Vain-ity asking about aloe: I’ve read raves on two websites (acne.org & makeupalley.com) about aloe right out of the plant to heal acne scars. This is important for me as I have acne scars on my dark skin and had no luck with hydroquinone or kojic acid.
I’ve scooped out the insides an aloe plant and gave it a whirl in the blender (with a teaspoon of lime juice as a preservative) and kept it refrigerated. I’ve used it for a week at night and I love the texture of my aloe goo and not the smell but do you think it can lighten my acne scars? Does it have any effects other than being a skin soother? Of course I want it to work because the plant costs a mere dollar but I’m a bit skeptical of a simple plant and its raves in the cyberworld.
The Right Brain replies:
First of all, we’re not surprised that hydroquinone or kojic acid isn’t fading your acne scars. Those chemicals work best on dark spots caused by increased melanin pigment which is caused by sun exposure. Acne scars are formed by a different mechanism.
Aloe and acne
Using aloe on acne is actually an interesting notion. We couldn’t find anything in the literature to directly support the idea, but Dr. Zoe Draelos taught us the theory behind how aloe works on burns. She says that aloe’s natural film forming and antibacterial properties can help heal skin. So at least in theory, it makes sense that a coating of aloe could prevent acne scars from forming. It seems unlikely, however, that aloe would have any benefit when applied to aged scars.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
There’s no real evidence to prove aloe really works on acne scars, but there’s at least a theoretical mechanism by which is might work. So if you’re willing to experiment, give it a try and see if it works for you. And if you’re looking for another use for all that fresh squeezed aloe, you should read Sarah Bellum’s response to Kristin’s question about using aloe as personal lubricant (You know how Sarah Bellum LOVES to blog about personal lubricants!)
What do YOU think? Have you ever tried aloe on your acne scars? Have you tried Thermaclear? Leave a comment for the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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I know something that DOES work on acne scars (or at least on mine): Bio Oil (sold in the UK). I have old acne scarring – I’ve massaged it in once a day (using it like a moisturiser) for a couple of months now and have noticed a marked improvement. Other people have noticed too. The active ingredient is something they called PurCellin Oil. Have no idea what it is, and I don’t care – I’m just glad to find something that works.
I find this response a little confusing. I think it depends on whether the reader is talking about postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots especially common in dark skinned people — trust me, I know!) or an actual scar. If she’s talking about dark spots left behind by acne, it’s my general understanding that hydroquinone is a very standard treatment for hyperpigmentation (see acne.about.com/od/acnesymptoms/a/pih.htm), but it isn’t the only possible one.
The American Academy of Dermatology does a thorough discussion of the difference between postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and macules (a “pseudo scar”) and different types of acne scars here http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/scarring.html. If we’re talking actual scars, not dark spots, then it looks like they recommend different procedures including collagen injection or skkin surgery, depending on the type of scar.
If you have the insurance and/or the money, I’d see a dermatologist with experience treating patients of color, especially because some dermatological treatments are more likely to cause hyperpigmentation in people of color. (And you want to see someone who knows that and will recommend appropriate treatments and use appropriate tools.) End librarianing.
I don’t have acne scars but I have had a couple of moles lopped off my arms and neck (even one taken off of my face, smack between my eyebrows, by a plastic surgeon) and what I was given to make the scars fade (by both the dermatologist and the surgeon) was Vitamin E Oil. I kept my healing scars covered in sunscreen during the day and massaged the E oil onto them at night before bed. It really worked. The scars on my neck and face are not noticeable at all. The ones on my arms are a bit more prominent only because I was less diligent about keeping them out of the sun while they were healing. Good luck!
I don’t know whether aloe will work or not, but I will advise against using lime on the skin. Lime juice can darkly stain the skin, especially when exposed to sunlight.
hmmm… i think aloe vera doesnt work on acne scars… because i been using on it for 2 weeks and doesn’t happen it increases my pimples…
First, he image of the aloe you have on this post, is not the image of Aloe vera, which is kind of annoying to me, because there are SO many kinds of aloe, and they are easily mistaken for Aloe vera. Second, the use of Aloe vera on the skin works primarily to heal sunburns, not scar tissue, it will make your skin soft, and feel nice, but it doesn’t erase scarring, from what research I’ve seen.
