Aloe Vera: The Skin's Natural Defense

By Kelsey Goodwin, OMSIII
Osteopathic Physician Candidate 2016

As much as we try to avoid getting burnt by the sun during our hot LA summers, it does occasionally happen. While prevention using sunblock is the obvious first choice, there is a natural option for caring for your skin if it does get sunburnt.

The Natural Medicine Journal states that several clinical trials have proven the benefits of using aloe vera, a succulent plant that grows very well in sunny southern California, for mild-moderate burns (including sunburns).

Aloe vera is effective against burns because it is proposed to increase collagen production and proteoglycan synthesis in the skin, both of which serve to stimulate skin growth and repair. Additionally, aloe vera decreases the pain we get from skin burns by decreasing inflammation and producing a cooling effect.
Not only can aloe vera be purchased in stores as an ointment, capsule, cream, lotion and even juice, but you can also keep an aloe plant at home and simply break off a leaf and apply the gel directly onto your skin as needed. This way, the plant can add to your health as well as the aesthetics of your home.

Other uses.  Sun burns aren’t the only skin issue aloe vera can be used for, however. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota states that there is good scientific evidence for the use of aloe vera as a treatment for genital herpes, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff or flaky skin found in oily areas) and psoriasis.