Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Aloe Vera Gel?

Jay Leone
Jay Leone

Aloe vera gel is a natural, non-toxic substance. The gel within an aloe vera plant is made up of many components including a variety of enzymes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and proteins. This gel is a natural scar inhibitor, cell growth stimulator, pain inhibitor, coagulating agent, and antibiotic. The gel from an aloe vera plant can be used to treat many skin conditions. Aloe vera gel, however, is not a medicine; it is not designed to replace prescription medications.

The gel from this plant offers many practical applications. Used topically on sunburns, blisters, scalds, insect bites, and rashes, it can help soothe the skin and prevent infection. This natural plant product is one of the best moisturizers available, absorbing quickly into the skin. The pure gel from an aloe vera plant leaf can regenerate skin cells, allowing skin to heal with minimal scarring. Stimulating skin cells gives the skin a healthy glow and keeps the skin fresh.

Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
Leaves of the aloe vera plant.

Many people find relief from shingles, eczema, and psoriasis after the application of aloe gel to affected areas. The natural anti-bacterial properties of this gel make it an ideal oral hygiene product for use on the tongue, teeth, cheeks, and tongue. Many doctors recommend using it after radiation therapy for general skin care.

While most people use the gel for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory properties, others employ the gel for beauty enhancement applications. The gel smoothes, moisturizes, cleans and softens the skin. Aloe vera gel can be applied topically to protect the skin from the effects of smoke, exhaust fumes and the sun's rays. It can also be used to reduce wrinkles, sun spot, blemishes and age spots. Aloe gel is often used to soothe and heal the skin over areas that have been recently waxed.

Aloe vera gel is commonly used to soothe sunburns.
Aloe vera gel is commonly used to soothe sunburns.

Some of the best pet care products employ aloe vera gel. Many manufacturers produce detangling and grooming products that contain aloe vera gel. Moisture is key in maintaining a soft, manageable coat that is less prone to tangling. Aloe vera gel can also be used to heal damaged skin on pets and neutralize some pet odors.

Not only does the gel from an aloe vera plant offer healing properties for humans, it offers healing properties for the plant itself. Since the aloe vera plant's leaves have no woody parts or stalks, they are held upright simply by the gel's water pressure. When an aloe plant is cut or otherwise damaged, the plant's gel reacts to seal and heal the wound.

Discussion Comments

bagley79

I have used aloe vera gel more than once on my dog. We live out in the country and she is free to wander all over the place with us.

There have been many times when she has gotten a thorn in her leg, stepped on some barbed wire fence that was down or has some kind of injury.

I keep a spray bottle of aloe vera and a tube of aloe vera gel to apply right away. In most cases, I can see healing within a few days.

If I don't, I know I need to have the vet look at her. My vet is the one who recommended I use this on her, and have been quite happy with the results.

John57

I always keep a bottle of aloe vera gel on hand - especially in the summer time. If anyone gets a sunburn, the cool gel immediately brings relief to the skin.

Since aloe vera is so healing, it can also help to keep the sunburn from peeling if you keep applying it consistently.

I don't have a favorite brand, I just usually buy whatever happens to be on sale or is the cheapest. Since the aloe vera is the active ingredient, I figure all of them will work as well as the others.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
      By: cedrov
      Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
    • Aloe vera gel is commonly used to soothe sunburns.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      Aloe vera gel is commonly used to soothe sunburns.
    • Pure aloe vera gel may be used as an alternative to personal lubricant.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Pure aloe vera gel may be used as an alternative to personal lubricant.
    • Applying aloe vera gel to areas affected with a shingles rash can provide some relief.
      By: librakv
      Applying aloe vera gel to areas affected with a shingles rash can provide some relief.
    • The antibacterial aspects of aloe vera gel make it an excellent oral hygiene product.
      By: CandyBox Images
      The antibacterial aspects of aloe vera gel make it an excellent oral hygiene product.
    • The application of aloe vera gel can provide some relief from eczema.
      By: Jingling Water
      The application of aloe vera gel can provide some relief from eczema.
    • Aloe is commonly used as a skin-soothing agent.
      By: joanna wnuk
      Aloe is commonly used as a skin-soothing agent.