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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #18390
71 days ago
124

real aloe vera gel - #18390

Ishaan

I am really confused about this whole real aloe vera gel thing. I mean, I bought a bottle of what said was “pure” aloe vera gel from the store, right? But then I did some googling, and now I’m not sure if I actually got the real aloe vera gel or not. It’s kind of frustrating! Last summer, I got a pretty bad sunburn on my back after spending the day at the beach, and I used that gel thinking it would help soothe it. At first, it seemed to work, but then my skin felt sticky and kinda gross after a while. I almost thought I was allergic or something. And like, how can you really tell if it’s the real aloe vera gel? I read somewhere that a lot of products labeled aloe vera have added stuff or aren’t even made from real aloe at all. A friend of mine uses this homemade recipe with the plant, and she swears by it. Is that better? I just want to know, what should I look for in a product to know if it’s the real aloe vera gel? Is there even a way to check? I don't wanna waste my money on something that won't actually do anything for my skin!

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Doctors' responses

When you’re buying aloe vera gel, here’s the scoop on why it’s so tricky and what to watch out for. Many “pure” aloe gels indeed have added ingredients, which might contribute to that sticky feeling you’re experiencing and perhaps lessen the soothing effects on your sunburn. True aloe vera gel, extracted directly from the plant, is usually a clear, slightly mucous-like substance. In commercial products, it may be altered during processing for preservation and easier application into a gel form. When buying, look at the ingredients list closely: you want Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (or Extract) to be listed as one of the first ingredients since it should be the primary component. A very short ingredient list with minimal additives is usually a good sign. Avoid products with alcohol, fragrance, or any unnecessary fillers, as these can irritate sensitive or sunburned skin.

If you’re not satisfied with store-bought versions, going the homemade route could be worth a try. Your friend who uses the plant itself may be onto something—while it does take extra effort, it ensures you’re applying fresh aloe. You can do it by carefully cutting open an aloe leaf and scooping out the inner gel. Since this lacks preservatives, though, it won’t last as long without refrigeration, so only cut what you need. When using fresh aloe, test a small amount on a less sensitive area first to ensure you’re not allergic or sensitive.

While using aloe can soothe sunburns, for serious burns, it’s crucial to follow more comprehensive treatment guidelines: gentle cleansing, avoiding further sun exposure, and considering over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream if the burn is severe, while staying hydrated is key too. If you ever experience signs of infection like pus, increasing redness, or systemic symptoms like fever, seek medical attention promptly. For future sun protection, don’t forget that preventing burns with effective sunscreen and protective clothing is essential to maintaining healthy skin in the long run.

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