What is your skin telling you about your gut health?
We carry around a vast array of microbes in our gut that are completely unique to us, and these dictate how we digest food, maintain weight, and fight off disease among the many other jobs the microbes have. Our skin is triggered when the gut is at an imbalance and this can show on the skin depending on the skin condition you have.
What is the gut microbiome?
Think of the gut’s microbiome as an inner universe in our gut - it has billions of microbes that all have their own functions to play. 
When we are in the womb we receive our gut microbiome from our mother. As we age bacteria in the gut can come and go but the profile will always remain the same.
In the first years after birth, our gut is introduced to new kinds of bacteria that join the diversity in the gut, and studies show this plays an enormous part in how our immune system matures.
When this goes wrong and the immune system does not mature correctly, immune conditions such as food allergies and eczema develop in childhood.
In adult life, if the balance between the immune system and microbiome is destabilized such as through infection, stress or change in diet then this can act as a trigger for immune-associated conditions such as IBS, acne, eczema and food allergies.
This is known as gut dysbiosis and if the imbalance continues then a vicious cycle of gut and skin issues becomes established.
It is very important to understand that there must be an underlying genetic tendency to the skin condition and that the gut dysbiosis is a trigger instead of a cause.
Why is gut health important for acne prone skin?
If your gut microbiome is unbalanced this impacts the skin microbiome, which is why we see the effects of the gut on our skin. The health of our gut affects more than our skin, it also has a direct link to our brain.
Our gut microbiome has also been linked to behavior including anxiety, stress, depression and mood swings. This is because it has an impact on our hormones.
When we feel anxious or stressed, our gut feels it and reacts to the elevated hormone - cortisol - causing excess sebum oil production, excessive gut motility (cramps and diarrhea), and gas.
Anxiety produces the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn plays havoc with all your other hormones. Cortisol encourages your skin to release sebum oil, which can result in inflammation and then finally, dreaded breakouts.
Inflammation occurs when the pore is blocked with excess oils, dead skin and bacteria and this combination form a pimple. Keeping anxiety and stress under control can benefit the skin greatly.
How does gut health influence other skin conditions?
The immune system is regulated by pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. When gut health is poor the gut produces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are made by the immune system to ward off infection.
However, if too many are present it inflames the gut. This throws you into a vicious cycle of gut imbalance, hormonal fluctuations, skin issues, weight gain or loss and underlying inflammation.
The inflamed response in the gut shows on the skin dependent on what skin condition you are living with.
Hormonal fluctuations show on the skin as acne and rosacea. Immune conditions show as lupus, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Environmental Factors
Various environmental factors, such as stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, diet, and pollutants, will affect the composition within the gut but also the skin microbiome.
Scientific research has found that the gut microbiome in early life is associated with age of onset, severity, remission, flares, and even types of conditions such as eczema, acne, food allergies and rosacea.
Building scientific evidence is indicating that the development of these immune skin and gut conditions appears to be a combination of the microbiome diversity, the immune system and the harmony between the gut and the body.
The Role of Genetics
It is important to appreciate that this microbiome imbalance is not the cause of the development of skin conditions, but instead maybe the trigger or aggravator of the condition. Every skin condition has either an underlying genetic or microbial infection cause.
How can gut health be restored?
Our microbiome is as unique as our fingerprints so what diet or treatment may work for someone does not necessarily mean it will work for you and your unique gut. Keeping a diary on your bowel habits, skin condition, daily wellbeing and what you have eaten will help to determine what is triggering your skin.
Using Probiotics
Probiotics are essentially us adding foreign bacteria into the gut system, which is a great way to enrich gut health.
It is important to note however that a probiotic that works for one person may not always work for another due to the uniqueness of the bacteria in the gut. An overactive immune system can decide the bacteria are the enemy and attack. It pays to try different probiotics but also to use diet and prebiotics (food for good bacteria) to restore your own natural gut microflora and stabilise your gut immune balance.
It is also important to listen to your body to find out what your body needs and what it does not like. Do not be pressured into thinking you have to give up chocolate, wine or dairy. We are all unique and so is your gut microbiome and immune system. Work out what your gut does and does not like while it is inflamed and remember this will also change with a maturing gut.
How to Enrich Your Gut Health
There’s no denying the gut is interlinked with our skin, brain, and mood. Treating skin conditions requires time and effort to determine the cause and triggers and then find the most suitable plan for yourself.
Here’s some easy tips to start you on the journey to sustainably clear skin and a healthy gut:
• Food
Eat an array of plants - a great excuse to try something new, head to the supermarket grab some wholefoods and mix things up! The more plant diversity you’re exposed to, the larger your internal variation of beneficial bacteria will be.
• Fibre is Key
Fibre is prebiotic ‘fuel’ for your friendly bacteria, helping it to flourish and multiply. Whole-grains are rich in fibre.
• Fermented Foods and Drinks
They are an easy way to add probiotics to your diet. Unlike prebiotics, which help pre-existing bacteria and microorganisms within you, probiotic foods actually contain live microorganisms that are able to be added to the gut.
• Sleep
Poor sleep can affect your gut, and bad gut health can affect your sleep. Studies show that a normal gut flora aids in a natural sleeping pattern (being tired at night and feeling awake during the day). For a good night's sleep it is essential to take care of your gut, and if you want to boost your gut health then a solid night’s sleep will help. How great is that?!
• Exercise
Exercise has the power to alter the gut bacteria composition for the better. Exercise appears to generate butyrate which is known for reducing inflammation. Recent studies have found that those who have higher levels of fitness tend to be more likely to have a more diverse microbiome than the more ‘stationary variety’ of humans.
Atopis - Skin Care That Balances Your Skin From Inside-Out
Enhancing your gut doesn’t just work from the inside out. 
Since your skin is your biggest organ, it’s important to restore your skin’s natural function with natural skincare products and a routine designed to work in synergy with one another, offering layers of protection and benefits.
