How to soothe sunburn using aloe vera?

Extracted from the plant of the same name, the aloe vera gel is a colorless, viscous substance that contains at least a hundred active molecules (polysaccharides, vitamins, trace elements, enzymes, amino acids). In skin care, it is known for hydrating, soothing, and repairing properties, effects used to relieve sunburn. Also called actinic erythema, this term refers to a skin burn caused by erythematous UV rays, composed mostly of UVB. The sunburns are characterized by redness, pain, and itching. In severe cases, blisters can appear. Biologically, a sunburn triggers an inflammatory reaction: UV rays damage microRNAs that, once released into the extracellular space, stimulate proinflammatory cytokine production.

Prevention is better than cure Avoid direct sun exposure in summer during peak hours, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and apply regularly a sufficient amount of sunscreen.

If, despite precautions, your skin becomes sunburned, aloe vera gel can help soothe it. It has been used for centuries to calm skin irritation and is recommended to reduce actinic erythema. Beyond these empirical reports, an experimental study in rats demonstrated aloe vera’s potential to protect skin from UVB-induced damage. Researchers aimed to assess whether topical application of aloe vera gel could reduce the formation of "sunburn cells" and the expression of caspase-3, a key enzyme involved in apoptosis, or programmed cell death. "Sunburn cells" are keratinocytes undergoing apoptosis after exposure to a physiological dose of UVB that causes severe, irreversible DNA damage.

Two animal groups were exposed to minimal erythemal doses. A 75% aloe vera extract was then applied to the backs of mice in the first group. At 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, researchers measured caspase-3 expression via immunohistochemistry and counted sunburn cells under the microscope. Results showed a significant reduction in caspase-3 expression and a marked decrease in sunburn cell count in the aloe-treated group compared with the control group. This suggests that aloe vera gel has a protective effect by limiting UVB-induced apoptosis and cellular damage through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

The aloe vera appears able to soothe sunburns, although additional clinical studies in humans are needed to confirm this.

If we examine the mechanism of action of aloe vera gel we see that this botanical extract can act on several levels:

• Aloe vera cools the skin, relieves burning, and hydrates the epidermis.

  When applied to sun-reddened skin, aloe vera gel provides a cooling sensation and helps restore the natural hydration of the epidermis. The gel contains hygroscopic polysaccharides that bind water molecules and retain them in the stratum corneum. Researchers also found that applying the gel to the skin causes its long-chain mucopolysaccharides to polymerize and form a thin semi-permeable film that produces an immediate hydrating effect. Another study involving twenty women showed that adding 0.5% aloe vera to a moisturizer increased skin hydration by about 20% compared with the formulation without aloe vera.

  Why is hydrating skin beneficial in case of sunburn?

  After sunburn, the skin barrier is impaired. The organization of intercellular lipids is disrupted and the natural moisturizing factors as well as the hydrolipidic film are reduced. As a result, transepidermal water loss increases and the epidermis becomes drier. Hydrating the skin after sunburn restores its water balance and supports barrier function. Hydration supports skin healing. Moisture helps epithelial cells migrate across the wound surface and promote closure.

• Aloe vera gel soothes inflammation and supports skin healing.

  Other beneficial effects of aloe vera in case of sunburn: its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. According to a recent study, aloe vera acemannan promotes wound closure and stimulates cell proliferation by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, involved in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This process enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen, accelerating tissue repair. In addition, due to its flavonoid content, aloe vera gel can modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. This action helps reduce local inflammation, alleviate pain, and limit tissue damage caused by sunburn.

  Why are these aloe vera effects relevant for sunburns?

  After a sunburn, tissue repair is essential. The skin has sustained significant cellular damage and is experiencing intense inflammation. Healing restores the skin’s structure and protective function. It recreates an environment that supports keratinocyte proliferation and migration, collagen synthesis, and regeneration of damaged fibers. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the redness and stinging associated with sunburn.

Due to this combination of hydrating, soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory activities, aloe vera is suited to soothe irritations, including those due to sunburn.