Category: SKIN CARE ADVICE

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The Microbiome – Your Skin’s Greatest Ally!

Here at LUMI, we can’t go five minutes without mentioning the skin’s microbiome. We might talk about it more than any other topic, in fact! The reason we’re so obsessed is simple – maintaining a healthy microbiome is the single best thing you can do for your skin. But what is the skin microbiome, we hear you ask, and why is it so important? Well, let’s find out by diving into all things microbiological!

What Is The Skin Microbiome?

Our skin is home to millions of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. We call this tiny but important community of life the microbiome of the skin. These microscopic lifeforms work with the human body and are integral to maintaining healthy skin.

The microbiome is our first line of defence against pathogens and other threats that might endanger our skin or the rest of our body. The layer of microbiota on the skin’s surface forms a physical barrier that prevents unwelcome microbes and substances from reaching the skin itself. When this barrier is broken or is not at its full protective capacity (because our microbiome is out-of-shape), we are more vulnerable to infection and skin degradation from environmental pollutants.

The benefits of the microbiome do not stop there, though! The microbiota on the surface of human skin helps retain moisture, minimise oxidative damage, and help to protect skin from UV radiation. Our immune systems actually communicate with bacteria on our skin’s surface and are used by the body to modulate a range of responses. The microbiome is even involved in repairing damaged skin and healing wounds!

It was discovered at the turn of the 21st century that some bacteria present within the human skin microbiome produce collagen-like proteins that help with skin maintenance. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is vital for skin structure, elasticity, and signaling. Studies have shown that when the skin microbiome is damaged or in a state of serious imbalance (known as dysbiosis), levels of collagen production decrease, which can lead to premature aging and other skin health issues.

The impact of skin dysbiosis is not limited just to collagen production. A damaged or unbalanced microbiome has been shown to affect long-term skin health, as well as increasing the prevalence of diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. Research also suggests that the process of skin aging is in part associated with changes in the skin microbiome. Clearly, considering the intertwined nature of microbiome health and diversity with our own wellbeing, the skin’s microbiota cannot be ignored!

Photo: Caroline Sada

How Can I Help My Skin’s Microbiome?

With the microbiome being so essential to skin health, we all face an essential question – how can I maintain a happy, healthy, and diverse microbiome?

The first step, as with everything related to health, is to ensure your diet is varied and nutritious. By eating well, you give your body the resources it needs to properly control itself and make the surface of your skin the perfect environment for a thriving microbiome. Vegetables in particular are vital for skin health, whilst fermented foods such as kefir and sauerkraut help promote the health of microbiota both in the gut and on the surface of the skin.

For more targeted microbiome assistance, consider introducing probiotics and prebiotics to your skin. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are introduced to a microbiome to help repopulate or rebalance the microbial community. Prebiotics are selectively fermented ingredients designed to provide nutrition to and promote the growth of desirable microorganisms. Probiotics and prebiotics taken orally can improve the health of the gut microbiome (and through it, the rest of the body), whilst topically applied prebiotics and probiotics can greatly aid the skin’s microbiome.

All of LUMI’s products are designed with maintaining a healthy skin microbiome in mind. Our three guiding principles are embracing natural ingredients, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, balance. Never is this more important than when considering the needs of the billions of microbiota that call our bodies home.

You can see the results of this thinking in the decisions we make during production. Our cleansers never contain any surfactants or foaming agents, as these have been shown to disrupt the skin barrier and microbiome. In a similar vein, none of our products will ever contain added fragrances or preservatives – both can disrupt your microbiome and create, rather than solve, skin problems. We make liberal use of the polysaccharide hyaluronic acid in lots of LUMI products, which has been shown by several research studies to be the optimal prebiotic for restoring microbiome balance.

We offer a range of products crafted especially to restore and maintain your skin microbiome. There are far too many to list here, but a few highlights that we think you’ll love are the Atopic Smoothie Set, the NAKED Hyaluronic Acid Multiserum, and the 40 & ICONIC Set, all of which contain prebiotics and other helpful ingredients that are perfect for getting your microbiome back to its best!

Ready to take the first steps towards a happier, healthier microbiome? Talk to one of our LUMI skin experts today and find the products most suited to your individual needs – your skin will thank you!