The Atopis range is scientifically designed to enhance and strengthen the body’s immune responses, reverse skin damage and promote skin cell repair on a surface and cellular level. Atopis manages and calms the skins’ reaction to environmental triggers, stress, and hormones rebalance and restore your skin's microflora.
Learn About The Atopis Products Here
How To Naturally And Effectively Restore Menopausal Skin
One moment you’re enjoying a healthy and youthful complexion, the next minute, you're breaking out in all manner of rashes, hormonal acne, dry patches, and skin coloring unevenness – distressing, to say the least.
Are you starting to notice the signs of aging? Our Atopis Intensive Restore Cream has been scientifically developed to hydrate, reduce wrinkles and restore skin using 100% natural ingredients.
How To Balance Menopausal Skin
"You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone" rings particularly true when it comes to mature or menopausal skin.
But it doesn’t have to be like this. If there’s a time when a little TLC is needed, it’s now.
You can’t turn back the clock on your skin's health – however, you can take care of the present, and start treating your skin with the utmost care from now on.
Learn How To Combat Aging Skin in this video below:
Nourish your skin with natural products
Menopause causes many changes to your skin, meaning your current skincare routine may no longer meet its changing needs.
Most standard moisturizers are plain water-based and packed with tonnes of fillers, parabens, and alcoholic substances, which dry your sensitive maturing skin even further. This damages it and strips it of its unique microflora. Our article on Always Reading The Label investigates what a majority of beauty and skincare products contain, and what they do to your skin.
By making the switch to high-quality, all-natural products, these products will carry out the much-needed intricate repairs to your skin.
This includes; regenerating and reprogramming the epidermis at the cell, as well as at surface level, to give you the best skin possible for your stage of life.
However, keep in mind that all skincare products are not created equal. As with any scientific breakthrough, there are an increasing number of companies that claim that their products contain ‘all natural’ ingredients.
It’s important to remember that evidence of effectiveness and non-toxicity is very important before you part with your money and put them on your precious skin.
Think of how you’d treat a baby’s skin and what ingredients you would and wouldn't use on it – that’s how you should treat your own skin.
The Science Of Maturing Skin: The Plant Phenomenon
From birth, our cells are programmed to die and be replaced – it’s how we grow.
But, once we hit menopause, the replacement of cells slows down, and the texture and quality of skin is no longer that of a younger person.
In the plant world, the phenomenon of programmed cell death is called Apoptosis. In my research, I discovered that, not only was the process in plants reversible, but it could also be manipulated and used in skincare for humans, particularly for the needs of menopausal skin conditions.
In my extensive study of New Zealand and Australia's indigenous plants, I’ve identified and isolated four main natural substances that can be extracted to work together in synergy to reprogramme and repair human skin.
These substances can help repair skin that’s suffering from the effects of menopause, as well as other conditions such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
Working from within
First and foremost, we use unpasteurised coconut water – a plant’s equivalent of colostrum (milk produced by mammals during birth), with its rich combination of vitamins and minerals.
Then, we add peptides from biotic reactions of bacteria and insect components in New Zealand native plants, bound with lipids from coconut oil to form the patented Peptilipids™. These have the unique ability to penetrate skin-cell plasma membranes and work from within.
Then, there’s honeydew – a bioactive anti-microbial from beech trees in the Southern Alps of New Zealand – with similar properties to Manuka honey – created by the tree’s natural efforts to defend itself against microbial attack.
Next, bee pollen, which is gently handled using enzymes to destroy all allergens.
Finally, a special combination of selected essential oils: coconut oil, with its Myristic acid to modulate the immune system, protect and heal, and Myracetin for its anti-inflammatory properties, plus kiwifruit seed oil, canola, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, sweet almond oil, safflower oil, camellia seed oil and jojoba seed oil.
Once extracted, these elements are all fused together to form the patented Myriphytase™ extract, incorporated in the Atopis™ skincare range, safe for everyday use, offering a unique solution to the trials and tribulations of menopausal skin conditions.
Key Ingredients
How We Can Help Restore Your Aging Skin 100% Naturally
Our Atopis Intensive Restore Cream utilizes these indigenous plant and essential oil extracts as ingredients to formulate a cream that naturally revitalizes your aging skin, restoring your healthy and youthful glow.
The natural ingredients in our product work together to:
1. Intensely hydrate - peptides, lipids, and antioxidants work at the cellular level to hydrate skin.
2. Repair skin - reduces redness from sun damage on face and decolletage and fades age spots, evening skin tone.
3. Plump skin & reduce wrinkles - stimulates collagen production to smooth out wrinkles and lines.
Learn More About Intensive Restore Cream
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is irritating, painful and can cause self-confidence issues. Understanding the causes and triggers of your eczema symptoms is the starting point of the journey to restored and healthy skin, for now, and the long term.
Looking for instant eczema relief? Our Dry Itchy Skin Relief Cream has been made specially to combat the symptoms of skin conditions, including eczema. Our steroid-free cream works from below, balancing immune responses to relieve and repair your skin in the long-run.
What actually causes eczema?
Running low on time? Watch our Common Triggers of Eczema video to learn the causes, symptoms and treatments to eczema:
1. Filaggrin:
Eczema is not an allergic reaction as generally believed, nor is it due to diet, but in fact, it is caused by a lack of filaggrin, the filament aggregating protein in the skin.
This protein determines the shape of the skin cells, which means that when it is lacking they struggle to fit neatly together like a jigsaw. Instead, there are gaps in the skin barrier which makes the skin leaky.
For some people, their body will catch up and will produce more filaggrin as they get older, while for others they have a significant lack of filaggrin for life.
2. Skin's Microflora:
Other factors to consider is your skin's microflora. Just like your digestive system, your skin has a natural skin microflora, which is made up of good bacteria (like probiotics) which prevent the build-up of bad bacteria.
