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.

When it comes to skincare, preservatives aren’t the first thing we think about. We usually look at the hero ingredients, the hydrators, the brighteners, the ones that promise visible change. But preservatives quietly sit in the background, keeping everything safe. And here’s something worth knowing: not all preservatives in skincare are created equal. Why Preservatives Matter More Than You Think Without preservatives, that jar of moisturiser on your bathroom shelf wouldn’t last more than a few days. They prevent bacteria, mould, and yeast from growing, so every pump or scoop is as safe and effective as the first. The Downside of Traditional Preservatives The problem is, many traditional preservatives are very harsh and can upset the microbiome, the invisible ecosystem that plays a major role in how our skin feels and looks. Especially so during menopause, when your skin is already more vulnerable. A New Kind of Preservative Only two weeks ago (mid-August 2025), the next-generation preservative xoBiome® EpiProtect™, found in every Nu Allumé product, was awarded Best Functional Ingredient at the NZSCC (The New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Chemists) 2025 Innovation Zone, right alongside some of the most iconic names in global beauty. What Makes It Different Instead of relying on traditional preservative systems that focus solely on controlling microbial growth within the product, EpiProtect™ takes a more sophisticated approach. It uses a carefully designed blend of multifunctional ingredients that work together to keep the formula safe, stable and effective throughout its shelf life. Here’s the clever part: It makes the water within the formula difficult for unwanted microbes to use. It limits the nutrients microorganisms need to grow. It helps maintain the stability and integrity of the product over time. But unlike traditional preservatives, it doesn’t stop there. When the product is applied to the skin, the preservative concentration rapidly diminishes as it spreads across the skin’s surface. Rather than continuing to act primarily as a preservative, the ingredient functions as a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture within the skin. In simple terms, it protects the product in the jar, then becomes part of the skincare experience itself. This approach helps maintain product integrity while aligning with our microbiome-focused philosophy, recognising that every ingredient should contribute to supporting menopausal skin, not simply preserving the formula. That’s what makes our preservative different. It performs one role on the shelf and another role on the skin. Why This Matters for You Every Nu Allumé formulation contains this award-winning preservative technology because once you recognise the microbiome-menopause connection, every ingredient matters, even the preservative. For us, preservatives should do more than protect our product. They should contribute to supporting the skin environment too. It’s one more way we’ve created skincare designed to work with the biology of menopausal skin, not against it. The most important ingredients aren’t always the ones on the front of the pack. Sometimes they’re the ones quietly working in the background.

Why Fermented Skincare Ingredients Matter During Menopause Menopause brings visible changes to the skin, from dryness and sensitivity to a loss of elasticity and comfort. These changes are not random. They reflect a shift in hydration, the skin barrier and the environment on the skin’s surface. This is where fermentation offers a different approach, one that supports how skin functions, not just how it looks.   What Are Fermented Skincare Ingredients? Fermentation is a natural process where beneficial microorganisms break down ingredients into smaller, more bioavailable forms. This process creates compounds known as postbiotics, along with amino acids, enzymes and antioxidants that the skin can more easily absorb. In skincare, this means ingredients that are more readily used by the skin and better aligned with its natural processes.   Why Fermentation Matters During Menopause During perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, the skin’s needs change. Hydration levels decline, the skin barrier becomes more vulnerable and the surface environment where the microbiome lives begins to shift. Fermented ingredients support this environment by helping maintain hydration, supporting the barrier and contributing to overall skin comfort.   The Benefits of Fermented Ingredients for Menopausal Skin   Deep Hydration Support Fermented ingredients can help attract and retain moisture, supporting skin that feels dry or less comfortable. What this means: Skin feels more hydrated and better supported throughout the day.   Improved Ingredient Absorption The fermentation process breaks down nutrients into smaller molecules, making them easier for the skin to utilise. What this means: Ingredients can work more effectively within the skin.   Support for the Skin Barrier Postbiotic compounds help support the skin barrier, which plays an important role in maintaining hydration and protecting the skin. What this means: Skin feels less reactive and more resilient.   Calming Support for Sensitivity Fermented ingredients are known for their ability to help calm visible redness and support sensitive skin. What this means: Skin appears more comfortable and less reactive.   Support for the Skin Microbiome Fermented ingredients help support the environment where beneficial microorganisms live. What this means: Skin is better able to maintain hydration, comfort and overall balance.   The Microbiome–Menopause Connection The skin microbiome is the community of beneficial microorganisms that live on the surface of the skin. During hormonal transition, the conditions that support these microorganisms change. This can influence hydration, sensitivity and how skin behaves. Fermented ingredients, particularly those rich in postbiotics, help support this environment and contribute to overall skin comfort.   A Different Approach to Skincare Menopausal skin does not need more products. It needs products that understand what is changing. Fermented skincare represents a shift away from surface-level solutions and toward supporting the skin’s natural processes. By focusing on hydration, the skin barrier and the microbiome, this approach helps skin feel more comfortable, more resilient and better supported through change.   Final Thought Fermentation may be an ancient process, but its role in skincare is increasingly relevant. For skin experiencing hormonal change, it offers a way to support what the skin needs, rather than trying to override it. And that is where real, lasting skin support begins.

