Natural nourishment
A linoleic acid-based range of products from Germany aims to overcome dry skin conditions.
DRY skin is more common than we think and it is also a condition that increases with age. Atopic dermatitis, a skin disease, also causes very dry skin.
To address this issue, a range of products was developed by a family-owned business in Germany called Linola.
This pharmaceutical skincare range was first created by chemist and pharmacist Dr August Wolff.
Dr Wolff founded his company in Bielefeld, Germany in 1905, producing a range of medical products. Back then, he knew of the benefits of linoleic acid, and together with his son, thought about the possibility of developing a cream containing the ingredient to improve dry skin conditions.
As a result, in 1938, Linola, or “the one with linoleic acid”, was created.
Linoleic acid is an important essential fatty acid which cannot be produced by our body but can be obtained from canola, grape seed, thistle and sunflower oils.
The active substance helps to keep the outermost skin layer sealed from the inside so that less moisture escapes.
Linoleic acid contains protective, regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties and works well for chronic and acute atopic eczema sufferers.
It helps with the healing process, soothes itchiness and inflammation, plus improves specific skin problems such as dry, itchy scalp, psoriasis and chafing.
At the launch of Linola skincare in Petaling Jaya, Selangor recently, Dr Manuel Hauser, medical information manager with Dr August Wolff GmbH & Co. KG Arzneimittel said triggers of dry skin include frequent washing or showering, “especially with hot water above 32°C, as well as extensive use of soaps or cleansers.”
He added that extreme climate conditions (either very hot or very cold), air conditioning or central heating, changes in seasons and use of certain drugs also lead to dry skin.
Today, the full range of Linola products includes Lotion, Shower and Wash, Face, Hand Lotion, Foot Lotion, Protective Balm, Forte Shampoo and Sun Lotion.
“Our Linola Lotion is the flagship product in Germany and contains thistle oil, suitable for use for the entire body. This lotion is ideal for very dry skin as well as eczema sufferers,” said Dr Hauser.
Two other key products are the Shower and Wash, and the Forte Shampoo. The Shower and Wash is a microemulsion gel with canola oil and wheat germ oil. With a pH level of 5.5, it is particularly suitable for eczema and is said to give significant increase of skin hydration up to 24 hours after single use.
The Forte Shampoo, meanwhile, is formulated for itchy, dry scalp.
Linola is available exclusively at Caring pharmacies nationwide.