Aloe vera belongs to the lily family and has been used as a medicinal plant in its native Arabia for more than 6000 years - and not just for sunburn. The gel-like juice of the ripe, outer aloe leaves helps against various skin diseases and has proven to be particularly effective in relieving pain and treating sunburn.
Aloe vera has also been used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes in Europe since the beginning of the 20th century. It contains ingredients with different effects like no other plant, so the list of applications seems almost endless. The plant is a true all-rounder in terms of its effects. The desert lily - as it is also known - can be found today in hygiene products, detergents, foods and cosmetics, e.g. in the form of aloe vera gel or aloe vera spray.
Table of contents
1. why aloe vera for sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by excessive UVA and UVB radiation - whether on vacation, in the garden or simply on a walk outside. But be careful: severe sunburn not only irritates the skin for a short time, it also destroys the skin cells. Skin regeneration can take up to several weeks, which can be shortened by applying aloe vera. After-sun creams or ointments do not heal sunburn. Some commercially available products even contain fragrances that can trigger allergies and PEGs, which are suspected of being carcinogenic (source: "Öko Test" issue 07/2019*). A pure, natural aloe vera gel is far more recommendable, as it cools the skin and is absorbed more quickly. It is easy to apply and painless to spread. Aloe vera contains over 300 ingredients such as minerals, amino acids and vitamins, which support skin regeneration in the event of sunburn. In addition, the use of aloe vera maintains the skin's tan for longer.
2 Which effects of aloe vera are useful for sunburn?
The ingredients of aloe vera are the ideal care for irritated skin - especially in the case of sunburn. These special effects of aloe vera on sunburn are known and proven:
- moisturizes
- strengthens the immune system
- inhibits inflammation
- relieves pain
- strengthens the organism
- allows wounds to heal faster
- detoxifies
- supports the formation of new skin
- has an antibacterial effect
- soothes the skin
- provides vitality
3. where can I get aloe vera quickly if I have sunburn?
If you don't have an aloe vera plant at home, you can get ready-to-use aloe vera gel from the pharmacy (order number: 16573212). A gel obtained directly from the fresh juice of the plant and not mixed from powder is ideal for sunburn. It should only contain natural ingredients so as not to further irritate the skin. Quality seals such as "Dermatest" indicate how well tolerated the aloe vera gel is. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can cut off one of the outer, thick leaves with a sharp kitchen knife. Then cover the cut with cling film and place the leaf in the refrigerator for approx. 30 minutes. Depending on the size of the area affected by the sunburn, a piece of leaf is then cut off. The rest of the leaf can be stored in the fridge and used later. The leaf is cut open lengthwise and the gel is scraped out with a knife. The aloe vera gel can be applied immediately to the affected skin area - the more often, the better.
Natural aloe vera gel for skin & hair from Casida
Casida's aloe vera gel for skin & hair is obtained directly from the fresh juice of the aloe plant. With its very high aloe vera concentration, it provides maximum moisture and is ideal against sunburn. Casida's pure aloe vera gel is naturally pure and contains only natural ingredients. It has been dermatologically tested and awarded a "very good" rating. The aloe vera gel also helps with scars, stretch marks and skin irritations of all kinds.
Good to know: Aloe vera is also the ideal care for scalp & hair. Find out more about aloe vera gel for hair in our blog post.
*Source: Öko Test 2019 "After-sun in the test: well-known creams and lotions are not convincing" To the article on www.oekotest.de
Important note / disclaimer: As pharmacists, we share our pharmaceutical expertise and wealth of naturopathic experience in the Casida guide. An individual diagnosis and consultation is necessary in every case. Therefore, this offer cannot replace medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medication or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
