Itching to Find Dry Skin Relief?

Are you frustrated by skin that is dry, scaly, cracked, sensitive, itchy or showing age? Or do you care for someone with these issues? If so, ProHealth's new line of Cabot skin care products may be the healing and protective help you've been looking for.

A special feature of all Cabot skin care products, from body washes to creams and lotions, is that they’re rich in skin-enhancing phospholipids - a class of lipids (fats) that make up a major portion of all cell membranes, and as natural antioxidant and moisturizing agents can help fight irritation, inflammation and aging.

Cabot’s topical products also contain something few people besides surgeons and nurses have ever heard of - pure omental lipids or P.O.L. (more about that later).

Causes of Dry Irritated Skin

Multiple factors can contribute to dry skin. Common causes include certain medical conditions, many medications, environmental exposure, soaps/detergents or fragrances, poor diet, insufficient hydration, and the drying effects of indoor heating in winter. And of course as we age, our skin also tends to ‘dry out’ and get thinner.

In addition to skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis, other medical conditions frequently associated with dry or itching skin include:

• Fibromyalgia
• ME/CFS
• Thyroid Disease
• Diabetes
• Celiac Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease

Hundreds of different medications used to treat these and many other health issues can also cause dry or itching skin. Some of the drug categories known to have these side effects include:

• Antidepressants (some)
• Opioid Pain Relievers
• Diuretics
• Cholesterol-lowering Drugs
• Antihistamines
• Anticholinergics (treat GI tract spasms)
• Chemotherapy Drugs
• Protease Inhibitors (treat viral infections)

Why Dry Skin Is a Problem

Besides giving us that not-so-attractive, scaly “lizard” look and making us appear older than we are, dry skin can lead to other dermatological problems. Just by looking at dry skin, we can see that it lacks moisture; what we don't see are the microscopic cracks that develop in dry skin causing it to lose even more water and resulting in inflammation. These cracks also allow bacteria to get into the skin, which can cause an infection. 

Itching is another problem that often accompanies dry skin. When our skin itches, we naturally tend to scratch. Unfortunately, scratching only causes further irritation and also allows any bacteria under our nails to get into our skin. Thus begins the vicious “I” cycle: itching – irritation – inflammation and sometimes infection. 

The only way to stop that cycle is to restore the moisture your skin is lacking. Cabot skin care products do that. They safely moisturize, renew and protect your skin.

Cabot Creams and Lotions (Omental Lipids)

Cabot's Cream and Lotion products contain pure omental lipids (P.O.L.). Omental lipids are extracted from the omentum - a large membrane that begins at the stomach and extends downward, covering and protecting the abdominal organs.

What makes the omentum remarkable is its mobility. It tends to move in - surrounding and isolating problem areas like ulcers, hernias and tumors - fighting inflammation and protecting the rest of the abdominal organs. 

In addition to its protective functions, the omentum seems to have the ability to stimulate the formation and development of new blood vessels.

It is routinely used in surgery to promote wound healing and to keep circulation going in transplant organs and tissues. The omentum used for human medical procedures typically comes from pigs because porcine omentum has the same physical characteristics and functional properties as human omentum. 

The omentum is rich in lipids - particularly phospholipids, neutral glycerides, glycolipids and gangliocides. Therefore, when the omentum lipids found in both the Cabot P.O.L. Cream and the Cabot P.O.L. Lotion are topically applied to the skin, they can:

• Soften rough, dry skin.
• Enhance circulation.
• Promote healthy skin.
• Moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.
• Soothe irritation.
• Relieve itching.
• Improve nutrient delivery.
• Visibly minimize wrinkles.

Scientific Comparison

A clinical evaluation was conducted comparing the effects P.O.L. Cream with a typical moisturizer (Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion). Twenty-one participants with moderate to severe dry skin of the lower legs topically applied each product to specifically mapped sites on their legs twice a day for four days. They were evaluated at baseline, after four days of using the products and again three days after discontinuing the products. The results are pretty impressive.(1)

Comparison to baseline after four days of using the products:

• Eczema,
• Dry and cracked diabetic skin,
• Bedsores,
• Skin grafts on burn victims,
• Pressure ulcers,
• Chafing, itching and more.

Cabot P.O.L. Cream and Cabot P.O.L. Lotion have a slight natural earthy scent and contain no steroids, parabens or added fragrance.  Proven safe and effective, they are gentle on fragile, sensitive skin.

