Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema, flexural eczema) is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin disease. The development of the rash is influenced by the structural properties of the skin and abnormal functioning of the skin's immune system. A predisposition to atopic dermatitis is partly hereditary, and some patients also have other atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis or asthma. Internal and external factors such as psychological factors, sweating, skin microbes, food, skin cosmetics, and climate can affect the course of the rash.
Typical features of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis usually appears in infancy, often subsides during childhood, but can return in adulthood. For most people, atopic dermatitis is mild and has a good prognosis. For many, symptoms worsen in winter and improve in summer.
Characteristic features include:
- skin itching and dryness
- red swollen patches
- skin cracking and flaking
- in an irritated state, broken skin surface and small fluid blisters
Atopic dermatitis is a condition where, among other things, the amount of ceramides (fatty acids) that prevent water evaporation from the skin is reduced. The skin barrier of those with atopic dermatitis does not function normally. As a result of dry skin, an inflammatory reaction develops, which can lead to long-term itchy rash. Long-term itching is said to be one of the symptoms that can significantly impair the quality of life for those with atopic dermatitis.
Treatment of atopic skin
Every day, our skin is exposed to irritants, which can be:
- chemical (soaps or detergents)
- physical (friction, pressure, or scratching on the skin)
- allergens (substances to which the body may develop a hypersensitivity reaction)
- pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms).
Adding multiple products to the skin means more potential skin-sensitizing ingredients. Preservatives, emulsifiers, and fragrances found in many cosmetic products can cause excessive stress, imbalance, and sensitization to the skin. Simplicity is key.
Various creams, fats, or oils designed for atopic skin that restore the skin's moisture balance are an important part of self-care for atopic skin. Luonkos products contain 100% skin-caring ingredients. They are based on natural and nourishing oils that contain essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and superfoods. Oil products maintain the skin's optimal pH and moisture balance, they do not overdry sensitive skin, but leave a protective layer of fat on the skin, soothing the symptoms of skin infections. Luonkos products are multifunctional; with one product you get everything you need for skincare, they are responsible and do not burden your skin or environment.
Luonkos forest microbe products are specifically designed to support the function of dry and atopic skin. Luonkos is the first cosmetic manufacturer to add Finnish Reconnecting Nature™ forest microbe extract to its products. This Finnish ingredient, studied at universities, adds even more beneficial microbes to the skin. According to studies, daily use of the extract stimulates immunity and maintains healthy skin function, actively promoting skin integrity, protective functions, and renewal. (Uute Scientific promotes skin well-being with natural means | University of Helsinki (helsinki.fi))
Primal multi-purpose cream has, based on numerous customer feedbacks, helped reduce itching, stinging, and redness on the skin. It is suitable for use, for example, for flexural eczema and damaged areas of the skin. Atopic skin can also manifest as chapped or dry lips. Primal cream is already a travel companion for many; it is packaged in a convenient, recyclable container. The product is suitable for the whole family, including children, as it contains no added fragrances and therefore no allergens that cause hypersensitivity reactions.
“Excellent cream Primal - Significantly helped with atopic dermatitis in just one night, after two weeks of use, completely healed the atopic eczema patches around the eyes and partially in the folds, and significantly reduced itching. I will continue to use it.”
After washing, it is important to ensure thorough moisturization of the skin. For atopic skin, oil-based moisturization is an excellent alternative to fat-based creams. Vitality body oil is suitable for larger areas of skin. It works like a moisturizing cream; apply the product to damp skin after showering for the most effective absorption and moisture retention. The cocoa butter in Vitality is nature's own super moisturizer. Vitality also contains antioxidant and fatty acid-rich oat oil, which moisturizes and soothes the skin. Vitality is suitable for the youngest members of the family as well as adults, without added fragrance.
“Effective product Vitality! - Helped with dry skin and the worst atopic rashes. I also like the idea that there is no water or preservatives or other unnecessary ingredients. It's a keeper. I think it's very economical when used on towel-dry skin as instructed :)”
Atopic skin in winter
The cold and dryness of winter cause many people's skin to show symptoms. In cool, dry air, less moisture is bound to the skin. At the same time, heating dries out indoor air. Especially during winter, it is important to ensure regular moisturizing and care of the skin.
