aloe vera mask - #20707
I am really confused about this aloe vera mask thing. Few weeks ago, my friend told me how great it is for skin, right? But then I decided to give it a try myself after my skin had started breaking out like crazy. I mean, like really bad. I thought it might help calm things down and hydrates too. I bought some fresh aloe vera from the store. It smelled kinda weird but I mixed it with some lemon juice, ‘cause, well, I thought it's good for brightening, you know? After applying the aloe vera mask, my face felt cool and nice for like 10 minutes, but then it started itching a bit. Should it feel like that? Plus, after rinsing it off, my skin looked super red. I'm worried cause it’s like, did I just worsen my breakouts instead of helping? Are there any specific aloe vera mask recipes that don't irritate skin? I read somewhere they can have varying effects, but is there a safer way to use it? Or should I just steer clear from aloe vera mask altogether? Please help, I really don’t know what to do.
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Doctors' responses
Aloe vera is generally known for its soothing properties and can be beneficial for some skin types, especially in terms of hydration and calming mild irritation. However, everyone’s skin reacts differently, and it’s possible that you might have a sensitivity or allergy to aloe vera or to one of the components in the mix you used. Adding lemon juice, especially, can be quite harsh on skin because it’s highly acidic and can lead to irritation or increased photosensitivity, causing redness and itching like you experienced. This might be the culprit behind the discomfort and redness you’ve noticed.
If you want to use aloe vera again, I would recommend trying just pure aloe vera gel by itself, without additives like lemon, and even then do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to your whole face. Some people find freshly extracted aloe vera can be more potent than store-bought gel, so if irritation persists, even with commercial pure aloe vera gel, it might be best to avoid it altogether. Keep in mind that if any skin treatment causes irritation or worsening of symptoms, it’s wise to discontinue use.
In your case, especially given the breakout and irritation, consider consulting a dermatologist who can help to figure out what’s causing the sensitivity and guide you with appropriate treatments. Also, in this current situation, gentle cleansing and using non-comedogenic moisturizers may help support your skin’s recovery. Avoid ingredients that can exacerbate irritation, like alcohol-based or fragrance-heavy products. Include plenty of water and maybe consult dietary aspects. If your skin remains red, painful, or worsens, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice quickly to prevent any further complications or skin damage.
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