Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Leaf ) for Acne and Blackheads)

🌼 Quick Look: Antibacterial & Anti-Inflammatory 

💟  Benefits: Aloe vera may reduce the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts because it's a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is especially suitable for people who get dry skin since it contains a lot of water and is an excellent moisturizer.

✅ Moisturizes and speeds up healing of skin.

✅ Fights skin aging, infection and acne.

✅  Lighten blemishes on skin.

💜 In a 2014 study, researchers gave people with mild to moderate acne aloe vera gel and a common prescription acne remedy, tretinoin, to use for 8 weeks. The participants who used aloe vera gel reported a significant improvement in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne compared to people who used just tretinoin gel.

🌿 Treatments: anti-aging, oily or dry skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, blackheads

🌻 Best used as: Cleanser, serum, toner, balm, moisturizer

💐 Best combined with: WItch Hazel or Comedogenic oil rating of 0 of your choice.

⚠️ Caution: Not Applicable.

💲 Approximate cost: $20.00 - $25.00 CAD

Aloe Vera Treatment for Acne & Blackheads

Yields: Enough for one application Prep time: 5 minutes Cost: $20 - $25 CAD (depending on the source of aloe vera)

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tablespoons fresh aloe vera gel (extracted from an aloe vera leaf) or pure aloe vera gel (store-bought, make sure it's 100% aloe)

• Optional: 1 teaspoon witch hazel (for added astringent properties) or a few drops of a non-comedogenic oil (like sunflower oil)

Equipment:

• Knife (if using a fresh aloe vera leaf)

• Spoon or small spatula

• Small bowl (if mixing with other ingredients)

Instructions:

1. Extract Aloe Vera Gel (if using a leaf):

   • Carefully cut off a mature leaf from an aloe vera plant.

   • Slice off the spiky edges of the leaf.

   • Slice the leaf lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the clear gel.

2. Prepare the Treatment:

   • If using store-bought aloe vera gel, measure out 2-3 tablespoons.

   • If using witch hazel or a non-comedogenic oil, add it to the aloe vera gel in the bowl and stir gently.

3. Apply the Treatment:

   • Apply the aloe vera gel evenly to clean, dry skin, focusing on areas with acne and blackheads.

   • Allow the gel to sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes.

4. Rinse or Leave On:

   • You can either rinse the aloe vera gel off with cool water or leave it on your skin as a moisturizer.

   • If you leave it on, allow it to fully absorb into the skin.

5. Moisturize (Optional):

   • If your skin feels like it needs additional moisture, apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

   
   

Tips and Notes:

• Fresh vs. Store-Bought: Fresh aloe vera gel is generally considered more potent, but store-bought pure aloe vera gel is a convenient alternative.

• Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the treatment to your entire face.

• Frequency: This treatment can be used daily or as needed.

• Storage: If you extract fresh aloe vera gel, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Cooling Effect: Aloe vera has a natural cooling effect, which can be soothing for irritated skin.

• Witch Hazel: Witch hazel can be drying, so use it sparingly and avoid it if you have very dry skin.

• Oil Addition: Adding a non-comedogenic oil can enhance the moisturizing properties of the aloe vera.