Your Cart

Extra $5 off any 2 items or $15 off 3 items, code: 5on2 or 15on3 + Free US Shipping +$50

Need help choosing the right kit?

Our Skin Profile Quiz can help recommend a kit that best addresses your skin’s unique concerns

FIND MY KIT

Want to order by phone or have questions about our products?

Our skincare experts are here to help 7am-3pm PT Monday - Friday

1-866-404-7656
Search

Welcome!

Sign into your account to track & manage orders or update your account info below.

.
BasicKit
ExpandedKit
UltimateKit

Facial Cleanser

Ultimate clean, no over-drying

Clearing Tonic

Instant skin rebalancing

Acne Treatment Serum

All-day Protection

Clear Pore Serum

All night pore clearing

Derm-X Cloth

Skin renewing exfoliation

Moisture Complex

Weightless oil-free moisture

Microderm Scrub

Instantly Smoother Skin

Clarifying Mask

Deep down skin detox

Probiotic Complex

Clearer skin from the inside

.

Aloe Vera Made My Acne Worse (7 Reasons Why)

Aloe vera is a staple in many skincare routines. It has been popular for its soothing and healing properties for centuries. This succulent plant, packed with beneficial compounds, has been used in countless remedies for various ailments, from sunburn to digestive issues. 

Many swear by aloe vera's soothing power, especially regarding skin care and acne. Yet, to their dismay, some individuals find that aloe vera worsens their acne. This comprehensive exploration dives into why aloe vera may not always be the acne remedy it's often hailed as.

Also read: How to choose the best acne treatment

Biggest Take-Aways:

  • Although beneficial for many, Aloe vera can sometimes worsen acne for various reasons, such as allergic reactions or interactions with other products.
  • The plant has been used for centuries, offering benefits like reducing inflammation and treating mild acne, but it's essential to use it correctly.
  • While aloe vera can be a standalone treatment, combining it with other natural ingredients can enhance results.
  • Exposed Skin Care offers a balanced formula that harnesses the benefits of aloe vera, providing a targeted approach to acne treatment.

Asian woman applying aloe vera on her face

7 Reasons Why Aloe Vera May Worsen Your Acne

1. The Unexpected Allergic Reaction

For some, the topical use of aloe vera gel can lead to an allergic reaction. This reaction can manifest in several ways:

  • Redness: A common sign of irritation where the skin becomes unusually red post-application.
  • Itching: A telltale sign of an allergic response where the skin becomes itchy.
  • Acne Breakouts: In some cases, a full-blown acne breakout can be the body's way of signaling an allergy.

Interestingly, while aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that many people benefit from, it can result in the opposite effect for others. If "aloe vera made my acne worse" is a sentiment you echo, an allergic reaction could be the culprit.

2. Comedogenic Ingredients

Not all aloe vera gels are created equal. Some store-bought gels are loaded with additional ingredients that may cause acne. These added components, while meant to enhance the product's shelf life or texture, can:

  • Clog Pores: This leads to blackheads and further skin inflammation.
  • Introduce Acne-Causing Bacteria: If not formulated properly, some gels can be a breeding ground for bacteria, exacerbating acne issues.
  • Irritate Sensitive Skin: Some additives can be too harsh for sensitive skin types.

When applying aloe vera gel, ensure to use products with strict sourcing guidelines, minimal additives, and transparent ingredient lists.

3. Over-moisturizing Your Skin

Aloe vera is a plant known for its moisturizing properties. But there's a thin line between hydrating the skin and over-moisturizing it. For individuals with oily skin, applying aloe vera too frequently might:

  • Intensify Oil Production: Making the skin even oilier and prone to acne breakouts.
  • Trap Dead Skin Cells: Over-moisturizing can trap dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores, a haven for acne-causing bacteria.

Woman with towel on her head looking at her skin with table mirror

4. Contraindication Other Skincare Products

Adding aloe vera to your skincare routine might not always be harmonious. Sometimes, aloe vera can interact negatively with other skincare products, leading to unexpected reactions such as:

  • Increased Irritation: When combined with certain active ingredients.
  • Decreased Efficacy of Acne Treatment Products: Some components might neutralize the effects of others.

