What it is
Aloe Vera is a plant, found in hot, dry climates. It's cultivated all over the world for its healing, soothing properties. Its leaves are long, fat and juicy, and are filled with a gloopy, gel centre filled with water and a host of ingredients beneficial to the skin.
A bit of history
There are plenty of stories surrounding aloe. For example Aristotle is said to have persuaded Alexander the Great to capture the island of Socotra for its aloe crop to treat his wounded soldiers. Christopher Columbus is said to have carried aloe plants on his trip to the new world to treat sunburn. Aloe was first brought to London by traders in the late 1600s, and was being imported regularly by the mid 1800s. It was also use to help heal the burn wounds of victims of the atomic bombs at Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
What it does for your skin 
Aloe vera is the unsung hero of skincare. You'll find it listed in many moisturisers for its soothing properties. It's also used often in aftersuns to treat sunburn. 'Neat aloe vera juice can be squeezed from the plump, juice fronds and applied to minor burns of sunburn,' says Liz Earle of Liz Earle Cosmetics. However, it doesn't smell very pleasant and you need to be careful to wash the bitter tasting sap from the inner leaf from your fingers, afterwards. 'It's the same ingredient found in many anti-nail biting treatments,' says Earle. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons use it on patients to soothe and help heal the skin after procedures from surgery to skin peels. As well as soothing inflammation, it has a collagen boosting effect which is why it's so beneficial post surgery. Aloe also slows down the production of pigmentation spots, it does this by slowing down the enzyme that lead to the production of melanin. It's antibacterial, so good to use on problem skin. Some people use it to hydrate their skin if it's particularly sensitive or prone to breakouts. Aloe vera has also been used to treat third degree burns. Tests have shown that it is less toxic to cell cultures than chemical burn treatments. • Taken as a daily juice, aloe is a gentle, detoxifying, soothing drink. It's often used to help treat digestive problems. It tastes bitter, but you can buy flavoured versions, although it's best to avoid synthetic flavourings, so buy as natural as possible.
5 Best Aloe Vera Buys
1. ESPA Essential Moisturising Body Lotion, £19.50, aloe and shea butter hydrate, seaweed extracts revives and rose geranium and lavender make this a divinely luxurious body treat
2. King of Shaves Woman Shave & Refresh Shaving Gel, £3.99, soothes and hydrates as you shave thanks to Aloe, Spearmint, Eucalyptus and vitamin E 3. Liz Earle Sunshade Botanical Aftersun Gel, £12, combines organic aloe vera juice, lavender and peppermint and is also great for soothing skin after waxing 4. Forever Living Aloe Vera Gelly, £10.59 (www.aloehealthuk.com) contains a high concentration of aloe gel to soothe skin - also good on problem skin
5. Crabtree & Evelyn Aloe Vera Soothing Lip Balm, £1.50, combines moisturising beeswax and soothing aloe
