Aloe Vera for Psoriasis: Uses and Benefits

Posted on March 22, 2021

Inflammatory skin conditions can affect your quality of life if not managed. If you suffer from psoriasis, exposing yourself to irritants, pollutants and harsh chemicals can cause flare-ups and itchy rashes.

Instead, try opting for a natural alternative to chemical-heavy creams and ointments. There are lots of natural, pure options you can use to hydrate and nourish your skin, like aloe vera. Ready to learn more about aloe vera for psoriasis? You’ve come to the right place.

What is psoriasis?

Like eczema, psoriasis is a long-lasting skin condition that manifests as red, flaky skin covered with silvery scales. It can affect any part of the body, but they usually arise on your elbows, knees and scalp.

Psoriasis can start at any age, but most individuals develop the condition before their 30’s. While some cases of psoriasis can be severe, other individuals may experience minor irritations and flare ups.

Psoriasis happens due to an increased production of skin cells, leading to a build-up that causes the patches that appear with psoriasis. When this happens, the immune system attaches the healthy skin by mistake, causing the rashes and flare-ups that are common symptoms of this condition.

There are many treatment options for psoriasis, including topical steroids, prescription medication and injections.

While everyone’s treatment journey is different, aloe vera can work as a supportive treatment for those with psoriasis, as a natural and gentle topical gel.

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a rich, nutritious plant that contains a thick therapeutic gel. Aloe vera can be used in so many ways to suit your individual needs and skin requirements. Aloe vera gel contains over 70 nutrients, including fatty acids, antioxidants and much more.

The compounds in aloe vera gel have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Not only does it fight inflammation, but aloe vera gel is also a natural antimicrobial and antibacterial agent. You can even use aloe vera gel to create your own hand sanitiser.

Benefits for psoriasis:

For inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, aloe vera can be particularly useful to help treat and nourish the skin and reduce flare-ups.

Here’s how aloe vera can support and reduce psoriasis symptoms:

• Cool down the skin and soothe irritations: Aloe vera gel is very cooling on the skin - especially when you keep it stored in the fridge. Applying aloe vera on itchy skin can instantly provide relief and reduce the inflammation.
• Helps heal wounds: Glucomannan, a healing compound found in aloe vera, can help improve wound recovery. This can be useful if the psoriasis scales have cracks.
• Lower inflammation: Aloe vera gel’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the swelling and inflammation that leads to psoriasis flare-ups.
• Hydrates and nourishes: Psoriasis is significantly exacerbated when dry skin is present. Help prevent pesky cracks and scales by keeping hydrated and locking in moisture with aloe vera gel.

How to use it:

Aloe vera gel is incredibly easy to use straight from the bottle.

Here are some simple steps you can take to use aloe vera for your skin conditions:

• Keep your aloe vera in the fridge to boost shelf life and improve the cooling properties.
• Clean the affected area well and dry off. Apply aloe vera gel to the area and allow to dry before dressing.
• Apply aloe vera gel 3 times a day, or whenever you are itching to get instant relief.

Like using any new skin product for the first time, remember to test the aloe vera gel on another area of skin first to make sure you are not sensitive to the product.

Choosing an aloe vera product:

Aloe vera products have saturated the market, and finding the right one can be confusing.

Always choose a pure, natural aloe vera product that is free from any fragrances, alcohol, artificial preservatives and toxins. Look for at least 99% purity to make sure you are not getting a diluted product - as it may not work as well due to reduced nutrients. Make sure you are getting an aloe vera that is made from real juice and not powder to ensure you are receiving a fresh product with maximum potency.

Once you’ve chosen a solid aloe vera base, feel free to mix and match with your favorite nourishing carrier oils and essential oils to make your own DIY home remedy.

Keep your aloe vera in an airtight bottle in the fridge to maximise shelf-life.

Conclusion

Aloe vera gel is exceptional for those with inflammatory skin conditions, like psoriasis. Always choose a natural aloe vera gel to make sure you are giving your skin the best possible ingredients to nourish and protect.

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