Nu Allumé Blog

Your Microbiome Can Affect Your Mood We’ve always known stress shows up on our skin, but now science is showing that the link works both ways. New research from Unilever, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, has revealed that the skin microbiome may play a role in mental wellbeing. Published in the British Journal of Dermatology, the study found that higher levels of a common skin bacterium called Cutibacterium were linked to lower stress and improved mood. Specifically, increased levels on the face and underarms were associated with reduced stress and a more positive state of mind. The Skin–Brain Axis This research is among the first to demonstrate the “skin–brain axis”, the idea that the bacteria living on our skin could influence not only how our skin looks, but also how we feel. It mirrors what we’ve already learned about the gut microbiome’s role in mood and emotional health, but now shines a light on the skin’s own ecosystem. Why This Matters for Menopausal Women During menopause, the skin’s microbiome undergoes significant change, often leading to dryness, sensitivity, redness, or breakouts. If the microbes on our skin also affect mood, as this study suggests, then caring for the skin microbiome may have an even greater impact than we realised, supporting not just comfort and resilience, but possibly emotional wellbeing too. Nu Allumé’s Approach At Nu Allumé, every product in our range is microbiome-focused and formulated with prebiotics or postbiotics to nurture this delicate ecosystem. While our mission has always been to support menopausal skin, research like this deepens the meaning of what we do. By creating formulations that respect and support the microbiome, we’re not only addressing visible concerns like dryness, fine lines, or sensitivity, we may also be contributing to the bigger picture of how women feel in their skin. And as science continues to uncover the skin–brain axis, it signals that microbiome-targeted skincare could support not just skin health, but mental wellbeing too. It’s certainly got us thinking about where the future of skincare might be headed. The Bigger Picture The discovery of the skin–brain axis opens up exciting possibilities. It suggests that skincare may one day play a role in supporting both skin health and emotional wellbeing. For women navigating the changes of menopause, when both skin and emotions can feel more unpredictable, this holistic perspective feels especially powerful. At Nu Allumé, we see this as an important signal: beauty, wellbeing, and confidence are all connected. While our focus is on supporting menopausal skin through microbiome-targeted formulations, the science is a reminder that caring for your skin may also touch something deeper. Closing Thought Science is only just beginning to reveal the connection between the skin microbiome and mental wellbeing. At Nu Allumé, we’re proud to be part of this new era, where skincare supports your biology through menopause and may even influence how you feel in your own skin.

Up to 75% of menopausal women experience night sweats, sudden hot flashes that drench sheets, disrupt sleep, and leave you exhausted. Small lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce their frequency and severity. Here’s your friendly, actionable guide to reclaiming comfortable nights (and energised mornings). Why Night Sweats Happen During menopause, fluctuating estrogen levels confuse the hypothalamus (your body’s thermostat), causing sudden heat releases and excessive sweating. Top 7 Lifestyle Hacks to Stop Night Sweats 1. Keep Your Bedroom Cool Set thermostat between 16–20°C Use a fan or portable air cooler 2. Choose Breathable Bedding & Sleepwear Natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo wick moisture Avoid synthetic blends that trap heat 3. Mind Your Evening Diet Skip spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol after 4 PM Enjoy cooling snacks like cucumber or watermelon 4. Hydrate Strategically Drink water throughout the day Limit fluids 1–2 hours before bed to avoid bathroom trips 5. Practice Relaxation Rituals Spend 5–10 minutes on deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation before bed Apps like Calm or Insight Timer can help guide you 6. Stay Active, But Not Close to Bedtime Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily Finish workouts at least 3 hours before bedtime 7. Track Triggers Keep a simple journal noting foods, activities, or stress before night sweats Identify patterns and adjust where needed Post‑Sweat Skin Care (Quick Routine) While skincare won’t stop night sweats, it can soothe irritation and rehydrate skin afterwards: Cleanse gently with Nu Allumé Postbiotic Papaya Cleansing Crème to remove sweat without stripping moisture Hydrate deeply with Aloe & Snow Peach Postbiotic Day Moisturiser to restore barrier function Repair overnight with Postbiotic Berry Night Moisturiser for antioxidant-rich nourishment When to Seek Medical Advice If night sweats persist despite lifestyle changes, consult your doctor about: - Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)  - Non‑hormonal medications (e.g., SSRIs, gabapentin)  - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for hot flashes Your Night Sweats Survival Checklist ✔️ Cool bedroom environment  ✔️ Breathable sheets & sleepwear  ✔️ Evening relaxation routine  ✔️ Trigger tracking journal  ✔️ Post‑sweat soothing skincare   You deserve restful, sweat‑free nights and brighter mornings ahead.