This highlights the importance of effectively integrating aloe vera into your skincare routine.

5. Skin Purging

Many acne products, including natural remedies like aloe vera, can cause an initial 'purging' phase. During this phase, the skin might experience:

  • Rise in Breakouts: As the product brings deeply seated impurities to the surface.
  • Increased Skin Sensitivity: Due to the skin adjusting to the new product.

While many misconstrue this phase as the product worsening their acne, it's essential to understand that this could be a temporary reaction as your skin adjusts.

6. Underlying Skin Conditions

Certain underlying skin conditions can be exacerbated by using aloe vera. Conditions such as:

  • Fungal Acne: Looks like typical acne but requires different treatments.
  • Rosacea: Can be mistaken for regular acne but can flare up with certain ingredients.

Young woman with acne rosacea lying on bed

If you notice that using aloe vera makes your acne worse, it might be worth exploring if an underlying condition is the real culprit.

7. External Factors

While it's easy to point fingers at the most recent product you've introduced into your regimen, sometimes the real reasons lie outside the bottle. Factors like:

  • Stress: This can lead to hormonal imbalances and, subsequently, breakouts.
  • Dietary Choices: Foods high in sugars and dairy can sometimes trigger acne.
  • Environmental Factors: Like pollution can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Considering these factors can provide a holistic view of what might be causing or worsening acne, beyond the application of aloe vera gel.

Benefits of Using Exposed Skin Care for Acne Management

While aloe vera has been used for centuries to soothe and treat acne, integrating products with a proven track record can make a significant difference. One such trusted product line is Exposed Skin Care. It offers a comprehensive solution to those battling persistent pimples and acne scars.

Exposed Skin Care Basic Kit

Here are some notable benefits:

  • Antibacterial Properties: Targeting the root causes of acne, it combats acne-causing bacteria effectively.
  • Soothing Gel Formulation: Provides a calming sensation, reducing inflammation associated with acne.
  • Natural and Scientific Approach: It blends nature's best with advanced science.
  • Versatile Usage: Offers various ways to use to treat and prevent acne.
  • Safety First: Always recommend a patch test before diving into any skincare regimen to ensure compatibility.
  • Comprehensive Treatment: Beyond treating acne, products like the scrub help exfoliate, and others target dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Incorporating Exposed Skin Care into your routine can enhance your use of aloe vera for acne most effectively.

Conclusion

Aloe Vera has been celebrated for centuries as a remedy for acne stemming from the gel inside its lush aloe vera leaves. Drinking aloe or applying a mixture on your skin made from the gel directly from the plant can provide relief and treatment for mild acne issues.

Its benefits extend beyond just soothing skin; it helps get rid of hyperpigmentation and calms inflamed acne. Yet, like all home remedies and ingredients, it's crucial to be aware and use them correctly. While some swear by aloe vera to treat acne, others might find ingredients that cause unwanted reactions.

Exposed Skin Care offers a more targeted solution than just aloe vera. It not only harnesses the potential of aloe vera but also presents a balanced formula to treat acne.

So, whether you choose to plant or buy products, remember the essence lies in understanding what's absorbed into the skin and adapting based on its response.

FAQs

Why might aloe vera worsen acne for some people?

An allergic reaction, the presence of other ingredients in aloe vera products, over-moisturizing, or interactions with other skincare products can sometimes worsen acne.

How does aloe vera benefit the skin?

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and help treat mild acne.

Is it safe to use aloe vera gel directly from the plant?

Yes, but always conduct a patch test first to ensure no allergic reactions. Also, ensure the plant is free from contaminants.

Can other ingredients be combined with aloe vera for skincare?

Yes. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar can amplify the benefits of aloe vera, but always be sure to test any combination on a small skin area first.

How does Exposed Skin Care enhance the use of aloe vera for acne treatment?

Exposed Skin Care combines the benefits of aloe vera with other effective ingredients, offering a comprehensive solution for acne management.