Developing blackheads and blocking of pores on the skin is certainly a matter of concern. Blackheads cause black scars, most commonly in and around the area of the nose when the hair follicles become clogged due to sweating or dead skin cells. One always wishes to get rid of them by hook or by crook. Several home remedies are devised out of which aloe vera is used most commonly.
The question that always pops up in our minds is
Is Aloe Vera Non- Comedogenic?
Yes, Aloe Vera is non- comedogenic. It does not cause blackheads due to clogging of pores around the area of the nose, giving it black tints. It actually helps in the removal of comedogenic symptoms.
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What is the meaning of Comedogenic and Non-comedogenic?
Comedogenic
Comedogenic substances are those which can cause blackheads by clogging the pores.
These substances block the air passages of the hair follicles present on the skin and prevent proper aeration.
The skin thus gets devoid of proper oxygen for respiration and also suffers from dehydration.
It catches dirt and oil from the surroundings which settle on the skin to cause slightly visible black-coloured patches called blackheads. Blackheads are a mild form of acne on the skin which can also appear on the neck or the back.
For example, almond oil, avocado oil, beeswax etc.
Non-Comedogenic
Non-Comedogenic substances are those which do not cause any damage or blockage to skin.
They are soft and gentle to the skin when applied. Instead, most of the comedogenic substances help to get rid of blackheads and clogged pores.
For example, Aloe vera, neem oil, sweet almond oil etc.
What causes Blackheads on the skin?
Blackheads on the skin are mostly caused due to unhealthy practices. Many people choose to go for chemical treatments but we all know that chemicals are often related to side effects such as itchiness or redness on the skin. Some of the common causes for appearance of blackheads on the skin are-
Excessive intake of oily food
Consuming high amounts of oils as a part of our meals or diet leads to the activation of sweat glands and sebaceous glands.
This causes an increased amount of sweating in the body which is unhealthy for the skin. It blocks the entry points of air and interrupts the channel for passing of the air. This is one of the reasons why blackheads appear.
Wearing make-up while sleeping
Make-up products are formed of harsh chemicals which are not good for the natural health of the skin. They block the pores of the skin due to reaction of the chemicals with natural secretions and chemistry of the skin. It is therefore advised to remove make-up before going to bed.
High amount of Humidity
High humidity in the environment is related to high moisture in the air. This leads to excessive sweating in the form of oily secretions which are a blockage element for the skin. This can cause blackheads.
Hormonal Changes
Blackheads are mostly visible in late teenagers and young adults in a higher ratio as compared to people of other change. Changes in the hormones of the body can change the chemistry of the skin and it can become prone to some minor problems such as acne, blackheads etc.
Also, the skin respires more and the sebaceous glands become overactive during this period to secrete oily secretions. This is the cause of blackheads.
What causes Aloe Vera to be non-comedogenic?
Aloe Vera has been used to treat abnormalities of the skin and other illnesses of the body for ages.
It has 75 potentially active elements as its constituents ranging from vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and hormones to sugars, saponins, lignin, amino acids and salicylic acids.
- Salicylic acids for breaking down substances that clog pores such as oil and dirt
- Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotenoids to reverse the harms done by humidity
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that removes free radicals
- Magnesium as a cleavage agent for splitting constituents of oil secreted
All these are great chemicals for unblocking the pores on the skin. It is an active constituent of Aloe Vera, which makes it non-comedogenic.
Applying Aloe Vera to get rid of blackheads
One can easily find an Aloe Vera plant in our surroundings. Freshly extracted gel from the plant is most effective towards treating blackheads.
Peel a leaf from the plant and wash it to rinse off the extra secretions. Scoop out its gel into a bowl or container.
Take a small amount of freshly extracted gel on your fingertips and apply it on the area of blackheads.
Gently cleanse your skin while massaging with your fingertips in circular motion. Let it stay on the affected area for 10-15 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water thereafter.
Besides working miracles on the skin, Aloe Vera provides additional benefits to the body. It gives a cooling effect to the skin during summers and soothes it.
The natural properties embedded inside the gel extracted from the plants is a remedy for metabolism problems such as constipation. Drinking Aloe Vera derived juices boost the overall functioning of the body.
