Skin Soothers - The Classic Aloe

In the first century, Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used the gooey substance inside the leaves of this hardy succulent to moisturize their skin.

Today it's still revered as a natural hydrator because the gel is made primarily of water and fatty acids.  Aloe is also effective at healing wounds.  A study found it to be a better anti-inflammatory for skin irritations than 1 percent hydrocortisone cream.  You can keep it in your house, cut off part of a leaf, and apply the gel directly onto dry, irritated, or burned skin.

~Martha Stewart Living