Xerosis is one of the conditions with high recurring frequency on the aged skin over 60 in general. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on the dry skin of the elderly, by using the specific essential oil blending that c...
Xerosis is one of the conditions with high recurring frequency on the aged skin over 60 in general. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on the dry skin of the elderly, by using the specific essential oil blending that consists of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum), and Sandalwood (Santalum album) for maximizing their synergistic effect. Lavender is known to powerfully stimulate the growth of healthy new cell and can strengthen the immune response. Like Lavender, Everlasting is one of the oils that are synergistically active when used with other essential oils. Everlasting is anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory and can be tolerated by the most sensitive skins like eczema. Lastly, Sandalwood is beneficial to many different skin types and problems. It is especially used for dry and dehydrated skin for a long time.
For this purpose, selected 20 subjects who are 87 years old on average were divided into two groups. 15 of them used the above essential oil blending at 1.5% with the carrier oil of Calendula infused (10%) in Jojoba oil, and the rest of them used the carrier oil only as control on the face and body for 28 days.
Before experiment and in 2^(nd), 3^(rd), and 4^(th) of week, the variation of moisture content, sebum content, skin pH in the stratum corneum, and TEWL on the cheek and the inner arm were checked.
In addition, the degree of satisfaction with using the oils were surveyed and improvement of pruritus was checked using a modified scale of pruritus score scale (Duo, L,J.1897) before and after application.
As a result of the variation of skin conditions after 28 days, both groups had shown an increased rate in moisture and sebum content in the stratum corneum with the passage of time. Moreover, the data showed a higher rate of increase than that of the control; 20.48% increase for moisture content and 139.67% increase for sebum content. Skin pH became normalized on the average in both groups; pH 5.14 and pH 4.85 from pH 4.39 and pH 4.65. In TEWL, again, both groups had shown a reduction in rate on the face and the inner arm gradually, nonetheless the control group showed slightly more decreased level than the experimental group.
In the matter of degree of pruritus, the experimental group showed positively improved in severity (p=0.027), location (p=0.000), frequency (p=0.001), and inconvenience of daily life due to pruritus (p=0.002). However, the control showed insignificant changes in those items apart from frequency (p=0.047).
As for the questions about the degree of satisfaction of using the oils, 60% of the experimental answered that it was effective and 100% of them intend to use the oil later, as it was thought to be very effective on xerosis condition. On the other hand, the control answered the same questions that it was so-so and 60% of them have no intention to use the oil again, as it was not effective on the condition at all. In addition, there was no side effect to be shown.
On the whole, the experimental that used the essential oil blending showed the significant result on the skin variation and improvement of pruritus, and also they took a positive attitude. However, the control group that used the carrier oil only changed less significantly on both physical and psychological aspects.
In conclusion, the specific essential oil blending with Lavender, Everlasting, and Sandalwood worked on xerosis effectively without any side effect; hence aromatherapy can be a remedy for elderly skin care including xerosis as one of the safe complementary therapies.