Summer is currently showing its full potential, and the combination of sun and water creates a pure holiday feeling even at home. Unfortunately, this combination isn't ideal for our skin, and even though vitamin D stores are being replenished, we still have a lot of skincare to do. Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four, and KAMI skincare founder, tells us today how to get our skin back in shape and prepare it for cold, wet autumn days.
"While people with a tendency to acne complain of increased sebum production in the summer, people with skin that tends to be dry are more likely to suffer from a feeling of tension and dandruff in the summer. The combination of UV radiation, frequent swimming orShowering exacerbates this.At the same time, swimming and exercising in water are the healthiest ways to exercise or stay active in hot weather. I wouldn't do without it, and I have a few tips for you:
What makes the skin fit again?
UVprotection is essential, even if you stay in the shade; this also prevents long-term effects such as wrinkles and age spots.
Always shower after swimming in salt or chlorinated water, preferably with lukewarm water. If possible, avoid using soap-based shower gels, as they can be even more drying. Our KAMI Body Wash is soap-free and moisturizing. Immediately afterward, apply moisturizer or oil—ideally while your skin is still damp.
Moisturize your face AND body regularly. Always use a moisturizer (serum or lotion) if you feel tight, but follow with a light oil or other protective treatment to reduce subsequent water loss through the skin.Products with hyaluronic acid, for example, or—if you prefer a more natural approach like us—aloe vera provide moisture. Our KAMI 2-Phase Spray offers the ideal combination of moisturizing aloe vera and protective oils.
Air conditioning is THE skin killer! The air is dry and literally sucks the moisture out of your skin. If you can't avoid it—at the office or because it's simply too hot—counteract it with facial spray and moisturizer. You can use an empty spray bottle with a fine mist: simply fill it with clean water (perhaps enriched with cucumber) and mist your face repeatedly. Alternatively, you can, of course, use store-bought thermal spring water sprays.
Treat your skin to a mask every now and then. You don't have to buy expensive products for this; the often-ridiculed cucumber and yogurt combination works just as well. If you prefer a more practical approach, mix a moisturizer with a few drops of KAMI SOS oil, apply it thicker than usual, and let it work while you relax on the couch.
Drink, drink, drink. This means non-alcoholic, and preferably sugar-free, drinks, of course. Alcohol dilates the skin's capillaries and leads to further dehydration!
summertime – hiking season. Parents who love hiking often struggle with how to get their children excited about their hobby. Today, Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four, and founder of KAMI skincare, shares her experiences and tips on hiking with children:
A hike, especially with small children, can be fun, but also very strenuous, even if the little ones can already walk longer distances themselves. Even children of kindergarten age sometimes give up after a short time. To avoid this and, above all, not to spoil their joy in movement, even small things help.
My tips for planning a hike with children:
Choose realistic routes, with the youngest child as the benchmark. As commendable as it is to hike with children: It is better to go out into the fresh air several times and plan small routes and activities, than to overwhelm everyone in one day.
If it gets hot, plan shady routes in the forest. (Always apply sunscreen beforehand AND bring it with you, of course!)
The destination should be interesting for children: a great forest playground, an imposing summit cross, a small stream, or a hut that offers their favorite food. Beautiful scenery is – and I say this from experience – rather uninteresting for children.
Many hiking regions offer special activities for children; inquire beforehand at the hotel or tourist office. There are also special children's guides (further links below).
If there is a cable car, spare the children the strenuous ascent and opt for a high-altitude hike instead. There are beautiful viewpoints, often also playgrounds and/or nature trails. Often, cable car tickets are included in the region's tourism offerings (e.g., Hochkönig or Schladming Card).
Games while walking distract from the effort and duration. We always play the word chain game with various themes like first names, fruits/vegetables, countries/cities, etc. The youngest child starts with a word, e.g., their first name, and the next person has to find a new name starting with the last letter (Anna – Andrew – Wendy…).
Tell sagas and fairy tales: Research what sagas exist about the holiday resort or hiking area. While walking, you can tell them and adapt them to make them interesting and exciting for your child. (Tip: there are sagas with dragons, dwarfs, and/or princesses everywhere; if not, you're sure to come up with something 😉!).
Children dehydrate quickly. Make sure to take regular breaks with water (!!!) and small snacks that can also be eaten on the go.
Don't forget to plan the return journey! It often takes longer because the children are already tired and the destination no longer beckons. If the chosen route turns out to be too difficult or too long, it's better to turn back early than to face serious problems on the way back.