45 Lesser-Known Menopause Symptoms No One Talks About (And What You Can Do About Them) Menopause is often reduced to a few well-known symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. But if you’re here, you’ve likely experienced something that didn’t quite fit that picture. Something unexpected. Something no one mentioned. This stage of life isn’t defined by one or two symptoms. It’s a full body shift. Think of this as a clear, grounded guide to what’s really happening, and what you can do to feel more like yourself again.   Why These Symptoms Happen During perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, hormone levels shift in ways that influence far more than just your cycle. Oestrogen plays a role in skin hydration and structure, temperature regulation, nervous system response, sleep patterns and mood and cognition. As these levels change, the body adapts. This also affects the skin’s surface environment, where the skin microbiome lives. When that environment shifts, skin can become drier, more reactive, or behave differently than it once did. This is part of what we call the microbiome–menopause connection.   Hormonal and Cycle Changes   Irregular Periods Your cycle may become unpredictable, sometimes heavier, lighter, or skipping altogether. What you can do: Track your cycle to better understand patterns as they change.   Breast Soreness and Loss of Fullness Breasts may feel tender one day and less firm over time. What you can do: Wear supportive bras and use cool compresses when needed.   Libido Changes Sex drive can shift as hormones change and comfort levels vary. What you can do: Communicate openly and prioritise comfort and timing that works for you.   Temperature and Sleep Disruptions   Hot Flashes Sudden waves of heat that can leave you flushed and sweating. What you can do: Dress in layers and keep cooling options nearby.   Night Sweats Waking during the night feeling overheated or damp. What you can do: Use breathable bedding and keep your sleep environment cool.   Sleep Issues Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep becomes more common. What you can do: Create a consistent wind-down routine and limit screen time before bed.   Nightmares and Vivid Dreams Sleep disruption can bring more intense dreaming. What you can do: Introduce calming evening habits like reading or guided relaxation.   Mood, Brain and Nervous System   Mood Swings Emotions may feel less predictable than before. What you can do: Pause, breathe, and give yourself space before reacting.   Anxiety A heightened sense of worry or unease can appear unexpectedly. What you can do: Short breathing exercises can help reset your nervous system.   Low Mood or Depression A sense of heaviness or lack of motivation can develop. What you can do: Focus on small daily actions that bring structure and connection.   Panic Episodes Sudden feelings of fear, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart. What you can do: Ground yourself using simple techniques like naming what you can see and feel.   Brain Fog Forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or losing track mid-task. What you can do: Use reminders and simplify your daily workload where possible.   Irritability Small frustrations can feel amplified. What you can do: Build in pauses before responding, even a few seconds can help.   Fear of Driving or Situational Anxiety Tasks that once felt routine may suddenly feel overwhelming. What you can do: Reintroduce them gradually in low-pressure environments.   Energy and Physical Changes   Fatigue Feeling tired even after rest. What you can do: Prioritise short breaks and exposure to natural light.   Dizziness or Lightheadedness A sense of imbalance, especially when standing quickly. What you can do: Move slowly between positions and stay hydrated.   Heart Palpitations Awareness of your heartbeat, fluttering or racing. What you can do: Focus on slow, controlled breathing.   Weight Changes and Bloating Shifts in metabolism and fluid retention. What you can do: Maintain regular meals and hydration.   Joint Pain and Stiffness Reduced lubrication in joints can cause discomfort. What you can do: Gentle movement like walking or stretching supports mobility.   Skin, Hair and Appearance Changes   Dry or Itchy Skin Skin may feel tighter, more fragile, or prone to irritation. What you can do: Use microbiome-focused skincare that supports hydration and the skin barrier.   Breakouts and Acne Hormonal shifts can trigger unexpected breakouts. What you can do: Use gentle, targeted ingredients without over-stripping the skin.   Pigmentation Changes Uneven tone or darker patches may appear. What you can do: Apply SPF daily and use targeted antioxidant support.   Hair Thinning Hair may become finer or shed more easily. What you can do: Gentle scalp care and avoiding harsh treatments can help.   Brittle Nails Nails may weaken and split. What you can do: Regular conditioning and avoiding harsh removers.   Easy Bruising Skin becomes thinner and more delicate. What you can do: Be mindful of impact and support skin with hydration.   Where Skincare Fits In Skin changes during menopause are not random. As hormones shift, the environment on the skin’s surface changes, which influences the microbiome, hydration and barrier function. Supporting this environment is key to helping skin feel comfortable, hydrated and more resilient through this stage.   