3 Anti-Inflammatory Aloe Face Masks for Every Skin Type

Aloe vera gel contains properties that are both anti-inflammatory and stimulating in the growth of new cells, making it a wonderful mask ingredient for all skin types. This hydrating gel is moisturizing, yet it doesn’t clog pores, so even the oiliest of skins can benefit.

Raw aloe vera plant gel has over 75 biologically active compounds and naturally-occurring compounds that benefit almost all parts of the body—truly a wonder plant! These compounds range from polysaccharides to antioxidants to anti-inflammatories.

Aloe vera basically does it all, and this versatile skin care product should be a staple in everyone’s shelfie. 

3 Aloe Vera Face Mask Recipes

Firming Aloe Vera Mask for Mature Skin

Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, a skin-friendly form of vitamin A that supports healthier, younger-looking skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant and protects the skin against environmental damage—specifically, the kind that you get from too much sun exposure and even from pollution.

That’s why it’s so crucial to use a regular carrot instead of the baby ones. Baby carrots lose a lot of their natural nutrients when turned into little nubs while whole carrots are still packed full of all the things that are good for you, inside and out. Plus, the rest of the carrot is the perfect skin-nourishing snack to munch on while you’re waiting for your mask to dry! 

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon finely shredded carrot
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Combine egg white, carrot and aloe vera in a small bowl. Beat mixture together with a fork until frothy (about 1 minute). With clean hands or a brush, apply the mask to the face and eye area. Let the mask dry for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes. You may feel the mask tightening your skin, but if it gets uncomfortable, go ahead and remove it. Remove with warm water.

Aloe Vera Mask for Acne Prone Skin

Tea tree oil is an amazing (and highly potent) skin care ingredient that does more than just banish acne. It’s anti-bacterial, zapping zits by killing the bacteria responsible.

Tea tree is also an anti-inflammatory, calming down skin that’s red and inflamed from zits for skin that’s a little less irritated. Combined with cucumber, another soothing and hydrating ingredient, this mask calms down angry skin in a jiffy. 

• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 1/2 peeled cucumber

Blend all ingredients well and apply to face with fingertips or facial brush. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. The aloe and cucumber will soothe inflamed skin while the cucumber seeds themselves are rich in potassium and vitamin E, which help reduce blemishes.

Moisturizing Aloe Vera Mask for Dehydrated Skin

Avocado face masks are super soothing for dry, dehydrated skin. The high fat content in avocado helps maintain moisture in the epidermal layer of the skin, keeping it soft while the omega-fatty acids soothe inflammation, facial redness and irritation.

• ¼ mashed avocado
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon oats

Combine mashed avocado with aloe and oats. Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. As you remove, you can gently massage the mask into your skin for a little exfoliation.

For a smoother mask, you can grind up the oats a little bit using a coffee grinder or food processor! Grinding up the oats also helps to ensure that your skin can make the most of their soothing abilities.

The compounds responsible for the incredibly nurturing power of oats are avenanthramides and beta-glucan. Avenanthramides are unique to oats, and display unique anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-itching abilities to soothe skin.

Beta-glucan works as an intense hydrator to skin, relieving dryness and promoting a healthy skin barrier. It’s no wonder there are entire skin care lines based around oats—but who really needs them when you can just use the real thing?