Go into the day with an extra portion of motivation and humor, and as a very last resort for motivation, pack a packet of their favorite sweets!
If a toddler is carried in a backpack carrier, make sure their legs are not pinched, and their back and head are well supported and protected. Also, remember that your child is exposed to sun, wind, and weather. The clothing must serve as sun and rain protection and be quickly adaptable to changing temperatures – the higher you go, the colder it gets, even in summer.
Please pack the child's backpack yourself or check the children's backpacks. The little ones should only carry their water bottle, tissues, and a light jacket themselves. Carrying snacks and heavy items should be done by the adults.
Good shoes, however, are almost the most important thing when hiking. They should provide support when walking over stones, cover the ankles, and, above all, have good treads. For my children, waterproof is also extremely important, as every stream is crossed. So no worn-out sneakers, ballet flats, or even sandals!
If it hurts: The right first aid for scrapes
Most importantly, don't go on any excursion without several small and large plasters. Plasters often help even without a wound 😉
Sometimes, however, a scraped knee or elbow really needs to be treated when hiking with children. Over sticks and stones, during a playground trip afterward, or while romping around at a rest stop: a fall can happen quickly. As a doctor and a mom, I know that at that moment, one thing is paramount – acting quickly and correctly, without further irritating delicate children's skin.
My four steps for small scrapes:
Stay calm. First, calm the child, then attend to the wound – that already takes away half the fright.
Clean. Rinse carefully with clear water. Dirt and small stones must be removed; strong disinfectants are usually not necessary for small children.
Pat dry. Do not rub – that further irritates the skin.
Care. A moisturizing, nourishing layer can support healing and alleviate the uncomfortable feeling of tightness.
As soon as a wound is no longer actively bleeding, I like to gently apply our KAMI SOS Oil or the SOS Skin Care Balm. One of the ingredients, marmot oil, has been used for centuries for both minor and major inflammations and skin irritations and contains natural active ingredients that can support skin regeneration and improve scar formation – ideal for sensitive children's skin, but equally for adults. Our roll-on fits in any pocket or backpack and is also a natural companion for the whole summer for itchy mosquito bites.
For falls or blunt traumas, massage in KAMI SOS Oil and stabilize and cool the injured area as best as possible, for example, with a bandage or a cloth.
And very important: For deep, heavily bleeding, or infected wounds, with fever, or if the wound does not improve after a few days, always consult a doctor.
I recommend packing the following in a small bag:
Special blister plasters that won't slip
Small disinfectant spray
2-3 normal plasters in different sizes
KAMI SOS Oil Roll-on for minor wounds, scratches, or insect bites
For allergy sufferers: antihistamines
A small bandage
Steristrips to close more heavily bleeding wounds
Your mobile phone should definitely be with you and charged. You never know what might happen. It's also helpful to write down/save local emergency numbers or the mountain rescue number beforehand.
I hope these tips help you motivate your children for hikes. We parents love hiking very much, and our children do too – when the day is over. 😉
Here are a few more addresses for information:
http://www.bergfex.at
http://www.wanderhotels.com
https://www.bergwelten.com/lp/wandern-mit-kindern
https://outdoorkid.de/wandern-mit-kindern/
https://www.alpenverein.de/bergsport/familie/wandern-bergsteigen-mit-kindern/wandern-mit-kindern_aid_10485.html
In this spirit, I wish you a wonderful and carefree time in the mountains!
Your Kerstin Schallaböck
Anyone who claims that neurodermatitis can only be cured through the gut or that neurodermatitis is solely a gut disease has probably never spent an entire night awake because their skin was unbearably itchy. Because then they would know: When your skin is burning and you're scratching yourself bloody, no food in the world helps – you need something that provides relief now.
Nevertheless, the gut is an important factor in neurodermatitis. Research on the so-called gut-skin axis clearly shows: Your gut microbiome influences your immune system – and thus also your skin. A disturbed gut microbiome can therefore indeed play a role in how often and how severely flare-ups occur. However, the cause of neurodermatitis usually lies elsewhere – namely in the genes.
The gut is therefore rarely the trigger of the disease, but very often an important lever for living better with it. And the skin itself definitely needs its own reliable support. Let's look at why.
Why does neurodermatitis develop? The cause of neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. You know the symptoms: dry skin, agonizing itching, red and inflamed areas. But the symptoms are not the cause – they are the result of a complex interplay.
The three main players
Genetic predisposition: In many affected individuals, the production of the protein filaggrin is disrupted. This protein is responsible for forming a stable protective layer on the skin. Additionally, the skin lacks essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, which are necessary for the formation of ceramides – the natural "mortar" between cells. Without these stable building blocks and the protective lipid film, the skin becomes extremely permeable, loses moisture, and easily becomes inflamed because irritants can penetrate more easily.
Overactive immune system: Part of the immune system is overactive in people with neurodermatitis. This mechanism is also at work in hay fever and asthma – which is why many affected individuals suffer from several of these conditions simultaneously.
Disturbed skin microbiome: The excessive immune reaction against parasites simultaneously weakens the defense against bacteria. There is simply less capacity left for defending against bacteria. This makes it easier for germs like Staphylococcus aureus to colonize the skin. Staphylococcus aureus then causes illness when the immune system is weakened or other protective skin bacteria are displaced.
How does a neurodermatitis flare-up occur? Three paths to eczema
Imagine neurodermatitis like a house with an unstable foundation. The foundation is your genetic predisposition – it's there whether you want it or not. But an unstable foundation doesn't automatically lead to collapse. It needs additional stresses: storms, rain, tremors. These stresses are your triggers.
Research shows that there are various ways in which the vicious cycle of inflammation, itching, and scratching begins.
Path 1: The immune system sounds the alarm first
In most affected individuals, an overactive immune system is the starting point. The Th2 cells in the skin are too active, release inflammatory messengers, and dry out the skin. The nerve fibers in the skin are activated – it itches. You scratch, the barrier is further damaged, bacteria settle. The cycle begins.
Path 2: The skin barrier is genetically weakened
Some people initially have genetically dry skin (e.g., due to filaggrin deficiency). The permeable barrier then attracts immune cells, which trigger inflammation.
Path 3: Bacteria on the skin initiate everything
In other cases, bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus first colonize the skin. The immune system reacts, inflammation develops, and the skin dries out.
The crucial point: No matter which path – the same symptoms always result: dry skin, severe itching, inflammatory cells in the skin. And precisely here it becomes clear why a single measure is rarely sufficient. The genetic predisposition is the part that always remains. What can be treated is primarily the resulting inflammatory reaction.
What role does the gut play in neurodermatitis?
Around 70 to 80 percent of your immune cells are located in the intestinal wall. They are in constant exchange with your gut microbiome – the billions of bacteria that colonize your gut. Via this so-called gut-skin axis, the gut influences your entire immune system.
What happens during dysbiosis?
When the balance in the gut is disturbed (experts refer to this as dysbiosis), communication with the immune system changes. Studies show that people with neurodermatitis often have a reduced number of bifidobacteria and less bacterial diversity in their gut. If the gut barrier also becomes permeable (the so-called leaky gut), inflammatory messengers enter the bloodstream – and from there, also the skin.
Can food allergies trigger neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis usually arises from congenital immune system disorders – but flare-ups are sometimes triggered by an unsuitable diet or food allergies. This is an important distinction. About two-thirds of neurodermatitis sufferers have an allergic form of the disease.
If you feel that certain foods worsen your flare-ups, I recommend an allergy test with your doctor. If nothing comes out of it, it's more likely that your gut would benefit from a gut cleanse – and not from an elimination diet.
You can find more about the role of nutrition in neurodermatitis in this article.
When can a gut cleanse help with neurodermatitis?
Now it gets specific. A gut cleanse – meaning the targeted establishment of a healthy gut flora through probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healthy nutrition – can help. But not in every case.
Who benefits most from a gut cleanse
In Path 1 and Path 3 (when the overactive immune system or bacterial colonization come first), a gut cleanse can significantly reduce inflammatory tendencies.
The mechanism: When you restore balance to your gut microbiome, the gut signals to the immune system: "Everything's safe, you can shut down the false alarm." The systemic inflammatory readiness decreases – and that also calms the skin.
A healthy gut immune system also produces protective antibodies and antimicrobial proteins that act on the skin surface. This allows the skin microbiome to stabilize better.
Where gut cleansing reaches its limits
In Path 2 – if the cause is a genetic defect of the skin barrier (e.g., filaggrin deficiency) – no gut cleanse in the world can repair this structural flaw. The skin physically continues to lose too much moisture.
This does not mean that a gut cleanse is useless. It can alleviate the itching cycle because the immune system is less "stimulated." But it does not replace skin care.
