Can aloe vera gel fade acne scars?

In general, aloe vera gel has a certain auxiliary effect in fading acne marks, but it cannot completely remove all acne scars.

Aloe polysaccharides contained in aloe vera gel have good moisturizing properties, which can replenish skin moisture and enhance the activity of skin cells. When the skin is sufficiently hydrated, metabolism may be promoted, thereby helping to fade acne marks. For some shallow, newly formed acne marks, the moisturizing and metabolism-promoting effects of aloe vera gel may gradually lighten the marks. Additionally, aloe vera gel has certain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can prevent the worsening of pigmentation caused by inflammation at the acne mark site, thus indirectly contributing to the fading of acne marks.

Active ingredients in aloe vera gel, such as aloin, amino acids, and organic acids, can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase in the body and suppress the synthesis of melanin in the skin, thus providing skin-whitening and pigmentation-fading effects. However, this effect is limited on existing melanin deposits, and its ability to break down and metabolize pigmentation is not as effective as some specialized whitening and pigmentation removal products. Aloe vera gel shows relatively noticeable effects on new red acne marks by promoting microcirculation and accelerating local blood flow, although it should be used in combination with cold application to constrict capillaries. For old brown acne marks or pitted scars, the improvement effect of aloe vera gel is relatively weak, and such stubborn acne marks require professional aesthetic medical treatments, such as laser therapy, for effective intervention.