Aloe vera isn’t just a trendy green plant sitting pretty on your windowsill—it’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for burns, irritation, and dryness. And when it comes to post-sun care, few ingredients work quite like it.

Inside each thick, spiky aloe vera leaf is a clear gel that’s about 99% water—but the remaining 1% is where the magic really happens. This tiny portion is rich in skin-benefiting nutrients that work together to hydrate, heal, and protect. Here’s what’s inside and how it helps:

• Polysaccharides—These natural sugars are responsible for aloe’s ability to retain moisture. They form a thin, protective layer over the skin that locks in hydration without clogging pores. Polysaccharides also support cell regeneration, helping skin recover faster from damage like sunburn or irritation.

• Amino Acids—Aloe contains about 20 of the 22 essential amino acids your body needs, including 7 of the 8 it can’t produce on its own. These amino acids help soften hardened skin, reduce inflammation, and aid in tissue repair. Think of them as the building blocks your skin needs to rebuild after too much sun.

• Vitamins A, C, and E—These antioxidant-rich vitamins help protect skin from environmental stress.

  • Vitamin A encourages healthy cell turnover, which is key for skin renewal after a burn.

  • Vitamin C helps brighten the skin and supports collagen production, improving elasticity.

  • Vitamin E acts as a moisturizer and antioxidant, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

• Minerals like zinc, magnesium, and calcium—These minerals play a crucial role in calming irritation and restoring the skin’s balance.

  • Zinc is anti-inflammatory and supports the skin’s barrier function, reducing redness and sensitivity.

  • Magnesium helps regulate cellular processes, like repair and hydration.

  • Calcium assists in maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier, preventing moisture loss.

• It cools on contact—aloe has a naturally soothing temperature and glides onto overheated skin like a drink of water. This cooling effect offers immediate comfort, especially on red, inflamed areas.

• It calms visible redness and swelling—thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe helps reduce the blotchiness, puffiness, and sensitivity that often come with sun exposure.

• It forms a breathable barrier—aloe creates a lightweight shield over the skin that helps retain moisture and protect against further irritation while still letting your skin breathe.

• It relieves itch and sting—If your skin feels hot, itchy, or tingly after sun exposure, aloe works to ease those uncomfortable sensations while gently rehydrating dry patches.

• It supports healing from within—aloe isn’t just surface-level. It helps stimulate collagen production and tissue regeneration, which can speed up recovery and reduce long-term damage like peeling or dryness.

Aloe vera is a team player—and when combined with certain ingredients, it works even harder to soothe, hydrate, and repair sun-stressed skin. Here are a few powerful pairings to look for:

• Hyaluronic Acid
  A powerful humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and holds it there. It helps aloe keep your skin deeply hydrated and plump.

• Chamomile
  This calming botanical reduces redness and irritation. Paired with aloe, it’s extra soothing for heat-sensitive or reactive skin.