Positive Health Online

Winter appears to be dragging on this year and even though it is technically spring we all know it isn’t! To have the worst winter and spring for more than 18 years has taken its toll on all of us. Imagine how that must be if you have to also cope with a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis?  This is apart from the large economical burden due to still having the central heating on most of the time, something which can severely affect people who may be prone to eczema or psoriasis. Indeed many people with a skin problem suffer. The itchy skin gets worse, the redness is exacerbated, and the dry skin gets dryer and more sensitive - a whole host of problems present. Going outside in the cold also tends to irritate the skin and layers of clothing can make the body very hot and uncomfortable.

We cannot avoid our winters, cannot live without heating or warm clothes so what can be done to live comfortable in our own skin? Twenty-five years of working with people who may be prone to eczema or psoriasis, in fact any skin problems, have given Elena Schalburg RGN, Founder of Elena’s Nature Collection the knowledge and information needed to help people who may be prone to eczema or psoriasis live comfortably with their condition under their control. Ingredients are carefully chosen for their individual therapeutic properties but also to work in harmony with each other. Some of these ingredients are:

Allantoin is a herbal extract of comfrey and is a popular source of allantoin. It is odourless, safe, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. It is a white, crystalline powder. Allantoin is moisturizing and keratolytic, meaning that it causes keratin in the skin to soften.

Aloe Vera is a resin or gel extracted from the leaf. Traditionally Aloe Vera gel is used as a soothing topical application for sunburns and minor burns, abrasions, acne, eczema, psoriasis, shingles and even cold sores. It penetrates the skin directly and produces a soothing, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect.

Sweet Almond Oil is obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. It is a natural moisturizer that soothes dry skin when used on a daily basis. This essential oil is ideal for use on skin that is prone to flaking and itching. Almond oil can be applied to wounds as it has anti-inflammatory properties. There are numerous benefits for sweet almond oil. It contains vitamin E in abundance. Vitamin E also known as the food for our skin. Vitamin E is protects our skin from damaging ultraviolet lights. It prevents cell damage and also is known to fight certain skin disorders.

Coconut Oil is of vegetable origin and is obtained from the copra of the coconut palm. Used in moisturizers, soaps and oils because of its ability to be easily absorbed by the skin gives it a soft smooth feel, hence ideal for dry rough skin. Because it permeates the skin so easily it is perfect for helping reduce the red, dry rough patches experienced by people who may be prone to eczema or psoriasis.

Essential Oil of Blue Chamomile is derived from the German chamomile plant, which is an upright growing annual. It is extracted from the flowers by steam distillation. German chamomile contains azulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This blue crystal is not actually present in the plant, but forms in the oil and only a small quantity is needed to be effective. It is known for its anti-bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, therefore very beneficial for sensitive skin and people who may also be prone to eczema or psoriasis.

Essential Oil of Geranium is extracted through steam distillation of stem and leaves of the Geranium plant. It is used to soothe dry skin, often used as a stabilizing influence, calming both the mind and body. It is very useful for many types of skin conditions such as dry eczema, psoriasis and burns. Geranium is in fact an insecticide and is very good as a mosquito repellent. It is also a cleansing, refreshing and astringent essential oil so is used widely in skincare.

Jojoba Oil is a natural plant oil which is extracted by pressing jojoba seeds. It supplies the skin with adequate moisture without blocking the skin pores. It is suitable for all types of skin. This is possible because it restores normal oil balance of the skin. Jojoba Oil is absorbed into the skin very quickly and has a hydrating effect. This is because its components have a striking similarity with that of sebum, an oily matter secreted by the oil glands present under the skin surface. It is this oily substance that gives the soft and smooth texture to the human skin and hair.

Essential Oil of Lavender is extracted mostly from the flowers of lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. It is one of the most powerful remedies in the plant world, offering both physical and emotional relief for problems as varied as burns, migraines, insomnia, insect bites, skin problems, infections, stress and nervous tension. Because Lavender oil is so therapeutic it is an ideal remedy for aching muscles, acne, bacteria, burns, cuts and wounds, earache, eczema, psoriasis and sunburn.

Essential Oil of Tea Tree is extracted from the leaves and twigs from Melaleuca alternifolia of the Myrtaceae family by steam distillation and is also known as ti-tree, ti-trol and melasol. The Aborigines used it for a long time for a variety of medicinal purposes, it is a useful powerful essential oil known to have antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties. When tea tree oil is blended into a cream or lotion and applied to the skin, it will help to clear up any fungal, bacterial as well as viral infections - and can therefore be used for a variety of problems - ranging from eczema, psoriasis, acne and is also effective on dandruff and other scalp disorders, such as scalp psoriasis.

Below are some heartfelt words (with her permission) from a client who has been using the products almost all her life.

An Actress Writes from the Heart

I just wanted to write this email to you to tell you how much your creams have changed my life. I think my mum has probably told you before, as I have been using your creams since I was 9 months old (not that I can remember back then!) and I am now 22 and still depend on them. Anyway I wanted to tell you personally, as I always tell other people suffering with eczema how amazing your products are but I don't think I've ever told you! 

I have never found anything else that even comes close to helping my skin and my eczema like Elenas Nature Collection. When I'm using your creams nobody even knows that I have suffered with very bad eczema all my life; they are always surprised when I tell them, because when I'm using your creams regularly you can barely tell I have eczema at all.

However, when I stop using the products and my eczema gets bad it covers my entire body, it is extremely, painful and irritating. It means I can't sleep properly at night, it's so tiring and it destroys my confidence as I think it looks horrible. I end up covering up all my skin in the summer with long sleeve tops etc just to hide it.

My Cream is the most important thing I pack whenever I'm going away or staying at a friend’s. It makes such a difference to me it’s actually hard to believe it, and it almost sounds like I'm exaggerating but I'm honestly not.

The NHS has prescribed me all sorts of creams and medications over the years including steroids (and one particular very strong treatment I remember which had terrible side effects) but nothing has worked as well as your Day and Night creams.

As an actress it’s extremely important what I look like so your products are worth every single penny to me.  I am so incredibly lucky my mum found the creams, and owe so much to you Elena. Thanks to your creams I am able to lead a life and do so many things I would never be able to do otherwise. 

Eleanor K.  (Surrey)