Photo: Getty Images / supamas lhakjit / Marjan_Apostolovic
For many people, spending any type of extended period of time outside with unprotected skin means one thing: a painful sunburn. And although there are misconceptions around the weather and sunburns (yes, you can still get burned on a cloudy day), there are also misunderstandings when it comes to the best ways to treat the excruciating aftermath. This includes using aloe vera for sunburn—and whether or not it actually works.
Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects the skin, explains Cheryl Rosen, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, and it’s caused, she says, when “ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause skin cancer.” Sunburns also can cause some painful short-term side effects such as “pain, redness, swelling, blisters and loss of skin pigmentation,” Rosen says.
Diane Madfes, M.D., FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, adds that a sunburn is trauma to the skin, which means that any meaningful treatment aims to decrease inflammation. So does aloe vera accomplish this? She says yes, and adds that it’s effective because aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of aspirin and Motrin.
What Is Aloe Vera, Exactly?
Additionally, she notes that aloe vera also packs an added punch with molecules called sterols. “These molecules promote the production of collagen, a protein that helps the skin heal,” she says. “Last but not least, aloe vera is incredibly moisturizing — this can help reduce the drying and peeling that occurs after too much time in the sun.”
How Does Aloe Vera Help Sunburns?
According to Rosen, aloe vera aids burned skin in three ways: it cools it, hydrates it and helps heal it. That’s because the gel from an aloe vera leaf is a natural humectant, meaning it helps the skin retain moisture and has a soothing effect when applied topically. “It may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots,” she adds, because aloe vera is “also a good source of vitamin E, which helps protect the skin from damage.”
And then there’s also the aloin, that crucial natural compound found in aloe vera. According to Jeffrey T.S. Hsu, M.D., FAAD, a dermatologist in Chicago, lab tests have found that aloin has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. “Other research shows that aloe vera is useful specifically for treating burns. A review of four studies found that aloe vera is effective for treating first- and second-degree burns.” He notes that sunburn causes tens of thousands of visits to U.S. emergency rooms annually.
Benefits of Using Aloe Vera for Sunburn
There’s a reason why aloe vera is considered one of the best natural remedies when it comes to healing sunburns. “It’s an anti-inflammatory [treatment], which helps to calm and soothe the skin, and its water-based properties allow for a great source of hydration, which will also helps rid dry chafing on the skin,” says Stephanie Johnson, an aesthetician and educator in San Diego. “It’s also one of the safest ways to treat sunburn and typically won’t cause irritation—however, scented aloe vera products that contain fragrances can cause irritation, so be sure to avoid those,” she adds.
According to Rosen, aloe vera gel is thought to help sunburns because it:
One of the ways aloe vera is able to do all of this is because it also contains a compound called barbaloin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, explains Rosen. When applied topically, she notes, aloe vera gel not only reduces burn pain and inflammation but also, since it helps to promote healing, it may even reduce scarring.
Types of Aloe Vera Products to Shop
There are three main types of aloe vera products for skin:
What to Know Before Using Aloe Vera for Sunburn
Aloe vera gel is a great topical aid but only if you have a mild sunburn, which is typically considered a first-degree burn, according to García. Side effects of a first-degree burn include mild swelling, redness, pain and heat, and applying aloe vera to inflamed skin in this instance can help provide relief. “If you get a more severe sunburn, such as a second-degree burn which causes blisters or opening of the skin, then you should not apply topical aloe vera or any other topical treatments to the skin,” she says. “Instead, seek the help of a medical professional to ensure skin is properly treated and protected against infection.”
What to Look for in Aloe Vera Products
When considering all of the different aloe vera options on the market, there are a few key things to consider:
The Best Aloe Vera Products for Sunburns
All aloe vera products aren’t created equal — but these are some top picks to consider, according to the experts.
Badger Aloe Vera Gel
When it comes to the best aloe product, fresh will always be best, according to Hsu. “Getting the most pure version of aloe, immediately using the gel after cutting it is the most effective method,” he says. “Aloe begins to lose some of its potency after a few hours, so cutting a fresh leaf will give you the most nutrients.” However, he knows that this isn’t always an option, and that’s why he recommends Badger’s gel to his patients due to its formula that includes a high concentration of aloe vera and no harmful additives. “The simplicity in their ingredients mixed with high aloe contents is definitely a sign of effective aloe that will alleviate the effects of sunburned skin,” he adds.
Buy it:Badger Aloe Vera Gel
Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Hsu’s other top aloe vera recommendation is a vegan-certified, hydrating gel made from 96% organic aloe vera gel. This hypoallergenic option is ideal for those with sensitive skin and is safe to use all over, including on your face. “Additionally, unlike many fancy aloe brands, the costs are reasonable,” he says, and he also likes that there are no harmful additives.
Buy it:Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly
One of the best products to help with sunburns, according to Rosen, is Lily of the Desert’s soothing moisturizer that’s made from organically grown aloe vera plants. “It has a great texture, not too thick or slimy, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue,” she says. “It also has a light, refreshing scent.” But benefits-wise, this is her personal go-to because she’s found it to be great for moisturizing and conditioning skin. “I’ve used it on both my face and my hair with great results,” she says. “Plus, it’s organic and cold-pressed, so you can feel good about using it.”
Buy it:Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly
Herbalife Herbal Aloe Everyday Soothing Gel
Rosen recommends Herbalife’s “true aloe” soothing gel that’s free of fragrance, added parabens, colors and dyes. “It’s great for your skin, and it can help you feel more energized,” she says. “It’s also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from free radicals. And finally, it’s super hydrating, which is essential for keeping your skin looking healthy and young.”
Buy it:Herbalife Herbal Aloe Everyday Soothing Gel
Green Goo Skin Repair Salve
This multipurpose cream has many intended uses—including as a daily moisturizer or as a treatment for acne spots, minor burns, puffy eyes and sunspots. However, it’s also excellent for helping with sunburns and sun-damaged skin, in Johnson’s experience. Plus, she appreciates its range of 100% natural ingredients including aloe vera, rosehip seed oil, helichrysum, vitamin E and coconut oil.
Buy it:Green Goo Skin Repair Salve
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
