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Aloe vera has been regarded as a healing plant for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks considered it a universal remedy, and it's been proven effective in treating dry skin conditions.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockIn 1973, two researchers from Harvard University began an extensive study into how air quality impacts public health. The research, known as the Harvard Six Cities Study, was the first to establish a clear connection between health and environmental conditions [source: Lauerman].
As a result of this study, many Americans turned to herbal remedies that were deemed effective in other countries but were largely overlooked by the U.S. medical community. While some of these remedies are still debated, others have proven their worth.
Aloe vera serves as a prime example of a remedy that works. These spiky desert plants have been used for centuries to treat burns, wounds, and even constipation. While studies on aloe's effectiveness for burns are mixed — with some suggesting it speeds up skin recovery and others finding it may delay healing — its ability to address dry skin issues is well-established.
Psoriasis vulgaris (commonly known as psoriasis) is a skin condition characterized by an overproduction of skin cells. People with psoriasis generate new skin cells and shed old ones at a rate approximately 10 times faster than the average person, resulting in constantly dry and irritated skin [source: WebMD]. Research on aloe vera treatments for psoriasis has shown promising results. In one North Carolina study, participants used a hydrophilic cream containing just 0.5 percent aloe gel three times daily for four weeks. After treatment, 83 percent of participants reported no more psoriasis symptoms, compared to only 6 percent of those who used a placebo [source: Syed et al].
A separate clinical trial tested aloe vera gel for treating seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that affects oily skin areas, causing redness, itching, dryness, and dandruff when it affects the scalp [source: Mayo Clinic]. Participants applied a 30 percent aloe emulsion twice a day for four to six weeks. The aloe treatment resulted in complete relief for 62 percent of participants, while 25 percent of the placebo group saw some improvement [source: Vardy et al.].
As clinical trials continued to demonstrate aloe's effectiveness in treating dry skin conditions, researchers began to investigate its ingredients. Aloe's healing properties hold up under scientific scrutiny. Aloe is the only plant known to contain an anti-inflammatory compound called C-glucosyl chromone [source: Surjushe, et al]. In fact, aloe vera contains over 200 chemical compounds, many of which contribute to its ability to heal dry skin [source: Serovera].
For conditions like dermatitis, applying aloe topically delivers polysaccharides that help lock moisture into the skin. The enzyme bradykinase reduces inflammation, relieving redness and itchiness. A combination of the sugar glucomannan and gibberellins, a plant hormone, stimulates collagen production in the skin.
When combined, these ingredients contributed to the positive outcomes seen in aloe vera clinical trials. It seems that modern science has caught up with ancient wisdom, proving that aloe can indeed treat various skin disorders.
