We all know that sunburn is very burning. Your skin turns rosy, it feels warm to the touch, and even a change of clothes will leave you wow!
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There are many ways to soothe sunburn, but one common option is aloe vera gel. Some recommend gels derived from the aloe vera plant for sunburn.
Although aloe vera has certain soothing properties, even this substance is not enough to completely heal sunburned skin.
Dermatologist Paul Benedetto, MD, shares what we know about aloe vera, what you need to know before using it for sunburn, and how to prevent future burns.
“Aloe vera does not prevent sunburn, and numerous studies show that it is no more effective than placebo in treating sunburn,” says Dr. Benedetto.
So while this gel feels good on a sunburn, it won’t cure your sunburn (nor is it a suitable replacement for sunscreen). But even so, there’s a reason many people turn to it – because it has cooling properties that help ease the pain of sunburn.
In other words, aloe vera can be a handy companion for sunburn pain relief. But it doesn’t go away any faster.
“Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective properties, which is why it is often recommended for sunburn,” explains Dr. Benedetto. “The physical properties of aloe vera also soothe the skin.”
While more research is needed, one study found that aloe vera has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and may even help prevent severe flaking.
Since the ideal remedy for sunburn is time, aloe vera gel helps to reduce the irritation of the burned area during the healing process.
When it comes to your skin, it’s probably not worth spanking anything. So you might be wondering if aloe vera is a safe bet.
“Overall, aloe vera can be considered safe,” says Dr. Benedetto. But at the same time, he warns that adverse reactions to aloe vera are possible.
“Sometimes people can have allergic or irritant dermatitis reactions to aloe vera products, but the incidence in the general population is low,” he noted. “That being said, if you experience itching or a rash immediately after using aloe vera, you may have an adverse reaction.”
The gelatinous substance is easy to obtain, whether from your local pharmacy or straight from the leaves of the plant. But is one source better than another?
Dr. Benedetto noted that the best way to make a decision is based on available resources, cost and convenience. “Both processed aloe vera creams and whole plant aloe vera can have the same soothing effect on the skin,” he adds.

However, if you have had adverse reactions in the past, you may just want to think twice. If you have any allergies, be sure to carefully read the label of any store-bought product to check for any additives.
Applying any kind of aloe vera is very simple – just apply a light layer of gel on the affected area during the day. Some aloe vera proponents also recommend refrigeration of aloe to give it a more soothing and cooling effect.
This applies to any of these types of aloe vera. If you think your burn has gone into hell-itch territory, talk to your doctor first.
Not only does aloe vera have many benefits, it is also a low maintenance houseplant. Just grow an aloe vera plant at home and use some gel from its pointed leaves. You can extract the clear gel by cutting off the leaf, cutting it in half, and applying the gel to the affected area of ​​skin from the inside. Repeat throughout the day as needed.
No green thumb? Don’t worry. You can easily find aloe vera gel in stores or online. Try to find pure or 100% aloe vera gel to avoid any ingredients that can irritate your skin. Apply a layer of gel to the burned area and repeat as needed.
You can also get the benefits of aloe vera through lotion. If you want something for everyday use or a 2-in-1 moisturizer, this might be a good choice. But using lotions increases the risk of finding products with fragrances or chemical additives. That, and the fact that a recent study found that 70 percent of aloe vera lotion isn’t all that helpful for sunburn, using regular gels may be a better approach.
Now you’re probably wondering, “Well, if aloe vera doesn’t actually cure sunburn, what does?” You probably already know the answer.
Basically, the best way to treat a sunburn is to go back in time and apply more sunscreen. Since this isn’t possible while you’re waiting for your sunburn to heal, take the time to shop around for a stronger sunscreen to use the next day at the beach.
“The best way to ‘cure’ sunburn is to prevent it,” emphasizes Dr. Benedetto. “It’s important to use the correct strength SPF. Use at least 30 SPF for daily use and 50 SPF or higher for intense sun exposure, such as at the beach. And be sure to reapply every two hours.”
In addition, it does not hurt to buy sun protection clothing or even a beach umbrella as an additional sunscreen.
The Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our website helps support our mission. We do not endorse products or services that are not owned by Cleveland Clinic.Policy
If you’re experiencing severe sunburn, you’ve probably heard that aloe vera is a wonderful remedy. While this cooling gel can certainly soothe sunburned skin, it won’t cure it.