Aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine for millennia, with its first known uses dating back over 2,000 years to ancient Egypt, Greece, India, China, Japan, and Mexico. It has long been utilized for its healing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin.
In studies, aloe vera has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects as well as wound-healing abilities, both of which explain aloe’s popularity as an after-sun treatment.
Aloe vera has also been shown to increase water content in the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer. It has also been studied to facilitate keratinocyte (skin cell) differentiation. Both functions enhance skin barrier health, making aloe a perfect addition to any skincare routine, especially those with irritated or sensitive skin.
Sources:
- Baumann, L. (2015). Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic ingredients (First Edition, pp. 229–237). McGraw-Hill Education/Medical.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/