 

References:
  1. Al-Ghazzewi, F. H., & Tester, R. F. (2014). Impact of prebiotics and probiotics on skin health. Beneficial microbes, 5(2), 99–107. https://doi.org/10.3920/BM2013.0040
  2. Boxberger, M., Cenizo, V., Cassir, N., et al., (2021). Challenges in exploring and manipulating the human skin microbiome. Microbiome, 9, 125. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-021-01062-5
  3. Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16(3), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.157
  4. Habeebuddin, M., Karnati, R. K., Shiroorkar, P. N., Nagaraja, S., Asdaq, S. M. B., Khalid Anwer, M., & Fattepur, S. (2022). Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep. Pharmaceutics, 14(3), 557. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030557
  5. Ratanapokasatit, Y., Laisuan, W., Rattananukrom, T., Petchlorlian, A., Thaipisuttikul, I., & Sompornrattanaphan, M. (2022). How Microbiomes Affect Skin Aging: The Updated Evidence and Current Perspectives. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 12(7), 936. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12070936
  6. Rozas, M., Hart de Ruijter, A., Fabrega, M. J., Zorgani, A., Guell, M., Paetzold, B., & Brillet, F. (2021). From Dysbiosis to Healthy Skin: Major Contributions of Cutibacterium acnes to Skin Homeostasis. Microorganisms, 9(3), 628. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030628
  7. Russo, E., Di Gloria, L., Cerboneschi, M., Smeazzetto, S., Baruzzi, G. P., Romano, F., Ramazzotti, M., & Amedei, A. (2023). Facial Skin Microbiome: Aging-Related Changes and Exploratory Functional Associations with Host Genetic Factors, a Pilot Study. Biomedicines, 11(3), 684. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030684
  8. Yu, Z., An, B., Ramshaw, J. A., & Brodsky, B. (2014). Bacterial collagen-like proteins that form triple-helical structures. Journal of structural biology, 186(3), 451–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2014.01.003
  9. Zorgani, A., Beckermann, L., Brillet, F., Yvon, P. (2023). Cutibacterium acnes: paradigm shift for skin health from pathogens to assets in healthy aging and beyond. HPC Today, 18(2), 6-9. https://www.teknoscienze.com/tks_article/cutibacterium-acnes-paradigm-shift-for-skin-health-from-pathogens-to-assets-in-healthy-aging-and-beyond/
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Adapt your skincare routine to your monthly cycle!

The menstrual cycle has a significant influence on women, impacting various aspects of our lives, from our appetites and moods to even changes in our facial skin.

Synchronizing your skincare routine with your monthly cycle provides an opportunity to prevent many skin problems, especially hormonal acne.

We are all unique and experience the changes that come with the cycle differently. Understanding what happens to our bodies and skin during this provides us with the opportunity to address various issues at the right time.

How to build a skincare routine that fulfills the needs of your skin throughout the cycle?

The good news is that you don’t have to rush out to buy new products immediately. Thanks to the versatility of LUMI products, they can be mixed together or blended into “smoothies.” This allows you to adjust your current facial care routine to cater to your skin’s requirements during each stage of the cycle.

Another reason to love LUMI smoothies and get the most out of them! 🤍

The recipe for adjusting smoothies is easy: simply mix LUMI tonics and serums into your favorite cream to make them either thinner or thicker as needed. This process guarantees that your skincare product maintains the desired texture throughout the whole cycle.

👉🏻In this blog post, we will discuss how you might feel during different phases of your cycle and how your skin may appear during these phases. We’ll share ideas on which products you could choose for your smoothies, allowing you to create a skincare routine that suits your preferences while considering the unique aspects of your cycle. Additionally, we’ll help you discover the ideal time to schedule a visit to an esthetician!

You can improve your skin care routine by aligning it with your monthly cycle, making it easier to address your skin concerns.

Your monthly cycle is mainly influenced by three sex hormones:

  • estrogen,
  • progesterone,
  • testosterone.

These hormones fluctuate throughout your cycle, leading to changes in both your well-being and your skin.

👉🏻To better understand your current cycle phase, you can use smartphone apps or a smartwatch, keep a closer look on your calendar and pay closer attention to how you’re feeling.

Menstruation (days 1-6).

Well-being: Your energy levels are low, and you might be experiencing tiredness. You may find yourself preferring solitude to socializing. Take a moment to tune into your body. Allow yourself time to rest and try to remember that it’s not laziness – be kind to yourself.

