Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe
For the health condition: Age Spots
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Aloe vera has been traditionally used for a wide range of skin ailments, including age spots (also known as liver spots or solar lentigines). In folk medicine, Aloe vera gel is applied topically with the belief that its soothing, moisturizing, and regenerative properties help reduce the appearance of pigmented spots on the skin. The traditional rationale is based on Aloe's purported ability to promote skin healing and regeneration, as well as anecdotal reports of skin lightening after regular use.
However, scientific evidence directly supporting the use of Aloe vera for treating or fading age spots is limited. Some laboratory studies have explored Aloe's potential to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, and a few small human studies suggest modest benefits in skin hyperpigmentation when used in combination with other agents. The main active compound, aloesin, has demonstrated some capacity to inhibit melanin formation in vitro, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking.
Overall, the use of Aloe vera for age spots is primarily justified by its longstanding traditional use and its general benefits for skin health, rather than strong scientific validation. The evidence rating for its efficacy in this specific condition is low.
Other ingredients used for Age Spots
aloe verachamomile
turmeric
green tea
lavender
licorice root
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
ferulic acid
polyphenols
Apple Cider Vinegar
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Calendula
Epidermal Growth Factor
Ellagic Acid
Flavonoids
Other health conditions supported by Aloe
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Lesions
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers