Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema, flexural eczema) is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin disease. Its development is influenced by the structural properties of the skin and by abnormal functioning of the skin's immune system. The tendency towards atopic dermatitis is partly hereditary, and some patients also have other conditions in the atopic group, such as allergic rhinitis or asthma. Internal and external factors — psychological factors, sweating, skin microbes, foods, cosmetics and climate — can affect its course.
Typical features of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis usually appears in infancy, often calms during childhood, but can return in adulthood. For most people it is mild and the prognosis is good. For many, symptoms worsen in winter and ease in summer.
Characteristic features are:
- itching and dryness of the skin
- red, swollen patches
- cracking and flaking of the skin
- in an irritated phase, a broken skin surface and small blisters
In atopic dermatitis the amount of ceramides that prevent water evaporating from the skin is reduced, and the skin's barrier does not work normally. Long-term itching is said to be one of the symptoms through which atopic dermatitis can significantly reduce quality of life.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease diagnosed by a doctor. The information on this page does not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional, and Luonkos products are not medicines. If the eczema is widespread, infected or worsening, contact a doctor.
Gentle basic care
All of our skin is exposed daily to stimuli, which can be:
- chemical (soaps or detergents)
- physical (rubbing, pressure or scratching)
- allergens (substances to which the body may develop a hypersensitivity reaction)
- pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms)
Adding more products to the skin means more potentially sensitising ingredients. The preservatives, emulsifiers and fragrances in many cosmetics can burden the skin. Simplicity is worth it.
Luonkos products contain 100% skin-caring ingredients. They are based on natural oils containing fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. Oil products do not alter the skin's pH and do not over-dry sensitive skin; they leave a protective lipid layer on the skin. They are multi-purpose, and as fragrance-free choices they are a good starting point for sensitive skin.
Luonkos forest microbe products are designed to support the skincare routine of dry and atopic skin. Luonkos was the first cosmetics manufacturer to add Finnish Reconnecting Nature™ forest microbe extract to its products. This Finnish ingredient, studied at universities, brings microbes from forest nature to the skin.
Primal multi-purpose balm suits the daily moisturising of dry and sensitive skin, including lips and dry patches. It comes in recyclable packaging. The product suits the whole family, children included: no fragrance has been added.
After washing, it is important to moisturise. Oil-based moisturising suits atopic skin well. The Vitality body oil cake suits larger areas of skin. Apply it to damp skin after a shower, when the oil absorbs most effectively and binds moisture. The cocoa butter in Vitality moisturises, and the antioxidant- and fatty-acid-rich oat oil cares for the skin. Vitality suits the youngest in the family as well as adults, with no added fragrance.
Atopic skin in winter
The cold and dryness of winter make many people's skin react. Cool, dry air holds less moisture against the skin, and at the same time heating dries the indoor air. In winter especially it is important to moisturise regularly.
A 100% natural body oil suits winter skin, nourishing it and helping to maintain its moisture balance.
Hellikki body oil contains oat, apricot kernel, MCT and sunflower seed oils as well as vitamin E. Finnish oat oil brings ceramides and linoleic acid to the skin. The body oil is easy to apply, does not stain clothes and does not leave the skin sticky.
Atopic dermatitis on the face
On the face, atopic dermatitis usually shows as dryness, itching and patchy, red eczema. It is rarely only on the face; there is usually dry eczema on the neck and upper limbs too. Even though the skin may be dry and itchy, it is worth washing daily: dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria are better off the skin. It is worth avoiding overly cleansing products and hot water.
The face is best cleansed with a product that does not dry the skin and is not rinsed off with water. Oil cleansing is an easy and gentle option: make-up comes off without rubbing or irritation. Oil cleansing does not alter the skin's pH, and the skin should not feel tight afterwards.
The gentle Luonkos oil cleansing cake is a multi-purpose product: it also works for removing eye make-up, and you do not need a separate toner afterwards. Many people find they use less moisturiser too.
The Luonkos Infinity and Radiant oil cleansing cakes suit the cleansing of dry and sensitive skin well.
You can add moisture-binding ingredients by applying a few drops of oil serum after cleansing. The Luostarin aarteet Vilja oil serum for the face contains Finnish red clover extract as well as borage and sea buckthorn oil.
A child's atopic skin
About 25% of children and 25–30% of adults have had atopic dermatitis at some point, and the prevalence of the condition is 10–20% (Terveyskirjasto).
Atopic dermatitis presents differently at different ages. In babies the eczema often starts on the face and cheeks and can be almost anywhere, though usually not in the nappy area. In toddlers it focuses on the limbs, neck and nape, while in school-age children it is usually in the skin folds, hands and feet. Atopy often eases or ends with age, but it can also return after a break.
A child's skin is thin and sensitive and should be cared for as gently as possible. Water alone is enough for washing a small baby's skin. Detergents remove the skin's natural oils along with impurities. Fragrance-free products are the best choice for a child's skin.
In caring for atopic skin, good basic care and regular moisturising matter most, especially after a shower. Choose fragrance-free Luonkos products for a child's skin; they are also free of irritating preservatives.
Luonkos also has suitable products for the skincare of the youngest.