When the balance of good bacteria on your skin is lost, your immune system reacts with red, itchy inflamed skin. Without good bacteria, your skin is vulnerable to infection, which sets you up for a vicious cycle of sleep loss, itchy discomfort, scratching, infections and further inflammation.
3. Genetics:
Aside from lack of filaggrin, there are factors that enhance your chances of developing eczema - such as your genetic makeup. Unfortunately, you're much more likely to develop eczema if your relatives have suffered from the disease.
Eczema Triggers
Now we have a better idea of what may be causing your eczema, let’s look into key internal and external triggers.
We've outlined some the key triggers for eczema and itchy dry skin below, along with a handy list of preventative measures to take, so you can finally be on your way to enjoying healthy itch-free skin.
1. Irritants
There are many things that can irritate your skin, triggering eczema.
Common offenders include:
• Fragrances
• Smoke from cigarettes
• Fungal Spores
• Household products and cosmetics
Avoid triggers by:
• Establishing potential offenders - removing theses from the household.
• Stick to gentle, fragrant-free products - ensure to check those labels before buying. Eco products tend to be less abrasive on the skin and are better for the environment. Win-win!
2. Dry Skin
Dry or scaly skin is a trigger of eczema as can cause or worsen symptoms of eczema.
When the skin is dry it’s more susceptible to a flare up because the skin’s natural defense barrier is weakened.
Avoid triggers by:
• Moisturizing - use specially formulated eczema cream.
• Avoiding hot baths or showers - especially for prolonged sessions.
3. Stress 
Unfortunately, stress has been known to trigger, worsen and pro-long eczema.
Avoid triggers by:
• Relaxation - take time in your day to clear your head & de-stress
• Consider meditation - even just gentle exercise such as taking a walk can help relax
• Be patient - your skin takes time to adjust to new routines.
• Get plenty of sleep (7-8 hours each night) - this will help you to feel rejuvenated meaning you’ll be able to take on challenges with a better frame of mind.
4. Exercise and Sweating
Sweating and/or prickly heat from exercise can be irritating to your skin and cause aggravation to sores or flare-ups.
Avoid triggers by:
• Moisturizing - before and after exercise to create a protective shield.
• Staying hydrated - this ensures your skin barrier is not weakened.
• Taking breaks - make sure to take a break when needed and use cooling towels if irritation occurs, this can be incorporated into water breaks.
5. Hormones
Particularly common amongst women (especially those who are pregnant or pre-menstrual), changes in hormones can trigger irritating bouts of eczema.
Avoid triggers by:
• Speaking to your doctor - they can guide you about how to balance out your hormones.
• Treating hormonal skin - using a reliable natural eczema product that's steroid-free
6. Climate & Environment
The atmosphere you live in can play a large part in how your skin reacts.
Just as the sun can dry out your skin in the summer from dry air, burning or over-exposure; the raw cold can have equally drying effects in the winter (especially if combined with the contrast of heated indoor living). The humidity or dryness of your environment can also be a trigger.
Avoid triggers by:
• (Warm weather) Taking in Vitamin D - get this from the sun and enjoying sea water swims, however, don’t overdo it and be sure to wear a gentle, fragrant free sun cream
• Only sleeping in 100 percent cotton nightwear and sheets - this avoids sweating causing irritation. Heated blankets should also be avoided.
• Consider investing in a humidifier - for overly dry rooms or de-humidifier (for overly humid rooms) to create the ideal environment for your skin.
• Ensuring your house is well ventilated - make sure there is plenty of air-flow to keep the environment cool
• Ensure your home is free from the mold - this can cause asthma and trigger symptoms of eczema
• Taking a tepid bath - a lukewarm bath followed by cream liberally patted onto the skin provides good eczema relief. For more information about bathing, techniques click here
7. Allergens
A good reason to keep you house cleaning in check is to avoid any triggers from domestic allergy factors such as dust, pet hair and mold.
It’s also wise to be aware that pollen is a common trigger for eczema flare ups.
Avoid triggers by:
• Keeping on top of the dusting - little to no dust reduces chances of allergens flaring-up
• Immediately treating any mold - try to avoid areas with mold to not breathe in its particles
• Regularly vacuuming - this cleans up your pets shed hair and reduces chances of allergens in the environment
Do not overclean - removal of the good bacteria by overcleaning and using anti-bacterial sprays in your home will result in a build-up of allergens and potentially bad bacteria. Use a natural cleaning spray.
8. Infections 
Skin Infections can really worsen eczema, some of the most common culprits include ringworm, athletes foot, herpes and cold sores.
Avoid triggers by:
• Getting enough rest - this helps to fight off potential infections along with a healthy diet.
• Ensuring good general personal hygiene - sweat and dirt build-up can cause infections in eczema sores
• Seeking treatment - visit your Doctor or GP quickly if any skin conditions and diseases arise.
Signs and symptoms
There are many different signs and symptoms of eczema to look out for, this can be generally be differentiated by age groups.
Symptoms in Adults:
• Rashes tend to spread across much of the body but especially the elbows, neck and knees.
• Rashes causing dry irritated skin.
• Scale-like rashes.
Children - Puberty:
• Common areas are found in creases such as the elbows or knees, as well as neck, wrists, ankles and the crease between buttock and legs.
• Bumpy rashes dark/light in color
• In some areas, a constant itch can occur.
Babies and toddlers:
• Extreme itchiness from rashes usually found on the scalp and cheeks. Some rashes can even leak fluid.
It's important to note that though most people suffer from Atopic Dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) there are actually many different types of eczema.
The best way to identify what type you're suffering with is to meet with your doctor. You may even be suffering from a combination. Once you know this, you can tailor your plan of action against triggers and what treatment to seek out.
Relieve Your Eczema With Atopis
We have carefully formulated the Atopis Dry Itchy Skin Relief Cream that helps relieve symptoms, balance your immune response, and repairs your eczema-affected areas.
Atopis Dry Itchy Skin Cream works in synergy with your immune system, so you can stop reacting to allergens and those frustrating environmental triggers mentioned earlier.
