Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for millennia for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. The ancient Greeks already used it to alleviate irritations and burns. Today, this natural ingredient is included in various skincare products under its INCI name "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice". Ideal for sensitive skin, does aloe vera gel, however, have a soothing effect on eczema?
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Aloe vera, the natural remedy against eczema.
Summary
Published February 16, 2023,
updated on October 2, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
5 min read
Key points on eczema.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It primarily affects children and infants, but can also manifest during adolescence or adulthood. Eczema results from a unique interaction between genetics and environment, and appears upon exposure to allergens (dust mites, animal fur, pollens...).
According to several studies, 50 to 70% of children affected by eczema have a first-degree relative (father, mother, brother, or sister) who has also been affected. Those suffering from itsecrete large amounts of immunoglobulin E, antibodies, in response to environmental antigens (also called allergens).
This pruritic disease causes itching and can also induce skin lesions, as well as dryness of the skin. Indeed, the natural and protective hydrolipidic film of the skin is lacking on atopic skin. Allergens then penetrate more easily into the epidermis and react with immune cells (lymphocytes), thus causing an inappropriate inflammatory response.
Eczema can appear in various parts of the body. Red patches may manifest on the face, back, neck, hands, feet, and flexion folds.
Aloe Vera Gel: An Ally Against Eczema?
Aloe vera is a plant from the Asphodelaceae family. It is easily recognizable by its thick and fleshy leaves, reminiscent of the structure of a lotus flower. The aesthetics of aloe vera make it a popular indoor plant among decoration enthusiasts. However, this plant is not only beautiful, it is also beneficial for skin suffering from eczema due to its numerous properties.
Aloe vera gel is hydrating. This characteristic comes from its composition. Rich in amino acids and hygroscopic polysaccharides, it moisturizes the epidermis and leaves no oily film on the skin surface. The skin with atopic tendencies particularly requires good hydration due to the fragility of their hydrolipidic film.
Aloe vera gel is also healing. The acemannan molecule, found in aloe vera gel, stimulates the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. These extracellular matrix compounds contribute to maintaining the structure of the skin. Additionally, the glucomannan also present in this gel acts on the fibroblast growth factor, TGF-β1, which increases their activity. The secretion of elastin and collagen by the fibroblasts is thus amplified. Topical application of aloe vera gel on skin suffering from eczema can therefore help to reduce the presence of lesions and red patches.
The Anti-Inflammatory Action of this botanical extract also allows it to alleviate redness and itching caused by eczema. Aloe vera gel soothes the skin by limiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukin 6. TNF-α is targeted by certain flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol) contained in aloe vera gel and its activity is inhibited.
The topical application of aloe vera gel on red patches is thus a way to alleviate an eczema flare-up. Moreover, the gel derived from this plant provides a cooling sensation, soothing itchiness and irritations.
Please note : while aloe vera gel can help soothe the symptoms of eczema, it is not a miracle cure and cannot heal it.
This ingredient is suitable for sensitive skin and its topical application does not presumably have any contraindications. However, it may be prudent to perform a tolerance test before using it regularly on atopic skin. To do this, apply a few drops in the crook of your elbow or behind your ear, and wait 24 hours. If no adverse reaction is observed, you can use it to combat eczema.
However, it is important to note that the studies referenced were not conducted on individuals suffering from eczema, but on skin with various wounds and injuries. Therefore, the properties of aloe vera gel presented here have not been directly demonstrated to alleviate eczema.
Sources
PATUMRAJ S. & al. Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on skin microcirculation and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand (2000).
MAIA CAMPOS P. M. & others. Evaluating the moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in various concentrations using skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology (2006).
SAPLE D. G. & al. Aloe vera: a brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008).
GOLDENBERG G. & others. Eczema. The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine (2011).
LI J. & al. Aloe vera: a medicinal plant utilized in skin wound healing. Tissue Engineering (2021).
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