Why Your Skincare Routine Needs to Change During Menopause Menopause is a time when your skin needs a different approach. The changes you experience are not just about wrinkles or fine lines. Your skin’s structure, moisture levels and surface environment are all shifting. Yet most skincare still targets younger skin, leaving many women using products that no longer match what their skin actually needs.   When Standard Routines Fall Short What worked before may not work the same way now.   A Shift in Skin Biology Hormonal changes during perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause influence collagen, hydration and skin thickness. This means skin may feel thinner, drier and less resilient than it once did.   The Overlooked Skin Microbiome The skin’s surface is home to the microbiome, a community of beneficial microorganisms that support the skin barrier and overall skin health. As hormones shift, the environment that supports these microorganisms also changes, which can influence how skin behaves.   Hydration and Barrier Support Become Essential Many traditional products focus on visible signs like wrinkles but do not provide the level of hydration or barrier support menopausal skin often needs. This can leave skin feeling tight, dry or more reactive.   What Works Differently During Menopause Supporting menopausal skin is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters.   Formulations That Reflect Hormonal Change Skincare should acknowledge the shift in oil production, hydration and collagen support. Gentle, considered formulations help support the skin without overwhelming it.   Microbiome-Focused Skincare Focusing on the skin’s surface environment helps support how skin behaves day to day. Using microbiome-focused formulations helps maintain comfort, hydration and the skin barrier.   Deeper Hydration and Barrier Support Menopausal skin often needs more consistent hydration. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, fermented extracts and nourishing oils help maintain moisture and support the skin barrier.   A Layered Approach Rather than relying on a single product, a simple routine of gentle cleansing, targeted serums and moisturisers allows each step to support the skin’s needs.   The Microbiome–Menopause Connection As hormones shift, the environment on the skin’s surface changes. This environment is where the skin microbiome lives. When these conditions change, it can influence hydration, sensitivity and how skin behaves. Supporting this environment helps skin feel more comfortable, more hydrated and more resilient through this stage.   A New Approach to Skincare Menopause is not a time to rely on routines designed for a different stage of life. It is a time to understand your skin and support it differently. By focusing on hydration, the skin barrier and the microbiome, skincare can work with your skin rather than against it.   Final Thought This is not about fixing your skin. It is about supporting it through change. When your routine reflects what your skin is going through, everything starts to feel more balanced, more comfortable and more in control.

6 Cleansing Mistakes That Can Disrupt Your Skin During Menopause Ever wondered if your cleanser could be working against your skin, especially during menopause? If your skin suddenly feels drier, more reactive, or harder to manage, it may not be your imagination. It may be your cleansing routine. As your skin changes through perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, how you cleanse becomes more important than ever.   Why Cleansing Matters More During Menopause Your skin’s microbiome is the community of beneficial microorganisms that live on the surface of your skin. It plays an important role in supporting hydration, comfort and the skin barrier. During hormonal transition, the skin’s surface environment changes. Oil production reduces, the barrier becomes more vulnerable, and the conditions that support the microbiome shift. This means cleansing mistakes that once had little impact can now lead to dryness, redness, irritation or breakouts.   Mistakes to Avoid and What to Do Instead   Using Harsh Cleansers That Strip Your Skin Foaming cleansers with strong detergents can remove the skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. What to do instead: Choose a gentle, cream-based cleanser that cleanses without stripping and supports the skin’s natural environment.   Relying on Makeup Wipes or Micellar Water Alone These can leave behind residue and may not fully cleanse the skin, especially when skin is more sensitive. What to do instead: Always follow with a gentle cleanser to properly remove impurities while maintaining comfort.   Ignoring Your Cleanser’s pH The skin naturally sits at a slightly acidic pH. Cleansers that are too alkaline can disrupt this environment. What to do instead: Look for pH-balanced cleansers designed to support the skin barrier and microbiome.   Using Cleansers Without Hydrating Support Some cleansers focus only on removing impurities and overlook the need to maintain hydration. What to do instead: Choose formulations that include hydrating and nourishing ingredients to help support comfort during cleansing.   Skipping Moisturiser After Cleansing During menopause, skin loses moisture more quickly, leaving it more exposed after cleansing. What to do instead: Apply a moisturiser straight after cleansing to help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.   Forgetting to Support Skin with a Serum Cleansing prepares the skin, but it does not replace lost hydration or nutrients. What to do instead: Follow with a serum that supports hydration and the skin’s natural environment.   The Microbiome–Menopause Connection As hormones shift, the environment on the skin’s surface changes. This environment is where the skin microbiome lives. When these conditions change, it can influence hydration, sensitivity and how skin behaves day to day. Supporting this environment through gentle, microbiome-focused skincare helps maintain comfort and resilience during this stage.   Final Thought What worked for your skin before may not work the same way now. Menopause is not about doing more, it is about doing things differently. By choosing a gentler approach to cleansing and supporting your skin’s natural environment, you can help your skin feel more comfortable, more hydrated and more resilient through change.

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, buzzwords are everywhere, biomimetic, microbiome focused, bioadaptive, probiotic, prebiotic and so on… but what do they actually mean? More importantly, which approach truly supports your skin as it changes during menopause? Let’s break down two of today’s most talked about skincare philosophies biomimetic skincare and microbiome-focused skincare so you can make more empowered choices for your skin. What Is Biomimetic Skincare?The word biomimetic literally means "mimicking life." In skincare, biomimetic products are designed to imitate the skin’s own natural structures or processes. That might mean replicating the function of ceramides in the skin barrier, mimicking the skin’s natural lipids to boost hydration, or creating peptides that stimulate skin renewal like the body’s own growth factors. The promise? Enhanced absorption, reduced irritation, and skin that "recognises" the ingredients as its own. What Is Microbiome-Focused Skincare? While biomimetic skincare mimics the skin’s structure, microbiome-focused skincare supports something even more foundational, your skin’s living ecosystem. Your skin is home to trillions of beneficial microorganisms (your microbiome), which work in harmony to defend against environmental stressors, maintain hydration, and support skin regeneration. During menopause, shifts in hormones can disturb this balance, leading to dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, and more. Microbiome-focused skincare doesn’t try to override this system. Instead, it nurtures it. It uses prebiotics, postbiotics, and fermented ingredients to feed and support these helpful microbes, helping to restore skin resilience and function, especially critical for menopausal skin.   Feature Biomimetic Skincare Microbiome-Focused Skincare Approach Mimics natural skin structures or processes Supports the skin’s living microbial ecosystem Key Ingredients Synthetic ceramides, peptides, lipids Prebiotics, postbiotics, fermented extracts Goal Improve skin performance by imitation Enhance skin health by supporting balance Popular Claims Skin-identical, fast absorption, barrier repair Strengthens barrier, reduces inflammation, improves resilience Menopause Suitability Supports structural integrity Targets root microbiome disruptions due to hormonal shifts Which Is Better for Menopausal Skin? Both approaches have value, but if your skin is undergoing changes due to menopause such as increased dryness, sensitivity, or unexpected breakouts, the root cause may not be structural at all. It may be microbial. Emerging science shows that menopause alters the skin microbiome more than ageing alone. This means that supporting the skin’s ecosystem is no longer optional, it’s essential! While biomimetic ingredients can mimic lost function, they don’t address the underlying microbial shifts happening in your skin. That’s where microbiome-focused skincare steps in, helping to support the skin’s biology, not just imitate it. Final Thoughts In a perfect world, skincare would both work with the body and respect its complexity. Microbiome focused skincare does exactly that. Rather than trying to outsmart the skin, it collaborates with it, especially during the hormonal transitions that define menopause. At Nu Allumé, we believe the future of skincare isn’t mimicry. It’s microbiology.