Within two weeks of use, this potent, all-natural therapy reverses the cell damage, and hydrates and restores the skin so the itching stops and the healing begins. Everybody's skin microflora is unique, therefore the time it takes for skin to restore itself and heal will differ from person to person.
Learn More About Dry Itchy Skin Cream
Finding the right product for your skin
Exploring the needs of different skin conditions
We’re on a mission to help everyone achieve beautiful, healthy skin.
Education is key to gaining control of your skin condition - if you are equipped with the correct knowledge on what’s behind your skin condition, you’re more likely to be able to manage it. That’s why we’re sharing our skinsider and CEO Dr Iona Weir’s knowledge on how to manage common skin conditions. Read more about our story, or explore our other articles.
The first step in the journey to sustainably healthy skin is figuring out your skin’s needs, and selecting the right products that fit these unique needs. In this article we unpack common skin conditions, and recommend products that fit the needs of your skin.
If you're already clued up on your skin needs, learn more about different skin conditions by clicking the below links:
Different Skin Types, Conditions & How To Manage Your Skin
Dry Itchy Skin
There are many different types of dry itchy skin conditions, but the most common is atopic dermatitis - the most common form of eczema. The first step towards effectively managing your skin condition is identifying what specific condition you are dealing with. Learn more about the seven types of eczema.
It’s also important to have a solid understanding of the root cause of your skin condition and what may be triggering flare ups. Learn more about the causes, triggers, and treatment options of eczema skin.
Essentially, treating eczema is about protecting the damaged skin barrier to stop the skin reacting to allergens.
Repair dry, itchy skin with an all-natural product that calms inflammation, restores the skin’s microflora, and protects the skin barrier.
Skin needs:
- Itch relief
- Hydration
Atopis product - Dry Itchy Skin Cream
For calm, clear and fortified skin, use Atopis Dry Itchy Skin Cream. The all-natural, steroid-free skin balm has been clinically proven to relieve itching and irritation and reduce redness and scaling of eczema prone skin.
Shop Now
- Atopis Dry Itchy Skin Cream
Normal Skin
Care for normal skin with products that protect from everyday stressors and lock in your skin’s natural moisture.
Sudden temperature changes, sun and wind exposure, air conditioning, pollution and extreme temperatures can leave your skin dry, and even damaged.
Keep your skin protected and hydrated with a product that locks in your skin’s natural moisture.
Skin needs:
- Protection from everyday environmental stressors
- Maintain clear, healthy skin
Atopis product - Radiant Balance, Cleanser & Toner
Use our cleanser & toner to gently clean the skin and lock in moisture, and Radiant Balance to heal and protect for beautifully healthy skin.
Shop Now
Acne Prone Skin
When choosing products to help combat acne, it’s important to avoid abrasive products that strip the skin of its natural microflora - the naturally occuring bacteria on your skin.
By stripping your skin of both the good and bad bacteria, the products actually keep you stuck in the acne-creating cycle. Balancing the naturally occurring bacteria on your skin is a huge step to achieving sustainably clear, healthy skin.
Also important is avoiding over-cleansing the skin. Over-cleaning, over-exfoliation, or using cleansers with harsh chemicals can also lead to the sebum gland overproducing sebum. This is because the message sent to the sebum gland is that the skin is too dry, so it ramps up sebum oil production - keeping you stuck in the acne-creation cycle.
Use a gentle, natural cleanser that removes dirt and dead cells without stripping the skin’s natural bacteria. Look for products saying non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free, won’t clog pores, and suitable for oily skin.
Atopis Thoroughly Gentle Cleanser is designed to gently remove dirt and toxins from the skin, unblocking pores without stripping the skin of its natural oils or microflora. Natural ingredients with antimicrobial properties reduce the bad bacteria, while promoting the good.
Young Adult Acne
For those dealing with acne in their teens and early 20’s, it’s essential to choose a product that regulates the skin’s sebum oil production. The fluctuating hormone levels - particularly androgen - mean that sebum levels increase, making the skin oily. This causes severe congestion as dead skin cells don’t slough off naturally and instead clog the skin’s pores.
Skin needs:
- Hydration without making the skin oilier
- Regulation of sebum oil production
- Balance the skin’s microflora
Atopis product - Acne Prone Skin Cream, Cleanser & Toner
Atopis Acne Prone Skin Cream helps dissolve and regulate skin oils and sebum to support clearer, softer, and smoother skin. For best results, use in conjunction with Atopis Thoroughly Gentle Cleanser and Revitalising Toner. The products have been scientifically formulated to work in synergy to treat the skin.
Suggested routine - cleanse and tone skin, then apply a thin layer on affected areas twice daily.
Shop Now
Adult Acne
With teenage skin, the combination of skin cells being constantly renewed and an increase of sebum oil means that it’s important to use an acne treatment product that regulates sebum production. With dry, mature skin, the sebum gland produces too much sebum to compensate for the skin dryness, resulting in acne. This means that moisturising the skin is part of beating acne for good.
Skin needs:
- Hydration
- Regulation of sebum oil production
- Balance the skin’s microflora
Atopis product - Acne Prone Skin Cream & Radiant Balance
Atopis Acne Prone Skin Cream moisturises without making the skin oily. The potent natural therapy cream has been scientifically formulated to regulate sebum production, meaning you can finally address the cause of acne, and break out of the acne-creating cycle for good!
Suggested routine - cleanse and tone skin, then apply a thin layer of acne cream on affected areas, then Radiant Balance on top morning and night.
Shop Now
Hormonal Breakouts
If you tend to break out around your time of the month, it’s highly likely your acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations. When hormonal changes occur, sebum oil production increases and can cause breakouts.
Skin needs:
- Balance the skin’s reaction to hormonal fluctuations
- Regulate sebum oil production
- Balance microflora
Atopis product - Radiant Balance, Cleanser & Toner
Atopis Radiant Balance soothes and nourishes skin for a soft clear complexion. The all-natural therapy cream balances the skin’s response to hormonal fluctuations to reduce hormonal breakouts.
