Some messages we get really hit us right "in the feels", and make us grimace at the pain that so many of us can recognize. A typical message reads something like this:

”I'm really suffering from irritated, dry and atopic skin. My skin is itchy, tight and stings even from just a touch of water. I think I look just awful with the red bumps and the scaly skin. I've tried everything, including a bunch of prescriptions from the doctor. Some of it works whilst I'm using it, but I don't like exposing my body to such harsh means to keep it under control. Can you help me?”

We feel their pain, because many of us have been there, and we understand how desperate for a cure skin issues can make you. 

One of BAK's founders, Søren, started BAK because he himself had struggled with atopic skin his whole life, and wanted to help others who were suffering with the same issues.

He and BAK's co-founder, Charlotte, found the solution in probiotic bacteria. 

They a very particular strain of probiotics that proved to have a positive effect against the harmful bacteria Staphyloccoccus aureus, that's often present in high number in atopic skin.

What is atopic skin?

Atopic skin is signified by reddened skin, itchiness, flaking skin, and small bumps or blisters. 

When you're suffering from it, it can feel very lonely and like you're the only one dealing with it. However, it's actually a skin issue that's very common and that's growing--especially in the western world. 

People with atopic skin have a weakened skin barrier, which makes it particularly prone to irritation and itchiness. It often appears on the hands, face or around the eyes. But for some the entire body is affected. 

Lifestyle factors

The reason why atopic skin appears is not fully understood. 

For many, the reason may be genetic. If one or both of the parents suffer from atopic skin then there's a 30% risk that the child will inherit it. 

Based on the rising number of people suffering with atopic skin, current research is investigating the link between the decline in microbe diversity in and on the body, and the rise in atopic skin conditions. 

This means it's worthwhile to take a closer look at the microbiome--both inside the gut and on the skin. 

Our modern lifestyle exposes us to a whole world of things that negatively impact the diversity of our microbiome. Everything from pollution, chemicals, medications and antibiotics play their part. 

It's not optimal because a diverse microbiome is a more healthy microbiome. Because in that diversity you're bound to have more good bacteria that can "block" the bad bacteria and stop them from gathering space. 

Similarly, there's research that supports the notion that everything from diet to stress levels and sleep also impact your microbiome. 

If you're stressed, then you often eat to much sugar and processed foods. And the same can often be said for when you're tired from a lack of sleep. 

If you have an underlying propensity for atopic skin, then these lifestyle factors can be more than enough to cause a flare-up that can be difficult to soothe again.

Help for irritated and itchy skin

For most of us, it would be very challenging to change our surroundings, and hence the challenges they pose to our microbiome and skin are hard to avoid or prevent. 

Having said that, if you're really suffering from atopic skin, then it's worth taking the time to review your diet and make sure you set aside enough time for sleep and something to help relieve stress. Easier said than done...but very important. 

Beyond those fundamentals, you can help your skin cope by strengthening the skin barrier. 

The best way to do that is to make sure it's thoroughly moisturized with a nourishing moisturizer. 

A second power-move is to help the skin recreate the microbial balance by adding good probiotic bacteria. Try our probiotic Serum for Atopic Skin on particularly afflicted areas. For larger,  less irritated areas, try the Postbiotic