Aloe Vera is rarely ever used correctly for acne or skin in general….but when we know how to “do aloe right” it can make a huge difference for acne sufferers. Natural treatments are a permanent trend, and it doesn’t get any more natural than getting acne relief directly from a plant. Aloe Vera is beneficial for all skin types, but especially acne as it has an extraordinary ability to hydrate, cool, and soothe.
Aloe vera is a plant that grows in Arizona where it endures scorching high temperatures and freezing cold nights. It has been used for centuries as a treatment for all sorts of skin-related problems such as acne, burns, and cuts by local indigenous people.
People use the plant’s gel as a topical treatment and some even drink the juice for its properties as an internal cleanser and lubricant. For the purposes of acne, however, it’s the topical application of aloe that I want to explain in detail.
Aloe Vera & Our Skin
Aloe is rarely ever used correctly and I don’t know why. I suspect it has everything to do with the ever-present oil-clogging ingredient phobia (yes, this is a real thing). This outdated obsession with finding non-comedogenic ingredients has gone on for far too long. Don’t even get me started.
Applying aloe vera gel to our faces is completely wasted unless we are applying a lipid-rich moisturizer on top to prevent the aloe from evaporating. Lipid-rich moisturizers such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and avocado oil DO NOT clog our pores but rather prevent water from evaporating so it is imperative to layer aloe vera gel and a lipid-rich moisturizer in this way.
Is Aloe Vera Good for Acne?
The short answer is YES, but here is the trick. Aloe vera is great for acne, sensitive skin, and all skin types because water is a universal requirement for optimal skin health. Aloe is a rare hydrophilic substance…which means it LOVES water! It magnifies water and the oil layer on top locks this water in. Sustained and maximized topical skin hydration levels are the beginning of skin that will heal, not congest, sunburn less easily, and will have fewer wrinkles, just for starters.
How Do You Use Aloe Vera for Acne?
Team it up with oil. If no lipid oil barrier is layered on top, then the aloe will evaporate within about 5-15 minutes, depending on your climate and humidity. This will leave our skin even more dehydrated than it was before. That amazing, soothing, cooling factor would have only been received for about 5 minutes, which I’m telling you is not even close to enough. So, if you know how to marry aloe vera gel and oil in this way, you can achieve optimally hydrated skin all year round. Yes, this is very possible!
Pure Aloe Vera
If you are processing your own aloe vera gel, do this in small batches and refrigerate as soon as possible as Aloe vera is inclined to grow mold and bacteria very easily. It is a messy but fun process that requires a sterile environment. I often refer to aloe vera gel as “poor girl’s hyaluronic acid” as it does not perform nearly as well, but it contributes significantly enough to be absolutely worth the effort.
Adding Aloe Vera to Your Treatment Routine
Aloe vera is not a stand-alone for treating acne as it must be combined with the other acne puzzle pieces. Acne that is inflamed, heat-driven, and dry can benefit tremendously.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about how the acne puzzle pieces fit together and the power of natural ingredients can schedule a Complimentary Virtual Consult where you will receive 1:1 support for all your skin needs.

About the author
I took many wrong turns when I started learning about skin at 19. The more I spent on skincare, equipment, and training, the further I felt from actually helping skin. I was frustrated with only being able to offer temporary and superficial solutions at best. What emerged from the disappointment and turmoil, I now call, The Regenerative Skin Process. Skin Harmonics is a dedicated medical fusion holistic skincare clinic that provides a root cause approach delivering lifetime skin health through medical grade skin care products, new learning, and Deep Pore Cleansing Facials.