Last Updated on June 13, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A post on Instagram claims that applying aloe vera gel on your face can help treat pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dark spots and make your skin glow and fair naturally. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Half-true.
The Claim
A post on Instagram titled “Did you know?” reads, “Clean your face and keep a towel soaked in warm water on face for 2 minutes then apply aloe vera gel at night time, it helps to treat pigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark spots and makes skin glowing and fair naturally. A screenshot of the post is given below:
Fact Check
What are the benefits of aloe vera?
Aloe vera gel carries a number of benefits for the human body. It is rich in various vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E and B12. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is helpful in healing burns. It also helps moisturize, soothe, and hydrate the skin, thus helping with skin dryness. It can also be applied to minor abrasions and cuts.
Can the application of aloe vera make your skin glow and fairer?
Not necessarily. Few people are sensitive to it and can experience itching or slight burning as the aloe vera goes to work on your skin, they must stop using it immediately. Similarly, it cannot be used on infection as even though it has microbial properties, its protective layer can disrupt the healing process and make an infection worse.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there’s not enough definitive evidence to support all the purported benefits of aloe, though it’s safe when used on the skin.
In conclusion, even though aloe vera nourishes and rejuvenates the skin, making it look fresh, there is scant evidence that can prove that aloe vera can make the skin fair and blemish-free.
Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Jyothy Kannangath, says, “Aloesin, a compound isolated from the Aloe vera, has been proven to competitively inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in the formation of skin pigment. However, several case reports of the development of hypersensitivity reactions and contact dermatitis in response to aloe vera preparations have been published. So before starting aloe vera based home-remedies, conduct a skin sensitivity test.”
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