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Aloe vera is a type of tropical cactus that’s been used to treat various skin ailments for thousands of years.

Today, due to its healing and moisturizing properties, aloe vera is widely used as an ingredient in a variety of skin care products. Many people also use aloe vera to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

This article will take a closer look at whether aloe vera can help get rid of wrinkles, how to use it on your skin, and other wrinkle treatment options that can also help.

Aloe vera gel, which is made from the plant’s pulp, is typically applied on the skin. It can also be taken orally as a gel or tablet supplement.

There’s some evidence that consuming aloe vera supplements can decrease the appearance of wrinkles.

In a 2009 study published in the journal Annals of Dermatology, scientists measured the wrinkles and skin elasticity of 30 healthy females over the age of 45. Next, they randomly gave aloe vera gel supplements to each participant.

Half the women received a low dose (1,200 milligrams per day), and the other half received a high dose (3,600 milligrams per day).

The women took the aloe vera gel supplements for 90 days. At the end of the study, the scientists found that wrinkles, elasticity, and collagen production improved in both groups.

A 2015 study reported similar results. The participants included 54 women, aged 20 to 50 years.

For 8 weeks, half the women consumed five tablets of aloe vera gel powder each day. The other half took a placebo. In the women who took aloe vera supplements, facial wrinkling significantly improved.

According to the researchers, aloe vera has molecules called sterols. These sterols promote the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture. Consequently, wrinkles look less noticeable.

This doesn’t mean that aloe vera will get rid of wrinkles. Instead, these findings suggest that it may decrease the appearance of wrinkles by improving the skin’s texture.

These studies focused on taking aloe vera orally as a supplement. More research is needed to determine if applying aloe vera gel on the skin has similar benefits.

While most studies have focused on aloe vera intake and wrinkles, anecdotal evidence suggests that topical aloe vera can also help. This may be due to the gel’s moisturizing effect, which reduces dryness and makes wrinkles less noticeable.

You can buy a container of aloe vera gel from most drugstores or online. If aloe vera succulents grow in the area where you live, you can cut a fresh leaf and scoop out the gel.

If you haven’t used aloe vera on your skin before, do a patch test first. It’s possible to be allergic to aloe vera. If you develop a reaction, stop using the gel.

Once you know the gel is safe to use, follow these steps:

  1. Cleanse your face and pat dry.
  2. With clean fingers, apply a thin layer of gel on your face.
  3. Leave it on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes. It may cause dryness if you leave it on for longer.
  4. Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry. Moisturize as usual.
  5. Repeat once a day.

In addition to aloe vera, several other natural remedies may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll makes plants and algae green. It’s traditionally used for wound healing, but according to research, it may also benefit facial wrinkles.

Researchers who carried out a 2006 study on the effects of chlorophyll extract supplements on human skin found a significant improvement in the skin elasticity and wrinkles of the study’s participants.

The researchers also discovered an increase in the participants’ collagen production.

These findings were backed up by a small 2015 study. According to the authors of this study, topical copper chlorophyllin, which is derived from chlorophyll, may help improve mild to moderate fine lines and wrinkles.

Ginseng

Ginseng may have the ability to slow down the physical effects of aging, including skin changes like wrinkles.

In a 2015 study, a cream with ginseng extract showed promise with helping to prevent eye wrinkles. It also improved skin hydration and smoothness.

Additionally, ginseng may prevent new wrinkles by protecting the skin against sun damage.

Honey

When applied to the skin, honey has the ability to soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It also helps the skin retain moisture, which may decrease the appearance of wrinkles.

It’s important to use raw, unpasteurized honey on your face. Low-quality honey is overly processed and won’t provide the same benefits.

There are a number of medical treatments that can minimize the appearance of wrinkles. The most common procedures include:

  • Botox. A Botox injection involves a small dose of onabotulinumtoxinA, a toxin that stops muscles from tightening. It can make wrinkles less noticeable, but repeat treatments are necessary.
  • Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that uses a rotating brush to sand the top layers of skin. This allows new, smooth skin to form.
  • Laser skin resurfacing. A laser removes the outer layers of skin, which can promote collagen growth. The new skin that grows tends to look firmer and tighter.
  • Soft tissue fillers. Dermal fillers, like Juvéderm, Restylane, and Belotero, consist of injections of hyaluronic acid. These fillers plump up the skin, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Aloe vera has other benefits for your skin, including:

  • Skin protection. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. These nutrients can keep your skin strong and help protect against ultraviolet radiation.
  • Wound and burn healing. When applied to a wound, aloe vera promotes healing by increasing collagen production. It also helps skin regenerate by improving the connections between collagen.
  • Sunburn relief. Due to its cooling effect and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is useful for soothing sunburns.
  • Acne. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties make it a helpful treatment for mild to moderate acne.

To date, research suggests that taking aloe vera orally, as a supplement, helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Many people claim that applying aloe vera gel to their skin also helps to make fine lines less noticeable, although more research needs to be done to support these claims.

Do not consume aloe vera or use it as a supplement without talking to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and choose a brand that you’ve researched and found safe and reliable. And, if you use aloe vera on your skin and develop a rash or irritation, stop using it immediately.