Evening Primrose Oil – A natural aid for dry skin

National Eczema Week (12 – 19 September) recognises that one in ten adults and one fifth of all school age children suffer with eczema, for which finding a treatment isn’t always easy.

Extensive research has been done into finding effective treatments for eczema sufferers. In 2006 a meta-analysis of 26 clinical studies involving Efamol Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) was undertaken, which confirmed that Efamol Pure EPO can be an effective and natural aid to maintaining healthy, smooth skin.

Earlier this year a health claim was approved by Health Canada for Efamol EPO in the treatment of dry, itchy skin caused by Atopic Eczema (dermatitis).

Efamol EPO contains high levels of the omega-6 essential fatty acid GLA and is made from a unique variety of seed called Rigel that produces oil containing up to 33% more GLA than other evening primrose oils.

More recently a study was conducted into the treatment of nappy rash revealing that a topical application of Efamol EPO matches the performance of the most popular European baby skin care brand in preventing nappy rash. Nappy rash is the most common dermatological disorder of infancy, affecting up to 35% of babies during their first two years.

The study into preventing nappy rash with Efamol EPO was conducted amongst 66 healthy male and female babies aged between two weeks and six months. Under randomised conditions, guardians were asked to substitute their usual baby skin cream for either Efamol EPO or the European leading brand.

At the end of the study period there was no difference in nappy rash symptoms between the groups, showing that Efamol EPO is as effective as the European leading brand in maintaining healthy skin.

Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil is available in 500mg 90s and 1000mg 30s capsules priced at £8.09 and £6.74 respectively, from Boots, Holland & Barrett, independent pharmacies and health food stores. Also available in 500mg (30s), priced at £3.59 and available from Waitrose, Morrisons, independent pharmacies and health food stores. Efamol oil, in liquid form, is priced from £7.19 and is available from Holland & Barrett, independent pharmacies and health food stores. For further information visit efamol.com.