The best for winter skin is 100% natural body oil, which nourishes and helps the skin maintain its moisture balance. It also soothes dry and itchy skin.
The newest Luonkos product: body oil Hellikki contains oat, apricot kernel, MCT, and sunflower seed oil, as well as vitamin E. The Finnish oat oil in Hellikki also adds ceramides that prevent skin dryness and linoleic acid that strengthens the skin. The body oil is easy to apply, it does not stain clothes or leave the skin sticky.
Atopic dermatitis on the face
Atopic dermatitis on the face usually manifests as dry, itchy, patchy, and red skin. It is rarely only on the face, but usually, dry rash is also found on the neck and upper limbs. Although the skin may be dry and itchy, people with atopic skin should wash daily: it is good to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria from the skin to prevent irritation. People with atopic skin should avoid overly harsh cleansing products and hot water, which evaporates moisture from the skin's structures by accelerating metabolism.
The face should be cleansed with a product that does not dry the skin and that is not rinsed with water. An oil-based option is excellent for proper care and maintenance. Oil cleansing is an easy, effective, and gentle option for facial cleansing, as it removes makeup without rubbing or irritating the skin. The effects of oil cleansing are in a class of their own. They do not over-cleanse, dry, or irritate the skin with overly strong ingredients. The skin should not feel tight and dry after cleansing.
Luonkos' gentle oil cleansing cake is a true multi-purpose product; in addition to removing makeup, it can also remove eye makeup, and you don't even need toner after cleansing! Oil cleansing does not alter the skin's pH. Many also feel that the use of moisturizer has decreased, as the product does not dry out the skin as many other makeup removers do.
“My skin gets dry and irritated very easily in cold weather, the oil cleansing cake is my savior and my face never gets bone-dry (usually it gets irritated and dry during washing). I also put it on my face before showering to save my skin from being bone-dry and red after showering. Plus for the forest extract.”
Luonkos Infinity and Radiant oil cleansing cakes are the best choice for facial cleansing for every person with atopic skin.
You can add moisture-binding ingredients to your skin by adding a few drops of oil serum after cleansing. Luostarin aarteet Vilja oil serum for the face contains Finnish red clover extract, which is known for its effective skin-calming properties. It also contains, for example, borage and sea buckthorn oil, which add important amino acids to the skin, effectively repair skin cells, and help the skin maintain its moisture balance. Our customers have also praised the product for relieving itching and flaking caused by atopic dermatitis on the scalp.
“Luostarin aarteet Vilja - A nourishing, almost odorless oil that does not irritate my sensitive skin. In the morning, my skin is soft and looks well-cared for. My itchy scalp also calmed down with this oil!”
Atopic skin in children
Approximately 25% of children and 25–30% of adults have experienced atopic dermatitis at some point, and the prevalence of the disease is 10–20%. (Terveyskirjasto)
Atopic dermatitis manifests differently in children of different ages. In babies, the rash often starts on the face and cheeks, and can appear almost anywhere, but usually not in the diaper area. In preschool children, the rash is concentrated on the limbs, neck, and nape, while in school-aged children, it is usually found in the flexures, hands, and feet. Often, atopic dermatitis eases or disappears with age, but it can also return after a break.
A child's skin is thin and sensitive and should be treated as gently as possible. For a small baby's skin, water is usually sufficient for washing. We can easily cause skin problems in children with overly strong products and care, as detergents remove not only impurities but also the skin's natural oils. For a child's skin, fragrance-free products are the best choice.
Good basic care is important in the treatment of atopic skin. Regular moisturizing of the skin – especially using nourishing oils after showering – alleviates symptoms (itching, redness, stinging). Choose fragrance-free Luonkos products for a child's skin; they are also free of irritating preservatives.
Luonkos offers suitable products to take care of even the skin and well-being of the youngest ones.
“Super good for treating a child's dry skin - Innocent body oil.This worked for us for treating children's skin. It didn't sting and was pleasant to use. The children also liked it :)”
