Do your body a favor this summer - stock up on all things aloe!

Not only is this plant known for soothing sunburns, it’s used to treat a whole host of issues including eczema, rosacea, dryness and other skin sensitivities. You can find it in a variety of products from facial lotions and cleansers to body gels and eye creams. You can even break off a piece of aloe plant, and rub its gooey inside directly on your skin. We’ve got four reasons why aloe should be your go-to ingredient this summer.

1. Nothing soothes a burn better. Using aloe to calm a burn is one of the most popular usages for the plant and for good reason. Its anti-inflammatory properties help heal sunburns while cooling the skin. Slather on an aloe cream or break off a piece of the plant and apply its juice directly onto the affected area
2. Aloe helps heal razor burn and waxing irritation. Frequent shaving and waxing can cause major skin irritation. Using an aloe-based product after hair removal will help calm the area and prevent razor burn.
3. Hot summer skin deserves a cool treat. You don’t have to suffer from a nasty sun burn to reap aloe’s benefits. Use an aloe-based product at the beach, after a grueling workout, or anytime you’re feeling hot.
4. Aloe does more than you think. It can help treat athlete’s foot, diaper rash, and is even thought to heal stretch marks. It’s also useful in relieving itching due to bug bites.

Did you know?

Aloe vera isn’t only used topically—some people actually consume aloe juice believing that it can aid in healthy digestion, strengthen the immune system, calm an upset stomach and act as an anti-inflammatory, says Lauren Feder, M.D., a Los Angeles-based doctor who specializes in homeopathic medicine for children, adults and pregnant women. “Ingesting aloe is safe in moderate amounts, but with any herb it’s best to use it on a short-term basis,” says Feder. Keep in mind that consuming aloe may interact with certain medications and be contraindicated if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have a history of abdominal pain, bowel conditions, hemorrhoids, or kidney disease. Consult your doctor before drinking aloe juice.

Get growing!

Aloe vera is relatively easy to grow (even brown thumbs can keep an aloe plant alive) and a cheap fix for burns and skin irritations. You can purchase the plant at your local nursery. Aloe grows best in moderate light, like indoors by a window, and in a small pot. During the summer, it only needs to be watered about once a week. Wait until the soil is completely dry before re-watering. In the winter, these plants don’t require as much moisture.

Your summer arsenal

Two to try - arm yourself with aloe

These two products are all you need to get you through a hot summer unscathed.

California Baby Aloe Vera Cream, $11.50 When you’re looking for an intense dose of aloe to treat uncomfortable skin conditions like sunburns, cuts and diaper rash, this cream is the way to go. It contains 100% aloe vera and is infused with good-for-your-skin herbs and essential oils. The light and fluffy texture leaves skin hydrated, never greasy.
California Baby Calming Everyday Lotion, $10 Packed with aloe, vitamin E, rosehips and cold pressed vegetable oils, this lotion is perfect for daily hydration. It also contains a calming blend of aromatherapy oils including French lavender. Slather this on at bedtime to unwind after a long day outdoors.