Is Aloe Vera Really
That Awesome to Prevent Skin Cancer?

We know that Aloe Vera is great to lather on irritated skin after getting too much sun. But, can it be used to help prevent skin cancer? Read Ahead!

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Kelly Adams

November 24, 2020


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Introduction

Chances are, you’ve heard about using aloe to treat sunburns. And with good reason! Aloe is probably the best treatment on the market right now to cool, soothe and heal sunburns.

Sun-damage caused by sunburns can sometimes lead to skin cancer, and skin cancer is one of the most widespread kinds of cancer effecting millions of people every year. It is caused by repeated and unprotected exposure to UV or Ultraviolet light.

This post answers the question: can aloe vera help to prevent skin cancer? Keep reading to find out more!

Does Aloe Help Prevent Skin Cancer?

Aloe contains aloe-emodin, a compound known to slow the growth of cancer cells. However, aloe is not recommended to be used as a sole skin cancer preventative measure. Using sunscreen to prevent sun-damage with aloe is strongly recommended. Also, aloe helps heal sunburns which can help avoid other unpleasant side effects like peeling.

What is Skin Cancer?

Before we dive into Aloe vera and its role in skin cancer, let’s look at skin cancer as a whole.

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that is usually caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Another cause of skin cancer can be tanning beds. Skin cancer has multiple different types of varying seriousness, but all can be treated to some extent. Now that we understand skin cancer a little better, keep reading to find out if aloe can help to prevent it.

Woman with Skin Cancer in Face

Warning!

If you think you have skin cancer be sure to go to a doctor. While not all skin-cancer is extremely serious, it is vital that you get the opinion of your doctor as soon as possible.

So, Can Aloe Really Prevent Skin Cancer?

While there isn’t any concrete research that aloe vera can prevent skin cancer before it happens, there is new research suggesting that compounds found in the aloe leaf can slow the proliferation—or growth— of cervical cancerous cells. While this new research is very exciting it’s not known if the same effect can be expected on skin cancer cells. For these reasons, it’s fair to say that aloe cannot prevent skin cancer effectively on its own.

Buf that doesn't mean you can't use aloe along with other things to have a healthy, good-looking skin. In the end, it all comes down to taking care of ourselves and our bodies, and that my frind, will definitely help prevent all sorts of bad things.

Keep reading to see a list of 5 ways you can effectively prevent skin cancer!

Aloe vera lotion for hands

Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is extremely common. That's why we must be extra vigilant about it!

It might seem overwhelming at first, but avoiding skin cancer isn’t too difficult. Once you start to form good habits regarding your skin and the sun, it will be a breeze.

Here are our 5 top ways to avoid getting bad sunburns that could lead to skin cancer!

  1. Avoid direct sunlight especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
  2. Wear facial sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher everyday. Even when indoors, in the shade and in the winter.
  3. Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds.
  4. Wear large brimmed hats when in the sun.
  5. Reapply sunscreen often!

Here are our TOP 4 Aloe Vera sunscreens that soothe and protect at the same time!

Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++, COSRX

The best thing about this sun cream is the texture. It won't leave your skin all greasy or dry. It works perfectly as a light moisturizer, perfect for every day use!

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Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+

If you hate getting you're hands dirty, this one's for you! And it works as a primer too! Perfecto for summer as it is waterproof.

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Organic Aloe Vera Gel, 100% Pure Aloe, SEVEN Minerals

This product sells itself! It works great with all skin types. And its made in the US!

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How can Aloe Vera Help with the Sun?

All that said, even the most careful people can still get sunburns! And when that happens, aloe is the product you need to have on hand.

After a bad sunburn, your risk of skin cancer goes up! To minimize the pain and after effects of bad sunburns, consider putting aloe gel onto the affected area! And, aloe can help to heal sunburns faster than other methods which helps prevent skin damage building up over time. Putting on aloe vera during or directly after any sun exposure helps to rejuvenate, heal and moisturize your skin cells.

Here are some of our favorite aloe products to use after sun exposure!

Burt's Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After-Sun Soother

The perfect mix for an after-sun lotion! The aloe for soothing and the coconut for moisture.

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Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel, Vegan and Hypoallergenic

Perfect for sunburn pain! It will cool down and relief the pain.

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Keep Reading!

If you enjoyed reading this post you’ll love out other posts! Learn how to plant and care for your very own aloe plant, harvest the gel, and countless wonderful ways to use it!

If you love DIYs, skincare, inner-health and gardening, then this is the place for you!

And, if you’re not an avid gardener, don’t worry! You can still enjoy all of aloe’s amazing benefits from the products we recommend!

How to Get These 5 Benefits With Aloe Vera

Do you want to find out all the incredible uses for the aloe vera plant beyond treating a sunburn? Read more to find out!

Kelly Adams Picture

By Kelly Adams

Easy Succulents Founder

My name is Kelly and I'm the the founder of Easy Succulents! I'm fascinated by this wonderful plants and I want to share with the world everything I know about them!

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Kelly Adams Picture

Kelly Adams

Easy Succulents Founder

My name is Kelly and I'm the the founder of Easy Succulents! I'm fascinated by this wonderful plants and I want to share with the world everything I know about them!

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