Category: SKIN HEALTH

You might think, dear reader, that skin cleansing is rather straightforward. No matter how you do it, or when, or what with, the results are pretty similar, right? No! This common assumption couldn’t be further from the truth, we’re afraid, and it could be causing your skin to needlessly suffer.

But fear not, as help is at hand! We here at LUMI love to steep ourselves in the science of skincare, and have been busy at work combing the latest research into how best to cleanse skin without damaging it or its microbiome in the process.

So, without further ado, let’s explore everything you could want to know about skin cleansing, and find out how you can keep your skin happy and healthy!

Leave the Foam Alone – The Uncomfortable Truth of Synthetic Surfactants

There are a lot of cleansing products on the market today. You need only walk through the cosmetics aisle of your nearest supermarket to find dozens of different cleansers, all with varying ingredients and compositions. 

You might be forgiven for thinking that this means the stuff inside a cleansing product doesn’t really matter too much, and that there are only minor differences between the various options.

This is really not the case in practice, however. It’s important to stress that the type of cleansing product you use on your skin really matters. If you leave this article with only one fact in your mind, let it be that one! 

Cleansing products work by using surfactants (surface active agents). Surfactants are compounds that reduce the surface tension of liquids and help remove unwanted debris from the surface of the skin.

So far so good, but surfactants are not all created equal. Synthetic surfactants, such as those found in the cleansers of most big-name skincare brands, can be harsh on skin, stripping away natural oils on the skin’s surface and damaging the skin’s protective barrier.

And that’s not all. Thanks to their toxicity and slow biodegradability, synthetic surfactants can have a detrimental impact on the environment, as well as the health of your skin. The skin’s microbiome can be severely affected by synthetic surfactants, leading to dysbiosis, a state where our essential microflora are imbalanced or depleted.

Sodium lauryl ether sulfate, also written on labels as sodium laurel sulfate or SLES, is an extremely common synthetic surfactant, found in lots of cleansers, shampoos, and shower gels. It’s lauded for its cheapness to produce, ability to bind to dirt, and for how much foam it produces (which users often falsely equate with effectiveness). 

But there is plenty of evidence to suggest that SLES is bad news for both our skin and the environment. Studies have found that SLES reduces cell viability of skin, commonly causes irritation including redness and itching, and can also be toxic for aquatic life if the compound reaches marine environments before properly degrading.

After all that, it might surprise you to find out that SLES is supposedly an improvement on its parent chemical, sodium lauryl sulfate (SFS), which can still be found in many products today. SFS is notorious for its ability to cause irritation to skin and its toxic effects on aquatic life.

A study found that after using SFS, lower amounts of bacteria associated with skin protection and repair were present on participants’ skin, whilst levels of pathogen-associated bacteria were elevated. 

It’s not just SFS and SLES that cause issues, though. Another common synthetic surfactant that is supposed to be ‘kinder’ than SFS, called sodium lauryl sarcosinate, has been shown to reduce the amount of beneficial microbiota present on skin and reduce the skin’s protective barrier function. 

All in all, we think synthetic surfactants are simply too much trouble, both for humans and the environment. That’s why we’re so keen on natural alternatives! 

LUMI Cleansing Milks – Brilliantly Effective Whilst Gentle on Skin!

Okay, so synthetic surfactants are out. But what can you use in their place? Fortunately, there are plenty of organic alternatives to choose from! 

Natural cleansers can perform the exact same function as synthetic surfactant-based washes, removing dirt, dead skin, and other detritus, whilst being much kinder to your skin and its microbiome in the process. Research shows that products with lots of chemicals and complex compositions are in general no better at cleansing the skin than those with natural, simple compositions.

At LUMI, we place a lot of importance in both cleansing skin and always being gentle enough to leave the skin barrier healthy, happy, and intact. Our team of skincare specialists have developed two brilliant cleansing milks, each designed to fit perfectly into your routine, depending on your individual needs.

Our classic Moisturising Cleansing Milk effectively cleanses the skin’s surface without upsetting the balance of your microbiome or damaging the skin’s protective barrier. And thanks to its 100% organic composition, you can be assured that your cleanser will be just as gentle on the environment as it is on your skin.

The Tundra AHA-BHA Cleansing Milk offers the same thorough-yet-gentle cleansing and fully natural composition, whilst also including AHA-BHA acids that gently exfoliate the skin and prevents clogged pores. This cleansing milk helps keep acne at bay and is perfect for anyone seeking to enrich their skincare routine with those all-important keratolytics! 