Cabot Cleansing Products

Oatmeal has long been used as an effective natural remedy for dry or damaged skin, though trying to wash your body with oatmeal can be a very messy and unappealing project.

But thanks to recent technological breakthroughs, scientists are now able to break oats down into their component amino acids. The result is hydrolyzed oat protein, a natural humectant (substance that helps retain water) that has all of the skin-renewing benefits of oatmeal without the mess.

As the name indicates, Cabot's Hydrolyzed Oat Protein Body Wash and Cleansing Bar deliver the benefits of hydrolyzed oat proteins to your skin. These proteins are rich in:

• Phospholipids – natural moisturizes and antioxidants.

• Polysaccharides – good water-binding agents with antioxidant properties.
 
• Glucans – which aid in healing by fighting bacteria and boosting immune function.

In a recent Italian study, 54 volunteers with moderate to severe dry skin or itching were asked to soak in a bath with hydrolyzed oat protein solution and wash with hydrolyzed oat protein body wash daily for 30 days. None of the participants reported having any skin sensitivity or irritation from the products. 

Following are the results from the month-long study:(2)

Putting Cabot Skin Care Products to the Test

I have personally been using Cabot skin care products for about three weeks now and have been impressed by the difference in my skin. With a number of health issues, medications and the fact that I am aging, my skin has felt like a fine grade of sandpaper for several years now. And to make matters worse, my skin is so sensitive that there are very few products I can use.

Needless to say, I was a little nervous about trying another skin care product - especially on my face - but I'm so glad I did. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I did not have an allergic reaction to the Cabot products, nor did they cause any irritation or discomfort. Even better, I noticed a significant difference in my skin starting the first day I used them. My skin is softer now than it has been in 25 years. It looks like I'll be using Cabot skin care products for a long time to come.

It seems I'm not alone in my gratitude for finding these skin-renewing products. Here are just a few comments from others who have tried the Cabot products:

“As a senior citizen I have developed very sensitive skin. It seems I break out from the least little thing. This cream is a miracle. I break out, but as soon as I use POL it takes away all redness and any sensitivity I might have.” – Susan S., Rockland County, NY

“My father is an insulin dependent diabetic. He had some dryness of his skin due to the diabetes but he developed neuropathy after starting chemotherapy. POL cream relieved his neuropathy symptoms and also made his skin look and feel better. I have also used it for other diabetic patients with dry skin.” – Dr. M.L. Santa Monica, CA

“P.O.L. Cream has been a lifesaver for my nine year old son. He has suffered from eczema for several years. For the last four years, we have tried at least three different prescription products...and almost every over-the-counter product available. The itching has been unbearable. We applied P.O.L. Cream to the creases behind the knees and inside the elbow area in the morning and before bedtime every day. The results have been incredible! My son’s skin has improved dramatically. The places that used to have red, raised bumps are now smooth and clear. It amazes me that his skin has continued to stay clear and free from being itchy for these past several weeks! He is a much happier child...POL cream is a lifesaver!!” – B.W., San Antonio, TX

“My Mother suffered from diabetes for more than 30 years. The skin on her legs was like tree bark, itchy and dry, very uncomfortable for her. We consulted many doctors looking for some relief and were always told that this is a symptom of diabetes, that her circulation was bad and about the only treatment is compression stockings, steroid salve and perhaps Vaseline® right after a bath while the skin was still wet and then wrapping in gauze. We tried all of these treatments and nothing really seemed to help. We were introduced to P.O.L. and my mother started using it religiously. The skin on her legs not only healed, it was soft and itch free within a few weeks. Her skin had not looked like this for years...Thank you P.O.L...” – I.G., Lakewood, CO

Summary

Cabot's creams, lotions, cleansers and vitamin E products are all rich in phospholipids and offer superior moisturizing capability. Gentle on even highly sensitive skin, they promote soft, supple, healthy skin while also protecting your skin from future damage.

* Supplement research reporter Karen Lee Richards is the HealthCentral chronic pain site's Health Guide for Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS (www.HealthCentral/Chronic-Pain)

References:

1.  Cooperlabs. “A clinical comparison of pure omental lipid versus a typical moisturizer for the treatment of dry skin.” 

2.  Bianchi B, et al. “Oat protein: A bath for Dry, Itching Skin”

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Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general information and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.