Many people will have heard of aloe vera in the context of skin care. But what is aloe vera?

Well, aloe vera is a plant that belongs to the well known Lily family of flowers. It looks a little like a cactus, and has been used for its medicinal properties over the years - though only a couple of varieties have medicinal properties.

Much of the plant is water, but the outer leaf contains a sap that is used for lotions and gels and is beneficial. Rich in many vitamins and minerals, all together, these can have a powerful help in skin care.

Aloe vera can be used on the skin to help with many conditions, for instance bires or scrapes, eczema or mild burns.