Corium 21 Blog

Aloe vera and Skin Care By Dr. Santiago Rodriguez The majority of the abundant scientific information regarding Aloe vera and its multiple biological activities have been largely attributed to a complex carbohydrate or polysaccharide called Acemannan**, which is the short name for poly _-1,4 mono-acetyl mannose1. It has been shown the activity of Aloe depends on the Acemannan content. Accordingly, the greater the Acemannan content, the greater bioactivity and beneficial effect on skin care and wound healing. In fact, Acemannan is so important that the International Aloe Science Council has determined that if a product does not contain Acemannan it is not Aloe vera. This polysaccharide is found in the parenchyma of the aloe leaf, in a gelatinous structure that … Continue reading →

For years, holistic beauty specialists have known that Aloe has the unique ability to stimulate cell renewal. Yet, until recently, no one knew why this was true. Now research is underway to discover the key to Aloe’s cell proliferating properties. In studies conducted by Dr. Ivan E. Danhof, M.D., Ph.D., president of North Texas Research Laboratories and a retired Professor of Physiology from the University of Texas, the interior gel from Aloe Vera was found to increase production of human fibroblast cells six to eight times faster than normal cell reproduction. Fibroblast cells are found in the dermis of the skin and are responsible for fabricating collagen, the skin’s support protein. During sun exposure and through normal aging processes, fibroblasts … Continue reading →

Part I The first thing to understand about aloe creams is what they are made of.  The obvious answer is aloe vera, but that’s not the complete answer. There are in fact more than 300 varieties of the aloe plant which are indigenous to different areas the world. Some varieties are better for healing burns and wounds while other varieties are better for moisturizing skin. It is generally accepted within the aloe community that Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the best type of aloe for use in aloe products, including facial cream. Aloe Barbadensis Miller is even used in burn centers around the world. So, in some respects it is also doctor approved. As such, Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the most … Continue reading →

The mysterious Aloe vera has been a source for healing since Old Testament times. The Aloe vera is native to North Africa but now can be found almost worldwide. A succulent, it thrives in warm and dry climates very much like cactus does. But unlike its prickly cactus cousin, Aloe vera is in a class by itself when it comes to certain healing properties. There are more than 100 species of aloe, but Aloe vera is the one that has drawn the most scientific interest. When Aloe vera is placed on many types of wounds, such as bedsores, it can often heal the wound quickly, and the reason is the special polysaccharide in it. Many plants contain this polysaccharide, but … Continue reading →