Suggested routine - gently clean skin with Thoroughly Gentle Cleanser, protect and lock in natural moisture with Revitalising Toner, then moisturise with Radiant Balance.
Shop Now
Acne Scarring
Acne scars are the result of a pimple forming and causing the pore to become inflamed and blocked. The pore is blocked with excess oils, dead skin and bacteria, and if it stays inflamed in this condition this causes it to swell and eventually tear the follicular wall -breaking the skin.
It is when the skin repairs this damage that it can overcompensate and actually produce too much collagen causing scar tissue.
It’s important to prevent scarring by using products that reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation to lessen the pimple becoming more severe. Scarring can still occur, despite attempts to prevent them,, so using a product aimed at minimizing their appearance can speed up the time it takes for them to fade.
Skin needs:
- Reduce the appearance of acne scars
- Improve skin texture
- Nourish and heal
Atopis product - Radiant Balance, Cleanser & Toner
Atopis Radiant Balance has properties that repair the skin which softens scarring, especially acne scarring. Atopis has been clinically shown to improve skin texture. Using our cleanser and toner in conjunction with Radiant Balance will make the therapy cream more effective, as they are designed to work in synergy to heal and protect the skin.
Suggested routine: cleanse and tone the skin, apply Radiant Balance twice daily.
Shop Now
Rosacea Prone Skin
Rosacea is caused by a malformed protein (cathelicidin) which is responsible for regulating blood flow and inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria on the skin. This means blood vessels expand, causing the intense redness of rosacea skin. Learn more about rosacea causes, symptoms, triggers, and treatment options.
The intense redness can be reduced by using a product that reduces inflammation and restores bacterial balance.
Skin needs:
- Reduce redness
- Improve skin texture
- Reduce the skin’s overreactions to environmental triggers
- Balance the skin’s microflora
Atopis products - Acne Prone Skin Cream, Radiant Balance
Our acne cream treats the underlying symptoms of the inflammation, redness and bacterial imbalance. Having dealt with rosacea herself, Dr Iona Weir developed Radiant Balance to help other women break out of the rosacea cycle. The therapy cream mimics the normal functioning cathelicidin protein to treat the symptoms of rosacea. Read more
Suggested routine - apply Acne Prone Skin Cream as a serum to problem areas, and Radiant Balance as a moisturiser over top. Note Radiant Balance is not suitable for males, due to the female hormone balancing properties of the cream.
Shop Now
Mature skin
Caring for mature skin is a case of finding a product that nourishes your skin, restores collagen production, and provides intense hydration.
Many moisturisers are water-based and packed with tons of fillers, parabens and alcohol, which dry your skin even further. As we age, it’s important to use good quality, all-natural products that nourish your maturing skin and enhance your natural beauty. Read more about caring for mature and menopausal skin.
Dry, Dull Mature Skin
As we age, our hormone levels change. This results in a decrease of collagen production - the protein that keeps skin firm and plump. Often you’ll hear people say that they’ve lost their youthful glow - they’re just not using a product that boosts collagen production!
Skin needs:
- Intense hydration
- Restores collagen production
- Promotes cell renewal
- Protects from environmental damage
Atopis product - Anti-Aging Cream
Stimulates cell renewal, promotes skin repair and restores collagen, helping to bring back your radiant, youthful glow!
Suggested routine - cleanse, tone, and apply Anti-Aging Cream twice daily.
Shop Now
Mature Skin With The Occasional Breakout
Sometimes you still get the odd pimple - often around your time of the month. You may be going through menopause and the hormone fluctuations are wreaking havoc on your skin. It could even be as simple as the products you’re using - you tend to break out if you use an intense moisturiser.
Skin needs:
- Intense hydration without clogging pores
- Restored collagen production
- Cell renewal
- Protection from environmental damage
Atopis product - Cleanser & Toner, Radiant Balance, Anti-Aging Cream
Radiant Balance and Anti-Aging are the perfect pair for your skin. Radiant Balance is a great day cream, protecting from environmental damage while reducing the skin’s response to hormonal fluctuations - beating those pesky breakouts. Anti-Aging provides intense moisture and works to repair and restore your healthy, youthful glow.
Suggested routine - gently cleanse and tone the skin before applying your Atopis moisturiser. Use Radiant Balance in the morning, and Anti-Aging at night.
Shop Now
- Atopis Anti-Aging Cream & Radiant Balance
- Atopis Anti-Aging Cream, Thoroughly Gentle Cleanser & Revitalising Toner
- Atopis Anti-Aging Cream & Thoroughly Gentle Cleanser
Are The Foods You Eat Causing Your Eczema?
10% of the world’s population is affected by Eczema at some stage of their life - but just how much of this suffering is caused by diet?
The simple answer is… it’s not that simple!
Atopis’ CEO and Chief Scientist, Dr. Iona Weir is a world expert in the relationship between skin and gut health, and today we’re going to help clear up some common misconceptions on this issue. If you want to learn more about gut health and how it affects your skin, check out our Gut Health Blog.
Looking for instant eczema relief? Our Dry Itchy Skin Cream has been made specially to combat the symptoms of skin conditions, including eczema. Our steroid-free cream works from below, balancing immune responses to relieve and repair your skin in the long-run.
What causes Eczema? 
To understand whether or not your diet affects your Eczema, we first have to understand what REALLY causes your condition.
Every case of Eczema has an underlying genetic cause - if you haven’t inherited the genes giving you a propensity to Eczema, then you won’t get it!
This genetic basis of Eczema is solely responsible for negatively affecting your immune system and causing the symptoms which we all know as Eczema.
These symptoms manifest as a skin barrier dysfunction, caused by a defect in the protein called filaggrin. The lack of filaggrin misshapes the skin cells, causing the skin to become leaky and lose moisture.