Skin: It may be more sensitive than usual, so it’s advisable to avoid any painful procedures, such as mechanical cleaning (which might prove challenging for the esthetician to work on), intense peeling, eyebrow plucking, or waxing. Your skin might also feel drier and more irritated, in which case, it will benefit from extra hydration provided by a richer cream or an oil-based serum. When it comes to cleansing, opt for gentle products. Cleanse your skin once a day in the evening.

The main keywords for skincare are moisturizing and nourishing.

TIP: Enhance your routine with LUMI’s oil serums. Choose the one that suits your skin type, and either mix it into your favorite LUMI cream or apply it directly onto your skin.

  1. If you have red or acne-prone skin, the ideal choice is Pimple Stopper. For sensitive skin, it’s better to opt for CBD+ Extra Strong Repair Salve.
  2. If you’re looking to tighten or even out your skin tone, go for the Superbloom Vitamin C Night Serum.
  3. Sunberry’s golden tone and protective formula are the ideal choice for all skin types and conditions.
  4. Because of its rich composition and soothing ingredients, ICONIC overnight peptide treatment is the perfect choice for alleviating dry, irritated, and tense skin during your menstrual week.

Follicular phase (days 6-12).

Well-being: You are filled with increased energy and motivation. Your optimism, communication skills, and cognitive abilities are at their highest. This is also your skin’s golden week as you feel beautiful and radiate in a unique way.

Skin: This is the ideal moment to rejuvenate, regenerate, and pamper your skin. New skin cells are actively developing, making it the perfect opportunity to enhance the skin’s renewal process. Additionally, your pain sensitivity is lower during this period, making it the perfect time to schedule a visit to an esthetician or experiment with new skincare products. Revel in the radiant glow of your skin at its peak!

Enjoy your skins glow!

The main keywords for skincare are stimulating the renewal processes

TIP: Don’t hold back on the usage of skincare products and provide your skin with an extensive pampering session.

  1. Enhance the skin renewal process with a 15-20 minute procedure using a 15% AHA Acid Peel.
  2. Afterward, pamper your skin with Prebiotic HALO Moisturizing Mask.
  3. During this week, consider incorporating Pimple Stopper and Superbloom Vitamin C Night Serum into your skincare routine for their skin cell renewal benefits.

Ovulation (days 13-16).

Well-being: You are energetic and active, yet also sensitive and impulsive. Your libido is higher than usual. Some women may experience mild lower abdominal discomfort during this phase and become more moody.

Skin: Skin becomes oilier as sebum secretion increases, raising the risk of pimples and pustules. This is the time when you can take steps to prevent pimples from appearing before your menstrual cycle begins.

The main keywords for skincare are prevention and cleansing.

TIP:It’s the ideal time to use lightweight makeup and creams! When preparing smoothies, reduce the amount of oil serums and opt for water-based products. Consider adding a tonic to your cream as well. (Superbloom toning mist, Bio-klinik moisture lock toner) or a water based serum like Nudist or Naked hyaluronic acid multiserum.

  1. Opt for products that regulate sebum secretion and have a lightweight consistency. These include the Tundra AHA-BHA Moisturizing Cream, Iconic Well-Aging Treatment, Naked Hyaluronic Acid Multiserum, and Superbloom toning mist.
  2. It’s a good time to either use a 15% AHA acid peel or leave the Tundra or Moisturizing Cleansing Milk on for a longer duration, up to 5 minutes.
  3. When wanting to achieve a tan and glowy look, opt for the No Make-Up Day kit, featuring the clay-based Senses that absorbs excess oil and keeps your skin clean.

Luteal phase (days 17-28).

Well-being: A time when you might begin to experience a decrease in your energy levels, become moodier, and become less inclined to socialize. You may also start craving sweeter and fattier foods. During this phase, your body requires an adequate amount of sleep and time for recovery.

Skin: Just as you become more sensitive and irritable, your skin follows suit. It tends to get oilier and is prone to clogging. You might notice an increase in black and whiteheads. Additionally, during this period, your body can produce more melanin, making freckles and pigment spots more likely to appear than usual. Sensitivity and inflammation are also more prevalent during this time.