Whilst not a cleansing milk, we’d also like to shout out our brilliant Babyface makeup remover. BABYFACE is specially formulated to be an effective cleanser for the whole face that doesn’t irritate the skin or your eyes, an all-too-common complaint with artificial makeup removers. As if that wasn’t enough, BABYFACE also nourishes your skin and its microbiome, too. We couldn’t live without it!

No matter the specifics of your skin or what you want from a cleansing product, LUMI have you covered – all without using those dreaded synthetic surfactants that are such bad news for both us and the environment!

Some Extra Tips for Great Skin Cleansing – Direct From Our LUMI Skincare Experts

1. Don’t double cleanse – It can be really tempting to overdo it when it comes to skincare products. If one dollop of something is good, then two must be even better, right? Unfortunately not. 

 This logic should never be used for cleansing! Products are formulated to be used exactly as their label suggests, and a second cleanse isn’t likely to make you cleaner, but instead degrade your skin and the helpful bacteria on its surface.

 2. Cleanse once a day – Most people know by now that washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and cause more issues than it alleviates. A similar principle should be taken with your skin! 

Whilst cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine, over-cleaning the skin will only serve to strip away essential oils from its surface, potentially leading to an overproduction of sebum and a host of other issues.

We recommend cleansing the skin once a day as part of your nighttime routine. There is little need to clean the skin after sleeping, and your skin will thank you for not overdoing it with the scrubbing!

 3. Use your fingers – You may have heard ‘tips’ suggesting that you use pads, cloths, or brushes whilst washing to better cleanse your skin. Some companies even sell electronic brushes that sand down your skin as if it were a piece of furniture!

Avoid all of these options, which range from pointless to downright detrimental. Your fingers are the perfect tool for washing your face, and as a bonus, they’re also completely free!

 4. Lukewarm water and nothing else – Do you often find that your skin is bright red after cleansing? Then you might be using water that’s too hot for your skin. Fight the temptation to scald your skin, and instead gently remove cleansing milk using lukewarm water. It’s just as effective, and a lot kinder to your skin!

On the topic of water, we recommend that you stick to simple H2O. There is really no need to use products such as micellar water to rinse off a cleanser, and it could potentially cause irritation and other issues. Your skin is built for water – stick to it!

Ready to ditch the synthetic surfactants and start giving your skin the kindness it craves? Click on either of the products mentioned above to be whisked away to our wonderful webstore. Looking for something else? Check out our entire range of science-backed, all-natural skincare solutions right here!

References:

1.   Adu SA, Twigg MS, Naughton PJ, Marchant R, Banat IM. Glycolipid Biosurfactants in Skincare Applications: Challenges and Recommendations for Future Exploitation. Molecules. 2023 May 31;28(11):4463. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37298939/

2.   Güder S Sr, Güder H. Investigation of the Chemical Content and User Comments on Facial Cleansing Products. Cureus. 2023 May 7;15(5):e38673. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10243403/

3.   Leoty-Okombi, S.; Gillaizeau, F.; Leuillet, S.; Douillard, B.; Le Fresne-Languille, S.; Carton, T.; De Martino, A.; Moussou, P.; Bonnaud-Rosaye, C.; André, V. Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Applied as a Patch on Human Skin Physiology and Its Microbiota. Cosmetics. 2021, 8, 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010006

4.   Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP. Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets. Molecules. 2022 Mar 21;27(6):2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8954092/

5.   Paciello S, Russo T, De Marchi L, Soares AMVM, Meucci V, Pretti C, He Y, Della Torre C, Freitas R. Sub-lethal effects induced in Mytilus galloprovincialis after short-term exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate: Comparison of the biological responses given by mussels under two temperature scenarios. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2023 Aug;270:109644. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37149013/

6.   Townsend N, Hazan A, Dell’Acqua G. New Topicals to Support a Healthy Scalp While Preserving the Microbiome: A Report of Clinical and in Vitro Studies. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023 Oct;16(10 Suppl 1):S4-S11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10939504

7.   Walters RM, Mao G, Gunn ET, Hornby S. Cleansing formulations that respect skin barrier integrity. Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:495917. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425021/

8.   Zhao H, Yu F, Wang C, Han Z, Liu S, Chen D, Liu D, Meng X, He X, Huang Z. The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Apr;23(4):1351-1359. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37990616/

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!

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/

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.