Aloe is a type of plant with thick, pointed leaves that store water and a clear gel inside. The most common variety, aloe vera, has been used for thousands of years to soothe burns, cuts, and dry skin. When you break open an aloe leaf, you'll find this cool, slippery gel that feels refreshing on sunburned skin.

Aloe plants originally come from hot, dry regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where their thick leaves help them survive long periods without rain. They're succulents, meaning they've adapted to store water in their leaves. Today people grow aloe as houseplants because they're very easy to care for: they need little water and can thrive on a sunny windowsill.

The gel inside aloe leaves contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and help the skin recover, which is why you'll find aloe in many lotions, creams, and after-sun products. Some people even keep an aloe plant in the kitchen so they can break off a leaf and apply fresh gel directly to a minor burn, but it's still important to tell an adult and get proper first aid.