The main keywords for skincare are keeping inflammation and sebum secretion under control.

TIP: Take extra care of your skin while being in the sun. Try to avoid skin irritation.

  1. During this week your best friend is the Naked hyaluronic acid multiserum. It helps prevent premenstrual acne, reduces sebum production, has anti-inflammatory properties, prevents the formation of new pigment spots, and diminishes the darkness of existing pigment spots.
  2. When making smoothies, opt for toners and water-based serums. It’s a good time to focus more on cleansing.
  3. Soothe your skin by using the HALO moisture mask.

Irregular menstrual cycle

A 2023 study revealed that an irregular menstrual cycle can harm both the skin’s physiological properties and its microbiota.

Women with irregular menstrual cycles may want to consider paying more attention to moisturizing, protecting, and soothing their skin.

TIP: The Bio-Klinik restorative moisturizer offers essential hydration, balance, protection, and soothing for the skin. Whether you’re dealing with eczema or hormonal acne, Bio-Klinik serves as an excellent solution for both concerns. When combined with Naked hyaluronic acid multiserum, the cream’s anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects are amplified. Additionally, the probiotics in the cream aid in restoring changes in the skin’s microbiome.

Recipe for smoothies

The main components of a smoothie should be:

  1. a water-based product (tonic, hydrosol, hyaluronic acid serum)
  2. a cream suitable for the skin’s condition.
  3. an oil serum

To create your own unique smoothie recipe, don’t hesitate to reach out to our consultant! You can discover our favorite smoothie recipes in the LUMI sets category.

Many smartphone apps, such as the Flo app, can assist you in tracking your menstrual cycle.

Give it a try and elevate your skincare routine to a more feminine and personalized level!

Used literature:
1. Laiji, M., Jiang, H., Han, T. jt (2023) The menstrual cycle regularity and skin: irregular menstrual cycle affects skin physiological properties and skin bacterial microbiome in urban Chinese women. BMC Womens Health. BMC Womens Health. 23(1):292.

 

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ACNE SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID!

Acne is a complex condition. Often, it can seem a chronic affliction that simply nothing can shift! For so many of us who were promised that acne was simply a part of growing up, it can be disheartening to suffer on with symptoms well into our 30s and even beyond.

It’s natural, then, that searching for acne skincare products can become something of an obsession. Every new product and slogan promises a solution, and everything seems worth a try. Unfortunately, however, advertising slogans cannot be trusted, and it’s important to delve into the composition of products and understand what effect they might have on your skin. You may be doing more harm than good!

Today, we give an overview of the most common acne skincare ingredients that you should avoid, as well as giving you some perfect recommendations for skin-healthy alternatives!

Acne sufferers should be sure to exclude these 5 things from their care routines:

1. Products containing salicylic acid.

One of the most common recommendations for acne-prone skin is to use products containing salicylic acid. However, the use of synthetic salicylic acid in certain cosmetic products has largely been banned due to its endocrine-disrupting effects. Synthetic salicylic acid is still allowed to be used in very small amounts as a preservative in some products, though it is prohibited completely in products intended for children under 3. The allowed percentage of salicylic acid is higher in washable products. You can find salicylic acid in a product’s International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) list under its common name Salicylic Acid.

Try instead: LUMI’s Tundra line, which contains willow bark extract, a natural alternative to synthetic salicylic acid that does not have the same harmful effects. Its INCI name is Salix Nigra Bark Extract. It is a strong antioxidant and has skin-soothing, sebum-reducing and mattifying properties.

2. SLS washing gels and excessive face cleansing.

We have spoken about this many times before, but it’s such an important point that it always bears repeating – foaming face washes and over-cleansing the skin should be left in the past! Excessive cleansing makes skin more sensitive and causes increased sebum production. 

Avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in their INCI lists. SLS has been shown to lead to extreme drying of skin and increased pore clogging over time. Whilst removing makeup, dirt, and sebum from the surface of the skin, SLS also washes away the corneocytes between cells, which act in a similar way to cement between bricks. Just like a brick wall with no cement, skin without corneocytes loses much of its rigidity and protective capacity. In general, skin (especially delicate facial skin) does not want to come into contact with any surfactants, which makes it extremely difficult to find a cleansing product on the market today that is actually good for the skin. We have been living in an era of skin over-purification for decades!