Leaky skin also means allergens and irritants get beneath your skin's surface, which causes your immune system to become sensitized and overreact to many environmental factors and foods – this is where the confusion arises!
The mysterious role of food in your Eczema condition 
It is often mistaken that food and environmental factors are the cause of Eczema – but in reality, they are just a symptom of it.
Environmental factors such as pollen, wool, or dust can and do make Eczema worse, whilst food allergens can exacerbate your symptoms.
Many people avoid eating dairy due to preconceptions that it is a cause for their Eczema because every time they eat it their symptoms get worse - But eating dairy is not the reason you have Eczema!
Find out how it all works below.
The vicious Eczema feedback loop
Once your skin's immune system becomes hypersensitive due to damage from Eczema - a vicious feedback loop with your gut begins.
Your gut begins to overreact to foods such as dairy because your skin's’ immune system has become highly activated. This feedback loops back to the skin; which then further overreacts when you eat these foods.
This internal gut reaction creates the illusion that food is causing your Eczema when in reality your reaction to specific foods are just a symptom of your Eczema.
How to end the nasty Eczema/food feedback loop
A healthy gut microflora modulates or calms down your immune system, making you resistant to the negative effects of eating a particular food. This means you can maintain a regular diet without the concern of exacerbating your Eczema condition. 
This is also true for your skin: a healthy skin microflora can calm your skin’s immune system and diminish your reaction towards environmental and food allergens.
If you can manage your immune system, you can manage your Eczema.
Basically, you need to calm your gut and skins’ immune system so that your body stops reacting to the things which cause your Eczema to flare up.
[convertful id="13845"]
How Atopis Helps You Win The Battle Against Eczema
We have carefully formulated the Atopis Dry Itchy Skin Cream that helps relieve symptoms, balance your immune response, and repairs your eczema-affected areas.
Atopis Dry Itchy Skin Cream works in synergy with your immune system, so you can stop reacting to allergens and those frustrating environmental triggers mentioned earlier.
Within two weeks of use, this potent, all-natural therapy reverses the cell damage, and hydrates and restores the skin so the itching stops and the healing begins. Everybody's skin microflora is unique, therefore the time it takes for skin to restore itself and heal will differ from person to person.
Learn More About Dry Itchy Skin Cream
What Causes Breakouts?
What Causes Breakouts?
Breakouts can be annoying, painful and damaging to our self-esteem. Most of us have had the pleasure of experiencing them at some point in our lives, but for those of us who struggle with prolonged bouts of acne, the problem can be even more frustrating.
It’s important to understand what type of break outs you’re experiencing and what’s causing them, so you can find the most suitable and effective treatments. We’ve explored the key causes and triggers below so you can begin your journey to healthy, clear skin.
Causes and Triggers
Genetic Makeup
Studies suggest that you’re more likely to struggle with breakouts if your direct relatives have suffered from acne. Skin types are passed down through your genes and play a key part in how your skin responds to your hormones and how well it deals with sebum (oil), bacteria, anti-inflammatory properties and the re-generation of skin cells.
Hormones
One of the biggest culprits of acne is fluctuations in your hormones. Across a variety of ages, hormones and hormonal imbalances can lead to detrimental effects on our skin. Read more about how your acne can vary as you age here.
For women, acne usually appears in the later stages of the menstrual cycle, so a week before or even during your period. It can also appear after starting a new form of birth control, hormone replacement therapy through menopause, or as a result of fluctuating hormones and conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Androgens (male sex hormones) can fluctuate in level when compounded with stress, fatigue and lack of skin care. Androgens are the worst perpetrators for causing bad skin because they stimulate growth of the sebaceous glands and increase sebum levels, making skin oily and causing severe congestion known as hyperkeratinisation. This condition means dead skin cells don’t slough off naturally and instead clog the skin’s pores. Cue the entry of bacteria and acne appears as the star of the show.
Lifestyle
Though less of a factor than genetics and hormones, your lifestyle can certainly be reflected in your skin. Poor cleansing (or over cleansing), dehydration, stress, smoking, poor diet and abrasive product use can all be detrimental to your skin.
Types of acne
Some spots can be more troublesome or obvious than others, most appearing on our face while some appearing all over our body. It’s important to identify your acne type so that you can ensure you’re not mistaking it for other potential skin conditions.
We’ve put together a list of common offenders below:
- Blackheads - Small dark spots
- Cystic Acne - Usually painful, larger pus-filled spots.
- Nodules – Hard and under the surface of your skin.
- Whitehead - Small white raised bumps.
- Pustules – On the surface red pimples with pus.
- Papules – Pink, smaller bumps on top of the skins surface.
- Body Breakouts – Any of the above descriptions but outside of the facial area, with
typical places including back, neck, chest and shoulders.
Preventative Measures
It’s important for people to understand that acne is a skin disease, and it needs to be treated as one. Our skin is an effective barrier against dirt, infection and pathogens, which is designed to beat skin disease at its own game. We’re born with our own unique skin microflora of bacteria that builds our immunity and keeps skin healthy.
Just like our gut microflora, the good bacteria and matter that make up our skin microflora, known collectively as your microbiome, needs to be preserved.
There are many lifestyle changes that can be made to improve your skin’s health and enhance its ability to self-heal.
These include:
- Keeping your gut balance and microflora healthy through fermented foods and Kefir which helps replenish beneficial bacteria. These naturally combat the inflammatory effects of antibiotics, sugar, alcohol and processed foods which reduce your immunity.
- Stimulating your lymph system through exercise, drinking more water and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Experimenting with cutting dairy out of your diet and try to incorporate Evening Primrose Oil, zinc and vitamin B6.
- Limiting stress and getting more sleep.
- Quitting smoking – this will enhance your skins ability to heal.
- Avoiding touching your face.
- Keeping your hair out of your face to avoid it from touching your face.
- Using water based, nonalcoholic cosmetics.
