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A little while ago I was approached by complementary therapist Niki McGlynn to see if I wanted to test out some of the balms that she manufactures. As some of you will know, I suffer with chronic psoriasis, specifically on the palms and backs of my hands. It is particularly bad at the moment with all the stress and hassle that buying a house seems to bring with it.
Niki wanted to create something that didnt contain paraffin to use on her reflexology patients, and so crafted the Original Balm, made of beeswax and a blend of oils that keep water (and bacteria) out and the addition of lemon, tea-tree, calendula and hypericum oils also aid in healing tough skin like cracked heels, as well as refreshing, softening and protecting feet. With Summer on the way, and many of us preparing to spend the coming months in flip flops and sandals, this is a great product to start using now. I’ve been putting it on my feet before bed and waking up to softer and happier feet.
I am especially loving Niki’s lavender and chamomile balm. The scent is strong, without being overpowering, and it’s nice to apply it at bedtime – I swear the lavender scent knocks me out and I have been sleeping better since using it. It melts easily when warmed in the hands and absorbs quickly. The beeswax and oil content means that it can feel a tad greasy, but only for a short while. This balm is also made in a baby-friendly formula.
So, I’ve been applying the lavender and chamomile balm to my psoriasis for the past couple of weeks now (two or three times a day) and I have experienced immediate relief. For those who don’t know, psoriasis is a non-contagious, hereditary condition where your skin cells are uber efficient and just renew too fast, causing bumps, scales and flaking of the top skin layer as the new cells try and push their way through. It is painful, embarrassing and sore. Since using this balm, my skin has been calmer, less itchy and has not burned in the slightest. I’ve lost count of the moisturisers I have tried that have immediately made me howl in agony and have to rinse my hands in cold water, sometimes even applying ice.
So, although there is no cure for psoriasis and I never expect anything to “heal” me, what I have here is a blend of products that are organic, natural, and work to bring me some semblance of relief from what is a constant battle. My skin is flatter, less flaky and better moisturised. I’m less ashamed of my hands and happier to brave the summer without having to pull a cardigan over my hands.
Niki’s balms are available in 100g pots (£14.99) and 10g tester pots (£2.99). To find out more, please visit Niki’s website
Helen
*samples sent to me for review*
These sounds great, since I have been breaking out and getting dry patches on my fingers, I have not found out the cause of that yet. Anything natural sounds good to me, and works too. 🙂
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Glad to hear you have found something soothing for your psoriasis I know how difficult that particular task can be. Glad to hear she has tester pots I have lost count of the money spent on trying to find products to suit me and not everyone either provides free testers or smaller sizes at reduced price.
I didn’t realize this condition was painful. I used to get eczema on my hands when I was younger. Especially in the winter. Cracked skin was really painful. I also got my hands infected when I was in beauty shcool. I couldn’t even get a job in the field because of it. All those chemicals were murder on my skin. I had to use smelly cremes and then wear cotton gloves with the latex gloves over top of them. When you were washing hair the heat from the water made your hands itch like mad and burn. All that scratching and it was infection time for me. Thank God I don’t suffer from it anymore. Instead I have posriasis in my nails! My nails peel, get little dings in the base and also the nail lifts from the base. I have a heck of a time growing my nails. Thankfully they don’t look hideous like pictures I’ve seen. I just don’t like to be without polish since the nail beds don’t look perfect. I have to go see a dermatologist. I found out what was wrong with my nails through research on the web. I had to weed through some gross photos. Glad you found some nice products to help you.
i leave very far away from seychelles island,i also a psoraisis patient,but in my country is not easy for me to have those medical treatment,please let me know what you can do for me to help me.
thak you for your concern.
christopher.