Try instead: LUMI Cleansing Milk can be used as a cleansing foam, either during a shower or as part of a morning/evening routine. Oil-based cleansing milks are perfect for removing makeup and dirt from the face whilst also maintaining the natural balance and protective qualities of skin. If you’re still unconvinced, try LUMI cleansing milks for a month and see what your skin says! You will no doubt find yourself left with un-reddened, balanced skin that has found its sense of comfort once more!

3. Fragrances

3000 different substances can be hidden behind the INCI name ‘Fragrance’. You can therefore never be sure which of these substances you are putting on your skin. Both synthetic and natural fragrances increase the risk of allergic reactions to products. Additionally, fragrances are often labelled with the names ‘Aroma’ or ‘Parfum’, the most common components of which include linalool, limonene, farnesol, and geranium. In the best case scenario, you may get away with irritation from these substances; in the worst case, they may disrupt the proper functioning of your endocrine system. When applying essential oils such as these to the skin, one must also be aware of their interaction with the sun. Occasionally, phototoxic reactions may occur.
Fragrances can also disrupt the skin’s microbiome, which can be particularly unhelpful for those already suffering with acne. A balanced microbiome can better limit the reproduction of bad bacteria and thus significantly ease acne symptoms.

Try instead: LUMI creams that never contain added fragrances. Our creams have a natural scent that you can trust. Synthetic fragrances can linger in products for up to 5 years, and can be used to mask other ingredients and confuse the user into believing things are fresher and healthier than they are. LUMI’s natural creams are quite the opposite – they smell fresh because they are fresh! You can read more about the natural scents of LUMI products here.

4. Silicones.

Silicones are not inherently pore-clogging, but the occlusive layer they create locks acne-causing sebum and acne-promoting bacteria in-between the silicone and the skin, which can then increase the frequency of breakouts and pore clogging. Additionally, silicones do not completely wash off the skin because they are hydrophobic compounds.

Try instead: Let your skin breathe freely by choosing LUMI’s silicone-free creams and serums! By doing so, you can be sure that products’ active substances are properly absorbed by the skin and do not get trapped on top of the occlusive layer silicones create.

5. Retinol.

Retinol, sometimes seen under the INCI name Retinyl Palmitate/Retinol, is an extremely popular active ingredient in both anti-ageing and anti-acne skincare products. Despite having some positive effects, it should be noted that retinol causes heightened skin sensitivity, making skin hypersensitive to UV radiation. If UV radiation is the fastest ageing factor for human skin, how can a substance that makes us extra-vulnerable to it keep us young? Sensitive skin also tends to produce more oil, redden more, and become inflamed more easily – all of which can exacerbate the issues of acne-prone skin.

Try instead: LUMI Pimple Stopper and Iconic Well-ageing treatment both use bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that has a similar effect whilst being non-irritating to skin and photostable (can be used during the day, unlike retinol). Bakuchiol helps correct hyperkeratinisation and bacterial growth, whilst also maintaining the lipid balance of skin. It also protects against oxidative stress and prevents the main causes of acne. Bakuchiol, like retinol, also has a strong anti-ageing effect, reducing wrinkles and evening out skin tone, whilst also improving skin elasticity. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin without causing irritation.

In addition to acute active substances, LUMI products contain supporting active substances which intensify and facilitate the absorption and functioning of other active substances.

Of course, with acne, there are a multitude of factors that influence the course and severity of the disease, and we always recommend a holistic and well-researched strategy to treating acne. In this post, we have only had chance to touch on a few specific substances that can actively make your acne situation worse. Avoid them, however, and you’ve already taken a big step towards healing your skin and solving your acne woes!

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ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN CHILDREN

Helen Hirv is one of the founders of Estonia’s premier natural cosmetics brand, LUMI. Helen came to skincare after her child was struggling with atopic dermatitis.

What to look for in skincare?

Helen: “Always keep in mind the principle of less is more. The product must be pure in its composition, and usually just one product is enough – either a bath oil or a base cream. The worst irritants and allergens are fragrances and preservatives. I have never washed a small baby with a body wash or liquid soap – most of these products only serve to dry the skin out and destroy the child’s skin’s protective layer. The moisturising oil or base cream must be properly absorbed into the skin – do not rush to clothe your child after application.

