Yes. You can mix both, aloe vera with salicylic acid for better result on skin. Aloe Vera also contains salicylic acid in itself.
Have you ever wondered what makes aloe vera the most suitable skincare ingredient? The reason is not just that it is green, but what lies within this special plant.
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What is aloe vera made of?
The plant has been known for centuries as one that confers immortality and fights skin diseases. Even today, many embrace this wonderful gift from nature. So what is it that makes it so special?
Aloe vera gel harbors some exclusive components which delight every cell of our skin. These include the following;
- Sugars.
- Salicylic acid.
- Minerals.
- Vitamins A, B12, C, and E.
- Enzymes.
The list comprises every possible care that your skin will ever need.
Today, we are going to talk about a doubt that many have regarding the use of aloe vera with salicylic acid. Before that, let us get to know the uses of Salicylic acid for our skin.
What is Salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in plants and has several medicinal properties. This includes anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and exfoliation actions. It dissolves dead cells and other impurities that fill the pores on your skin.
Also, it is used in several skincare products and dermatological drugs considering its effects on acne or other serious skin conditions.
Uses of Salicylic acid
This ingredient may be used directly on the skin as salicylic acid pads, which when applied onto the skin helps treat acne and prevents future breakouts. They are commonly used as topicals.
It removes the top layer of the skin which comprises dead cells and reduces inflammations caused due to blemishes.
Doctors prescribe salicylic acid as medication to treat moderate acne due to hormonal changes and other causes. It is also well known for its effects on dandruff and psoriasis.
Can you mix aloe vera with Salicylic acid?
Aloe vera in itself has salicylic acid which is known to eliminate dead cells and treat acne-prone skins. Mixing aloe vera with additional salicylic acid is not quite healthy especially considering that excess of this component is quite drying.
Although it is not completely unsafe to have both the ingredients applied together, it is not recommended as an ideal mix.
While aloe vera hydrates and heals the skin, salicylic acid completely dissolves oils from your skin, and thus a lot of this acid can lead to skin irritations.
You may, however, use either of the ingredients individually for your skin and avoid using them together. Several products stick to lower concentrations of this ingredient for treating skin due to the strong nature of the acid.
Can you use Salicylic acid daily?
No. Experts recommend using products that contain salicylic acid 3 or 4 times a week and not regularly. So, it is not something you can add to your daily skincare routine.
Overuse of salicylic acid may lead to ‘salicylate poisoning’. This is a serious issue where sensitive skin is mostly affected. Do not apply this ingredient over large regions of your skin, especially if you have sensitive and allergic skin types.
Is salicylic acid good for oily skin?
Oily skins may depend on salicylic acid as their primary skin treatment. According to experts, such skin types find their acne condition prevalent for longer durations. Hence, such conditions demand extreme action and salicylic acid is the best answer.
Even then, consider seeking your doctor’s advice before utilizing this ingredient, as not all have similar tolerance to its effects.
What can I mix with aloe vera for acne?
While aloe vera alone is a great solution for all sorts of skin problems, you can enhance its impact on your skin with additional ingredients. Since almost no one is allergic to aloe vera, there is no better recipe without aloe vera.
So here are a few effective mixes that you could try for your acne;
Aloe vera with vitamin E
Vitamin E is popularly known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin. Using it every day gives your skin an acne-free, flawless look. It is a great overnight ingredient as well.
You will find that vitamin E oil capsules are surplus in the markets and you may use them for spot-treatments and safely allow your skin to absorb it by applying it overnight.
Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare this mix;
- Aloe vera gel (either from the plant or an aloe vera gel product).
- Vitamin E oil capsules.
- Tea tree oil.
So let’s get started.
- Take 2 spoons full of aloe vera gel into a container.
- Add 2 capsules of vitamin E oil into the gel.
- Mix the two ingredients and then add in 1 teaspoon tea tree oil. Mix well and transfer it into a comfortable container for storage and regular use.
This is a daily use recipe enriched with the nourishment that your skin needs the most. You may use it every night
Aloe vera with lemon juice
This is a popular mix that many found effective for treating acne. Lemons contain citric acid which is known for its action against dead cells and cleaning pores. More importantly, they are known for their astringent properties and exfoliating action.
You will not find a better ingredient to go with aloe vera gel. If you have oily skin, consider the following recipe;
Ingredients;
- Lemon juice.
- Aloe vera.
Here is how you can put these together;
- To 2 tablespoons of aloe vera, add half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Make sure to maintain a similar concentration of lemon juice to avoid access use.
- Mix the two and gently apply them to your skin.
- After 10 minutes, wash off thoroughly.
Since lemon juice is acidic, too much exposure is going to irritate your skin. So make sure to follow a safe amount of the ingredients in this recipe.
Conclusion
Aloe vera alone can perform wonders on your skin. With care and patience, you will nurture the health and glow for your appearance.
You may go further with some gentle yet effective ingredients mentioned in this article. Put them into your daily use and see the difference.