How Effective Is Aloe for Acne?

Teenagers, men and women can all suffer from acne on their face, neck, chest and back. When oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores, then white, black or red pimples can form on the skin's surface. A pimple or zit that was caused by acne can be treated with a cream or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. In many cases, using aloe for acne scars is an effective treatment because it can help repair the damaged skin.

Aloe, also known as aloe vera, is a gel that comes from the center of an aloe vera plant leaf. A lotion or gel made with aloe vera is commonly used to treat burns, wounds and other skin infections. The use of aloe for acne is most effective when the blemish is red or swollen. Aloe vera lotion or juice will not get rid of acne or reduce the size of the blemish, but it is effective at helping to get rid of the redness and speeding up the healing process. Someone who is suffering from this skin condition can use aloe for acne on daily basis by washing the affected area and then applying the aloe.

Acne can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormones, diet and oil-based skin products and cosmetics. It also can be hereditary. Acne blemishes can be painful, especially when germs get into the pores, causing the skin to swell, turn red and fill with pus.

This skin condition is especially common during puberty, when a boy or girl experiences hormonal changes and the skin is more oily than usual. Some babies or adults might also develop an occasional pimple. Washing one's face, neck, chest and neck at least once a day with soap will help reduce outbreaks of acne. If a pimple does develop, it should not be picked or scrubbed, because this can make it worse and cause scarring. The use of aloe for acne can help reduce the appearance of scars.

Just a few pimples or blemishes is considered a mild case of acne. People who suffer from severe acne might have many pimples all over their body at the same time. Big red, solid lumps without a white tip are considered cysts and can be painful.

There is no cure for acne, but it is treatable. It might take time to get acne under control, especially if the symptoms are severe. Some doctors might prescribe medication to help improve the skin's condition.