La-Laa Caressing Baby Oil softens, soothes and is fragrance free; composed of food-grade quality ingredients with organic certification.

 

“In the case of milder eczema, moisturising with vegetable oils is often enough – there is no need for more complex formulations. It is important to monitor your child and assess how severe the eczema is. There is a big difference in the types of intervention necessary for skin that is simply rough or is fully inflamed, for example. From my experiences with my own two children, slight roughness or redness of the skin can often be effectively treated with basic skincare. However, as with any condition, dermatitis treatment requires us to consider and address the needs of the whole body, not just an affected area.”

Is Skincare Alone Enough?

“Skincare is an important part of treating dermatitis, but is essentially only dealing with the consequences of the condition. It’s vital to find out the circumstances that trigger dermatitis symptoms. In general, in summer, dermatitis is mostly alleviated or disappears entirely, thanks to sun and seawater. The disease can be much more active in spring, autumn and winter – particularly around Christmas time, where bad weather combines with children eating lots of sweets and high-sugar fruits, etc.”

“In the case of caring for my own children, I try to ensure that all products used at home – from cleaning products to body washes – must also be pure compositions that are as free of additives as possible. I use as few as possible, and don’t have shelves of products each only catering to very specific niches. For example, I use soda a lot – a very basic yet useful cleaner. We also eat home-grown or organic food as much as possible, and try to avoid store-bought fruit. Additionally, we supplement all of this by taking vitamin D and probiotics, as the gut microbiome affects the entire body’s health.”

“I strongly recommend consuming Omega fatty acids – hemp oil is taken daily in our family. I often see people afraid to give vegetable oils to their kids, as if it is something dangerous, yet never question the medicines they regularly use with them. My children have been consuming hemp oil since they were babies, because I know just how beneficial it can be – helping with digestion, skin conditions, child development, and much more.”

What else should I keep in mind?

“Continual monitoring of your child is key – keeping a diary can be extremely helpful, as atopic dermatitis is a very individualised disease. Avoid external irritants as best you can, and avoid food additives and processed foods. Sometimes, it’s possible that small children are not actually reacting to additives, but are simply adapting to new types of food. For example, some babies cannot eat carrots without skin irritation until at least a year old.”

“Focus on your child, not how others are doing. Be alert to their wants, needs and reactions. If some things are not working, do not push your child’s body to accept them, but rather give it time. If a child’s skin is itchy, don’t scratch it; instead, pat it or gently massage vegetable oil into the affected area – it will have a much less damaging effect on the skin.”

Helen’s Reminders

Probiotics and hemp oil:

“Number one in my dermatitis skincare kit. Both are supported by a wealth of research. It has been shown that the microbiome of allergy sufferers is significantly less diverse than non-sufferers, and since modern humans have already lost a significant amount of their bacterial diversity compared to our ancestors, probiotics can be beneficial for everyone. There is nothing to lose, whilst results can often be astonishingly effective – especially for babies born via caesarean section.”

“Hemp oil provides us with Omega-3, which approximately 85% of people are lacking, and supports many bodily functions. Why cannabis? Because hemp has the perfect ratio of omega acids for humans, and also contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is great for fighting skin problems.”

Probiotics can be beneficial for everyone.

 

Home cleaning:

“For cleaning my house, I only use soda, citric acid and vinegar, and try to avoid taking home anything with excess additives. I do my laundry with an eco-friendly liquid detergent and I always research ingredients before buying products; I use liquid products with simple compositions that are as natural as possible, and always fragrance-free. I do not use powders of any kind, and won’t go near questionable preservatives (such as anything containing methylisothiazolinone). Sometimes you’ll find such products labelled eco-friendly, so it pays to be attentive to ingredients labels. Fragranced products can be recognised by parfum/fragrance on the bottle, or words such as linalool, limonene, etc. This is also how I can tell if skincare products are fragranced. Added chemicals and synthetic fragrances are often the root cause of allergic reactions. Finding the reason for your flare-up is imperative to properly solving the issue.”

Find the reason:

“When you are aware of food allergies or intolerances, allergies to household chemicals, etc., your chances of controlling the problem are much greater. In milder cases, a good cream can relieve atopic dermatitis symptoms, but it is still important to identify the root cause of the issue. Visiting a doctor is always a good idea, but you can also do a lot yourself through observation, experimenting, and using a food diary. Try to think when the problem started – perhaps after introducing new foods, medicines or vaccinations, beginning nursery or school, etc. Something new in the child’s life may have caused this overreaction of their immune system.”

