This Sunburn Saviour Has Over 2 Billion Views On TikTok But Is It Worth The Hype?

As our summer’s heat up here in the UK and heatwaves become a regular thing, wearing SPF on a daily basis is more important than ever.

We know however that doesn’t always happen and whether it’s due to skipping SPF, not reapplying, or just getting too carried away on the first day of your holiday, sun burn is an inevitable fact of summer.

 While prevention is always better than cure, if you do burn we know how uncomfortable and painful it can be, which explains why this latest TikTok hack is going viral.

With 2 billion using #aloevera on the platform, the plant that has been used since early Egyptian times is enjoying a well-earned moment in the spotlight, with users touting it as the only sunburn remedy you need.

We got an expert opinion to see if that really is the case.

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant. It’s native to North Africa, Southern Europe and the Canary Islands and grows in tropical, dry climates.

It has been used as a medicinal treatment for around 5,000 years and can be applied topically or orally.

What is aloe vera juice?

Aloe vera gel comes exclusively from inside the plant. If you break the leaf, inside you’ll find a thick layer of gel which is most commonly used topically in the treatment of skin conditions.

Aloe vera juice is produced by skinning the leaf and grinding the gel down into a pulp, producing liquid.

What is aloe vera good for?

Dr Miriam Adebibe, cosmetic skin doctor, and co-founder of London skin clinic Victor & Garth LINK says, “Aloe vera is an amazing natural product for skin. The gel in the leaf can be used straightaway and put directly on injuries. It has so much good in it including Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E”.

And aloe vera doesn’t just stop at antioxidants. “Not only does it contain anti-inflammatories, it also has several chemicals that are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, so it’s a multi-tasker for dermatological conditions where inflammation is a key component, such as acne, eczema and dermatitis,” says Dr Adebibe.

How do I use aloe vera?

To get the best results from this wonder plant, Dr Adebibe suggests, “ideally you want products that contain the gel as it’s incredibly moisturising and helps to seal in all the goodness within the skin. If you have an injury or lesion, it’s good for ad hoc use but it’s also great when used within a repair product such as a nighttime moisturiser, serum or mask that remains on your skin to work overnight.”

So yes, aloe vera is your sunburn saviour but don’t just relegate it to that.

Main image credits: TikTok @han.jarr @jacattack @rose.friederike

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