Can Aloe Vera cure, help, treat or prevent Acne?

The following information is for humans with Acne

Warnings

These pages are intended for sufferers who have had their ailment professionally diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner. Self Diagnosis can be extremely dangerous as many serious conditions can mimic more simple ones. If you are not satisfied with the results from one doctor, be confident and ask for a second opinion. Doctors are only human, their knowledge cannot be all-encompassing and we all make mistakes
Make sure you have read the pages on Aloe Vera side effects, who can use Aloe Vera and good quality Aloe Vera first
If you are currently on medication or undergoing medical treatment consult your doctor first

There is anecdotal evidence to suggest Aloe Vera works with Acne in humans.

Introduction to Acne

Also known as Acne Vulgaris this is most well known for affecting teenagers although many continue to suffer acne well into their adult lives.

It usually affects the face, and abdominal areas and varies in its degree. At it's most severe it can cause disfigurement of the face and scarring of the skin.

Using Aloe Vera for Acne

Wash with a pure liquid soap where Aloe Vera is the first ingredient. Apply Aloe Vera gel before any other product. Repeat several times a day depending on the severity.
WHY? Aloe Vera is well known for it's anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the skin. It is also naturally anti-bacterial which will assist the body in avoiding further infections.

How long will it take for Aloe Vera to work with Acne?

This will depend but remember that Aloe Vera does not 'cure' acne, it is only treating the symptoms. As such it should be used for as long as the person has acne.

Studies carried out with Aloe Vera and Acne

One nonrandomised, unblinded study assessed wound healing with polyethylene oxide wound gel or polyethylene oxide wound gel saturated with aloe vera in 17 patients with acne vulgaris. Half-face treatments were carried out so that each patient received both treatments. By day 5, 90% of wounds were healed (complete re-epithelialisation) with aloe vera compared with 40-50% without aloe vera. Wound healing was 72 hours faster with aloe vera.
Vogler BK, Ernst E. Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. British Journal of General Practice 1999;49:823-828.