Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Aloe vera’s glossy reputation hides a prickly truth — the same gel that soothes sunburns can ignite irritation in sensitive skin. Dermatologists warn: “Natural” doesn’t always mean harmless.
That cool, calming sensation? Sometimes it’s your skin’s cry for help. For those with fragile barriers, aloe’s enzymes can trigger micro-inflammation that masquerades as freshness before the redness sets in.
If onions make your eyes sting, aloe might make your skin scream. Belonging to the same Liliaceae family, this humble plant can spark allergic flare-ups — from mild itching to full-blown dermatitis.
Marketed as a moisture miracle, aloe’s natural astringents can backfire, stripping already dry skin of essential oils. The result? Tightness, flaking, and that telltale “too-clean” burn.
Aloe vera is famous for helping burns heal — but studies in the Journal of Burn Care & Research reveal it can actually delay recovery in deeper wounds. Sometimes, patience beats plants.
For those battling eczema or psoriasis, aloe isn’t the gentle savior it’s made out to be. Its bioactive compounds can aggravate inflamed skin, worsening flare-ups under the guise of “relief.”
Mixing aloe gel with medicated creams? Think twice. Dermatologists note that its enzymes can alter absorption rates, weakening or intensifying prescription effects in unpredictable ways.
Fresh aloe straight from the leaf feels wholesome — until it’s not. The yellow latex near the rind contains aloin, a natural irritant that can cause stinging, peeling, or even chemical burns on delicate skin.
In the beauty aisle, “natural” equals “safe.” In dermatology, that’s a red flag. Aloe vera reminds us that even the purest plants can betray the wrong skin type — gently, silently, and unexpectedly.