KAMI SKINCARE BLOG
Naturally support the skin barrier
Skin problems are becoming increasingly common, especially among children. For example, between 10-15% of infants and toddlers are affected by atopic dermatitis, aka neurodermatitis, 20% of whom experience severe symptoms. Even if only 3-10% of those affected persist with the problem into adulthood, the suffering for children and their parents is still significant. For Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner and mother of four, the suffering was so great that she decided to search for natural remedies herself. Here, she explains why strengthening the skin barrier is important and how the ingredients in KAMI skincare contribute to this. "Even if anti-inflammatory therapy is the primary focus during an acute flare-up, strengthening the skin barrier is essential as basic therapy. There are studies that show that daily, non-drug-based care can reduce eczema flare-ups. Pharmacies offer a variety of products; I prefer purely natural skincare components, like those I use in KAMI skincare. Below, I would like to introduce some of our ingredients and their effects. What ingredients do we use for KAMI skincare? The Marmot oil We've already covered its effects in detail in our blog. Let us reiterate that marmot oil not only has anti-inflammatory properties but, thanks to its linoleic and linolenic acids, also strengthens the skin barrier. Therefore, it's IDEAL for the care of eczema-prone skin! - Contained in our SOS Oil, SOS Balm, and 2-Phase Spray. Grape seed oil It has been used for skin care since the Middle Ages. It contains a high content of lecithin, which is also found in our cell membranes. Lecithin contributes to strengthening the skin barrier and has a moisturizing effect. Grape seed oil also contains a high amount of linoleic acid, which contributes to wound healing through improved cell renewal and cell protection. - Contained in our SOS Oil and 2-Phase Spray. Rice germ oil Contains gamma oryzanol, which, in combination with tropocerol (vitamin E), also contained in KAMI, acts as an antioxidant, thus reducing light/sun damage to collagen fibers. Its phytosterols strengthen the skin barrier and soothe sensitive skin, providing deep moisture and calming itching. - Contained in our SOS Oil, SOS Balm, and 2-Phase Spray. Olive oil It is very similar to skin sebum; this oil has also been used in skin care since ancient times. It has pain-relieving and regenerating effects, as well as a warming effect, which is why it is only used in small doses in KAMI. It is contained in our SOS Oil, SOS Balm, and 2-Phase Spray. The essential oil of Tanais Annuelle , a relative of chamomile, contains high levels of chamazulene, which has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It inhibits free radicals and strengthens the immune system, even in cases of itchy allergy symptoms. Its earthy, floral scent also has a stress-reducing effect. - Contained in all KAMI skincare products. Carrot seed oil It has a clarifying effect and stimulates cell regeneration. It is highly nourishing and soothing, even for mature and irritated skin. Its carotol also protects against infections. - Contained in all KAMI skincare products. Unrefined Wheat germ oil is an excellent active ingredient oil that works deep down. It is very good for mature and barrier-damaged skin, as the tropocerols and carotenoids improve circulation. Its unsaturated fatty acids make it a good free radical scavenger, while vitamins A, E, B, and D, as well as trace elements, nourish and replenish stressed skin. - Contained in our SOS Oil, SOS Balm, and 2-Phase Spray. Shea butter, A fat from the shea nut, it is traditionally harvested by hand by women in Africa and has a highly moisturizing effect. Its unsaponifiable fats also have a soothing effect and strengthen the skin's lipid mantle. It is very well tolerated even by irritated, sensitive skin. - Contained in our SOS Balm. The Organic Aloe Vera, The active ingredient in our 2-Phase Spray has many beneficial effects: it's known to provide moisture, soothe, and reduce inflammation. What's less well-known is that it also contains enzymes, minerals, polysaccharides, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a true powerhouse for sensitive, dry skin. Copaiba Balsam is sustainably harvested from the evergreen Copaifera trees in the Amazon region. Only 1-2 liters are taken from the tree per year. This balm has long been used by indigenous peoples to treat a variety of skin problems. It is highly valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and is ideal for sensitive, barrier-damaged skin in need of care. - Included in our Cleansing Fluid. That was just a small sample of the natural treasures we've packed into our KAMI products. Thankfully, nature gives us so many wonderful ingredients. I'll introduce you to the others in future blogs! Until then - stay healthy Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
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Home remedies for strengthening the immune system and for colds
Today we'd like to write about a very topical topic, because even in the practice of our founder, Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, we can feel that a wave of colds is currently sweeping over us. But what can you do preventively? How can you protect yourself and your family from colds? And what can you do when you get a cold without immediately resorting to the entire pharmaceutical industry. Below, Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four, and founder of KAMI skincare, shares her tips. She's always relied on home remedies and believes that when it comes to a cold, you shouldn't use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. "The cold wave hit us particularly early and hard this fall. In principle, there's nothing wrong with children getting a cold now and then: their immune systems can practice and develop. This guarantees greater resistance than adults. But here are some tips to avoid colds: Avoid sweating and freezing; clothing appropriate for the temperature is especially important for children at this time of year. It may still be cold on the way to school or kindergarten, but by lunchtime it can be very warm. Allow your child to individually adjust their clothing to their personal temperature sensitivity by wearing several thin layers. The child should neither freeze nor sweat! Neither "tests of courage" (who can wear shorts to school for a long time) nor overcaution (leave the hat on!) are appropriate. Putting warm winter shoes on your child too early is particularly bad because they then tend to take everything off and cool down to compensate for their sweaty feet. Vitamin-rich foods prevent disease; dark green leafy vegetables, 100% fruit and vegetable juices, and colorful vegetables are especially rich in enzymes. Pulses and whole grain products also provide healthy carbohydrates. Selenium, an important trace element for the immune system, is found in eggs, Brazil nuts, liver, cod, and tuna. Avoid sugar, processed foods, and, of course, alcohol. Propolis or Aconitum napellus C30 globules can strengthen the immune system. Get some exercise in the fresh air. Any kind of exercise strengthens the immune system, and nature helps too. You don't have to be a fan of "forest bathing"; even a traditional autumn walk among the colorful leaves is good for the body and soul. Most of us find wearing a mask annoying, but it also offers protection against colds for vulnerable groups. Therefore, it's worth considering whether wearing a mask is a sensible precautionary measure in crowded places or on public transport. If it does happen to the children or us, here are my tips. I 'm not alone in the belief that coughs and colds don't always necessarily require medical treatment. We and our children don't always have to be functional and fit; sometimes the body "allows" itself to be sick and restless. However, if the symptoms are severe, such as shortness of breath, pain when breathing, or a high fever that lasts for days, medical evaluation is obviously necessary. Coughing is a symptom of something irritating the respiratory tract , be it mucus or pathogens. For a simple cough, tea, water or hot milk with honey helps to relieve the cough reflex due to its thinning effect. If you want to do something “against” the cough, there are several herbal remedies (phytopharmaceuticals) that can be used: A mixture of marshmallow, ribwort plantain, and thyme syrup; any pharmacy can mix this. Thyme tea has an expectorant and soothing effect. Marshmallow tea, a blend of leaves and roots, is especially effective in soothing coughs. Ivy leaf tea can also be used to relieve cramps and mucus, but is not recommended for children. Inhalations are calming, inhalations with eucalyptus oil can ease expectoration and have an antispasmodic effect. Good old spruce tip syrup from Grandma's kitchen has a calming effect and is also enjoyed by picky children. Rubbing eucalyptus balm or other vaporizers on the chest can have a soothing effect on the respiratory tract and ease coughs. The soothing caresses are also soothing for the soul. A hot water bottle enhances the effect. Increased temperature Its purpose is to kill germs. Rapidly reacting with fever-reducing medication is counterproductive, as the germs can remain in the body. Let your child "break down" their fever to a certain degree. Every child has a very individual temperature, which is still normal. If the child begins to appear apathetic, must You have to reduce the fever, otherwise you'll become dehydrated and your circulation will be impaired. The following natural remedies have a fever-reducing effect: Elderflower tea has a diaphoretic effect and also promotes bronchial secretions. You can also mix elderflower and linden blossom 50/50, flavored with honey or lemon. Calf compresses (please use ONLY on warm feet!): Moisten cloths with lukewarm water and wrap the calves from the ankle to the knee, covering with a towel. Reapply twice after 10 minutes, then rest for 30 minutes. Abdominal compresses are also suitable for very young children. Sweating treatment (from age 5!): Take a bath with increasing water temperature and drink a hot fever tea at the same time or as soon as possible afterward. Then, wrap yourself in warm blankets or towels and lie down in bed for 30 minutes. Ideally, the head, through which a significant portion of the heat exchange takes place, should also be covered. If the tonsils are swollen, Apis D6 globules can also help. Runny noses are, of course, one of the most unpleasant companions of a cold. Here, too, the secretion is the body's means of removing germs. Therefore, decongestant nasal sprays should only be used at night to ensure uninterrupted sleep. During the day, please use seawater sprays or hyaluronic acid sprays for soothing relief. The following tips can make life easier for people with runny noses: decongestant inhalations with e.g. eucalyptus oil or sea salt; Use good tissues, which rub less and protect against sore noses; As a preventative measure, rub KAMI SOS Balm on your nose and lips. It protects against chafing and soothes the skin. If your nose is already sore, simply apply it after each nose blow to allow the skin to heal. I hope my advice helps you get through the fall well! Stay healthy Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
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School, health and skin
Parents of children suffering from eczema or atopic dermatitis are familiar with the phenomenon: Skin problems aren't a concern during the holidays, but as soon as autumn and school arrive, the skin starts to itch, and the search for the right remedy begins. Today, Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four children, and KAMI skincare founder, together with her business partner, Dr. Elisabeth Riccabona, herself a mother of two children suffering from atopic dermatitis, is investigating this connection: " School and learning occupy a central position in our children's lives. They experience this time of growing up on several levels: emotionally, but of course also physically, with all of their senses. The skin is our largest sensory organ, our protective shield, our barrier to the outside world. It protects us from bacteria, heat and cold, as well as from dehydration and UV rays. But sometimes this barrier breaks down. We may be able to hide our innermost thoughts from those around us, but not from our skin. It is like a mirror for internal and external influences and this is often the case with children who are prone to neurodermatitis and eczema. These symptoms are often even more pronounced when stress comes into play. It's impossible to predict in advance how our children will react to school stress. This depends, among other things, on the child's personality and constitution. Everyone reacts differently to the demands of everyday school life. Overwhelm can manifest itself as follows: Anxiety and shyness aggressive behavior Hyperactivity silly behavior, keyword: recess clown, disrupting class refusal Difficulty concentrating Learning disorders stomach ache Headache Tiredness and exhaustion Sleep disorders We parents can, should, and should support our children on many levels. Here are a few things we've tried that might help you too: A healthy, balanced diet—even a snack can be delicious and healthy. Cooked vegetables, for example, aren't particularly popular in our area, but a raw vegetable plate with cucumbers, peppers, carrots, kohlrabi, etc. is readily eaten. Sufficient fluids, which includes water and tea; Sufficient sleep, although there should be no screen time before sleeping; A balanced leisure activity, preferably exercise in the fresh air @School: Allow enough time for homework, studying and relaxation; Show children what an ideal learning environment looks like (no cell phones, music or television); Prepare your school bag and clothes the night before; Allow enough time in the morning for breakfast and the journey to school, and get up earlier. If school is literally getting to you, these points could also help: Choose natural materials for clothing, bed linen and towels, ideally these are certified and free of problematic dyes; Wash bed linen and towels with detergent for sensitive skin, do not use perfumes or fabric softeners (vinegar can be used as a substitute); Observe whether your child reacts to certain foods with "blooming" and then adjust the menu accordingly. Junk food, chocolate, and spicy foods are prime examples. Take the pressure off: The child should always be sure of your love and know that the relationship is more important to you than school success; Do not shower or bathe with soap-based products, as these have an alkaline pH. Always use pH-neutral products that ideally also have a moisturizing effect, such as KAMI Wash Fluid. Apply cream to acutely itchy, inflamed areas 2-3 times daily, always before bedtime. KAMI SOS Oil or KAMI SOS Balm have proven effective. If the rash is severely inflamed, cortisone is often the only treatment option. But please don't use it for too long; Always carry a remedy with you when you're on the go, so you can get relief from acute itching and ease the situation. The KAMI roll-on is ideal. With this in mind, we wish you and your children a good start to the school year Kerstin and Elisabeth
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Over hill and dale: Tips for a hiking day with children
Autumn is 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 KAMI skincare founder, shares her experiences and tips on hiking with children: A hike, especially with small children, can be fun, but it can also be very strenuous, even if the little ones can already walk longer distances on their own. Even kindergarten-aged children sometimes give up after a short time. To avoid this, and above all to keep their enjoyment of the exercise from spoiling, even small things can help. Here are my tips for planning: Plan realistic routes, using the youngest child as a benchmark. While hiking with children is a great idea, it's better to get out into the fresh air several times and plan shorter routes and activities than to overwhelm everyone in one day. When it gets hot, plan shady routes in the forest (always apply sunscreen beforehand AND take it with you!); The destination should be interesting for children: a great forest playground, an impressive summit cross, a small stream, or a hut serving their favorite food. Beautiful scenery—and I say this from experience—is pretty uninteresting for children. Many hiking regions have special programs for children; check with your hotel or tourist office in advance; there are also special children's guides (see links below). If there's a cable car, save the kids the arduous climb and opt for a high-altitude hike instead. There are beautiful viewpoints, often playgrounds, and/or nature trails. Cable car tickets are often included in the region's tourism packages (e.g., the Hochkönig or Schladming tickets). Playing games while walking helps distract from the effort and the length of the walk. We always play the word chain game with different themes like first names, fruits/vegetables, countries/cities, etc. The youngest child starts with a word, such as their first name, and the next one has to find a new name with the last letter (Anne – Egon – Nadja…). Telling legends and fairy tales: Read up on the legends related to your vacation spot or hiking area. As you walk, you can then retell them and adapt them to make it interesting and exciting for your child. (Tip: There are legends involving dragons, elves, 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 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 appeals. If the chosen route proves too difficult or too long, it's better to turn back early than to run into serious problems on the way back. Start your day with an extra dose of motivation and humor and, as a last-minute motivational measure, pack a box of your favorite sweets! If a toddler is carried in a back carrier (I personally recommend Buzzidil - https://www.buzzidil.com/de/ ), make sure the legs aren't trapped and the back and head are well supported and protected. Also, keep in mind that your child will be exposed to sun, wind, and weather. Clothing must provide sun and rain protection and be able to be quickly adjusted to changing temperatures—the higher you go, the colder it gets, even in summer. Please pack your child's backpack yourself or check their backpacks. Children should only carry a water bottle, tissues, and a light jacket. Adults should carry snacks and heavy items. Good shoes are practically the most important thing when hiking. They should provide support when walking over rocks, fit over the ankles, and, above all, have good tread. Waterproof shoes are also extremely important for my kids, as they'll be crossing every little stream. So no worn-out sneakers, ballet flats, or even sandals! Above all, don't go on any trip without some small and large bandages. Band-aids often help even without a wound 😉 I recommend packing the following in a small bag: Special blister plasters that cannot slip; Small disinfectant spray; 2-3 regular plasters in different sizes; KAMI SOS Oil Roll-On for minor wounds, scratches or insect bites; For allergy sufferers: antihistamines; A small bandage; Steristrip for closing heavily bleeding wounds. In case of falls or blunt trauma, massage in the KAMI SOS oil and stabilize and cool the injured area as best as possible, for example with a bandage or a cloth. In any case, you should have your cell phone with you and charged. You never know what might happen. It's also helpful to write down or save local emergency numbers or the mountain rescue number beforehand. I hope these tips help you motivate your children to go hiking. We parents love hiking, and so do our children – once 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 With that in mind, I wish you a wonderful and carefree time in the mountains! Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
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Small allergen with a big impact
The number of allergy sufferers has increased tenfold in recent decades. Currently, approximately 34 percent of the global population suffers from an intolerance that is usually merely unpleasant but sometimes life-threatening. Today, general practitioner, mother of four, and KAMI skincare founder Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck summarizes how allergies are triggered and how to ideally respond. Our lifestyle, which has changed dramatically in recent decades, is the reason for the increased development of allergies. Life has become safer and more convenient overall, but—this may sound strange given the COVID pandemic—our bodies lack the challenges posed by viruses and bacteria for which they are designed. This is how a harmless substance becomes an allergen - the factors briefly summarized: Our diet is becoming increasingly unhealthy: too few vitamins, nutrients and trace elements, lots of one-sided ready meals; We are often under stress even in childhood; Personal hygiene is often exaggerated; We are exposed to excessive levels of pollutants from substances to which our bodies are not evolutionarily accustomed. Especially since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I've frequently observed that bodies overreact to what are essentially minor stimuli: the immune system is untrained. All of these factors make the body sick and thus contribute to an increase in allergies. While there is never a single cause for an allergy, several factors are usually involved in the development of allergic diseases. But all of these quite diverse factors have one thing in common: They overwhelm the immune system to such an extent that, over time, it begins to react completely inappropriately. The actual attack on these self-proclaimed allergens, also called antigens, would be quite unproblematic if it did not result in health damage and an extremely unpleasant allergic reaction for those affected. However, effects only occur upon the second contact with the allergen. This is particularly dangerous in the case of insect bites, as those affected believe there is no danger to them because “nothing happened” the last time. Included The new allergen is then recognized as such: The immune system subsequently produces so-called memory cells, whose task is to memorize the surface structure of the allergen. If the pathogen then invades the body again, the memory cells immediately alert the immune system to the invader, whereupon appropriate antibodies are promptly produced, which ultimately fight the allergen. There are various immunoglobulins, but immunoglobulin E (IgE) is particularly relevant in allergies. It is responsible for the development of type 1 allergies, which affects most allergy sufferers. Allergic individuals have pathogenically elevated levels of these antibodies in their blood, and they become active upon repeated exposure to an allergen. The antibody-antigen complex wouldn't normally trigger an allergic reaction if it didn't settle on special defense cells called mast cells. These cells produce and store inflammatory substances, primarily histamine. Mast cells are found in the mucous membranes (conjunctiva, nasal mucosa, bronchial mucosa, intestinal mucosa) and in the skin. Therefore, typical allergic reactions occur precisely in these regions. Redness and swelling of the skin and/or mucous membranes occur. At the same time, severe itching occurs, which may also feel like a burning sensation on the mucous membranes. In terms of therapy, conventional medicine offers medications called antiallergics or histamine blockers. The unwanted side effect of antihistamines causing drowsiness is hardly worth mentioning in newer generation medications. Traditional medicine focuses primarily on prevention, such as: Avoid excessive hygiene (constant disinfection); Detox treatments, 1-2 times per year to detoxify the liver and intestines or to treat chronic inflammation; Probiotics; oil pulling; Pay attention to mental hygiene and stress levels. To soothe acute symptoms, I recommend cooling and KAMI SOS oil or balm. I wish you and your loved ones All the best Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
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Without cortisone – care for symptom-free skin
Children are often affected, but sometimes, unfortunately, people suffer from atopic dermatitis, eczema, and other skin problems their entire lives. Topical application of cortisone-containing creams promises rapid relief and is therefore often recommended. Unfortunately, the effect is often short-lasting and can even become problematic in the long run. For those affected, and especially for parents of affected children, the situation is often very difficult: rapid relief from the itching is needed, and the relief should be lasting, but preferably without (long-term) side effects. Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four and KAMI skincare founder, talks about the pros and cons of cortisone-containing preparations: "First of all, I would like to point out that I am, after all, a conventional doctor and therefore convinced of the importance of cortisone, even though home remedies and natural remedies are often very effective. Like antibiotics, cortisone is extremely important for medicine, as there is no other drug with a comparable anti-inflammatory effect. The Nobel Prize was rightly awarded in 1950 for its discovery and the first synthetic production. However, I believe that its use should be carefully considered, as long-term use can lead to side effects. I, too, found myself in a situation where our youngest child's atopic dermatitis, only 1.5 years old at the time, put a strain on our entire family life. We, the parents, and the three older siblings, often couldn't sleep because of the crying child. The little one was scratched raw, and he was truly miserable. I, too, couldn't resist the temptation to find quick relief from our situation with cortisone creams. However, the effect was always only short-term, and when our Kami repeatedly suffered from acute eczema, I started looking for alternatives. Although the side effects of cortisone when applied locally are not as severe as when taken orally, there is still a depot effect. The long-term effects on the The skin becomes thin in the long term; It loses its ability to retain moisture; It becomes parchment-like and very dry; Pigment disorders are common, white spots appear; Wound healing is disrupted. In the long term, the skin loses the ability to defend and regenerate itself. I wanted to find something that would reduce inflammation while also strengthening the skin and helping it heal itself. A friend who works as a developer in the cosmetics industry introduced me to marmot oil. Marmot oil has always been known for its healing properties. It has been a widely used natural remedy in Central European folk medicine since ancient times: For skin problems such as wounds, burns, eczema and neurodermatitis, psoriasis and hardened scars; For muscle pain, rheumatism, gout, sprains, etc.; To facilitate childbirth; The oil was formerly used both externally and internally for lung problems. In short, I tried a mixture of plant oils and marmot oil on my child, and the problem was resolved within a few days. While the results weren't as dramatic for some patients and friends, we were able to achieve relief for all of them, delaying and reducing flare-ups, which are common in people with atopic dermatitis. What is effective in marmot oil? Marmot oil contains small amounts of corticosteroids. However, the oil's concentration is only about 1/80 of that of regular cortisone-containing ointments, yet it still has anti-inflammatory effects. The secret lies in its blend of 59% unsaturated fatty acids and 23% polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a very high content of linoleic and linolenic acids, which are very beneficial for the skin. This strengthens and regenerates the skin simultaneously. If you combine this marmot oil with high-quality plant oils that can penetrate deep into the skin and thus have a soothing effect, as well as soothing essential oils, this can provide long-term healthier skin care. I've focused on natural ingredients specifically for inflamed, dry skin prone to itching and redness. The result is our KAMI SOS Skin Care Oil. You can find out more about all the other amazing ingredients in the SOS Oil on our website under "Ingredients"! If you or your children are experiencing skin problems and are stuck, please feel free to contact me at info@kami-skincare.com . While I can't diagnose online, a few additional tips can often be encouraging in such situations! All love Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck Examples of skin problems are:
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The right travel first aid kit
Vacationing with children, especially packing, is a unique challenge. The balancing act between happy children and relaxed parents must be considered when planning a vacation. To ensure your child's health isn't neglected and a minor accident or cold doesn't turn into a tragedy, here are some tips for a vacation medicine cabinet from Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, doctor, mother of four, and KAMI skincare founder. My husband and I have always loved traveling and have always felt that children don't just feel at home on farms and beaches, but also benefit from getting to know other cultures. We therefore always have a good mix of Austrian mountains and long-distance travel. The right first-aid kit is especially important for long-distance trips, as you never know what the healthcare system will be like in a particular country and whether you'll be able to get the products you're used to there. So what should be in your first aid kit? Sunscreens with a high sun protection factor, after-sun products (e.g. KAMI 2-Phase Spray) Medicines for pain and fever Medication for coughs and colds (decongestant nasal sprays also facilitate pressure equalization during air travel) Sore throat tablets Medicines for diarrhea and to restore intestinal flora Antiallergics Disinfectant and wound healing KAMI SOS skin care oil or KAMI SOS balm Bandages and blister plasters If a family member is sensitive to travel sickness medication. For long-distance travel: Medicines for the prophylaxis of specific tropical diseases Circulatory strengthening agents when the temperature difference or humidity is very large. Also remember to pack the right skincare. Sun and climate change put a lot of strain on the skin. For example, in tropical climates, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture within two weeks due to the high humidity. If you then board a plane two weeks later, where the air is very dry, your skin will dry out severely within hours. Unfamiliar food, lots of sun, and water are other factors that can throw your skin off balance. Skincare with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, such as our KAMI SOS Skin Care Oil, supports regeneration. If all of this is included, there shouldn't be any major health problems, at least. I wish you a nice holiday and all the best Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
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What to do if your skin is dry after a day at the pool?
As wonderful as the fresh water is on a hot summer day, and as good as the cooling is for our circulation, splashing and swimming aren't always soothing for our skin. Prolonged or repeated contact with water can damage the skin's natural acid mantle and wash away its natural oils. Dry skin, tightness, itching, and white flakes are often the result. As adults, this bothers us so much that we immediately start searching for the right skincare product. But children, who have even more sensitive skin, often don't even notice how dry their skin is. They're far too busy having fun. Here are some tips from Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four, and KAMI skincare founder, on how to make a day at the beach gentle on your skin. "In our latitudes, we mainly splash around in swimming pools. Unfortunately, the needs of our skin and those of the pool are far apart. The optimal pH value of pool water should be between 7.0 and 7.4, which limits the growth of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. However, this pH value is far from ideal for the skin; it should be in the slightly acidic range of approximately 5.5 to maintain its resistance. The addition of chlorine as a cleaning and purifying agent also poses other risks: Some people, often those with atopic dermatitis or other chronic skin problems, also suffer from a chlorine allergy and therefore sometimes react with hives, itching, rashes, and redness. But even with normal skin, contact with chlorinated pool water leads to significant moisture loss. This can be observed after about an hour; with dry or very sensitive skin, the effect often occurs much more quickly. So what should you do if your skin is dry after swimming? The only alternative is to care for your skin thoroughly during and after a day at the beach. Be sure to shower with fresh water after every swim in the pool, then either just pat dry or let your skin air dry. Change your swimwear, otherwise you risk bladder or kidney problems. Furthermore, wet long swim trunks can cause skin eczema in boys due to rubbing. Then apply care! Heavy creams and body lotions can be uncomfortable in hot weather. You can practically feel your skin becoming blocked and sweating on the surface. Therefore, light, moisturizing lotions that absorb quickly are best. Sprays are particularly convenient for children (and men) because they can be applied and distributed quickly. I also always recommend natural products, especially those containing aloe vera, like our KAMI 2-Phase Spray. Aloe vera not only provides a great deal of moisture, but also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. In the evening, when you shower, use a pH-neutral, moisturizing shower product, such as our KAMI Wash Fluid, and be sure to moisturize your skin from head to toe again. For children, I have trick 17 : To make applying moisturizer more pleasant for them, add a few drops of skin care oil to the bathwater. This won't spoil the bathing experience, and you can skip the tedious task of applying moisturizer afterward because the bath will have already distributed the moisturizer! Our KAMI Skin Care Oil is perfect for this. For anyone with their own pool, here's a tip: Saltwater pools are already very advanced. They're not nearly as labor-intensive as they used to be and are much better for your skin. It's an investment that pays off, especially if family members have skin problems. Swimming in the sea is, of course, much healthier for the skin. Salt has a mild anti-inflammatory effect, loosens dead skin cells (acts like an exfoliator), and draws fluids from inflamed skin. Furthermore, the sea air is rich in moisture. All of this has a positive effect on dry, rough skin. However, be careful if you have open wounds or eczema: The salt water can burn or soften the skin if you stay in the water for too long, allowing germs to penetrate. The combination of sun, salty seawater, and aerosol-rich sea air can improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and have a positive stimulating effect on the body. Salt water baths can also have a similar effect. However, if you go on a beach holiday without tanning and/or in extreme heat, you should of course be especially careful. Waterproof sunscreen should be a given, and don't forget to reapply sunscreen. In the midday heat, don't go into the sea or pool, but play a game of UNO inside, for example. After every swim, shower, change wet swimwear and apply sunscreen. By the way, a holiday at one of our beautiful Austrian lakes with drinking water quality isn't just good for the environment: Freshwater is less aggressive than salt or chlorinated water and therefore best for our skin! Nevertheless, it is still important to give your skin sufficient “care” at the end of a day at the beach. We wish you lots of swimming fun and a wonderful summer Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
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Food allergies and atopic dermatitis
Dear KAMI skincare friends, Many of my patients who come to me during our atopic dermatitis study suffer not only from atopic dermatitis but also from food allergies. Therefore, I wanted to summarize the connection, as far as research has shown. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases and affects millions of people worldwide. If you're affected, you're probably familiar with the painful flare-ups, itching, and dry, irritated skin. But did you know that food allergies can play a major role in the development and worsening of atopic dermatitis? Current medical studies are increasingly demonstrating how closely the skin and gut are connected. I'll summarize these and explain how you can protect your skin with targeted skin care and nutrition. The scientific connection between atopic dermatitis and food allergies Studies show that up to 33% of people with atopic dermatitis also suffer from food allergies. This connection is particularly pronounced in infants and young children. Over half of these young patients are sensitive to certain foods. A damaged skin barrier, as is typical in atopic dermatitis, can facilitate the penetration of allergens and promote sensitization. This means that the body comes into contact with allergens through the skin and subsequently recognizes them as harmful in the intestines. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2023 shows that the skin's barrier function is crucial for preventing allergic reactions. If the skin barrier is compromised, environmental factors and food allergens can more easily penetrate the body and trigger inflammation. Which foods can worsen atopic dermatitis? Every person is different, but some foods are particularly suspected of worsening atopic dermatitis symptoms. The most common triggers include: • Dairy products • Eggs • Wheat • Soy • Nuts • Fish and seafood Not everyone with atopic dermatitis reacts to the same foods, so keeping a food diary can help identify personal triggers. An allergy test with a doctor can provide additional clarity. There are also nutritionists who specialize in advising atopic dermatitis patients. The right skin care as a protective shield against allergens Since a damaged skin barrier serves as a gateway for allergens, proper skin care is essential. This is where our natural skincare products from KAMI skincare come into play. I originally developed them for my son, who also suffered from atopic dermatitis. I have long relied on home remedies and the power of nature in my practice. These are also effective in our KAMI products. The KAMI skincare ingredients include: • Marmot oil: It contains natural corticosteroids that reduce inflammation without drying out the skin. • High-quality vegetable oils rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, which strengthen the skin barrier and provide moisture. • Soothing plant extracts such as lavender, they have anti-inflammatory effects and reduce itching. By using our specially developed skin care products daily, you can support your skin's natural protective function and reduce the risk of allergens entering the body. Practical tips for everyday life: How to protect your skin and body In addition to proper skin care, there are many other measures you can take to protect your skin from allergens and inflammation. Here are some everyday tips: 1. Adjust your diet • Keep a food diary to identify individual triggers. • Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. from linseed oil) and probiotics to support intestinal health. • Avoid highly processed foods, sugar and alcohol, as they can promote inflammation. 2. Gently care for your skin • Only use mild, perfume-free and moisturising cleaning products such as KAMI washing fluid. • Apply a moisturizing cream immediately after showering to strengthen the skin barrier. • Avoid long, hot baths as they can further dry out the skin. 3. Minimize allergens in everyday life • Change bed linens regularly and use dust mite-proof covers to reduce dust allergens. • Wear breathable cotton clothing and avoid synthetic fabrics. • Ventilate regularly to improve air quality and prevent mold growth. 4. Don't forget stress management • Stress is a major trigger for atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. • Sufficient sleep supports skin regeneration. The connection between food allergies and atopic dermatitis is now well-documented. A good nutritionist specializing in atopic dermatitis will certainly be able to help you put together a diet plan if it makes sense to you. Complemented by a conscious lifestyle that combines nutrition, skin care, and stress reduction, you can better manage your atopic dermatitis in the long term. Your body and your skin will thank you! All love Your Kerstin
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