Stress

“Stress can be a big factor in atopic dermatitis manifesting, and stressors on the body can be wide-ranging. According to research, about 30% of skin diseases have a psychological component to them; after all, the skin is an emotional organ, too.”

Nutrition

“Try to provide organic foods for children, and avoid additives (e-numbers), sugar, wheat, and dairy products. The composition of food should be simple and nutritious (things like ready-made meals often are not). Ensure your child’s diet contains plenty of prebiotics or food for the good bacteria in the gut (e.g. green vegetables). We put a special emphasis on garden vegetables and fruit – local berries, for example, are full of essential nutrients.
“Of course, reactions to vegetables and other healthy foods are also possible – there will always be certain people who cannot eat certain things. Food is such a broad topic that it is impossible to do it justice in so few words, but avoiding processed foods that promote inflammation is always going to be of benefit.”

“I have come across cases where a parent has observed and tried many things, but ultimately the root of the problem often comes down to wheat or milk. For example, after eating a pancake, the child’s face may have been very red for several days. It can be difficult to spot signs right away, but you will become better the more you try. If there are several irritants at work the situation can become more complicated, as eliminating one may not cause a visible improvement if other substances are still causing symptoms.”

“Processed foods are generally unsuitable for a healthy lifestyle because they contain lots of additives, have been sitting for a long time losing nutrients, and myriad other reasons. Oriental teachings recommend eating stewed food. Particularly in winter, try to favour warm stewed meals over raw food, so as not to add moisture to the intestines or reduce their temperature. A particularly effective body restorer is a mild homemade bone broth (this can also be great for adults, as it restores the collagen reserves responsible for skin elasticity).

“We often hear it said that because an allergy test has come back clean, someone must be fine to eat absolutely everything. However, in reality, a food intolerance test can give completely different results. You may still find that if you adjust a child’s diet properly, positive results will follow. The diet must be strictly adhered to when it comes to potential intolerances, though. It is not enough to not drink milk at home or only at nursery, etc. Additionally, it is important to monitor whether there are other health concerns that may factor into the issue – diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain, long or intense periods of illness.”

Zinc

“Zinc helps greatly as a dietary supplement, as it supports the immune system and cleanses the body. In the case of breastfed babies, it’s usually enough for the mother to take high-quality zinc on her own. Since it is increasingly difficult to get the requisite levels of minerals and vitamins from food these days, babies can also struggle to inherit enough of these substances from their mothers. Children may also benefit from supplemental digestive enzymes.”

Highly reactive and absorbable, zinc diglycinate is an important mineral for the functioning of the whole body.

 

Children’s clothes

“It is advised to choose eco-cotton if possible, as well as eco or additive-free nappies. Silk and wool (or blends including them) are also fine, though wool may not be suitable for everyone.”

Bath and pool

“These would be minimum recommendations, with the pool being a ‘no’ in any case. Applying cream is not a solution for repeated irritation. I washed my children just with clean water until quite late on – babies do not need liquid soaps or similar under any circumstances. Both adults and children can use hemp oil and Epsom salt in bath water, for example. With shower products (and the same with creams), make sure you use clean, pure products – petroleum products, preservatives, fragrances and strong surfactants destroy the skin’s microflora, rather than supporting it. As a result, the skin’s protective barrier becomes weaker. The sun and sea water are great saviours – even one day at the beach can be transformative. In winter, when the weather is at its harshest, a sunny beach holiday will only do you good.”

“Finally – if the microbiome is strong, the mind is calm, and the body can handle allergens on its own. The key word is B A L A N C E.”

