You can use aloe vera around your eyes to manage skin problems, but you'll need to be careful. If you get some of the gel in your eye, it can hurt.
Aloe vera is a plant that is made of a water-based gel, latex, and a protective outer layer. It has proteins, vitamins, minerals, sugars, and other ingredients that can help your skin.
People usually use the plant -- or gels and creams made from it -- to heal a sunburn. But aloe vera can also be useful for a host of other skin troubles, like preventing wrinkles or healing minor burns.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin around your eyes, the sugars in aloe vera can keep your skin moisturized. The amino acids in it will make your skin soft while the zinc tightens your pores.
Exfoliates Dead Skin
If dead skin around your eyes is a problem for you, the proteins in aloe vera can help get rid of it. But if you use aloe vera to get rid of dead skin too often, you might get unpleasant effects.
Depending on your skin type, too much aloe vera could make your skin drier or too oily. It's best to use it around your eyes only when needed.
Prevents Lines and Wrinkles
You can also use aloe vera as an antiaging cream. While it won't get rid of old lines and wrinkles, aloe vera can help prevent new signs of aging around your eyes.
The ingredients in aloe vera also help your skin make collagen and elastin, which make your skin appear smoother and more elastic.
Heals Minor Cuts or Burns
Aloe vera on a wound or a mild burn will help it heal quicker. When you use it on a small cut, the gel strengthens the skin and helps it close.
In most cases, aloe vera will make it harder for scar tissue to break after your cut has healed.
Sun Damage
Aloe vera protects your skin from harmful UV radiation. Your skin soaks up UV radiation when you go out in the sun. Antioxidants and proteins in aloe vera will act as a shield for the skin around your eyes.
Puffy Skin Around Your Eyes
If you have puffy skin around or under your eyes, aloe vera can be a great choice instead of expensive eye creams. This method will help you avoid swollen eyes and give you a fresher look.
Fungi and Bacteria
Aloe vera has six ingredients that fight bacteria and fungi that could develop on your skin. If you have a bacterial or fungal condition around your eyes, aloe vera could help lessen the pain.
How to Use the Aloe Vera Plant
To use fresh aloe vera, first cut a piece from the plant. Be careful not to hurt yourself with its sharp edges. Take the gel out of the leaf using a spoon or similar tool and massage a small amount on your skin. Use the gel the same way you use a face cream.
Using Aloe Vera Safely
When you put aloe vera on your skin, be extra careful not to rub too close to your eyes. If you get aloe vera in them, it can cause pain.
If this happens, gently run cool water from a faucet or shower over your eye for about 15 minutes. Don't wait to rinse your eye out, or you could cause more harm.
Open and close your eyes often as the water cleans them out. After doing so, rest until your eye looks and feels better.
It's also a good idea to test aloe vera on your skin before you use it around your eyes. Rub a small amount on your hand or arm to test for allergies before you put on a larger amount. If you're allergic to aloe vera, your skin may burn, sting, or become red. This is uncommon but can happen if you have sensitive skin.
