Yahoo Lifestyle 7 Reasons To Add Aloe Vera to Your Skincare Over 50, According to Dermatologists
When you were younger, chances are your family members swore by aloe vera for healing cuts, scrapes or sunburns. It seemed like everybody had an aloe vera plant! Well, your relatives may have been on to something because there are many benefits of aloe vera. Of course, it's helpful for treating infections, but it's also a powerful addition to skincare routines.
Parade spoke with Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD and Dr. Justine H. Park, MD to understand all of the reasons to add aloe vera to your skincare over 50. As Dr. Zubritsky explains, aloe vera as a skincare ingredient is most known for its powerful ability to soothe and calm the skin—so it's well worth a spot in your routine.
Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, aloe vera hydrates the skin, creating a glowing, youthful appearance at any age. Keep reading for all of the reasons to add aloe vera to your skincare over 50, according to dermatologists. Spoiler alert: Yes, aloe vera is worth the hype.
Related: The One Thing a Skincare Expert Is Begging Women Over 50 to Start Doing
7 Reasons To Add Aloe Vera to Your Skincare Over 50
1. Rich in antioxidants
"Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent and protect against free radical damage," Dr. Zubritsky tells us.
She elaborates that free radical damage is known to accelerate aging, including pigmentation and wrinkles.
Dr. Park adds that aloe vera has high contents of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and B12, which is what makes it it a powerful antioxidant. This helps combat oxidative stress in our skin cells.
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2. Anti-inflammatory
Aloe vera has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for soothing and calming the skin. Dr. Zubritsky highlights that aloe vera is a powerful anti-inflammatory and aids in wound healing due to the presence of polysaccharides—AKA complex sugars that support the skin’s natural healing process.
Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory benefits can be especially beneficial for people dealing with skin conditions or inflammation, as it helps reduce redness. By calming irritated skin and reducing swelling, aloe vera helps improve overall skin tone and texture.
3. Non-allergenic
Dr. Park notes that aloe vera is non-irritating and non-allergenic, making it tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types, such as rosacea-prone or eczema-prone skin. Navigating skincare products with sensitive skin is tough, but you can count on aloe vera to calm your skin.
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4. Hydrates the skin
A 2006 clinical trial from Skin Research and Technology found that freeze-dried aloe vera extract is a natural effective ingredient for improving skin hydration. Additionally, it may be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and as a complement in dry skin treatment.
Dr. Zubritsky shares that aloe vera is quite moisturizing as an ingredient, due to its ability to hold onto water, so it can aid in relieving dryness. This is thought to be possible through its humectant properties.
Dr. Park also emphasizes aloe vera's hydrating power, noting that it is made up of 98% water, so it has excellent hydrating properties. This high water content allows aloe vera to penetrate deeply, replenish moisture from within and leave the skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Unlike heavier creams or oils that can sometimes clog pores, aloe vera is suitable for many skin types.
5. Boosts collagen production
As Dr. Zubritsky explained, aloe vera aids in wound healing due to the presence of polysaccharides – which help to increase collagen synthesis. Collagen is the protein responsible for skin's elasticity and structure. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles. Using aloe vera in your skincare routine can help stimulate collagen synthesis, supporting a firmer complexion over time.
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6. Treats infections
Many studies have proven the antifungal properties of aloe vera. We told you your relatives were onto something with the aloe vera treatments!
Aloe vera can treat bacterial and fungal infections without harsh chemicals or medicines, Dr. Park explains. Its natural antimicrobial properties make it a gentle yet effective remedy for various skin flare ups, from minor cuts to fungal irritations.
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7. Accessible and affordable
"Aloe vera is a common household plant, so fresh aloe vera gel is quite accessible and affordable," Dr. Park explains.
Whether you’re purchasing aloe-based products or using fresh gel straight from the plant, adding aloe vera to your skincare routine is budget-friendly and convenient. Plus, it's versatile and perfect for DIY treatments!
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Sources
Lindsey Marie Zubritsky, MD, FAAD: Connect via TikTok, Instagram and YouTube
Justine H. Park, MD: Connect via Skin & Beauty Center website
