A group of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) researchers have successfully developed a product to treat skin disorder or eczema without involving the use of steroids and managed to reduce itchiness, flaking and intensively repair despaired skin conditions within just two weeks.

The product, a deep moisturizing cream – REMDII Sensitive, is formulated with a full spectrum of vitamin E from palm oil extracts.

Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences lecturer, Prof. Dr Lai Oi Ming who led the research team, said REMDII Sensitive was developed without preservative ingredient elements and contained nano anti-inflammatory bioactive that is able to penetrate skin dermis layer to seal and stimulate repair of skin.

“The product is formulated using olein oil extracted from Red Palm Olein (RPO) which is rich in tocopherol, tocotrienol and carotenoids, an ideal oil to be used in skin care treatment,” she told a press conference, here.

She said a recent survey revealed that many of the emollients sold for relief of eczema did not contain active ingredients but has many synthetic chemicals, preservatives and cheap bases that could cause side effects.

Eczema is one of the most common and chronic skin disorders and can occur in individual of all ages, especially children. It started with inflammatory skin condition characterized by ichtyosis (dry skin), erythema (redness) and hypopigmentation in old lesions. There is still no cure for eczema.

Prof. Dr. Lai said usually a two-pronged approach is used to treat eczema that is by using steroids to reduce flare-ups, followed by a good emollient of moisturizing cream.

“Our solution and alternative to topical steroid use are REMDII Sensitive… a deep moisturizing cream formulated with a full spectrum of vitamin E, and complemented by other ingredients in a balance blend to repair despaired skin conditions without using steroids.

“Tocopherol and tocotrienol have been clinically proven to ease itching and burning quickly through their effective anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions,” she said.

She also said that allantoin and hyaluronic acid in the formation were able to provide key physiologic lipids and powerful hydration power to return the infected skin areas to their original state.

“Pre-clinical data showed that the formulation of REMDII managed to reduce itchiness, flaking and intensively repair the atopic dermatitis conditions within just two weeks, she said, adding that REMDII Sensitive would be able to fulfil the needs required by the huge halal market.

She said the research which commenced in January 2014 was completed in April 2016, and subsequently, the REMDII Sensitive was patented. However clinical tests are still being conducted to further improve on the quality.