Skin Can't Handle Harsh Topicals? Research Says Aloe Vera Is A+ For Dark Spots

So if you have sensitive skin, it can be a struggle to find products that help fade dark spots—without triggering more inflammation and irritation (which can, by the way, lead to dark spots worsening down the line). However, there's another great classic ingredient that's often missing from the conversation that can not only help address age spots but is hydrating and anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera, the wonder ingredient, has impressive research indicating it can help with dark spots. 

There's a reason aloe vera has become a beloved skin care ingredient it is. The botanical extract has a host of skin and hair benefits that range from hydration (it's a humectant) to anti-inflammatory (it also has antioxidant properties).

Aloe can also act as a preventive tool, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Dark spots are often the result of your skin cells producing more pigment as a reaction to damage in the skin. Aloe contains several vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and amino acids to soothe angry skin. Much of the research points to aloin, a specific compound in the aloe plant that can promote overall skin healing2, as well as bradykinase—an enzyme that can help reduce excessive inflammation when applied topically3.

Many of the ingredients recommended for skin brightening are hard for many folks to tolerate. AHAs, vitamin C, and retinol all are known skin irritants, especially when used at too high a concentration. If you know that these ingredients aren't suitable for your skin, aloe vera can be a useful ingredient to reach for.