Ok, I have had acne for all of my life. I’ve used everthing that is out there (natural and chemical products), but nothing worked. I’ve also used alove in the past and it did NOT work. I recently started using it again and I figured out the trick. Aloe is healing, but it can be a bit drying. So I mixed aloe vera gel and glycerine (which is extremely moisturizing). I have CURED my acne and the scars that were left behind are swiftly disappearing. I use 1/2 aloe and 1/2 glycerine as a moisturizer. I wash my face with plain distilled water, I no long use soap because the mixture is cleansing and moisturizing. This method also cured my sensitive skin. It took me 21 years to figure this out. I have had acne since I was 12. If you have any questions, send me an e-mail at tancredej@gmail.com. I’ll be happy to answer any questions and help any way that I can.
hi…i need more information about healing scars plz
I have been using aloe vera for some time. I think it does make a difference.
hi.i’ve tried aloe vera in my arm and it cures but it stincks
@Alana, I just started looking for natural healing solutions and I’ve seen aloe vera mentioned the most and heard it was the best and is #1 on a few lists I’ve seen already.
Don’t be so sure it doesn’t work.
Several years ago i had some moles removed from my face (by a plastic surgeon)and he advised me too use fresh aloe from the actual plant to prevent scarring– it worked!!!No Scars at all.
Aloe has always helped heal my acne but does absolutely nothing for fading the scars and the hyperpigmentation left behind.
Most of my pitted scars and all my flattened scars were eliminated by using the very popular dermaroller method from overseas.( Please do NOT use this method on keloid scars.)
The dermaroller needles should be at least 1.5mm in length as it stimulates collagen production and pushes the indentation of the “scar” tissue back to the surface level permanently. No cream or lotion can promise that upon termination of using their product.
Dermarollers with needles shorter than 1.5mm are not deep enough to stimulate collagen and are a waste of time. Leaf & Rusher sells a dermaroler with very short the needles which are intended only used to expedite transdermal delivery of their facial serums.
Currently there are no US companies selling dermarollers with needles 1.5mm or 2mm long. Derma-Rollers.com and Dermaroller planet sell Dr. Roller and ZGTS brands to US customers from abroad.
Americans are skiddish about rolling their face with needles it works for many faithful users in Australia, Europe, the Pacific Rim and South America. Youtube dermarollers and you will see that even Rachel Ray featured a viewer who tested the procedure on her show.
If the pain is too much at first, apply a topical numbing cream like Emerol. Eventually your face gets used to the sensation and it it feels like a tingly massage. You will see a difference 48 hours after your first treatment. A significant improvement is evident after a month of weekly treatments.
As for the hyperpigmentation I typically used a Licorice soap ( Diana Stalder or Godiva ) on the specific spots and applied a skin lightener without mineral oil ( Civant ). After two months, no more dark spots.
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hi aloe is awesome i drink it all the time… i even sell it so come on by and check out my site
I’ve used aloe vera and it really worked out in fading ACNE scars… 2 weeks is not enough… w/in 1-2 months you can see the difference.. Patience is the key.. xD
this article is really interesting.. i’ve been experimenting it for my thesis project in school.. and also you can try this lotion when you’re taking a bath “Shades Whiter”.. after you’ve taken a bath, apply it to your body or face.. then rinse your body again.. you can see the difference in just 12days.. xD it’s true. .guarantee!
My daughter got a scar on her face. She picked off a scab on her face and the resulting scar was bright red. I gave it some time, but the redness did not fade readily. I understand scars can fade over time, especially on kids; but since it was on her face, I did not want to take any chances. That it only might work was good enough for me.
I’ve used the Dr. Max Powers Scar Serum regularly on her face for about a month and it is definitely faded, not so noticeable anymore.
I also have a deep scar that is 35 years old right smack on the bridge of my nose. It’s not fading any more than it has. I decided to try it on that and also a recent burn scar on my arm. The scar on my arm is looking better. It’s still there but smooth and fading. The one on the bridge of my nose is deep. I think it looks better but it will be many months before I think I’ll truly know. I’ll be back to update at that time.
