Tired of dull, aged skin bringing you down every time you look in the mirror? The solution might be sitting in a plant on your window sill — in the form of aloe vera!

Due to its medicinal qualities, the aloe vera plant has been known and used by humans for centuries. In ancient Egypt, the plant was called "the plant of immortality." In fact, Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is known to have used aloe vera gel in her beauty routine.

Today, aloe is known to have a wide range of uses, including improving oral and digestive health and promoting hydrated, beautiful skin.

What Is Aloe Vera Exactly?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, triangular leaves. There are more than 400 different varieties of the aloe plant, with some plants featuring small spikes on the edges of their leaves, others have white lines or spots.

The plants are sensitive to frost and thrive in dry, warm climates like Africa, the Middle East, and Indian Ocean Islands. They are easy to grow indoors, though using a processed version of the gel may be the most effective way to reap all the wonderful benefits of the gel. The leaves of the plant have a thin layer of latex, which may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.

Pets and small children should be kept far away from an aloe vera plant, as ingesting large amounts of the plant can be toxic, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and other medical issues including kidney problems.

What is Aloe Vera Gel?

Aloe vera gel is the thick, sticky gel stored in the leaves of the aloe plant. It is around 99 percent water, which helps the plants survive during droughts. Similar to a cactus, the aloe plant is often found in desert or dry climates. The gel also has a variety of medicinal applications and is known to promote healthier skin.

Aloe vera gel contains as many as 75 active ingredients, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, salicylic acid, and sugars our skin needs. These ingredients help protect the skin from sun damage, increase moisture, and help it heal faster.

Ways You Can Use Aloe Vera Gel

Most people use aloe vera gel topically by applying a thin layer directly to the skin. It is full of ingredients your skin will love and it can also help promote healing. This makes aloe gel an ideal choice for those who prefer natural beauty products.

Here are six reasons why aloe vera gel needs to be a part of your natural beauty routine!

1) Soothe Sunburn

Overexposure to the sun can cause red, inflamed skin. While sunscreen can help prevent sunburn, sometimes sunscreen isn't enough, despite our best intentions! In addition to irritated and inflamed skin, sunburn can also increase signs of aging and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

According to the Mayo Clinic , aloe vera gel can help to reduce the amount of time it takes for our skin to heal. This is due to its ability to reduce inflammation and the promotion of collagen growth. These properties make it a fantastic solution to help your sunburn heal!

After sun exposure, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to affected areas several times a day to get your skin back to it's healthy, glowing self.

2) Relieve Skin Irritation

Skin irritations can be caused by many sources, including allergies, bug bites, chafing, and small scratches. When skin gets irritated and swollen, it can be difficult to soothe. Why deal with painful skin irritation when there is a natural solution?

Aloe contains the enzyme Bradykinase , which helps reduce inflammation in the skin. Fatty acids and amino acids from aloe may also help reduce inflammation, helping to soothe irritated skin. So, next time your skin is irritated, smooth on aloe vera gel and enjoy the relief!

3) Add & Retain Moisture

Moisturized skin appears younger and healthier, which is why many of us apply lotion to our skin every day. Water loss through the surface of the skin can leave skin looking aged and dull, especially during the dry winter months.

Aloe contains vitamins and other ingredients that help bind moisture to the skin and tighten pores , which reduces the amount of moisture your skin loses. Glowing, younger-looking skin is just one step away!

4) Slow the Signs of Aging

Aging is a natural process of life, but that doesn't mean we have to settle for looking older! Aloe vera gel can help reduce the signs of aging in several ways.

First, aloe vera gel helps the skin retain moisture and promotes collagen, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, and keep skin looking healthy. It may also protect the skin from radiation damage, which may cause signs of aging and cancer. Finally, it can help your skin heal, which can help make scars less noticeable.

If it was good enough for Queen Nefertiti's beauty routine, who are we to argue?

5) Prevent Dark Spots

Dark spots, aka age spots or liver spots, are small patches of darkened pigment on the skin's surface. They often appear on the face and back of hands. While doctors aren't sure exactly what causes age spots, sun exposure and tanning bed use are possible factors. No matter what the cause, dark spots can be embarrassing!

Because aloe helps protect the skin from sun damage, it can help prevent age spots from ever forming. Some anecdotal evidence also suggests the healing properties of aloe can help fade dark spots over time. Who said aging couldn't be beautiful?

6) Fight Breakouts & Acne

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oils and dead cells, which often become infected due to bacteria that are always present on the skin. Aloe contains Mucopolysaccharides, an amino acid that helps bind moisture but also helps reduce the appearance of acne .

The antiseptic properties of aloe can also help reduce bacteria on the skin, which may stop acne before it forms!

Instead of using harsh chemicals, which can irritate already sensitive skin, try aloe to fight breakouts and prevent scars from acne.

The Best Aloe Vera Deep Cleansing Oil

Now that we've covered all the amazing benefits of aloe vera gel, you might be wondering where to get this miracle skincare product. While you can use aloe straight from a plant, your best bet is a high-quality natural aloe vera soothing gel, like CALA® Aloe Vera Moisturizing Soothing Gel.

A prepared aloe gel will not contain any of the plant's fibers or the latex portion of a plant, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.

In addition, our all-natural aloe vera skincare collection is full of all the good stuff aloe naturally contains. You can find our array of all-natural aloe vera products at calaproduct.com/skin-care/aloe-vera-skin-care/