Bacteria and Mites That Could Be Causing Rosacea?
There are 4 definite types of rosacea, and sometimes the symptoms overlap with each other. Acute redness in the cheeks, nose and forehead can spread to other areas of the body. The redness can become pus-filled bumps and broken blood vessels appear. Eye irritation, thickening and inflamed skin can develop as well. Diagnosing Rosacea cannot be done through a medical test, however they can be used to rule out other skin conditions and narrow down on rosacea.
WHAT ARE THE 4 TYPES?
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), symptoms include facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels (especially on the cheeks).
- Papulopustular (or acne) rosacea, looks like acne breakouts, and often affects middle-aged women.
- Rhinophyma, is a more rare form of rosacea with symptoms such as thickening of the skin on your nose. Men get this more than women and is often accompanied by another subtype of rosacea.
- Ocular rosacea, is mainly on the eye area with symptoms focused here.
WHO DEVELOPS ROSACEA?
Some people are more likely to develop rosacea if there is a family history with serious acne or rosacea, you are fair-skinned, have blond hair, and blue eyes. DNA links with Celtic or Scandinavian backgrounds also puts you at a more likely risk. It is more commonly developed between the ages of 30-50. Rosacea is found more in women than men, however men often have more severe exterior symptoms.
MICROSCOPIC CAUSES
A common causal link that has been found with rosacea is associated with bacteria in the gut and a mite living on the skin. Helicobacter Pylori bacteria and Demodex mites are increasingly linked to rosacea with more research being conducted to understand how these interplay with finding a cure.
H.PYLORI
- pylori is a common bacteria found in our gut that may play a role in triggering and treating of Rosacea. There are many strains of these bacteria so when we talk about H. pylori we refer to the strains as one species. Links to rosacea have been studied with numerous results neither confirming nor denying the role this bacteria has in treating rosacea. When H. pylori are prevalent it can raise levels of the hormone gastrin, which causes an imbalance in acid regulation. This can lead to the flushing on the skin we see so often with rosacea. Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly present when there are high levels of H. pylori. Symptoms include stomach inflammation and ulcers as well as irritable bowel syndrome. In studies, rosacea sufferers have experienced a reduction in rosacea when treated for H. pylori with papulopustular rosacea being the most effective form in multiple studies that went into remission. As rosacea is a multi-triggered disease it’s possible H. pylori imbalance plays a significant role in causing rosacea. There is continuing controversy however with studies giving varying results. There are many links between bowel imbalances and skin issues so assessing your gut can help manage rosacea.
DEMODEX MITES
Demodex mites are naturally occurring on the skin. There are only two types; Demodex folliculorum that live in hair follicles, commonly on the face, and in the meibomian glands of the eyelids; and Demodex brevis that live in the sebaceous (oil) glands on the skin.
An overabundance of demodex critters on the skin can aggravate the skin to show rosacea-like symptoms. Mounting research suggests that those with rosacea carry more demodex than a person without rosacea, and they are found in the regions that rosacea flares up. Mites can be found inside pustules and papules on the skin further disrupting the skin, or for some causing the skin to develop rosacea. In rosacea sufferers, they experience a faulty peptide called the cathelicidin peptide; this is responsible for inhibiting bad bacteria and controlling blood flow. When this peptide faults the blood flow over-dilates, causing rosacea’s trademark blood vessel cheeks. With rosacea the peptide does not function normally and cannot protect the skin so well against bacteria. Demodex mites have a better chance of attacking the skin due to this faulty peptide. These mites and their bacteria then further aggravate the sensitive skin and trigger the immune system to overreact and thus a vicious cycle is perpetuated.
CATHELICIDIN PEPTIDE
It’s important to know how this peptide affects rosacea. The normal function of the cathelicidin peptide is to control vasodilation (blood flow) of the skin and to inhibit the growth of bad bacteria.
For those with rosacea, the peptide is present at much higher concentrations and has a different molecular structure, meaning the peptide no longer functions normally. It causes the bright red cheeks and sensitive skin. When the skin is sensitive this is because it is in a hyper-reactive state of being. Sun, food, drink, and temperature all affect the skin causing flare-ups of redness, swelling and even pain.
MANAGE IT
Knowing all of this, it is essential to understand that the different types of Rosacea are not caused by a single issue but actually a combination of gut microbial imbalance, skin microflora, demodex mites and potentially a genetic defect in the peptide cathelicidin. These varying issues help to determine what type of Rosacea is occurring .
Although there is no known cure, and researchers can’t put their finger on what exactly it is that causes it. Let’s talk about how we can manage rosacea instead.
Food: Starting with diet. Many believe that starting with the gut has promising affects on rosacea. Cutting out dairy, alcohol, spicy foods, and junk foods works for most people with rosacea. These foods are all known to affect H. pylori population numbers. Keeping a journal on food can help link you to what can trigger rosacea for yourself.
Weather: Protect the skin from harsh weather such as direct sun and cool winds. Sunscreen is very important especially in summer when UV is stronger, and in winter a scarf can lighten the impact the cold has.
Moisturise: Keep the skin hydrated by moisturising daily.
Prescription: Topical steroids work in the short-term but long-term use triggers steroid rosacea. Meaning, steroids pull you into a harsh life-long cycle. If you are to use them, then it is best to do so only for a short-term to calm the flare-up.
Skincare: A good skincare product for rosacea should work with your sensitive skin and enhance the skin health. Bringing in skincare that can deal with the faulty peptide, offer skin repair and protection can significantly improve day-to-day quality of life.
Atopis Radiant Balance Cream inhibits the bad bacteria on your skin, is prebiotic – as in supports your good bacteria, calms redness and inflammation and works with the immune system to control its hypersensitive overreaction to the environment. Radiant Balance contains an equivalent peptide to normal functioning cathelicidin, meaning that the faulty peptide in rosacea skin can function normally again. When repairing this peptide, the redness associated with rosacea is reduced.
From Sun-Damage To Smooth Skin: Toni’s Skincare Journey
Could you please give us some background on your skin and the journey you’ve been through with it? I grew up in the 60s. We lived at the beach during the summer and we didn’t know about sun screen back then. So like many others, my skin is sun damaged and I have solar keratosis, large brown patches on my cheeks and across my eyebrows. The patches over my eyebrow became scaley and flakey like dandruff of the skin! Eww!
How did you discover Atopis, and why did you decide to give it a go? I saw an ad for Atopis on my Facebook page and I liked the fact it was new and unconnected to the big pharmaceutical companies. I also like that it was made from natural products, I could read the list of ingredients and they weren’t from a periodic table!
What product do you use? Anti-Aging cream
What was the length of time since you started using Atopis? I’ve been using the Anti-Aging-cream for a year.
What was your skincare routine like before? I don’t use a big range of make up products but my skin is very dry and my cupboard is full of skin creams that never quite made the grade. Some of them were very expensive and I never felt I got value for money. I’ve been using the Anti-Aging cream for over a year and just bought my fourth tub of cream.
Please describe how your skin was before Atopis and how it looks now. I don’t have before photos but I’m very happy with how the brown patches look, especially the ones above my eyebrows. They are still there; (you can’t reverse nearly 40 years of sun damage) however, the yucky, scaley, flakey skin has disappeared and the area feels softer, not like crocodile skin. As a side effect, I found any scratches and blemishes I got disappeared too. What really got my attention was a nasty looking yellow cyst on my lower eyelid. The doctor wouldn’t touch it because it was too close to the my eye. After a few weeks of using the Anti-Aging cream it completely disappeared. That was what finally sold me on Atopis products. The deal breaker!
What changes have you noticed since you started using Atopis? My skin keeps the moisturised feeling. I don’t reapply any cream in the evening the way I used to.
When did you start noticing your skin changing, and how has it changed since? After the first few weeks I noticed that my skin felt good all day. My skin just didn’t dry out.
How does your skin feel? I feel the difference as soon as I put it on after showering in the morning. It feels like I’ve given my skin a drink.
How do you feel about your skin now compared to before? It doesn’t feel dry at any time during the day and I live in Perth WA, a hot dry area where your lips crack because of the wind.
What is your current skincare routine? Shower in the morning and then I apply the Anti-Aging cream.
What advice would you give to someone who is at the beginning of their skincare journey? Cover up. Wear sun screen all four seasons is what the dermatologist told me.
What other comments do you have? I have never blogged my opinions on skin care products and I’m known to be a person who tells it like it is.
Do you have sun damaged skin?
Like Toni, many of our customers have noticed significant improvements in the appearance of early sun damage and age spots using our Intensive Restore Cream.
Atopis Intensive Restore Cream has been scientifically formulated to repair and rejuvenate damaged skin, leaving you with an even skin tone and soft, hydrated skin.
The all-natural cream contains our patented Myriphytase extract, formulated by Chief Scientist Dr. Iona Weir. The active ingredients in Myriphytase work at the cellular level to eliminate unhealthy damaged cells and regenerate new cells for stronger, healthier skin.
Learn More About Atopis Intensive Restore Cream
The Critters That May Cause Rosacea
Our face is home to a whole ecosystem of microscopic creatures! These critters are mostly harmless. In fact, they are actually quite helpful – generally speaking their job is to eat dead skin cells, helping to rid the face of waste.
However, a growing body of medical research is pointing to abnormally high levels of Demodex mites as playing a role in causing or triggering rosacea.
If you're looking for an all-natural solution to rosacea-prone skin, our answer is Atopis Radiant Balance Cream. Scientifically formulated for rosacea-prone skin, this therapy cream reduces redness and inflammation by balancing the skin's microflora, evening out your complexion.
Keep scrolling for more on Demodex Mites and their link to rosacea.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic, common inflammatory skin condition that presents as redness of the face.
Diagnosing Rosacea cannot be done through a medical test, however they can be used to rule out other skin conditions and narrow down on rosacea.
The skin condition is most often developed in fair-skinned, blonde and blue-eyed women between the ages of 30-50 years. Those with Celtic or Scandinavian backgrounds also heightens risk of rosacea. A genetic history of acne and rosacea also contributes to the possibility of developing it.
Males can also develop rosacea, but often have more severe exterior symptoms.
There are four main rosacea subtypes which present different symptoms. Learn more about the types of rosacea.
What causes rosacea?
While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, researchers have identified some numerous causes such as genetics, a dysfunctional immune system, bacterial imbalance, a defective peptide, and the new research on naturally occurring mites on the skin.
The critter culprits
We all have an ecosystem made up of bacteria on our skin, this is what contributes to our unique microflora.
Two new fields of research have opened up into the links of Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) bacteria and Demodex mites playing a major role in the development and vicious cycle of rosacea skin. Mounting research suggesting that H. Pylori and Demodex can cause and trigger rosacea has encouraged more research to be conducted in understanding how these interplay with finding a cure.
The bacterial imbalance
H.pylori is a common group of bacteria found in our gut that may play a role in triggering and treating rosacea.
When H.pylori are prevalent, levels of the hormone gastrin can increase, which causes an imbalance in acid regulation. This can lead to the flushing on the skin we see so often with rosacea.
When treated for H.pylori overabundance, rosacea sufferers experienced a reduction in symptoms, with papulopustular rosacea sufferers noticing the greater positive effects in remission.
As rosacea is a multi-triggered disease it’s possible H. pylori imbalance plays a significant role in aggravating rosacea.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly present when there are high levels of H.pylori. These symptoms include stomach inflammation and ulcers as well as irritable bowel syndrome.
There are many links between bowel imbalances and skin issues, so assessing and improving gut health often helps with skin condition management. Learn more about the link between your gut and skin health here.
Demodex mites
Demodex mites are naturally occurring on the skin. There are two types; Demodex folliculorum that live in hair follicles, commonly on the face, and in the meibomian glands of the eyelids; and Demodex brevis that live in the sebaceous (oil) glands on the skin.
An overabundance of demodex critters on the skin can aggravate the skin to show rosacea-like symptoms. Mounting research suggests that those with rosacea carry more demodex than a person without rosacea, and they are found in the regions that rosacea flares up.
Mites can be found inside pustules (small fluid-filled bumps on the skin) and papules (skin lesions) on the skin further disrupting the skin, or for some causing the skin to develop rosacea.
The peptide link
Rosacea sufferers experience a faulty peptide called the cathelicidin peptide; this is responsible for controlling blood flow and inhibiting bad bacteria.
The peptide for rosacea sufferers is present at much higher concentrations and has a different molecular structure, making it no longer function normally. It causes rosacea’s trademark bright red cheeks as well as sensitive skin.
The sensitive skin is in a hyper-reactive state so it is more affected by sun, food, drink, and temperature. These cause flare-ups of redness, swelling and even pain.
The faulty peptide also means that the Demodex mites have a better chance of attacking the skin, as it isn’t properly protected.
The mites and their bacteria then further aggravate the sensitive skin and trigger the immune system to overreact - and a vicious cycle of rosacea skin is perpetuated.
Gain control over rosacea skin
It’s important to understand that the different types of rosacea are not caused by a single issue but actually a combination of gut microbial imbalance, skin microflora, Demodex mites and potentially a genetic defect in the peptide cathelicidin.
While there is no known cure for rosacea, and researchers can’t put their finger on the exact cause - we have a few tips on how you can manage it.
- Food: Starting with diet. Many believe that starting with the gut has promising affects on rosacea. Cutting out dairy, alcohol, spicy foods, and junk foods works for most people with rosacea. These foods are all known to affect H. pylori population numbers. Keeping a journal on food can help link you to what can trigger rosacea for yourself.
- Weather: Protect the skin from harsh weather such as direct sun and cool winds. Sunscreen is very important especially in summer when UV is stronger, and in winter a scarf can lighten the impact the cold has.
- Moisturise: Keep the skin hydrated by moisturising daily.
- Prescription: Topical steroids work in the short-term but long-term use triggers steroid rosacea. Meaning, steroids pull you into a harsh life-long cycle. If you are to use them, then it is best to do so only for a short-term to calm the flare-up.
- Skincare: A good skincare product for rosacea should work with your sensitive skin and enhance the skin health. Bringing in skincare that can deal with the faulty peptide, offer skin repair and protection can significantly improve day-to-day quality of life.
Our skincare solution to rosacea-prone skin, Atopis Radiant Balance, works by inhibiting the bad bacteria on your skin. The therapy cream is prebiotic - supporting your good bacteria, calming redness and inflammation and works with the immune system to control its hypersensitive overreaction to the environment.
Radiant Balance contains an equivalent peptide to normal functioning cathelicidin, meaning that the faulty peptide in rosacea skin can function normally again. When repairing this peptide, the redness associated with rosacea is reduced.
What is Milia? And Do You Have It?
Milia – Those Bumps aren’t Acne!
If you haven’t heard of Milia it looks like small bumps that commonly form around sensitive skin places such as the eyes. It is not rare to develop a singular milium or a crop of Milia at some stage in our life, but the appearance of them can affect our self-esteem at times.
They do disappear eventually but generally, we want to speed this process up. So, it is key to recognize when you have Milia and what to do.
Our solution to protecting your skin against the build-up of Milia is our Radiant Balance Cream. Our cream unclogs the skin's pores and reduces the build-up of sebum and dead skin.
Find out more information about Milia, its causes, and it's cures below!
What are they then?
Milia, plural or Milium singular, form as a tiny bump just below the surface of the skin and present where the skin is thinnest, which is typically around the eyes. The milium bump can look whitish in colour and is a keratin-filled cyst. These cysts are benign thankfully! 
After the sebum and dead skin cells become trapped in the skin they turn into keratin, which over time solidifies. Keratin is a fibrous protein that forms to make the main structure of hair, nails and the outer layer of the skin.
Typically keratin does its job at protecting the skin, (just like it does for our nails and hair!) but in the case of Milia it hardens up under the skin forming the tiny bumps.
Milia are also referred to as closed comedones, where the follicle is blocked. Comedones are the skin-coloured bumps that are mostly found around the forehead and chin of people who suffer from acne.
Blackheads, however, are called open comedones, which are exposed to the air turning the dead skin and oil black.
Who gets it?
Statistically, half of all newborn babies will likely get Milia around the cheeks, nose, and eyes. Adults can get Milia on the face, arms, and hands.
It is more often than not to develop on the hands in mature people after years of sun-exposure turned sun-damage. See our Sun Exposure and Your Skin blog to learn more about the effects of exposure on your complexion.
Generally, some people are just more prone than others to Milia. It can be genetic causes, a skin condition or a number of other reasons as to why Milia can suddenly develop.
An interesting cause of Milia
Over applying thick moisturizers and creams, notably eye creams, have been linked with triggering Milia, especially in those that are already susceptible to it.
The skin also has a natural exfoliation process, when this malfunctions dead skin cells begin to build up under the skin’s surface and if they stay too long like this the build-up hardens into keratin.
This keratin-filled bump won’t get red or sore - instead, it'll just sit under a thin layer of skin.
Treatment
Unlike acne, Milia do not form in the pores, instead, it forms as a cyst. So knowing this means the treatment of Milia is a different approach. It can last on the skin from a few weeks to a few months.
Milia goes away on its own eventually, but the appearance of it can affect self-esteem and confidence. More than often we want to get rid of it as soon as we can. Below are a few tips to treat Milia - the key is patience however, as it can still take up to a few months of treating Milia from home for it to clear up:
1. Exfoliating
Due to the skin’s exfoliation process malfunctioning, choosing a targeted exfoliator is important.
One that contains salicylic acid to dissolve the bump can be used daily if it is gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation or drying out the skin.
Products containing glycolic acid are effective in exfoliators for Milia as well.
2. Creams
To avoid triggering Milia ensure you use a thin layer of skin cream. If the cream is too thick it can block the skin causing it to essentially suffocate and Milia can erupt.
Make sure to choose a moisturizing cream that won’t block your skin's pores and that will allow the skin to still feel hydrated.
Is Your Skin Showing Signs of Milia?
Atopis Radiant Balance Cream has been formulated using essential oils that do not plug up the pores.
Our patented process of making Atopis converts some of the essential oils to fatty acids which are critical to maintaining the health of the epithelium (skin).
Using a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, Atopis has been scientifically proven to restore the skin back to a normal function using all-natural and safe ingredients.
Learn More About Radiant Balance Cream
Recovering A Clear & Clean Complexion: Jo's Skincare Journey
Could you please give us some background on your skin and the journey you’ve been through with it? As a teenager I had great skin, I'm probably the opposite of most people! It only started to cause me problems as I got older actually, in my late 20's really. I would constantly have a few spots that (I felt like) I needed to cover up, and my skin would occasionally flare up and get worse without a pattern. It's always been an issue for me as I never felt like I could confidently go make-up free, and I always took concealer with me in my handbag. I ate well, drank loads of water, didn’t smoke, and did all the things you're supposed to do to have good skin, but nothing worked.
How did you discover Atopis, and why did you decide to give it a go? I actually found it on Facebook and checked out the website, and thought it would be worth a shot as some of the success stories from their customers sounded just like me.
What product do you use? I use the Acne Prone Skin Cream.
Please describe how your skin was before Atopis and how it looks now. I always had spots around my chin as well as the occasional ones on my forehead and around my nose if I was having a really bad streak. They were always red and painful and not easy to hide, they would take days to calm down but by then I'd have more! Not fun when you're in your mid 30's and everyone else has finished with their acne stage. Now, I only get a spot or two occasionally but for the right reasons like if I eat badly or if I'm hormonal or even if it's a super humid day - like 'normal' skin!
What changes have you noticed since you started using Atopis? My skin is clearer, and just seems generally happier if that makes sense? I have less fine lines too, which is a nice bonus, and my skin is firmer but soft at the same time.
When did you start noticing your skin changing, and how has it changed since? It took until I was halfway through my second tube to see real improvements. When using the first tube I had a solid few weeks of bad skin and I thought to myself ‘man this is just another product that doesn't work for me’. Then I went back to read the reviews, and people were saying the same thing and said just to keep using it and it eventually improves. So I did, and it worked; they were right!
How does your skin feel? Happy!
How do you feel about your skin now compared to before? Also happy!
What is your current skincare routine? Exfoliate twice a week, wash face in the shower with goats milk/sensitive skin soap. I Moisturise my skin with the Acne Prone Skin Cream in the morning and on most nights.
What advice would you give to someone who is at the beginning of their skincare journey? Just keep going! The results will happen and they will be worth it!
Struggling with Breakouts?
Our Atopis Acne Prone Skin Cream is a 100% natural and safe way to clear pimples, enhance skin health, and help you to break out of the pimple cycle.
Getting treatment deep down into the pores is what our Acne Prone Skin Cream formula does, as it needs to break down the built-up dirt and slowly bring it to the surface so it can cleanse the pore with help from our immune system.
Once you have started with your Acne Prone Skin Cream, it may take up to two or over three weeks for the skin to restore its normal functions. The Acne Prone Skin Cream ensures that bit by bit bacteria comes to the surface, which is removed by your restored skin microflora and stops future bacteria build-up.
It’s better to have small amounts of the bacteria release over time, so your skin microflora has time to respond and heal the skin.
Everyone’s skin is unique, so depending on your skin type and amount of blocked pores, it will take a different amount of time.
Learn More About Acne Prone Skin Cream
Three-phase Therapy for your Skin
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When we say we are natural, we are. We ensure that the plants we source are not changed but keep the original state as they were in the New Zealand forest.
Instead of using solvents, or traditional extraction methods, we use nature’s own processes to fuse bioactives together in synergy.
We dive into the unique process that brings prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics together on the skin.
Prebiotic
Just like our gut health requires good bacteria, our skin does too!
In 2006, Dr. Iona Weir patented a technology for a gut health prebiotic from kiwifruit that promoted the growth of good bacteria, whilst inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria.
What sets this science apart is that traditional prebiotics can only promote the growth of all bacteria.
This means that not only does the good bacteria grow, but also the bad bacteria is being kept alive too. When this process (in the gut) goes wrong it results in bloating. Dr Weir’s patented kiwifruit prebiotic successfully reduced IBS symptoms in clinical trials.
For Atopis, Dr. Weir took this concept further, and created another patented prebiotic that promotes the growth of the good bacteria on the skin, whilst killing the bad bacteria such as acne propionic and staphylococcus bacteria. Thus, only good bacteria can thrive.
Probiotic
It gets better; Dr. Weir encapsulated probiotic bacteria within the prebiotic so that the interior would remain dormant and stable within the cream until being applied to the skin.
The Atopis probiotic bacteria only becomes active when rubbed onto the skin, which releases them and allows them to grow and populate on the skin leaving no room for the unhealthy bacteria to stay.
This is especially vital when it comes to the health of the skin.
Postbiotic
Postbiotics were developed by testing numerous plant extracts, fermenting them and identifying their skin benefits.
They were then synergistically fused together with the prebiotic encapsulated probiotics.
Only the best postbiotics for skin repair were selected after intensive testing. Atopis postbiotics have potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties.
Atopis brings prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics together giving your skin our ultra three-phase therapy. Learn more about our ingredients.
Explore our range of skin care products containing patented prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic treatments for your skin:
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A Digital Attack on the Face
We all know that too much time spent in the sun (aka UVB and UVA light) can wreak havoc on skin, but did you know that blue light (High Energy Visible or HEV light) emitted from our screens and devices can also be incredibly damaging to skin cells?
Similar to UV rays, blue light inhibits free radical generation, causing oxidative stress to skin cells. In fact, studies have shown that blue light can penetrate even deeper into the skin than UV light, affecting our collagen and elastin. Eek!
You're probably spending more time than ever before in front of screens and devices (thanks to lockdown!) so here are a few things you can do to protect your skin from excessive blue light exposure:
- Add an anti-blue light protector to your phone or device. They're relatively affordable and will protect your eyes as well as your skin.
- Turn on 'night-mode' on your smartphone to switch from blue to yellow light.
- Call hands-free where possible to avoid having the screen in direct contact with your face.
- Wear an SPF50+ sunscreen daily, whether inside or out.
- Protect skin with a daytime moisturiser like Atopis Intensive Restore cream or Radiant Balance cream, which are rich in flavonoids and natural antioxidants. Flavonoids are plants' natural UV defence compounds and they are powerful at protecting skin from blue light damage. Antioxidants are free radical 'scavengers' meaning that they help to protect your skin cells from free radical damage.
Karen's Journey to Healthy Skin
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22.3"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.22.3" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.0.47"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.0.74" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"] "Hi, my name is Karen, and this is my journey to healthy skin.
"I’d had acne as a teenager and in my 20’s, but things didn’t get really bad until I was about 34.
"My hormonal acne was worse than anything I’d experienced before, and I set myself a mission to heal my skin and any hormonal imbalances that were contributing to my acne.
"Many days I was so embarrassed by my skin with huge swollen red pimples all over my face that I didn’t even want to leave the house.
"I tried everything. I was swayed towards natural products at first but when I found that the products I tried didn’t work, I gave up on that and was prepared to try literally anything.
"When I say I’ve tried everything, I really mean it. I’ve tried the “no wash” method where you don’t touch you skin at all, not even with water, for at least 2 months. I’ve tried the “oil cleansing” method for another couple of months. I’ve tried lots of different natural products. I’ve tried over the counter medicines and skin creams. I’ve been on prescription-only drugs, ranging from the Pill, antibiotics (big mistake!), and Accutane – the most hardcore acne drug around, according to my doctor.
"I found all of the drugs worked in varying degrees, but with in some cases huge side effects. I had no acne, but my lips and mouth were so dry I could barely talk, my eyes were always dry and red, and basically I hadn’t found a real solution – I’d only covered up one problem and created another.
"I desperately wanted clear skin and to be honest when I first heard of Atopis from a friend I wrote it off as just another natural product that probably doesn’t really work.
"It was only when I started to read more about their scientific discoveries and inventions that I became interested.
"My husband, who has a science background finally had a look at the scientific stuff for me and told me that the Atopis products actually used really different science to any other product I’d used – the fact that he was really impressed with the science was enough for me to take the plunge and buy some products to try. (It takes a real scientific breakthrough or something special to impress him when it comes to that kind of thing!)
"When my first product arrived, the Acne Prone Skin Cream, I put it on my skin straight away. I could actually see a difference in my skin within the first few hours. Even my husband commented after a couple of days that my skin was looking a lot better.
"A few days after starting the Acne Prone cream, I did experience the breakouts that they talk about. My skin did apparently need to get rid of a lot of junk that was already in there, and I got a bit disheartened after a few weeks!
"I’m so thankful I decided to hang in there though. A few more weeks later and my skin was looking better than it had for years. I was still getting the occasional pimple but it was way better than it had been in recent memory.
"At this point I got an email saying Atopis had come out with a cleanser and toner, so I decided to go all in and got the cleanser, toner, acne prone cream, and radiant balance (I even got one of their packs with an anti-aging cream and I still use this as my eye cream – it’s lasted ages!).
"It wasn’t until I started to use all the products together that my skin showed a really huge improvement.
"It must be true that their products work in synergy with each other because that definitely seemed to be the case for my skin.
"I don’t wear any make up any more except sometimes mascara or eyeshadow – nothing to cover up my skin.
"I never believed this would have been possible before trying Atopis.
"Thank you so much to the Atopis team and especially Dr Iona who came up with it all – I don’t know where I’d be without you guys, probably still hiding out in my house!"
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Take a look at the Atopis skin care products that Karen used to get healthy skin:
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The Amazing Kiwifruit
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By Dr Iona Weir PhD
Chief Scientist and CEO
Atopis Skincare
In my early days working as a Scientist I developed techniques that would allow for high-throughput screening of the DNA and biochemistry of individual cells and applied this to kiwifruit breeding.
This meant that when hybrid seedlings were produced the characteristics of the potential fruit could be identified and quickly ascertained to determine the value of the seedlings. My techniques were used extensively within the kiwifruit breeding program including the gold kiwifruit and kiwi-berries.
This technology was also used to identify the bioactive components within kiwifruit and their efficacy.
Of all the fruit, kiwifruit has benefits for the gut and skin that make it a superhero.
Kiwifruit is known as a meat tenderizer and this is due to the protease enzymes which digest protein.
These proteases (which break down the protein in cells) have been shown to increase gut motility (movement), protein digestion and modulate the gut microbiome (Weir et al, 2008).
The kiwifruit extract Phloe I was a part of developing in 2006, is a prebiotic that not only promotes the growth of good gut bacteria, it also inhibits the growth of bad bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. (Weir Patent No. 2015/0037315).
