The Skin Benefits of an Aloe Vera Face Mask (+5 DIY Aloe Mask Recipes)

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When it comes to popular DIY skincare ingredients, aloe vera sits at the top of the list. It’s one of those rare natural ingredients that can be used on all skin types, which is exactly what people have been doing for thousands of years.

While fresh aloe vera gel on its own is already beneficial for the skin, aloe vera face masks take things further. Whether you’re dealing with aging, acne, sensitivities, or certain skin conditions, chances are that an aloe vera face mask can help.

Aloe vera can also be found in many skin lightening products. Read our guide and find out what are the best skin lightening products.

Aloe Vera: Plant of Immortality

Aloe vera is nothing new – humans have been using it on their skin since 6 B.C. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians depended on the plant so heavily for numerous reasons that it earned the nickname “the plant of immortality”.

The aloe plant is a succulent that naturally grows in dry, desert environments. Due to the lack of moisture in its native habitat, the plant stores large amounts of a water-rich, clear, gel-like substance in its fleshy leaves. Split a leaf open and the gel is easily accessible – it can simply be scraped out and used as is. Alternatively, aloe gel can also be purchased in its pure form. However, don’t get this confused with aloe extract – aloe vera gel is much more potent, and this is the part of the plant that science has focused on over the years.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel for Skin

Aloe vera gel and slices

Humans have been aware of the skin benefits provided by aloe vera face masks for centuries. However, as with everything in cosmetics, this anecdotal knowledge doesn’t mean much unless science has backed it up. Fortunately for us, there are now numerous studies out there confirming the many benefits that aloe vera face masks bring to the skin:

Effective at Treating Acne

Let’s start with acne. There’s an impressive amount of research available proving that aloe vera gel is even more effective than erythromycin [1], an ingredient commonly prescribed to treat acne breakouts. Aloe vera not only reduces the number of acne lesions on the skin, but also helps with severity. Its antibacterial compounds enable it to fight acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and inflammation.

When used on its own, an aloe vera mask has the potential to significantly clear up acne-prone skin. However, combine an aloe vera face mask with other proven acne treatments and you’ll see results so much faster.

Fades and Lightens Acne Scars and Dark Spots

There are numerous skin-lightening products available on the market, but many contain questionable ingredients. If you’re looking for a natural way to fade and lighten acne scars and dark spots, aloe vera face masks could be the way to go.

Although research in this area is still limited, studies show that some of the chemical compounds within aloe vera gel, particularly aloin and aloesin, destroy excess melanin cells to lighten hyperpigmentation [2]. Even better, if you start using an aloe vera face mask before your acne scars have actually formed, you’ll be keeping inflammation to a minimum while boosting collagen production. As a result, your skin will heal faster and healthier, meaning that you won’t have any scars to deal with afterward.

Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Put down your anti-aging creams – there’s a new wrinkle-fighter in town. Aloe vera contains molecules called sterols, which boost the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As a result, aging skin takes on a firmer, tighter, and plumper appearance after regular use of an aloe vera mask, with wrinkles and fine lines becoming significantly less noticeable.

It also helps that aloe vera contains a wide range of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene. All of these help to repair skin cell damage and strengthen the skin, bringing back the complexion of your youth.

Woman tired face skin

Soothes Burnt and Irritated Skin

Aloe vera gel is a go-to for sunburns. Granted, there may not be much information out there on the exact mechanisms involved in using aloe vera to treat burns, but research confirms that the ingredient is able to help reduce any associated pain [3]. It is able to cool inflamed skin, reduce redness, and provide instant relief, while its wound healing properties repair skin cell damage. If your face has ended up a little sunburned, an aloe face mask is exactly what you need.

Helps to Treat Eczema and Psoriasis

Those who suffer from eczema and psoriasis usually have sensitive skin. This makes it even trickier to find a suitable treatment. Natural ingredients tend to be the way to go, especially in the form of aloe vera. The way in which an aloe vera mask stimulates skin cell production helps to treat both conditions, while its efficacy at reducing inflammation prevents flare-ups.

