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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #17404
79 days ago
143

aloe vera green gel - #17404

Mahi

I am in such a predicament right now. A few weeks ago, I got this nasty sunburn while at the beach, and oh my gosh, it was bright red and super painful. My friend suggested I try aloe vera green gel, saying it worked wonders for her when she had a similar issue. I’m like, okay, how bad could it be? So I went to the store and picked some up. I started applying the aloe vera green gel, and at first, it felt refreshing, but then it tingled a bit too much for my liking. Now I'm worried if that's normal or if I’m just reacting badly. I even read online that some people can have allergic reactions to aloe vera, but isn’t that rare? And what about the green gel part? Is all aloe vera green gel created equal? Like, should I be looking for specific ingredients or something? Also, I’ve noticed my skin is kinda peeling now. Is that a sign it’s working or something worse? How long should I keep using it? I’m just really confused and don’t want to make it worse! Anyone else been through something similar with aloe vera green gel? Do you think it's safe for me to continue using it or should I just stop? Help!

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Doctors' responses

Applying aloe vera gel on a sunburn is generally a safe, common approach to soothing and healing the skin due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. However, some sensitivity or reaction could occur if you have an allergy to aloe or if the product contains other additives. Aloe vera gel should ideally soothe the skin, so that tingling sensation you experienced might indicate an irritation, possibly due to added ingredients in the gel. Not all aloe vera products are equal; some have added fragrances, preservatives, or dyes, which could also cause irritation. It’s advisable to check the ingredient list; you might opt for a product that’s as close to pure aloe vera as possible, typically labeled as 100% aloe vera gel. The “green” color is often artificially added, as natural aloe vera gel is actually closer to clear in color. If your aloe gel has a long list of ingredients or artificial dyes, it might contribute to irritation.

Peeling is a common progression in the healing process of sunburn; it usually indicates that the skin is starting to heal. However, you should monitor the skin for any signs of increased redness, itchy rash, or worsening pain, which could suggest a reaction. If that’s the case, it would be prudent to stop using the product immediately. For more immediate cooling relief without the risk of an allergic reaction, cold compresses or oatmeal baths could be effective alternatives. Hydrating the skin with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can also help manage peeling. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it might be worth seeing a healthcare provider to ensure there’s no secondary infection or more significant issue. Overall, if the aloe vera gel seems to be irritiating your skin, it’s often safer to discontinue use and explore other options.

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