Originating in Northern Africa, aloe vera is now cultivated all over the world, including places such as: Aruba, Texas, and eastern Asia.  The reason it has become so widely grown is because its medicinal uses have been known about for centuries and historical evidence shows it even dates back to the Egyptians.  When it comes to skin care, aloe vera is commonly used for cuts, burns, and eczema.  The sap contained inside of an aloe vera plant is known for its ability to ease pain and decrease inflammation, hence why it is also commonly used in acne products.  One of the reasons acne appears to be red and so dry is because the skin is inflamed, so using aloe vera to soothe the skin can help reduce redness and moisturize as well.