Can Aloe Help Dry Skin?

Have you ever endured the irritation that comes with dry skin? Perhaps you have been swimming in a chlorinated pool, or live in an extra dry climate during the winter. Dry skin can even happen to those who choose to wash their dishes without wearing rubber gloves. For whatever reason your skin has dried out, the symptoms are usually the same. The Mayo Clinic lists the common symptoms of dry skin as itchiness, skin that looks and feels rough, redness, fine lines, and deep cracks.

Luckily, there is a slew of products that can give your skin relief from that irritating itchy, tight feeling. One cure in the spotlight is completely natural: aloe. According to Healthline, aloe is from the succulent plant commonly referred to as aloe vera. As often as it is used as a home remedy to treat a multitude of conditions, the popular potted plant's medicinal uses date all the way back to ancient Egypt.

"Aloe is rich in vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, so it has all these calming, great properties," Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist, told Byrdie. "Additionally, it has vitamins A, C, D, and E, and it also has minerals, like zinc, potassium, and magnesium, so it really is this rich gel or extract that can be used for a variety of things."

However, aloe doesn't always work its soothing magic when paired with more harsh, abrasive ingredients. "Avoid using aloe products that also contain alcohol, which will negate the moisturizing, soothing effects of the aloe," Dr. Nussbaum told Byrdie. "Also avoid combining it with chemical exfoliants, which could worsen any stinging or irritation."

Aloe comes from nature and is a soothing ingredient by nature. Healthline notes that the skin healer is generally well tolerated on all types of skin. However, it should not be used on severe cuts or burns. If your skin is feeling slightly chapped, burned, or tight, consider applying pure aloe to quickly and naturally soothe the dryness.