Why aren't cortisone, systemic therapy, or a gut cleanse alone sufficient for treating neurodermatitis?
The inflammatory symptoms of neurodermatitis can be treated medically. Systemic therapies – i.e., internally acting medications like Dupilumab – specifically target the messenger substances that originate from the immune system and trigger inflammation in the skin. They interrupt communication between cells, thereby weakening the inflammatory response. But they do not repair the skin barrier!
Cortisone can also temporarily calm the immune system. The problem with this: As long as the dry, weakened skin barrier is not also treated, a rebound effect often occurs – the eczema quickly flares up again after stopping cortisone. And even with ongoing antibody therapy, dry skin is not simply "treated away"; such therapies can be very helpful in severe cases, but they do not replace consistent basic care.
And even if a gut cleanse reduces your inflammatory tendency, one problem remains: Your skin barrier is structurally weakened. And as long as the barrier is not stabilized, eczema will always return – no matter how healthy your gut is.
The three pillars of neurodermatitis treatment
For long-term improvement, you need to address all three components:
Control inflammation – through medical therapy and/or gut cleanse
Stabilize the skin microbiome – by building a healthy bacterial colonization
Care for the skin barrier – through consistent, daily, emollient basic care
If one of the three pillars is missing, the rebound effect occurs. You treat the inflammation, but as soon as you stop, the eczema immediately returns.
Which neurodermatitis skincare really helps?
While a gut cleanse only helps some affected individuals, every person with neurodermatitis benefits from consistent skin care. It is not an optional supplement – it is the foundation.
What matters for neurodermatitis skin
Skin with neurodermatitis needs two things:
Moisture, to compensate for water loss
Lipids (fats), to repair the defective barrier
Especially important are linoleic acid and linolenic acid. The body cannot produce these essential fatty acids itself. They are converted into ceramides in the skin – the aforementioned "mortar" between the skin cells, which is deficient in people with neurodermatitis.
Products containing linoleic and linolenic acids therefore directly support the building of a healthier skin barrier. They replace what the body does not produce sufficiently.
KAMI skincare: For acute phases and as basic care
Our KAMI skincare products were specially developed for sensitive and neurodermatitis-prone skin. They contain:
Linoleic and linolenic acids from high-quality vegetable oils that contribute to the formation of healthy skin
Anti-inflammatory ingredients from nature that provide relief for acute eczema
This makes KAMI versatile: for acute flare-ups to calm the skin and as daily basic care between flare-ups – to postpone the next flare-up for as long as possible.
In acute flare-up phases, the so-called wet wrap, e.g., with the KAMI SOS Skin Care Balm, has proven particularly effective. The wet wrap cools, relieves itching, protects against scratching, and moisturizes the skin. To do this, apply a thick layer of the SOS Skin Care Balm to the affected skin areas and pull a tubular bandage moistened with lukewarm water or black tea over it. Another layer of a second, dry bandage goes over that.
Conclusion: The gut is one piece of the puzzle – but not the whole picture
The gut-skin axis is real. A disturbed gut microbiome can influence the frequency and severity of neurodermatitis flare-ups. For some affected individuals, a gut cleanse is a game-changer.
But: The cause of neurodermatitis is usually genetic. You cannot cleanse it away. What you can do is adjust all the variables – immune system, gut microbiome, skin microbiome and skin barrier, as well as consistently avoiding known triggers – such as stress (cortisol), irritating substances, excessive sweating or certain foods.
And while a gut cleanse takes time and doesn't help everyone equally, consistent skin care works for everyone. It's the part you control yourself – every day.
Is last year's sunscreen still safe? How can I get enough vitamin D without endangering my skin? What should I do if I get too much sun?
Just in time for the hot season, we're asking ourselves many questions about perfect protection and proper skin care. That's why we've integrated lots of exciting information from the Gesundheitscode newsletter into our blog post for you today.
"No sunburn is harmless, the skin forgets nothing - that's why it's important to start UV protection as early as possible." (Bernhard Arenz, Head of Prevention BG Bau)
The Skin: The Showcase of Our Health
There is hardly any other part of the body that we pay so much attention to across all age groups as our skin. From cradle cap in babies, neurodermatitis in children, acne in adolescence, to dry skin, wrinkles, or age spots - throughout our lives, we are concerned with our outer, visible shell.
