Does Aloe Gel Actually Help Your Sunburn?
One of the first things people reach for after a sunburn is aloe gel. Is it one of those old wives' tales that we’ve leaned upon for years simply because we didn’t know any better? Or does it actually work? Let’s take a closer look.
The Soothing Relief of Aloe
The short answer is, yes. Pure aloe vera gel can help your sunburn, but it can’t heal it. Once the burn has set in, all we can do is wait it out. However, aloe can cool the skin and help soothe the flare-up brought on by a sunburn.
Ironically, aloe vera grows in the types of climates that often cause sunburns like California, New Mexico, and the Caribbean. It’s a short-stemmed shrub with leaves that contain this valuable gel.