Does using aloe vera reduce sunburn?

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For thousands of years, aloe vera (also known as “aloe”) has been used to treat skin problems, such as burns, rashes, or psoriasis. Aloe vera gel has such a miraculous effect on soothing burns and sunburns that it is also called the "burnt tree".

1. Why does the skin get sunburned?

Sunburn occurs when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds affect the skin, damaging the DNA inside skin cells, causing the cells to gradually die. called apoptosis).
When cells die, the immune system releases inflammatory proteins. Blood vessels also dilate to increase blood flow to push immune cells to the damaged skin. This inflammatory process causes the skin to turn red, irritated, and causes a burning, painful sensation. In the long term may increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Sunburn (sunburn) can be divided into 4 grades:
Level 1: only damages the outer layer of skin and causes redness, mild pain. Grade 2: damages the deeper layers of the skin, causing blisters and causing pale, white skin. Grade 3: damage to all layers of the skin. Grade 4: Injuries to the skin and may involve joints and bones. Particularly, 3rd and 4th degree sunburns are cases that need medical emergency and hospital treatment. The advice is not to try to treat 3rd and 4th degree burns with aloe vera at home.
MORE: Is Aloe Vera Poisonous?

2. The effect of aloe vera

Many studies have shown that with its soothing properties, the transparent gel found in the thick leaves of the aloe vera plant can help heal sunburns, and is even effective in healing first-degree burns. 2nd degree, including mild to moderate sunburn. Aloe vera works in a number of ways to treat sunburn as follows:
Reduces inflammation: It is some compounds in aloe vera leaf which are Anthraquinones, Bradykinase, Salicylic Acid that inhibit Cyclooxygenase pathway providing antiseptic anti-inflammatory effects. , reduce pain, redness effectively. Stimulates collagen production: Aloe vera can improve the feel and appearance of sunburn by stimulating collagen production, which improves skin firmness, dryness, and elasticity. Moisturizing skin: Aloe vera gel contains substances called Mucopolysaccharides, which are sugars containing certain amino acids that help keep skin moist, softening hard skin cells. Contains vitamins: Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing sun damage. SEE ALSO: What are the benefits of aloe vera for facial skin?

3. How to use aloe vera to treat sunburn

To cure sunburn, you can apply a little pure aloe vera gel extracted from the inside of an aloe leaf onto the damaged skin, several times a day. If you have severe sunburn (also called sun poisoning), see a dermatologist before applying aloe vera to your skin.
You can grow your own aloe vera plant at home, or you can buy aloe vera extract in stores or online. Aloe vera can be used flexibly in many different ways:
Using it directly from the aloe plant is best used in the form of pure aloe vera gel. If you have an aloe plant, cut off part of it until a clear gel appears inside. Apply the gel directly to the skin for mild sunburn relief.
Pre-sale aloe vera gel If you can't grow your own plants, look for 100% aloe vera gel sold online or at your local pharmacy and apply a layer of the gel directly to the affected area.
Aloe Vera Lotion Currently, moisturizers containing aloe vera are very popular in stores and online. Many people also use aloe vera to beautify themselves by applying extracts from this plant to their skin, which help to hydrate the skin and prevent the flaking that sometimes occurs from sunburn. However, a 2005 study found that using a 70% aloe vera gel lotion was not effective on sunburn. Therefore, it is best to choose a cream with the highest percentage of pure gel and limit colorants and fragrances.
MORE: Can you eat aloe vera?

Eat raw aloe vera Aloe vera gel is also used in many foods, so it is not surprising that you can eat aloe vera gel directly from the plant. They may offer certain benefits such as reducing inflammation in the body, but will not relieve pain and irritation on the skin directly. If you choose to eat aloe vera, make sure to wash the gel and outer skin thoroughly to remove any pus stains. Absolutely do not eat aloe vera preparations that are sold as skin care products (creams, gels...), they are not meant to be eaten and may contain many ingredients that are not safe to eat.
Aloe vera is a fairly benign food and rarely causes any harmful side effects. However, if you are at risk of being allergic to aloe vera or any of the other ingredients in aloe vera cream or gel, use caution and consult a dermatologist before use. Also, before applying aloe vera gel to a large area, you can apply it to a small area of ​​skin and wait 1-2 hours to see if there is any reaction. If there are signs of an allergic reaction, stop using it immediately.
If you have a severe sunburn, applying aloe vera is a great way to promote healing and soothe the pain of swelling. While aloe vera is quite helpful when you have a sunburn, remember that UV rays still cause major damage to your skin and DNA. It is very important to protect the skin from the effects of ultraviolet rays. When going out, remember to protect your skin with sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, clothing, and avoid the shade if possible.

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References: healthline.com, .insider.com, pennmedicine.org