Aloe vera has been found to have many health benefits for the skin, from helping to heal wounds to moisturizing.
There’s a small amount of scientific evidence suggesting that applying aloe vera to your skin may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented areas, though it won’t completely get rid of these darker spots.
How aloe vera works to lighten skin pigmentation:
They may reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by destroying existing melanin cells and preventing further formation of melanin in the skin. Those who received skin treatments showed less pigmentation compared to those who received no treatment.
Preparing gel from the plant
Aloe vera gel is a thick and sticky liquid inside the pointed leaves of the plant. To get to the gel inside a plant:
- Find a mature plant that’s several years old. Older plants may contain higher levels of aloin and aloesin.
- Remove a few thick leaves from the outer part of the plant, using scissors and cutting them near the stem, next to the base of the plant. Make sure these leaves do not show signs of mold or damage. They should be green and smooth, with consistent coloration.
- Wash and dry the leaves you cut.
- Cut off the prickly parts on the edges of the leaves.
- Use a knife or your fingers to scrape the inside gel off of the thin outside leaf. This gel is what you’ll apply to your skin.
- Cut the gel into slices or cubes for storage in the fridge. Take out and use as needed
Side effects of using aloe for skin pigmentation
Both aloe vera gel from the plant and gel from a drugstore are considered safe for most healthy people to apply directly to their skin.
There’s little risk of trying aloe vera if you want to reduce the appearance of your hyperpigmented skin.
Read the full story on healthline.com
Also read: How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars And Pimple Marks Naturally
