Thirsty? Washington DC dermatologist says drink a nice big glass of aloe

Washington, DC dermatologist Lisa R. Ginn, MD explains in the Baltimore Sun that "aloe has been around for centuries, and it's multifaceted." Dr. Ginn practices at Cultura Medical Spa, the Washington medical spa specializing in skin of color. She is a big fan of aloe for wrinkle treatment, thanks to a powerful antioxidant enzyme present in the plant.

Aloe has become a popular herbal remedy utilized in spas across the United States and the world. The Baltimore Sun also spoke with Maryland esthetician Jenny Ferrand, who chooses aloe as one of her favorite products for facial and body treatments at The Linden Spa, a day spa and resort in St. Michaels, Maryland. She says "you just break off a piece of the leaf and apply the gel. Aloe reduces inflammation and it has a soothing emollient texture that creates a barrier for the skin to heal and cool."

Many internet companies are marketing the plant for its cosmetic and therapeutic use. DHC, a Japanese company with headquarters in San Francisco sells over 40 products with aloe listed as a main ingredient.

Gloria Ortiz, resident beauty expert at the company's headquarters says "Many people don't know that aloe is a natural humectant. A few drops of this concentrated liquid is all you need to instantly hydrate thirsty skin. Perfect for people living everywhere, including extreme climates—from dry desert heat to icy cold weather."

Aloe vera is a widely recognized plant species known for its versatility and therapeutic effectiveness. Believed to be a native plant of Northern Africa, it has historical significance with records of its use dating back as early as the 1st century AD.

Agricultural production of Aloe is now undertaken on a large scale in countries like Australia, Cuba, India, Jamaica and South Africa. It has been touted as a possible treatment for diabetes and ulcers, used as an ingredient in desserts like yogurt, shampoo, lotion or simply eaten whole. "Folklore says aloe is good for stomach problems" says Bruce Cavan, director of spa services at Radisson Aruba resort, where natives are known to cut off a leaf of aloe and ingest it whole.

Considering aloe juice? Drink at your own risk. Despite such widespread popularity, the scientific evidence to support medicinal use of Aloe has been disputed. Some research has found that aloe use actually slowed the healing of wounds and excess ingestion of it has been associated with some undesirable symptoms like electrolyte imbalance and diarrhea.

Kristin Meyer for Real Beauty News

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