Red and a bit magic, but no, it's not a real dragon blood. This resin is so named solely for its color but, in fact, it is the secretion of plants of different species, including Croton, the most studied, dracaena, pterocarpus and daemonorops, coming from tropical and subtropical areas. The blood of dragon is a known remedy since ancient times, Dioscorides, a Greek physician of the first century after Christ, wrote of this and in recent years even science has been very interested in dragon blood by observing that, in the cosmetic field, the properties of dragon blood are real and measurable and not only the result of beliefs.
Dragon's blood, cosmetic properties
Dragon's blood is in fact a rich source of antioxidant substances such as anthocyanidins and catechins that help to counteract skin aging processes and wrinkles, accelerate the healing of wounds and soothe skin inflammations. Not only that, this natural remedy is also antimicrobial, antifungal and anticancer (Pona et al, Dermatol Ther, 2019 - Escobar et al, Molecules, 2018). In particular, studies have shown that dragon blood can promote wound healing by acting on inflammation and tissues regeneration. In fact, already after one day of treatment with dragon blood the wound was reduced, the healing process had begun preventing further inflammation and the dragon's blood was able to stimulate collagen production and tissue renewal (Namjoyan et al, J Tradit Complement Med, 2016 - Bogdan et al, Drug Des Devel Ther, 2017).
Dragon's blood, uses
Often, especially in winter due to pollution and the action of atmospheric agents, the skin may appear red, irritated and sensitive. Dragon's blood can help soothe irritation, brighten and moisturize the skin. Moreover, thanks to the characteristics seen, the dragon's blood helps to fight wrinkles and stretch marks, the damages of UV rays but also wounds and scars left by acne.
Dragon's blood in cosmetics and DIY products
You can find on the market products that present the dragon's blood among their ingredients, in this case in the INCI it appears with the name Croton Lechleri Resin Extract. Alternatively, for those who like to prepare their cosmetics at home, you can find dragon's blood in the form of a liquid extract to add to the aqueous phase of the creams.