Digestive and Internal Changes   Nausea and Digestive Discomfort Bloating or indigestion may increase. What you can do: Simple, gentle foods and hydration can help manage symptoms.   Cholesterol Changes Internal shifts can influence cardiovascular markers. What you can do: Focus on balanced nutrition and regular check-ups.   Sensory and Less Talked About Symptoms   Electric Shock Sensations Brief, unexpected sensations, often before hot flashes. What you can do: Pause and allow your body to settle.   Tingling or Numbness Pins and needles in different areas of the body. What you can do: Stretch regularly and maintain circulation.   Tinnitus Ringing or buzzing in the ears. What you can do: Use calming background noise if needed.   Phantom Smells Sensing smells that are not present. What you can do: Reset your senses with fresh air or mild scents.   Burning Tongue or Taste Changes Food may taste different or cause discomfort. What you can do: Stick to milder foods and stay hydrated.   Intimate and Pelvic Health   Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort Reduced oestrogen affects tissue hydration. What you can do: Use appropriate lubrication and support comfort.   Urinary Incontinence Leaks during movement or pressure. What you can do: Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen control.   Bowel Incontinence Less common, but can occur due to muscle changes. What you can do: Seek support and consider pelvic floor therapy.   Final Thought If you’ve been experiencing symptoms that don’t quite make sense, you’re not imagining it. This is your body adapting to a new hormonal environment. Understanding what’s happening is the first step toward feeling more in control, more informed, and more supported through this stage of life. And importantly, you’re not alone in it.

What to Eat During Menopause: A Guide to Supporting Your Body Through Change Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it often brings a range of symptoms that can affect daily well-being. From hot flushes and night sweats to mood changes and bone health concerns, the right nutrition can play a crucial role in managing these symptoms and promoting overall health. Here’s how to embrace a diet that supports your body during menopause:   1. Understand Your Body's Changing Needs During menopause, the body's hormone levels fluctuate, leading to changes in metabolism, bone density and muscle mass. Understanding these shifts can help guide you toward the foods that will best support your health.   2. Focus on Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone Health Menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis, so it’s essential to include: Dairy products: Milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. Leafy greens: Kale, spinach and broccoli also provide calcium. Fortified foods: Some juices, cereals and plant-based milks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Sun exposure and supplements: Ensure adequate vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium.   3. Prioritise Foods Rich in Phytoestrogens Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially easing some symptoms. Soy products: Tofu, tempeh, edamame and soy milk are great options. Flaxseeds: Add them to smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal. Lentils and chickpeas: These legumes can be incorporated into salads, soups and stews.   4. Opt for Healthy Fats Good fats can help maintain hormonal balance and support heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts and chia seeds. Omega-3s may also reduce inflammation and support mood stability. Avocados, nuts and olive oil: These are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats.   5. Eat Enough Protein to Maintain Muscle Mass As muscle mass tends to decrease with age, it’s important to consume adequate protein to support muscle health. Lean meats, poultry and fish: These are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Plant-based proteins: Beans, lentils, quinoa and tofu can provide ample protein for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Eggs and dairy products: These can help boost protein intake and offer other essential nutrients.   6. Balance Blood Sugar with Whole Grains and Fibre Fluctuating blood sugar levels can exacerbate mood swings and energy dips during menopause. Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats and whole wheat products are better options than refined grains. Fruits and vegetables: High in fibre, they help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Legumes: Beans, peas and lentils provide a combination of protein and fibre.   7. Stay Hydrated and Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Drink plenty of water: Menopause can cause dehydration, so aim for at least 8 cups a day. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol: These can trigger hot flushes and disrupt sleep.   8. Add Foods That Help Manage Mood Swings Some foods can help stabilise mood and energy levels. Dark chocolate: In moderation, it can help boost mood due to its content of magnesium and flavonoids. Berries: Packed with antioxidants, they can aid brain health. Nuts and seeds: A good source of magnesium, which can help manage mood swings.   Embrace a Balanced and Diverse Diet Embracing the right foods during menopause can make a significant difference in how you feel each day. Focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients to support bone health, hormone balance and overall well-being. As always, consider consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.