The effectiveness of lemon and sandalwood essential oils in the treatment of post inflammatory pigmentation in african females aged 18-35 years

Abstract

Introduction: Post inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) is a common dermatologic disorder globally. It is most prominent in darker skinned woman of childbearing age. PIH affects the physical and physiological features of the sufferer, altering their quality of life. The high costs and safety of treatment options available for PIH are questionable, thus creating an interest in the effects of natural remedies on PIH. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of lemon and sandalwood essential oils on PIH present in African females aged 18-35 years. Objective: The study objective was to determine the progression of PIH using sandalwood and lemon essential oils and a placebo treatment by means of a Skin Analyser® machine. Comparisons were made between the oils to determine their effectiveness in the treatment of PIH. Methodology: This was a prospective, quantitative and double-blinded study with an experimental design, conducted at the Durban University of Technology. Participants were black female students, 18-35 years, with a sample size of 48. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. A pre-test post-test method was used and follow up consultations took place at baseline 0 weeks and thereafter at 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Results: The majority of participants were 18-22 years of age with 61.7% (n = 29) indicating the use of daily homecare treatments such as cleansers and moisturisers, while 54.3% (n = 25) reported a family history of pigmentation. Low-self-esteem was reported by 52% (n = 31), which is a concern. Improvements (facial spots, pore sizes, ultraviolet [UV] features) were noted in the skin as a result of treatment with both sandalwood and lemon oils. Significant results were demonstrated by sandalwood oil across key skin parameters (facial spot, pore sizes, UV features) Discussion: The prevalence of common factors that influence the onset of PIH such as age, race and increased hormonal factors are high within this cohort, endorsing their susceptibility to PIH development. Our data also highlights waxing as the preferred hair removal method. However, waxing predisposes women to inflammation, blockage of pores and burns, leading to PIH. Therefore, the increased incidence of pigmentation in our study may be associated with the higher usage of waxing. Overall, visible improvements were demonstrated in the skin for both oils. We observed significant physiological changes in the pore sizes as a result of both oils, as well as improved pore conditions with fewer enlarged and blocked pores. Thus, both groups showed a reduction in the prevalence of acne. Our data thus suggests that both oils may have a potential role in decreasing the development of acne and PIH.