The gel within the aloe plants can be used on the face, body and scalp to help with skin concerns you may have, avoiding the delicate eye area," advises Dr Phillips. "It’s used in many products for sunburn relief, hair care, pore cleansing and skin moisturising."

It also contains enzymes, which break down fatty acids and may, therefore, help with greasy scalps." A highly effective hydrating and soothing moisturiser for all over the body Made with the finest, most pure, 100% organic Aloe VeraSo unless you have a specific allergy or sensitivity, aloe is great if you want to soothe skin and reduce redness.If your skin is dry and you want extra hydration, look for other moisturizing ingredients along with aloe, like glycerin and camellia oil in Innisfree Vitalizing Soothing Gel or purslane in Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel.

Apply the lotion every day, to the whole body, gently massaging until absorbed. It can be used as often as required. Generally aloe vera is a well-tolerated ingredient, but like any ingredient, it’s possible to develop dermatitis or hives afterwards," explains Dr Shotter. "This is more common in people who have allergies to other plants in the lily family, such as onions and garlic." Melanie Grant is a trusted aesthetician and the brains behind some of the most enviable complexions in the business.

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The spiky succulent grows naturally in dry, tropical climates in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the southern and western parts of the US. Also known as the 'burn plant', aloe vera is commonly used in skincare products to aid sunburn and heat damage to our skin, due to its natural antiseptic properties." Aloe vera tends to have a calming effect on the skin, especially its water-dense leaves, which allow it to thrive in dry and unstable climates. "When the gel from within the plant’s leaves is applied, it has a cooling sensation that provides instant relief," says Dr Philips. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), aloe vera is safe to use for soothing mild sunburns. Aloe vera is effective when it comes to soothing and cooling the skin, which is why it’s associated with sunburn. It’s essential to use SPF all the time and avoid unprotected sun exposure where possible, but if the unspeakable happens and you’re caught out, it is a great at-home solution.

But besides treating sunburn, aloe vera is a useful ingredient in terms of general hydration and nourishment. The plant gel itself is full of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, salicylic acids, and amino acids, making it great for every skin type. For so many of us, aloe vera was one of the first “skincare” products we used. It might have been to soothe a cut, a burn, or overexposure to the sun, but even now with years and products under our belt, it’s still something we call on regularly.Dr Phillips adds: "If you do react to aloe vera, you will notice an itching, burning sensation. If this occurs, ensure you rinse the aloe vera off with water immediately." While clinical evidence supporting its use for hair is very limited, aloe vera is often used to help ease symptoms of scalp conditions such as dandruff," says cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Surbhi Virmani. Want to hear more about healthy-hair ingredients? Our guide to nixing problems with your crowning glory should help. For centuries, aloe vera has been touted by many cultures as a cure-all for easing the symptoms of everything from irritation to wrinkles, but it’s only recently hit the mainstream in any significant way (beyond the aforementioned neon green bottle anyway). Here, we uncover the truth about aloe vera’s benefits, what it can really do for your skin and how you should use it for the best results. It’s always important to assess what’s going on with your skin and if aloe will help (or hurt) your goals. According to aesthetician Melanie Grant, aloe vera is a “predominantly water-based succulent plant that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making it a wound-healing hero and perfect for those experiencing redness and irritation.” She adds that it also shares the same pH as skin, which makes it gentle enough for those of us prone to irritation.