Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Aloe vera is widely used to support and treat dry and/or flaky skin. Its topical use for skin conditions has both a long history in traditional medicine and a growing body of scientific research supporting its efficacy. Aloe vera gel contains polysaccharides, glycoproteins, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are believed to contribute to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that aloe vera can increase water content in the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum), thereby improving skin hydration. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Skin Research and Technology (2006) found that aloe vera extract was effective in improving skin hydration in subjects with dry skin.
Additionally, aloe vera has been shown to promote wound healing, reduce skin irritation, and alleviate symptoms of conditions like psoriasis and eczema, which often involve dry and flaky skin. Its soothing and emollient properties make it a common ingredient in moisturizers and skin care formulations. However, while the scientific evidence is promising, more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and optimal usage. Overall, the existing data provide moderate scientific support for the use of aloe vera in treating and supporting dry and flaky skin.
Other ingredients used for Skin (dry and/or flaky)
aloe veraalpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
beeswax
biotin
borage oil
colostrum
evening primrose oil
gooseberry
linoleic acid (LA)
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
rehmannia glutinosa
silicon
vitamin A
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
swertia
birch
sea salt
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Allantoin
Acemannan
Argan nut oil
Butter
Borage
Cod Liver Oil
Cape Aloe
Cocoa Butter
Cowslip
Chestnut
Castile Soap
Emu Oil
Evening Primrose
Oak
Orchid
Spikenard
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Aloe
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Lesions
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers