Boswellia nanoparticles & Novrithen^® skin care cream - case series with neurodermatitis patients

Standard practice was to first apply the frankincense product on the specific skin areas. As soon as the product was penetrated, a thin layer of Novrithen^® Cream was administered. Depending on the individual skin condition or personal opinion of the test persons, the products were applied once to twice a day. Face, arms, neck and shoulder area but also the backs of the knees were treated.

None of the patients was suffering from an acute inflammatory phase of neurodermatitis; the product test was carried out during a non-acute phase of the disease. The products in question explicitly are skin care preparations and perfectly adapted for this specific type of disease in order to heal the skin and achieve a largely healthy skin condition.

Tolerance

Both of the products are perfectly tolerated and neither inflammations nor irritations were observed. The products neither caused burning sensations nor itching on the highly irritated skin. Neither redness nor allergic reactions caused by the particular components were detected. After applying the above-mentioned products, the test persons used make-up or powder; here too, the combination of the various products was well tolerated.

Efficacy

Boswellia nanoparticles: The product immediately soothes the skin, promptly eliminates itching, redness fades and already after 2 to 3 days of treatment the skin appears visibly relaxed and recovered. This particular disease certainly demands for an extended treatment although first signs of improvement can be observed after a few days only. Frankincense extract has anti-inflammatory and intensely soothing effects. The resin of the frankincense tree contains 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial effects. The product is recommended, among others, for the adjuvant skin care in the case of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Novrithen^® skin care cream: This specific product is well suited for the care of the skin during non-acute phases of the disease; it soothes, hydrates and re-fattens and leaves a pleasant sensation on the skin. The test persons also consider the product to be an excellent make-up foundation. It is nutrient-rich, not shiny, quickly penetrates into the skin and even after hours the skin still feels smooth, there is no feeling of tension. The caring effect lasts all day long. The amount of cream received after pressing the bottle once to twice, for instance, is sufficient for the facial and neck area or the arms. The cream soothes the skin and is particularly suitable for the extremely sensitive skin as it is very gentle (even on irritated skin no burning sensation).

Consistency and perfume

Boswellia nanoparticles: The consistency of the product can be compared with that of a light emulsion. A small amount is enough to cream larger skin areas. The product penetrates well and does not leave an oily sensation on the skin. It is possible to dress immediately after application. The skin feels smooth and soft. During summer time one or another patient may not need an additional product. The product has a light cooling effect. An alternative for the very itching or irritated skin can be to store it in the fridge and apply the cooled product.

Whoever is familiar with the scent of frankincense knows that it is special in a way, not to be compared with frankincense in fragrance compositions or as oil or in church. The typical scent is greatly reduced and the test persons experienced it as pleasant and by no means annoying. After application of the product, the skin does not smell unpleasant but neutral.

Novrithen^® skin care cream: This skin care cream also rather is a lotion than a solid cream; it spreads easily and its lipid content is higher than in the boswellia product. The skin is well saturated and feels replenished. Dry spots become soft, smooth and heal easily. The non-sticky cream feels like a light protective film on the skin which lasts for several hours. A cream application once to twice a day is sufficient and sensible in the case of this particular disease.

The product has a completely neutral and unobtrusive scent. Some of the ladies suggested a more intense scent which however is not recommended considering the increasing number of fragrance allergies.

Regarding the scent, the products can be used by both men and women. The product is classified among medical cosmetics with active agents and primarily designed for skin care purposes.

Packaging

Boswellia nanoparticles: The product is sold in a dark brown 20ml glass bottle with pipette screw on cap. By pressing the rubber stopper, the glass pipette fills with a sufficient amount of the product which then is dropped onto the areas to be treated. The glass bottle somehow is reminiscent of old pharmacy bottles and you are even tempted to call it nostalgic. The bottle is packed into a thin folding cardboard: less waste which is good for the environment. The cardboard box is labeled with company data and the term „corneotherapy", concise information on components can be found on the glass bottle. Labeling is easy to read and informative.

Novrithen^® skin care cream: The product is sold in a convenient and lightweight white 50ml airless plastic dispenser. The dispenser delivers equal amounts. 2 to 3 activations dispense a sufficient amount since the product is well covering. The dispenser cap keeps clean since the cream is not dripping. The dispenser immediately is re-closed after pressing the spender cap. Hence the packaging is highly hygienic. The product also is available in a larger dispenser (150ml). The dispensers are labeled with concise content information.

Both the packages can be discarded via household waste. Some of the patients suggested short written information on the treatment resp. a package slip.

The test persons were pleased with their individual results. The products are high-yielding hence economical and have a neutral scent. The one or other test person would have preferred a more flowery fragrance however it should be mentioned that we are dealing with particularly gentle products for the highly sensitive skin that shouldn't be additionally overloaded by fragrances.

For larger skin areas, a 150ml Novrithen^® dispenser is available for consumers. A combination of both the products effectively regenerates and protects the skin. It is recommended to apply the products over a longer period of time (2 to 3 months). Information on the different sources of supply is available by the manufacturer: KOKO GmbH & Co. KG Leichlingen, Germany, phone number +49 2175 166 010, www.dermaviduals.de.

Published by

Simone Steffens, Ästhetische Dermatologie (mdm) 2014 (6), 44-46

Mrs. Simone Steffens voluntarily leads the privately run neurodermatitis support group at Solingen, Germany, and tests specific cosmetic products respectively the appropriateness for neurodermatitis patients. Mrs. Steffens herself has been neurodermatitis patient for 25 years. The manufactures provide the test products free of charge and receive a final report however, they have no influence on the structure and procedure of the non-sponsored study which is carried out on her initiative and based on standardized questionnaires. The products tested are over-the-counter preparations. The products are provided free of charge. There is no additional financial incentive for the patients