While aloe vera might not be anything new — it has long been recommended as a soothing antidote for sunburnt skin — it’s well and truly back in the limelight this season, in part due to TikTok where aloe vera juice has been trending. It’s rich in antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins A, B, C and E, and folic acid, and while it can be drunk to promote inner health, the plant’s use in topical treatments is what you need after too long spent in the sun.
“When UV radiation damages the skin cells, the chemical reactions lead to inflammation, causing the burnt and damaged cells to peel off,” Dr Hassan ElHusseini, dermatologist at Dr Kayle Aesthetic Clinic tells MOJEH. “To heal, the skin must regrow and cure itself, and aloe vera is great at that. It’s a traditional herbal remedy that can help ease sunburn symptoms and inflammation. It stimulates collagen to improve elasticity and moisture levels.” While Dr ElHusseini advises using it in its purest form (100 per cent aloe vera gel kept chilled) there’s a whole host of soothing aloe products on the market, including MOJEH’s top pick by Dr Barbara Sturm, which comes formulated with organic leaf juice that is harvested by hand. From calming cleansers to hydrating masks, these aloe-filled products are our pick of the bunch.
