The gloved hand saw an improvement in skin integrity and a reduction in dryness compared to the non-gloved hand. 26 But besides treating sunburn, aloe vera is a useful ingredient in terms of general hydration and nourishment. The plant gel itself is full of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, salicylic acids, and amino acids, making it great for every skin type.

But that’s not aloe’s only superpower. “Aloe is an unassuming plant,” says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD. “It doesn’t really look like it’s all that special. But it can actually provide a lot of benefits.”The clear, jelly-like substance in the inner part of the [aloe vera] leaf contains glycoproteins, which reduce inflammation and swelling from a sunburn,” says Zaineb Hassan Makhzoumi, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Mohs skin cancer surgeon. Applying aloe vera gel can also help prevent sunburn peeling, thanks to its moisturizing properties. Carefully follow the dosage information when taking aloe vera gel or latex internally. Limit your use to small periods of time. After a few weeks of use, take a break for at least one week. Always buy from a reputable brand to ensure safety and quality.

Czerwony says aloe vera juice is safe to drink every day. But drinking too much of it can cause cramping or diarrhea. This in turn can bring on an electrolyte imbalance. “If you have some of those gastrointestinal symptoms, you should probably drink aloe vera juice every other day, or every third day,” she says. The discomfort of mild sunburncan be relieved by applying aloe vera gel directly to the skin like an after-sun. In fact, you’ll probably see aloe vera listed as an ingredient in some of your favourite after-sun products on the shelf! Read the ingredients: Make sure the first ingredient on your bottle’s label reads as “aloe vera gel” and don’t buy anything with “aloe latex”—a laxative that may be carcinogenic. Some aloe vera gels also contain the pain-relieving ingredient lidocaine, but you’re better off buying one that doesn’t contain additives (including alcohol, fragrance, or color) to reduce the risk of irritation, says Dr. Saedi. That means your aloe should be clear—not green.To make aloe juice, use 1 cup of liquid for every 2 tablespoons of aloe gel. Include any other ingredients, like fruit, and use a blender or food processor to mix up your drink. Quality assured, containing 100% naturally derived ingredients, Aloe Vera Gel is a fast-absorbing, hydrating product for the skin Although aloe vera soothes skin for most people, some can experience itching, burning, and skin irritation. 28

Wondering how much aloe vera you should be taking? Keep reading to find out. How much aloe vera is safe to take? The topical application of herbal preparations containing fresh aloe vera has been shown to boost hair growth in one study. 20 Due to aloe vera’s laxative effects, it is best to start with a small amount when taken orally, as it can cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps in some people.Ideally, Canes recommends choosing an aloe vera gel that is clear. “Often, colored or bright green aloe vera gel contains many other additives to give it its color and fragrance,” she says. Dr. Wazir echoes the sentiment. “Aloe vera gel with a bright green color contains artificial colors,” she says. “Pure aloe vera gel is transparent.” So a good rule of thumb is the clearer, the purer. You may have an aloe vera allergy if you’re allergic to plants of the Liliaceae family– including tulip and lily flowers.