- Taking off your make-up every night and using a gentle, natural cleanser and moisturizer. Stay clear from abrasive, artificial products that could aggravate your skin.
How Atopis Can help
Some of you may be all too familiar with the hopeless feeling of having tried everything and failing to see any improvements to your skin. Try to remain patient through this process, your skin requires around 8 weeks to fully respond to new treatments or products.
When choosing your skin care products, we highly recommend sticking to natural and non-abrasive products such as our all Natural Acne Cream. Based on award-winning international research and successful clinical trials, Dr Iona Weir has formulated safe, natural products to help unlock skin’s own immunity and assist self-repair.
Atopis Acne Prone Skin Cream helps treat acne by limiting overstimulation and moderates the hormone receptors of the skin’s sebaceous glands. It rebuilds your skin through moisturising, controlling sebum levels and preventing that old villain, hyperkeratinisation.
Meanwhile, the probiotic peptides in Atopis, work to restore your skin’s friendly bacteria microbiome, just like probiotics in the gut.
[convertful id="13842"]
To find out more about our products and how they work click the links below.
Understanding The Seven Types Of Eczema
All types of eczema cause itching, dryness, and redness, but some may also cause your skin to blister, “weep”, or peel. It is important to understand which type of eczema you or your loved one may have. Learning about and understanding symptoms and possible triggers can also help how to treat and manage your own or your child’s eczema.
1. Atopic dermatitis
The most common form of eczema and usually occurs in childhood. The symptoms include dryness, scaling, itching and redness. Atopic dermatitis is first and foremost a result of lack of filaggrin protein resulting in the ongoing cycle described above.
2. Contact dermatitis
Also caused by a lack of filaggrin where the skin has become sensitized to allergens and has an allergic reaction upon contact. Managing contact dermatitis is about avoiding irritants, protecting the skin barrier and reducing the immune sensitization.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis
Commonly known as dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast and the cells on the scalp results in excessive shedding of the cells appearing as white flakes. However seborrheic dermatitis can also occur on the skin such as the face, arms, legs and body and can be mistaken for nappy rash. This type of eczema appears as red, itchy skin and can be so bad it burns. Infections are also common. Treatment involves the use of specific creams such as antibiotics and salicylic acid to manage the yeast overgrowth and heal the skin.
4. Neuro-dermatitis
Where a person develops a skin irritation due to scratching out of habit.
5. Dyshidrotic dermatitis
Generally caused by seasonal allergies and stress, and results in severe itching, cracking and blisters of the hands and feet. The use of oral antihistamines and cream to heal the skin is the best way to manage this form of eczema.
6. Nummular (discoid) dermatitis
This is a type of eczema that is circular and can be red and itchy but this varies. The cause remains unknown but can be triggered by an immune response to an insect bite, wound or general inflammation.
7. Stasis dermatitis
Where there has been a decline in blood flow to the legs resulting in dry itchy scaly skin. This is very common in elderly or those with vascular issues. It is critical to keep the skin moisturized to avoid cracking, blistering and the risk of infection.
Dr Iona Weir formulated Atopis’s Dry Itchy Skin cream with eczema in mind. This works for all seven types of eczema including dyshidrotic eczema. The therapy cream clears and then fortifies the skin in order to reduce flare ups. The active ingredients in the cream restore the skin’s natural microflora, and works with the immune system to reduce overreaction of the immune system to environmental triggers.
While the information given in this post is important, it is also important to note that the best way to be sure whether you or your loved one has eczema is to make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you on to a dermatologist.
How Does Sun Exposure Affect Your Skin?
When summer rolls around, there is nothing better than hitting the beach and soaking up the sun to get that Instagram-worthy golden tan. When you're young, it's easy to forget about skin-protection, and sunburn just seems like temporary damage.
However, the consequences of not considering the effects of too much sun exposure to the skin can cause permanent skin damage and premature aging, also known as photoaging.
Are you noticing the effects of sun exposure causing wrinkles, lines, and discoloration on your skin?
Our Atopis Anti-Aging Cream has been designed for skin that has lived, including over-exposure to the elements over time. Using 100% natural ingredients, our cream stimulates collagen production to plump your skin, reduce wrinkles, and restore your youthful glow.
How Does The Sun Affect My Skin?
Sun exposure is responsible for up 90% of the visible changes attributed to aging (WHO report) that we generally consider as a normal part of aging. This process is known as ‘photoaging’.
Signs of Photoaging include:
• Fine lines and wrinkles - around the eyes and mouth.
• Skin dryness - flaking of the skin in patches.
• Skin laxity - loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin.
• Pigmentation - discoloration of parts of the skin in the sun-exposed areas.
• Vascular abnormalities - such as spider veins on the nose, cheeks, and neck.
But there are far more sinister aspects to photoaging than just the appearance aspects.
Melanin and Skin Pigmentation
UV exposure causes skin cells to produce melanin, which results in the “beautiful” golden tan, but this is essentially the skin trying to protect itself from damage.
Melanin is actually the end byproduct of oxidative stress within the cell. It is the same chemical process as when an apple or banana goes brown, so getting a tan is not healthy, but rather a sign of your skin suffering high levels of oxidative stress.
Unfortunately, UV does not just cause melanin production, it also causes DNA damage which if not repaired will in later life result in actinic keratosis or worse, melanoma.
Oxidative stress caused by UV Rays
As far as prematurely aging your skin, UV rays cause intense oxidative stress within your skin cells.
As well as the DNA in your nucleus being damaged, UV ray exposure can also result in mitochondrial impairment.
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells, and their job is to fight free radicals to control the level of oxidation in a cell and to produce cellular energy.
Any damage your mitochondria results in your cells destroying your antioxidation system and energy supply.
This causes an increase in free radicals within the cell and a decline in cellular energy production. If left unchecked, this build-up of free radicals can also damage the DNA within the mitochondria - potentially resulting in skin cancer.
Unfortunately, by damaging your cells mitochondria powerhouse, you impair energy production.
