Does Aloe Vera Treat Sunburn? Real Experience of Researchers

Sunburn is a common skin issue that we always face after excessive exposure to sun UV rays. 

And do you know, sunburn can even lead us to skin redness, inflammation, and blisters on our skin’s surface? 

So nowadays, people have been turning to natural and safe remedies, and one of the most popular solutions is aloe vera. But does aloe vera really treat sunburns, and if so, how?

As per my experience, I have seen the effects of sunburn on many people. Aloe vera is frequently touted as a go-to solution for sunburn relief. 

So in this article, we will explore its effectiveness, benefits for sunburns, potential risks, and how to use it properly for treating sunburns. 

Does aloe vera treat sunburn? But how?

Aloe vera is just not a proven ingredient for skin care, but it has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties. 

The gel that we extract from the leaf contains over 75 active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. All of these compounds are crucial for soothing, glowing, and healing our skin. 

Here is how aloe vera addresses sunburn.

Cooling and Hydrating Effect.

The first thing you will notice when you apply aloe vera gel is its immediate cooling effect. 

This is due to its high water content (almost 99%) and its natural ability to draw heat away from our skin.

Aloe vera is also a powerful moisturizer that helps us replenish our sunburned skin again.

This is why aloe vera is also the best for preventing our skin from peeling.

Reduces Redness and Inflammation.

Aloe vera contains some compounds like polysaccharides and glycoproteins that help reduce inflammation and redness. 

These compounds calm our skin by suppressing inflammatory pathways activated by UV radiation.

Speeds up skin healing.

Aloe vera stimulates collagen production, which is vital for skin regeneration. It also accelerates the growth of new cells and helps damaged skin heal faster.

A research study published in the journal of Dermatological Treatment indicates that aloe vera significantly improves healing for first- and second-degree burns.

Antioxidant protection.

Aloe vera is rich with vitamins C and E, which help us fight with free radicals generated by UV rays exposure. 

These antioxidants not only help repair sun-damaged skin but also protect it from further harm.

What the Research Says?

Scientific evidence strongly supports aloe vera’s reputation as a soothing agent for burns:

• A study published in the National Institute of Health found that aloe vera significantly reduced healing time for first- and second-degree burns in just 8.79 days (8 days & 18.96 hours). 
• According to the American Academy of Dermatology, aloe vera can help soothe sunburned skin by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. That’s why I like aloe vera as my sun care product.
• Another study of Environmental Science and Pollution Research indicates aloe vera’s potential for sunburn prevention. When it’s incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticle-based sunscreen creams, it improves SPF efficiency and product stability. 

How to use aloe vera for sunburn? Complete Guide.

Aloe vera may be a good remedy for your sunburned skin. Here’s how you can use aloe vera properly for your sunburns.

Using Raw Aloe Vera Gel.

Raw aloe vera gel is the purest and safest form of aloe vera gel. If you grow your own aloe vera, just cut one of its leaves and extract aloe vera gel.

Now you can apply it directly to your affected area. But after cutting the aloe vera leaf, be sure to remove the latex that comes out of the leaves. 

Aloe vera lotion.

Aloe vera lotion can also help with sunburns. Aloe lotions can also be applied directly to the sunburned skin.

But make sure to buy aloe vera lotion that has the highest percentage of aloe vera. A small study of the National Institute of Health says there is no benefit of aloe vera lotion containing 70% of aloe vera. 

Potential warnings and risks.

• Guys, If you are allergic to the lily family, like onions and garlic, don’t use aloe vera; it may harm you. Before using aloe plant, always perform a patch test. Just apply a little bit of aloe gel to your hand and leave it for 1 hour. You may notice skin issues like redness and itchiness if you are really allergic to this plant. 
• Avoid using aloe vera on blistered or broken skin to prevent infection. Some burns require professional medical care. 
• Always buy 100% pure aloe vera gel from stores. Many of the store-bought aloe vera products contain fragrances and alcohol, which may further harm your sunburned skin.
• Avoid overuse. The overuse of any product always goes bad. The added use of aloe vera may cause dryness to your skin.

So guys, these were the potential risks of aloe vera. If you want to learn about aloe vera risks for humans, read our guide on the benefits and downsides of aloe vera.

Is aloe vera enough? 

While aloe vera can soothe our sunburned skin and can also reduce it, but it’s not enough to fully treat a sunburn caused by UV exposure.

It can keep your discomfort at bay, reduce redness, and promote healing. But for proper and complete treatment, you will need to consult your healthcare provider. 

Here are the types of burns that Vera can soothe or not.

• First-degree burns: First-degree sunburns affect the outer layer of our skin. They can cause skin redness and swelling, but aloe vera can soothe them.
• Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns damage the two layers of our skin, the epidermis and dermis. It may cause pain, redness, and even blisters, but aloe vera can also help us here.
• Third-degree burns: third-degree burns harm all layers of our skin. They require proper medical treatment by a professional.
• Fourth-degree burns: Fourth-degree burns also damage all the layers of our skin. They may even affect your joints and can cause a lot of pain. So if you are facing a fourth-degree burn, instantly consult your nearby doctor for quick help. 

Conclusion.

In conclusion, aloe vera is proved to be effective for sunburns. It provides cooling and hydration and accelerates healing, making it a great option for treating mild to moderate sunburns.

But still a single thing may not be a winner against a powerful war. Some burns, like third and fourth degree-burns, require professional medical care.

If you use aloe vera for your minor burns, make sure to use pure aloe vera gel. Avoid the processed ones that contain fragrances and alcohol that may harm you rather than reducing your discomfort. 

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