For now, I think it does seem to help and really doesn’t hurt new scar formation. I definitely recommend the Dr Max Powers Scar Serum if you have a scar on your face and are looking to fade it.
I began using the Dr Max Powers “Stretch Mark Treatment” every single day about two months ago and it works WONDERS. First you can use it for stretch marks and you can use it for scars and to moisturize your face and neck, ladies!
You must follow the instructions even though they are pretty simple. If I am using this for acne scars, skin discolorations (sun exposure), uneven skin tone I apply either over makeup (may not be recommended as this could remove your makeup)and on a freshly washed face.
I use the lengths of my fingers not fingertips since they produce the oils that could cause you breakouts from YES touching your face. I rub into the affected area or scar (even works on cystic acne scars) atleast two to three times a day when I am able to. But if not I do this at night before going to bed. Be patient and wait one to two weeks before you notice a big difference as the scar gets lighter your face appears to be glowing and skin discolorations slowly fade.
Keep on it atleast everyday. I thought it was only for men who workout – based on the way the product looks, but I am glad I bought this and one bottle lasted me over two months and I used it everyday! Give this product a try, be patient, follow the directions and you will not be disappointed.
I am a resident of the Bahamas and we have been a nation that has thrived on “bush medicines” in the past. There are many types of plants that have great influences on the skin. (Eg. Sage, Sheperd’s Needle, and Bay Geranium). I am 17 years old but I have great knowledge due to research and personal experiences with these products. Products containing Aloe Vera may be fine but I am sure that the extracts from the raw plant would be better for skin. To persons that say Aloe cannot work on Acne marks I say, it depends on the person. Aloe has personally removed acne and verious other scars (chicken pox etc.) from my skin. As with all things, too much can be a problem. If used overused or used incorrectly (like with over exposure to the sun), aloe can tend to darken African American skin. It also has proven effective in promoting hair growth and thickness and can also be used as a laxative (usually mixed with water). But as I said, there can be problems when a good thing is used incorrectly.
so i dot=nt get it does it really work or not?
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I had accident on last friday ie 6th July 2012 and in the accident i had injury below my left eyebrow (the portion on the eye lid ie the area when you close eyes) i do not want to have any scar left befind after the wound is healed.
Buy an aloe vera plant. It definitely fades away the scars. I’ve been using it for the past three weeks and I can see very good results so far. People at school and at home have been telling me my face is getting clear.
I’ve had severe acne…nw that hs cleared up bt hs left behind indented scars….the scars r very shallow n i dnt want 2 do laser,peeling etc…the idea itself scares me,n i’ve heard dat it hs many side-effects n i m only 18….can sm1 PLZZZZZZZZZ tell me a well tried home-remedy(dat is available in india).presently i m using baking soda 2 xfoliate.i apply honey,aloe vera gel,sandalpowder n rosewater,almond oil regularly and b4 goin 2 sleep i apply tretinoin cream…also i drink lemon juice mixed wid warm water n basil leaves in d morning and i regularly eat almonds n sesame seeds.plz help…really need a rly…..
Neha: The tretinoin cream should do the job for you. Is it a prescription product from a doctor? (In other words is is really tretinoin) or is it an cosmetic product with retinol?
It’s a prescription cream called retino-A.how long does it take to show results?
Neha: I’d expect you’d see results in a few weeks.
Thanx…
Okay….one more question.does sweet almond oil cause breakouts in acne-prone skin?
@Neha: Almond oil is rated a “2″ on the comedogencity scale which means it has a moderately low likelihood of causing acne. Compare that to mineral oil which is a “0″ (will not clog pores) and coconut which is a “4″ (fairly high.)
Dear Thebeautybrains,
I was wondering on a similar note,, All [well, most] of my acne has cleared off of my face [great tip: use Body Shop Day and Night Aloe moisturiser its amazing] but im left with scars. i have to paste on foundation everyday to hide them. is there any cure? any recommended moisturizers, anything really?
thanks in advance
Thanks
Janis, have you tried retinol products to remove acne scars?
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