How to Make a DIY Aloe Vera Mask

DIY face masks are all the rage at the moment. They give you full control over the ingredients that you use to treat your skin. As you’ll soon see, DIY aloe vera mask recipes vary quite a bit, but this is a good thing. Pick and choose the ingredients capable of targeting the skin concerns that you’re dealing with and you’ll have perfect skin in no time at all.

One thing to note – while aloe vera gel can easily be purchased, nothing quite beats the gel that has been freshly extracted from an aloe vera plant. The plants are inexpensive and easy to care for, making it worth having a couple in your home!

Aloe vera with water drops

Aloe Vera, Cinnamon Bark, and Honey Mask

This aloe vera mask recipe is a great one for treating oily skin and acne. Aloe, cinnamon, and honey all work together to fight bacteria and reduce excess oil production, keeping breakouts at bay.

  • 2 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl before applying. Sit back and relax for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Aloe Vera and Lemon Mask

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells. It’s also a natural form of vitamin C, making it a great ingredient for glowing skin.

  • 2 tablespoons of aloe gel
  • A few drops of fresh lemon juice

Mix together and then apply the lemon mask to your face. After 10 minutes, rinse your skin and pat dry.

Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Olive Oil Mask

If you’ve got dry skin, then this is the aloe vera face mask for you. Both shea and olive are brimming with fatty acids that soothe skin and add moisture.

  • 2 tablespoons of aloe gel
  • 1 tablespoon of shea butter
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil (this can be substituted for coconut oil)

Mix together until thick and then apply your aloe vera mask to your face. Leave it to set for 15 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Aloe Vera and Green Tea Mask

Teapot and cup with green tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants. This makes it a great anti-aging ingredient, capable of neutralizing the free radicals that would have otherwise contributed to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. You’ll find green tea used in many commercially-produced face masks, but it’s so easy to whip one up yourself!

  • 1 tablespoon of aloe vera
  • 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder

Combine the ingredients and then apply to your face. After 15 minutes, rinse your skin with warm water and pat dry.

Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Mask

Aloe vera face masks that have tea tree added in are great for purifying and revitalizing your skin. If your complexion could do with a quick pick-me-up, then this is the face mask for you.

  • 1 tablespoon of aloe vera
  • 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil

Mix well and then apply to your face. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

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Are There Any Side Effects?

Being a gentle and natural ingredient, an aloe vera face mask doesn’t usually have any side effects. The only issue would be if you’re allergic to aloe vera itself. If you’re not sure, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Always perform a patch test before using a DIY aloe vera mask on your face.

FAQs

How do you use aloe vera as a face mask?

It’s easy – simply mix some aloe vera gel with one or two other skin-boosting ingredients, before applying the mixture to your skin. Leave your aloe vera face mask on for between 10-20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Is it good to put aloe vera on your face?

Yes, aloe vera has a number of skin-boosting benefits, making it a great ingredient to use on your face and body. Apply the gel on its own, or combine it with other ingredients to create homemade aloe face masks.

Can we apply aloe vera on face daily?

Yes, aloe vera is gentle enough to be used on the face daily.

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why ancient cultures held aloe vera in such high regard. It’s packed with nutrients, it has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and it’s incredibly effective at soothing, calming, and healing the skin. While there may be a few ways in which you can use this ingredient, aloe vera face masks are definitely worthy of a regular spot in your skincare routine. They’re so easy to make and customize, and you’ll notice improvements in your skin pretty much immediately after washing your aloe vera mask off.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6298394/
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/aloe-vera-for-dark-spots#how-it-works
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6483239/

Avatar for Megan Foley

Megan has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016. In that time, she’s penned a diverse collection of articles for online publication, with a focus on skincare and beauty. From in-depth product reviews to concise marketing content, Megan is passionate about developing content that informs, entertains, and inspires.