Aloe vera oil: uses for skin after the sun and how to choose

Aloe vera oil is a plant oil that has been infused or blended with aloe. It suits dry, tight skin after days in the sun. For fresh, hot sunburn, cool the skin first and use a water-based aloe gel or aftersun instead. This guide is for visitors who want to care for their skin in Sharm’s sun.

What is aloe vera oil?

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent plant that grows wild in hot, dry places such as Africa and the Mediterranean. Its thick leaves hold a clear gel, and that gel is 99% water.

Because the gel is almost all water, aloe does not give an oil the way seeds and nuts do. An “aloe vera oil” is a plant oil, called the base or carrier oil, that contains aloe. For example, one cosmetic ingredient supplier infuses aloe vera juice into virgin sunflower oil.

So always read the ingredients list. It tells you which base oil you are buying, and whether aloe extract or fragrance has been added.

We stock Lotus aloe vera oil, made by TNG, a cosmetics company founded in Egypt. The box says “100% Natural” and holds 125 ml.

Traditional uses

Greeks, Romans, Indians, Chinese and Egyptians all used aloe in ancient times. The Egyptian queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti are said to have used aloe in their daily skin care.

People still use aloe because it feels soothing, moisturising and cooling on the skin. In cosmetics, aloe gel is a base for creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos.

Using aloe vera oil after the sun

On the day you burn. Get out of the sun and cool your skin with a cool shower or a damp towel. Then apply aftersun, an unperfumed moisturiser or a plain aloe vera gel. Drink plenty of water.

Avoid oils on fresh sunburn, because oil-based lotions can trap heat in the skin at this stage. Do not use petroleum jelly, and do not pop blisters.

When the heat has gone. Your skin may feel dry and tight, or start to peel, once the heat and swelling settle. A thin layer of oil can then help keep it moisturised, and this is where aloe vera oil fits. Do not pull off peeling skin.

After a normal day in the sun. If you are not burnt, you can use aloe vera oil as a body oil after your evening shower.

Aloe vera oil is not a sunscreen. In Sharm, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. For more help, read our sunburn guide or see our sun care products.

What the research says

Most research is on aloe gel, not on aloe vera oil. NCCIH reports that clinical research suggests aloe gel may speed burn healing and reduce burn pain.

For sunburn the picture is less clear. Several studies found aloe no more effective than a placebo for treating sunburn, although many people find it soothing. DermNet notes that aloe’s use in conventional medicine has not been thoroughly established.

We found no good studies on aloe vera oil itself, so the evidence for it is limited.

Safety

Aloe on the skin is usually well tolerated, but reactions happen. Reported problems include burning, itching, rashes and allergic contact dermatitis.

• Allergy. Do not use it if you are allergic to aloe, or to plants in the lily family such as lilies and tulips.
• Base oil. Check the ingredients if you have reacted to plant oils before.
• Patch test. Put a little on the inside of your elbow for 7 to 10 days before using it on your face.
• Eyes. Keep it away from your eyes.
• Do not drink it. Some aloe products taken by mouth cause side effects. Aloe by mouth may also be unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Children. Ask our pharmacist first. A baby or young child with sunburn needs medical advice.
• Pregnancy. Ask your doctor before using new skin products.

How to use aloe vera oil

1. Take a cool shower and pat your skin almost dry.
2. Warm a few drops in your hands.
3. Smooth a thin layer over dry areas such as shoulders, arms and legs.
4. Reapply when your skin feels dry.
5. For dry hair, smooth one or two drops over the ends.

How to choose and store it

• Find the base oil and the aloe in the ingredients list.
• If your skin is sensitive, choose an oil without added fragrance. Fragrance is a common cause of skin allergy.
• Check the expiry date and that the seal is unbroken.
• Keep it closed, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sun.

Need help in Sharm?

Ask about aloe vera oil or aftersun on WhatsApp or call +20 120 344 2201. Our pharmacists speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian. See our other Egyptian natural oils, or order with free hotel delivery on orders from $30.