The Science Behind Aloe Wellness: An Interview with Aruba Aloe's Skin Therapist Anna Posner

For centuries, people have turned to Aloe vera for its purported health benefits and medicinal value.  In more recent years, these claims have been backed by science time and again.  In the following interview, the Aruba Aloe's in-house skincare therapist and product specialist, Anna Posner, lays out some of the proven wonders of aloe vera while also explaining her role at Aruba Aloe.  

Anna, what is your educational background?  

I received my Bachelor of Science in Skin Therapy in 2010.  While working as a skin therapist, I studied to become a nurse and earned by Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015. 

And how did you come to work for Aruba Aloe as a skincare therapist and product specialist?

I approached Aruba Aloe, a company I love and respect very much, to see what I could offer them. We agreed that the sales associates at Aruba Aloe have to be very knowledgeable about the skin in order to give customers the best advice possible. So I was hired to share my expertise about the skin with the company, which in turn brings greater value to our customers.

Obviously, you must be well-versed in the health benefits of aloe vera.  Can you count off some of the scientifically proven benefits of this plant for both the skin and hair?

When it comes to the skin and hair, aloe vera has superpowers: it contains vitamins A, C, and E, which nourish the skin and hair; it promotes healing; it's anti-inflammatory and anti-aging; and it's an antioxidant and an excellent moisturizer.  It is currently being used topically for burns, wounds, hemorrhoids, post hemorrhoidectomy pain, psoriasis, sunburn, frostbite, itching, inflammation, osteoarthritis, and cold sores.  In fact, our medical-grade Alhydran is perfectly suited for treating most of these conditions.  Of course, aloe vera is also used in various cosmetic products for the overall well-being of the skin and hair, which is something Aruba Aloe has been doing for decades.

What are the benefits of taking aloe internally?

Aloe vera has two main components: the gel and the sap.  The sap has been used traditionally as an oral laxative, which was actually Aruba Aloe's original product.  The gel is ingested orally for gastroduodenal ulcers, diabetes, asthma, radiation-related mucositis, epilepsy, asthma, colds, bleeding, amenorrhea, colitis, depression, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, bursitis, osteoarthritis, and vision problems.



The island's first Aloe Wellness Month is coming up in June.  What is your role in this special month-long event?

My role is to provide the chosen sales associates with knowledge about the skin, the DIY recipes that will be available in all our stores, and how to execute the special experience we designed for Aloe Wellness Month.

What experience is that?

The experience, called “Aloe Yourself to be Happy,” is an installation art tour and make-your-own body scrub workshop, which will be offered at our flagship store at the RIU Palace Antillas Resort.  This interactive workshop is going to be a ton of fun!

What is Aruba Aloe's main goal for Aloe Wellness Month?

Aruba Aloe wants to promote the creativity that can be applied when it comes to our products. We are known to have the best aloe vera plants in the world—why not add that to your wellness regimen?  For Aloe Wellness Month, we designed several DIY scrub and mask recipes that combine our own awesome products with common ingredients found at the supermarket.  We hope people try these recipes at home for a fun and relaxing experience!

Learn more about the “Aloe Yourself to be Happy” workshop that will be offered at the RIU as part of Aloe Wellness Month. Tickets are also available in all Aruba Aloe stores.