Our skin is far more than just that: It protects us daily from environmental factors, germs - and from UV radiation. Since UV rays promote oxidative stress, break down collagen, and ultimately contribute to wrinkles, pigment spots, and skin cancer, the skin needs our special support in summer.
We have therefore collected your most important questions about skin care in summer:
1. Is last year's sunscreen harmful?
If you still have tubes from your last beach holiday at home, you should take a look at the ingredients. Studies show that the chemical UV filter octocrylene can form benzophenone over time - a substance that is critically discussed in terms of health. Older or long-stored sunscreens, in particular, can contain higher amounts of it. Even if the health relevance of the concentrations measured so far has not yet been conclusively clarified, we advise caution.
In addition, chemical filters react with oxygen and break down, which drastically reduces the protective effect. And germs can form in old creams, as the preservatives no longer work over time.
2. Are chemical or mechanical UV filters better?
Basically, both filters are equally safe and effective if enough is applied. Every cosmetic product manufactured and sold in Europe must undergo a thorough examination and is safe according to the state of science. If you want to avoid certain chemical UV filters because you have particularly sensitive skin or even neurodermatitis, it is best to use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Regardless of the filter, consistent sun protection remains the most important measure for preventing skin cancer and light-induced skin aging.
3. How much sunscreen do I need to apply and how often?
The rule of thumb for adults is: two finger lengths for each body area, i.e., for 1) face and neck, 2) each arm and leg, 3) stomach and chest, and 4) back. This is approximately 3-4 tablespoons for an adult.
When sweating and swimming, reapplication is, of course, necessary. However, it is important that reapplication does not extend the time you are protected.
4. How do I form vitamin D healthily and what do I need to consider?
Vitamin D is strictly speaking not a classic vitamin, but a prohormone of central importance for our bones, muscles, immune system, and numerous metabolic processes. Most of it is formed directly in our skin with the help of UVB radiation. Here's how you can safely support your levels:
Use daylight regularly: Go outdoors daily if possible, preferably early in the morning. This not only supports vitamin D formation but also your natural day-night rhythm.
Sun in moderation: Use short (!) sun exposures without the risk of sunburn to stimulate the body's own production. For longer stays outdoors, always remember UV protection. After sunbathing, the KAMI skincare 2-phase care spray helps to cool and soothe the skin and restore lost moisture.
Check values & use supplements consciously: Did you know that people react differently to vitamin D preparations? In so-called "low" or "non-responders", the level hardly rises despite intake (often influenced by genetics or gut health). Therefore, it is best to have your levels checked by a doctor instead of blindly taking high-dose preparations.
5. Is aluminum in antiperspirants really harmful?
Basically, one has to distinguish between antiperspirants and deodorants. The former prevent sweating by blocking the sweat glands and usually contain ACH - an aluminum salt. The latter prevent the decomposition of sweat on the skin and thus bad odor and usually contain alcohol and fragrances.
From a dermatological point of view, it is therefore worthwhile to pay attention not only to aluminum but to the ingredients as a whole. Alcohol can dry out the skin and, especially after shaving, lead to irritation - as can fragrances in conjunction with UV radiation.
The good news: Newer studies show that probably significantly less aluminum is absorbed through the skin than long assumed. Nevertheless, there are also products here that are less aggressive and, for example, work with magnesium salts or perlite.
In summary, we recommend - especially for sensitive skin - products with as few irritants as possible and without unnecessary fragrances. Certain fragrances such as Cashmeran or Galaxolid are under discussion because they can accumulate in the body (Lilial has already been banned in the EU).
Our application tips for deodorants & antiperspirants:
Apply in the evening: Apply antiperspirants after evening body care. Sweat production is reduced overnight anyway, so the skin can absorb the active ingredients better.
Dry skin: For gentle and effective action, the skin should be completely dry and free of residues before application.
Caution after shaving: Freshly shaved skin shows micro-injuries. Direct application could lead to irritation or increase the absorption of unwanted substances.
6. Got too much sun? What to do?
If you have caught too much sun, two things are important:
1) Cooling - because your skin has a burn. Cold compresses, loose, airy clothing, and a cool environment are recommended.
2) Moisturize and soothe the skin. Products that provide a lot of moisture to the skin and contain, for example, aloe vera can help here. Skin-soothing ingredients such as panthenol or azulene can improve itching and redness. For example, the KAMI 2-phase care spray is ideal here, it contains organic aloe vera and natural skin-identical oils that provide lasting relief.
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