This creates a long-term potential for large-scale cellular damage across the body which can cascade into changes in your metabolic state, leading to potential weight gain, diabetes, and fatigue.
So it is absolutely critical to protect your mitochondria from UV and oxidative stress to avoid potential longer-term negative effects.
Can our skin rust?
Nuclear ferritin (iron) in your cells protects your DNA from free radicals.
UV exposure results in the release of ferritin, and its oxidation means that your defense systems are damaged, your iron levels are reduced, and your DNA is now at risk of being damaged.
Although this is the same chemical process as what occurs with metals and rusting, your skin cells do not technically rust, but your cellular iron does oxidize in the same way.
Controlling Wrinkles
Unfortunately, UV damage does not stop there, it changes the three-dimensional structure of vital proteins including collagen so that they lose their “bounce” and become flattened.
This results in wrinkles and thinning of the skin. Nothing will prematurely age you more than UV exposure.
It takes the skin two years to “recover” from sunburn on the surface, the cellular damage, however, can remain with you for life.
Make sure you use a high SPF sunscreen that meets US standards, as these are the highest in the world. Apply regularly and make sure you cover up your skin.
Prevent Photo-Aging With Atopis
If you are looking for a product to reduce sun damage, Our Atopis Anti-Aging Cream has been scientifically formulated to work below the skin to balance hormones, which will give you visible results on the appearance of your skin.
Our Anti Aging Cream uses 100% natural ingredients that stimulate collagen production which plumps the skin, reduces wrinkles, and restores your youthful and healthy glow!
Using sunscreen initially is the best way to make sure your skin is protected. However, if the damage is done, using a cream packed with antioxidants for your skin body will give your mitochondria the help they need to function properly. Remember oxidative stress anywhere in your body will show on your skin.
Learn More About Atopis Intensive Restore Cream
What is really in those “all natural plant extracts”?
Learning what is in your natural plant extracts
As the consumer demand for more natural products has grown, there has been an ever-increasing trend to use whole plant extracts in skin creams and dietary supplements, instead of highly purified single molecule ingredients. This approach is very good as the synergistic benefits of the whole plant extract are concentrated and are in a form that your body knows and recognizes.
But in choosing which ones you use, you need to be aware there are many ways in which to make plant extracts, some which increase the potency, some which have no benefit and other techniques which can be harmful.
How do they make extracts?
Dietary supplements are plant based extracts that have been made using a variety of manufacturing processes. Some of these techniques will produce a highly concentrated plant bioactive, while others use solvents to pull the bioactive compounds out of the plant material.
Freeze drying is an expensive process in which the plant material is gently frozen to a highly concentrated form using water. There is also spray drying which passes the liquefied plant material through a high-pressure nozzle and removes the water.
The use of solvents
Alternatively, the far cheaper and more common form of making plant extracts is the use of solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and acetone. This process works by absorbing the bioactive compounds out of the chopped up plant material and then evaporating the solvents off and drying the extract.
The problem with evaporating off solvents such as methanol is that not all of the solvent is removed and traces remain. Some of the solvents used and the other chemicals that are often mixed in during this process can be toxic and affect your long-term health.
Regulatory environments allow these solvents to be used based on the premise of limited exposure.
What to look for
When choosing which skincare to use or dietary supplement to take, check which process they use to make their plant extracts.
Using a solvent to make an extract is very cheap and allows companies to make bulk extracts for minimal cost, but traces of the solvent can remain.
Also remember information about the extracts used in skin creams does not have to disclose if they contain solvents, parabens or preservatives, only the finished cream.
Plant extracts can also contain traces of herbicides, pesticides and excess levels of heavy metals. Some countries have regulations requiring routine testing of these as well as solvents and microbial contamination, but others do not.
So the “all natural” product may not be as pure as suggested. It pays to really do your homework and check where companies are sourcing their “natural ingredients”.
What are fillers - how do they affect you?
What are Fillers?
A filler is used as a bulking agent or carrier to fill out a capsule or bulk up a skin cream or food item. Fillers are like the dietary supplement equivalent of candy – they fill you up but have no health benefits.
A cheaply priced dietary supplement generally means the supplement contains the minimum amount to make a claim that it has a health benefit, but otherwise contains fillers. Regulators put a minimum amount for well-known ingredients, e.g. omega 3 oils, in order to make a claim. But the filler ratio can vary from 10% to 90%.
Fillers are basically known in the industry as excipients – all products need them so that the essential ingredients remain in suspension until they reach your gut (where they need to separate to be absorbed). However, by increasing the amount of excipient from say 3% to 30% a company can save a lot of money on the expensive item – the plant bioactive. The consumer needs to carefully read the label to find out how much per capsule and do the maths, you want to buy as pure as possible.
What happens to excipients when you ingest them?
Too much excipient holds the bioactive component in suspension not only in the capsule but also all the way through your gut and into the toilet bowl, resulting in no benefit at all for you. For skincare, by adding lots of filler such as glycerin, the cream will feel soft on the skin and spread easily but will have minimal benefit to the cells below. Thus your skin will not change, and you will over time need to use more and more as your skin dehydrates.
Remember when you were young and did not have dry feeling skin, but then you needed to use moisturizers and the more you used the more you needed? This is because the natural barrier function of your skin becomes smothered by the fillers and damaged by over cleansing.
How to optimize your dietary supplements
For more cost effective benefit from dietary supplements, you are better to buy the quality products but use less of them. For instance, a quality probiotic you only need to take 1 every second day to get the benefit, whilst for a probiotic packed with fillers you could take 10 a day and have minimal effect (the fillers though are a great laxative). The same applies to skin creams, less is more.
Think of muesli bars, if you buy the cheap version packed with fillers you will need to eat several to obtain the same amount of nutrients as a quality bar, but you will also have consumed a large amount of sugar and other unnecessary ingredients which have blocked the absorption in your gut of any beneficial nutrients and interfere with your metabolism.