New Allergenics Cream, endorsed by the National Society for Research into Allergies, is both steroid and preservative free. This rich emollient therapy has a unique formulation consisting of 100% natural ingredients clinically proven not to cause allergic reactions.

The main ingredient in Allergenics is phytosterols - Nature's answer to cortisone - which is extracted from the soy bean (GM free) to help calm irritation. The cream also contains a unique combination of naturally hypoallergenic ingredients including Borage Oil, Aloe Vera, Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, Rose Oil, Glycyrrhetinic Acid (extract of liquorice) and Hyaluronic Acid (natural mucoplysaccharides). The product is dermatologically tested and has a pH of 5.5."

WOMAN'S OWN MAGAZINE March 19 2001
Your Health-I GOT STRESSED AND SO DID MY SKIN
My mum always used to say, 'You're a lucky girl to have such lovely smooth skin.' My gran, my dad and my brother all suffered from psoriasis but I seemed to have escaped it.

But in January 2000 I entered the last stage of my teacher training and was under a lot of pressure. I loved my job but spending the day coping with a class of teenagers was hard work - and then I'd come home and study half the night. My eating habits suffered and my sleep patterns became very erratic.

Towards the end of the month a dry patch appeared on my arm. I ignored it but gradually it spread and soon I had red scaly patches all over my body. I had to wear trousers and long-sleeved tops because I didn't want anyone to see my arms and legs.

Mum suggested I go to the doctor and although he confirmed to was psoriasis, he didn't have much to offer in the way of treatment except moisturising the skin. I felt unattractive and depressed - which made me more tense - and it made my skin worse. It was a vicious circle.

In September we had a school inspection. The strain of having people watch me teach was enormous - and my skin responded to my soaring stress levels. It spread to my stomach and I scratched a patch there and was left with a big scar.

'I can't go on like this,' I finally admitted to my housemate Emily. 'I've got to do something.'

'A friend of mine gets psoriasis and she swears by some cream she gets at the health shop,' she told me. I didn't need telling twice. Within the hour I'd tracked down the name of the cream - Allergenics - and nipped out to get some.

Twice a day, without fail, I rubbed in the cream and, sure enough, within a few days the red flaky patches were calming down. Encouraged by the improvement, I made an early New Year's resolution to really start taking care of myself - eat well, get lots of sleep an never pick!

A year on, my resolution paid off. The combinations of lashings of Allergenics cream and Allergenics wash in the shower, plus my new healthy lifestyle, had knocked my psoriasis for six.

I've still got a few flaky patches which come and go but I've found what works for me. I'm confident that I'm in control and that makes me happy - which is good for my skin!

Nicola Caulfield, 25, teacher, Brighton