Defensil Rescue Serum contains a natural plant steroid that Swiss scientists claim is as effective as steroids for relieving itchy skin caused by eczema.

Skin Magazine asked a Skin Shop customer and eczema tester to try Defensil and give us their verdict;

What is in Defensil?

Defensil combines two key natural ingredients. A concentrated extract from Cardiospermum seeds and cold pressed Echium Oil.

Cardiospermum is a commonly used herb for skin problems from Ski Lanka. Its botanical name is Cardiospermum halicacabum, but is locally known as balloon vine. It is found aplenty in markets and growing in many a home garden. This small and delicate wiry climber’s main medicinal powers lie mostly in its leaves. They have been used for hundreds of years in Sri Lanka as a poultice for skin diseases, especially eczema and dermatitis.

Stearidonic acid, which is found in very high concentrations (12%) in Echium Oil, has been found in trials to efficiently inhibit the 5- Lipoxigenase enzyme which is the inflammatory mechanism which causes eczema flare ups.

When mixed together these two plant extracts have been shown to quickly reduce itching. The anti-itching effects of Defensil are due to the presence of natural plant steroids called phytosteroles.

What' s the evidence that Defensil works? 

Two independent clinical trials have been carried out on Defensil in Switzerland against hydrocortisone creams.  Defensil compared well  against 0.1% hydrocortisone creams (which is the standard strength treatment offered to most eczema sufferers) at both reducing itchiness and redness. Defensil decreased skin sensitivity by almost 50% and skin redness by 35% just 15 minutes after application.

A UK consumer trial overseen by a UK doctor on Defensil on 25 testers indicated that Defensil reduced itchiness, dryness and skin sensitivity caused by eczema better or as well as prescribed treatments, while being nicer to use and less worrying in terms of negative side effects attributed to regular use of steroid creams.

How quickly did Defensil work?

Our tester said that Defensil reduced itching almost immediately, which was a huge plus point.  Within two days some redness had also readuced. Within a week the patch of eczema had reduced by approximately 40%, redness was down by 60% and most importantly itching reduced by 80%.

How nice is Defensil to use?

Our tester said Defensil was very smooth to apply and did not sting. It went on easily and was absorbed quickly and did not leeave the skin sticky. The only critisism was that at teh end of the tube the last little bit needs a really hard squeeze to get out.

Defensil costs £9.95 for 50 ml and is available from www.skinshop.co.uk