Skincare recommendations for a child with atopic dermatitis:

  • Instead of a bath, try a quick and lukewarm shower. Avoid foaming soaps. If you wish, add LUMI La-Laa Caressing Baby Oil whilst bathing or apply afterward onto damp skin. The oil has a certified organic formula that makes babies’ skin silky soft. It is also suitable for removing baby dandruff or softening crusty areas of skin.
  • In the case of atopic dermatitis, it is important to remember that if skin is very red or broken, any water-based product can sting the child and make skin redder. In such cases, we recommend applying anhydrous products, such as LUMI CBD+ healing salve, for the first few days. If redness recedes, you may switch to a LUMI Bio-Klinik cream. Read more about our treatment combo for children’s atopic dermatitis here.
  • When cold weather arrives, you may notice irritation on your children’s hands or a harsh dryness. Children often do not dry their hands properly after washing them, which can cause their skin to become fragile and not function properly. LUMI Arctic Hand Cream creates a protective layer over the skin that will help remedy and prevent such situations.
  • We recommended giving your child 2 tablespoons of mild hemp seed oil daily. Our favourite is PĒLL mild hemp seed oil. You may be surprised at the gentle taste and how happy your children are to take it!

“My 3-year-old daughter developed red, dry patches on her legs. At first, there were a few that disappeared by themselves, but as time went on, more of them started to appear and the situation worsened. We received a diagnosis from the doctor – atopic dermatitis. The doctor immediately recommended to start using hormone ointment, but my mother’s heart did not allow me to apply hormone ointment for my child as the first option.

I decided beforehand to delve deeper into the disease and try to find alternatives. As a first step, we gave up strawberries, sweets and juices from our dining table. On the recommendation of the specialists, we also started using a moisturizing cream to reduce the itchiness and speed up the healing of the skin. The chosen cream was LUMI’s Bio-Klinik Moisture-Lock Body Cream. In the past, I have used various LUMI facial care products on myself, which I really, really liked. In addition to being effective, these products are also 100% natural!

We used the cream twice a day and after two weeks we could already see signs of improvement. After four weeks of use, the red dermatitis spots were gone! Atopic dermatitis is characterized by rapid resolution with proper care, but the result may not be long-lasting. So we have been using the cream once a day until now, and the signs of dermatitis have not returned. I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone to try LUMI’s Bio-Klinik Body Cream before taking medication – Your body will thank you!” – Little Nora’s mother

Photo: Caroline Sada
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FREE FROM HORMONAL ACNE

“I am sending you a LUMI success story! 😊 We started our LUMI journey on 17th May and the last photos were taken on 14th August. My 15-year-old son was in great trouble with hormonal acne, which had resulted in inflamed and scarred areas on his forehead and temples. On 17th May, he started daily skincare using the LUMI Tundra series – using the cleansing milk, tonic and cream.”

“He missed skin cleansing on some days, but in general he tried to stick to the routine as best he could and treated the skin twice a day. At first, the smell of the products seemed strange, but in time, the yarrow came to feel very pleasant and fresh. Once a week, I performed a classic facial treatment on him with the LUMI Tundra series. In addition, I exfoliated his face with a mixture of honey and ground oatmeal, and I used a mixture of LUMI’s CBD+ Extra Strong Repair Salve and Bio-Klinik Restorative Moisturiser as a mask. I avoided mechanical cleaning, because I knew Erik would not let me near him again if I used a pore spoon on him! 😅”

“The results could already be seen by 20th June. The inflammation had receded, the scars healed, and the microflora of Erik’s skin restored. I am convinced that this is thanks in part to the CBD+ ointment, because after using it, the skin calmed down significantly. It was interesting to see the skin begin to ‘work’ by itself, and that after a while, clogged pores did not need to be treated because the whiteheads were opening by themselves.”

“You could especially see this effect when his skin warmed up (after exercise or showering). In July, Erik was in a sports camp for a week, where skincare became a secondary concern, but this did not seem to cause any major setbacks for him. The 14th August photographs were taken before a skin treatment. We completely believe in LUMI products now and will continue using them going forwards!

“Erik takes much better care of his skin now than before, because he has realised that it actually takes fairly little effort to keep problem skin under control. And you no longer have to grow a fringe or wear a hat to hide your forehead! Problematic skin on your face can be a great source of stress and insecurity for anyone, but especially a teenager. I am so happy to be able to recommend natural Estonian products that really work!” – Kristel, Erik’s Mother #LUMIEXPERIENCE

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How to cleanse your face

Let’s face it: people have made many mistakes when using cosmetic products in recent decades. As a result, they have damaged their skin instead of supporting it.

Cleaning your face plays an essential role in skincare routine. Let’s take a look at the ingredients we should avoid and point out the most effective and safe methods to clean our skin.