No, aloe vera doesn't directly help you tan. Instead, it primarily aids in after-sun care.
Aloe Vera's Role in Tanning and After-Sun Care
While aloe vera won't deepen your tan, it plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and even tan. Its high water content hydrates the skin, leading to a more even and longer-lasting tan. [^1] This hydration prevents dryness and peeling, common side effects of sun exposure that can disrupt a tan.
Several sources highlight aloe vera's ability to soothe sunburns [^7, ^8, ^9] and even lighten existing tans [^2, ^4, ^5, ^6]. This lightening effect is due to aloesin, a compound found in aloe vera that can reduce melanin production. [^2] Therefore, while aloe vera won't enhance tanning, it can help maintain and even subtly reduce the intensity of an existing tan.
Here's a summary of aloe vera's effects related to tanning:
- Hydration: Aloe vera's high water content keeps skin hydrated, contributing to a longer-lasting and more even tan. [^1, ^3]
- Sunburn Relief: It soothes sunburns, promoting healing and preventing excessive peeling that can affect tan uniformity. [^7, ^8, ^9]
- Tan Lightening: Aloesin, a component of aloe vera, can contribute to a lighter skin tone, potentially reducing the intensity of a tan. [^2, ^4, ^5, ^6]
It's important to note that products marketed as "tanning accelerators" or "tan enhancers" containing aloe vera primarily leverage its hydrating properties for skin prep and post-tan care, not its ability to directly stimulate tanning. [^3] For instance, a moisturizer infused with aloe vera preps skin for tanning and prolongs its glow. [^3]
[^1]: With a high water content, Aloe Vera helps to hydrate dry skin, resulting in a more even and longer-lasting tan – but that's not all.
[^2]: Aloe vera can help fade facial sun tan in addition to soothing sunburned skin. Aloesin, a substance found in aloe vera leaves, can reduce the ...
[^3]: This Aloe Vera-infused moisturizer is a must-have for any glow getter. Not only does it prep skin before tanning, but it helps to prolong your glow for up to 3 ...
[^4]: 1) Aloe Vera gel is an excellent remedy for taking care of dark tans. · 2) It will lighten the skin in as little as a week, if applied everyday ...
[^5]: Absolutely, aloe vera gel does work on tanning and moisturising! It's all about finding a product with a high concentration of natural aloe vera ...
[^6]: Aloe vera has natural properties that can soothe and heal the skin, and also helps to lighten the skin tone. Applying aloe vera gel to the ...
[^7]: To this end, using aloe vera will help to undo the tanning process and restore your original skin pigment. This restoration means that if you ...
[^8]: Aloe Vera cooling gel to soothe burn first. Moisturize as much as you can to not have the skin all leathery but rather a little shiny.
[^9]: Aloe vera is so effective at soothing burns that it's sometimes referred to as the “burn plant.” Does aloe vera help heal a sunburn? There's ...
