, many people experience the discomfort of sunburn. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during midday, often leads to serious sunburns, which can result in other complications and skin disorders. Studies in the USA have established a strong relationship between the Ultraviolet Index and sunburn-related terms in Google searches (1, 2). This suggests that people are aware of the risks, but the allure of a sun-kissed glow often takes precedence.

Let’s explore the matter of sunburns and whether Aloe Vera could be effective in relieving pain and aiding recovery.

Aloe Vera For Sunburn

As you probably know, there are many products available that help prevent sunburn. However, none of them can fully protect against prolonged exposure to the strong midday summer sun and UV rays. While it’s better to prevent sunburn than to treat it, it’s also helpful to know about effective remedies for sunburn relief. One of them is Aloe Vera, which does a great job of soothing pain and hydrating burnt skin.

Aloe Vera for Sunburn

Many sunscreen creams on the market today contain Aloe Vera in one form or another. They also include other nourishing ingredients for the skin, but for more effective results, it’s important to use pure Aloe Vera. If you have a sunburn, applying Aloe Vera gel right after sun exposure can ease the tension on your skin. Continue applying Aloe Vera every few hours so your skin stays properly hydrated and recovers effectively.

What Makes Aloe Vera Effective?

To understand why Aloe Vera is a good remedy for sunburns, let’s look at the plant itself. Aloe is a family of more than 400 different species of plants. Aloe Vera is a member of this tropical family. The plant grows in Asia, Africa, and other tropical areas and has been quite prominent in dermatology.

A lot of studies have been conducted on this plant:

  • Wound Healing Properties: A systematic review highlighted the properties of Aloe Vera in healing skin wounds. The review concluded that Aloe Vera can improve wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties (3).
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of Aloe Vera gel in the ultraviolet erythema test. The results showed that Aloe Vera gel significantly reduced UV-induced redness after 48 hours, suggesting that Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory effects (4). Another in vitro study found that aloin, a compound derived from Aloe species, effectively suppresses the inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, a nuclear factor that plays a key role in regulating the immune response (5).
  • Burn Wound Healing: A systematic review focused specifically on burn wound healing found that Aloe Vera might be effective in treating first- to second-degree burns. The meta-analysis showed that the Aloe Vera group had a healing time that was approximately 8.79 days shorter than the control group (6). Another more recent systematic review and meta-analysis also concluded that Aloe Vera expedites wound healing in second-degree burn patients without increasing infection risk compared to other antimicrobial agents (7).

Although these studies suggest that Aloe Vera has good anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, some studies have found no significant benefits in cases of sunburn:

  • Lack of Efficacy in Sunburn Prevention and Treatment: A study involving 20 volunteers tested the efficacy of Aloe Vera cream in the prevention and treatment of sunburn and suntan. The results showed that Aloe Vera cream had no sunburn or suntan protection and no efficacy in sunburn treatment when compared to a placebo (8).
  • Placebo Effect in Dermatological Conditions: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Aloe Vera gel was modestly effective in treating slight to moderate psoriasis but was not better than a placebo in improving skin conditions (9).

How to Use Aloe Vera for Sunburns

Until more definitive studies are published, here’s how you can use Aloe Vera for sunburns, as suggested by traditional practices:

  1. Raw from the Plant: For minor sunburns, you can apply Aloe Vera directly to the skin. Simply cut an Aloe Vera leaf, extract the gel, and gently apply it to the affected area.
  2. Gel Products: Use a 100% Aloe Vera gel available in local stores or online. Apply it directly to the affected area, ensuring that the product does not contain unnecessary additives.
  3. Lotions: Choose natural lotions that contain a high percentage of Aloe Vera. Avoid lotions with additives like perfumes and artificial colors.
  4. Ingestion of Raw Aloe Vera: When properly washed and consumed, Aloe Vera may help with inflammation from the inside. However, consumption should be approached with caution and professional guidance.

Note: It’s important to talk to a doctor before trying this kind of treatment. Sunburns are not trivial matters and may lead to serious complications.

Why Does the Skin Get Sunburned?

Our skin gets sunburned when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage the DNA in our skin cells (10). This damage triggers an inflammatory response as the body attempts to repair the cells, leading to redness, pain, and peeling.

Tips for Protecting Against Sunburn

Protecting your skin against sunburn is crucial. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Use Sunscreen: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Use hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your skin to protect against UV rays.
  • Seek Shade: Avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Other Benefits of Using Aloe Vera

Apart from its potential to relieve sunburns, Aloe Vera has many other benefits:

  • Skin Moisturization: Aloe Vera can help keep the skin moisturized and clear.
  • Wound Healing: Its properties may aid in the healing of minor cuts and abrasions.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects: As mentioned earlier, aloin from Aloe Vera has been shown to suppress inflammatory responses (5).
  • Blood Sugar Management: Some studies suggest that Aloe Vera might lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (11).
  • Heartburn Relief: Aloe Vera syrup has been studied for its potential to relieve heartburn (12).

Bottom Line

It’s always better to prevent sunburn than to treat it afterward. However, if you do get sunburned, it’s important to treat it carefully. Scientific studies provide some evidence supporting the use of Aloe Vera due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. While some studies show promising results—such as faster healing times in burn wounds—others suggest that Aloe Vera may not be significantly effective in preventing or treating sunburn specifically (8, 9).

It’s wise to consult your doctor before trying any new treatment. Many people claim Aloe Vera has worked for them, and it might just work for you too.

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