Kiwifruit has been clinically shown to enhance protein digestion and improve metabolism resulting in decreased fat absorption, lowered cholesterol and reduction in hunger cravings. (Weir et al., 2018).
Kiwifruit is also a potent anti-inflammatory food if you are not allergic to kiwifruit.
Clinical trials have shown that kiwifruit reduces inflammation of the gut by modulating the gut microbiome and regulating signalling receptors on the gut wall (Weir et al., 2018).
Kiwifruit and Your Skin
Kiwifruit is not just amazing for the gut, but also for the skin. Due to the improved digestion and metabolism this reduces excess sebum production and hence acne.
In my later research I discovered that amazingly, kiwifruit also reduces cytokine IL6 in human cells.
Cytokine IL6 is the cellular transduction molecule responsible for the inflammation that causes eczema. (Weir et al., 2008).
A reduction in this cytokine in the body effectively means that we can heal the cause of eczema and at the same time our skin creams soothe and treat the physical symptoms as well - healing the skin from inside the cell and out!
Using the latest biochemistry technique called lipid fractionation technology, I isolated and purified the component of kiwifruit pollen that reduces IL6 and included it in our US patented extract Myriphytase and added it to all of my Atopis skin creams. (Weir US Patent No. 9,877,991).
After I invented Myriphytase, it was clinically trialed in both New Zealand and the USA and shown to help human skin including an improvement in quality of life, an increase in skin quality, a significant reduction in the severity of eczema symptoms, and a decrease in redness, itching, and scaling.
Myriphytase goes into all of our skin creams and like our other 100% natural ingredients, is not made up of mere plant extracts - our scientifically enhanced food grade compounds are clinically shown to benefit human skin.
References:
Weir I, Shu Q, Wei N, Wei C, Zhu Y (2018) Efficacy of actinidin containing kiwifruit extract Zyactinase on constipation: a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Asia Pacific of Journal Clinical Nutrition: 27 (3) 564-571.
Weir IE (2008) Zyactinase stimulates the probiotic gut microflora whilst inhibiting pathogenic microflora. International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics: 3 (4) 231 – 238.
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All Atopis skin creams contain Myriphytase - choose your product here:
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Fighting Cellular Ageing with Pine Bark
Pinus Radiata or pine bark is a powerful antioxidant that heals and repairs sun-damaged skin and fades age spots.
Antioxidants are critical in neutralising free radicals to prevent cellular damage. They're also potent anti-inflammatories, helping to reduce redness associated with eczema, rosacea and sunburn.
Free radicals (including UV, pollution, smoking, excess sugar in diet and stress) are a major contributor to premature skin ageing as they nick DNA, they impair mitochondrial cellular respiration and they induce inflammation due to the release of nitric oxide. When free radicals are in excess they cause skin cell damage, wrinkles and age spots – additionally they're associated with rosacea, acne, lupus and psoriasis.
New Zealand pine bark is a more potent plant extract than other plant flavonoid extracts because it has had to adapt to our ultra-intense UV exposure. Incredibly, the plant has developed enhanced UV bioactive components to protect its own DNA and mitochondria.
Atopis pine bark is even more powerful than the average pine bark extract. The pine bark that we gather is treated through our patented process to enhance all of its natural defence mechanisms, thus making it far more potent and effective on the skin.
Almost 30 years of scientific research has shown our proprietary plant compounds can actually protect your skin cells against UV, pollutant and DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation and even promote wound healing. We have demonstrated using in-vitro lab testing that the Atopis pine bark promotes optimal mitochondria respiration and free radical scavenging within skin cells.
Mitochondria are the energy source of our cells. Basically, they protect our cells from incurring damage and re-energize them. If the mitochondria become tired, your skin gets tired. Skin appears lifeless, cell renewal slows down, and your skin doesn't refresh itself as it naturally should. When your cell mitochondria are working optimally, your skin promotes a healthy glow.
We recommend you always use sun protection, and add antioxidants to your diet and skincare for optimal skin health.
Learn more about Atopis Intensive Restore Day Cream – and reap the skin benefits of Atopis pine bark!