Menopause brings about significant changes, not just internally, but also visibly on your skin. Until recently, the connection between menopause and the skin microbiome (the community of friendly microorganisms living on your skin) was largely unexplored. But now, new research is shedding light on this fascinating relationship and what it means for your skin’s health. Menopause and Your Skin Microbiome: What's the Connection? Your skin’s microbiome is like a diverse garden of tiny organisms that help keep your skin healthy and resilient. But menopause can shake things up, changing this delicate balance. A recent groundbreaking study explored the skin microbiome of women before and after menopause, carefully controlling for age differences. The results were striking: Lower Sebum Levels: Postmenopausal women experienced a decrease in lipophilic bacteria (those that love oily environments), notably Cutibacterium. This change aligns with the reduced oil production that often comes after menopause, leading to drier skin. Higher Bacterial Diversity: The skin microbiome becomes more diverse after menopause. While diversity often sounds positive, in this context, it might reflect an imbalance that can contribute to common skin concerns like dryness, sensitivity, redness, and decreased resilience. Interestingly, these shifts were directly linked to menopausal status itself—not simply chronological ageing. This discovery means menopause itself, rather than ageing alone, impacts your skin microbiome. Why Does This Matter to You? Menopause is already a significant transition filled with hormonal fluctuations and physical changes. Skin dryness, thinning, redness, irritation, and sensitivity often become a new normal. Understanding that your skin microbiome also changes during menopause opens the door to targeted skincare solutions specifically designed to support your microbiome health during this life stage. How Nu Allumé is Leading the Way At Nu Allumé, we recognised this essential link between menopause and the skin microbiome early on. That's why we became the first skincare brand in the world to formulate products specifically tailored to the unique needs of menopausal skin, with a clear focus on nurturing and supporting the microbiome. Our skincare scientists, experts in chemistry and microbiology, carefully selected potent ingredients such as postbiotics and prebiotics, ensuring each ingredient in every product supports your skin microbiome health, helping manage the visible changes menopause brings. For example: Our Aloe & Snow Peach Postbiotic Day Moisturiser is specifically formulated to restore hydration, soothe redness, and support skin elasticity, all significant concerns during menopause. The Postbiotic Berry Night Moisturiser features fermented berry extracts and bakuchiol, a retinol alternative, to encourage skin regeneration overnight. What’s Next for Your Menopausal Skin? Menopause doesn’t mean you have to compromise on vibrant, resilient, healthy-looking skin. The latest science underscores the importance of microbiome-focused skincare during this pivotal life stage, and Nu Allumé is proud to be pioneering this essential approach. With our scientifically formulated, microbiome-focused skincare, you can confidently embrace menopause knowing your skin is getting the expert care it deserves. At Nu Allumé, we're not just embracing this science, we're leading the way. Because every woman deserves to feel beautiful and confident, no matter what stage of life she’s in.

Why Colour in Skincare May Be Doing More Harm Than Good In a world where skincare is as much about appearance as it is about performance, colour has become an unspoken selling point. A bright pink mask, a luminous blue serum, a glowing green cleanser, it’s no accident that so many skincare products come tinted in pretty colours, it’s marketing, not skin health. And unfortunately, what looks appealing on the outside can cause silent damage where it matters most: deep within your skin’s microbiome.   The Dirty Secret Behind Skincare Colourants The skin’s microbiome is a delicate ecosystem of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that help maintain skin health. It plays a vital role in keeping your skin hydrated, resilient, and protected from environmental stressors. Unfortunately, artificial colourants, particularly synthetic dyes, pigments, and even food-grade dyes can disrupt this fragile balance. For menopausal skin, already more vulnerable due to hormonal shifts, the impact can be even greater: redness, dryness, itching, breakouts, and a breakdown of the skin’s protective barrier. All caused by a colour that was never needed in the first place.   Not All Colour Is Created Equal It’s important to note that not every hint of colour in skincare is a red flag. Natural pigments, such as those from botanical extracts, can bring beautiful, subtle hues while offering real skin benefits at the same time. The key is in the source and the intention.   Why Our Products Are Coloured Only by Their Ingredients We believe skin deserves better than marketing tricks. That’s why every product we create is coloured solely by the natural ingredients within it, no added dyes, no artificial boosters, and absolutely no unnecessary fillers. Each hue you see across our products is a visual reminder of the active botanicals, prebiotic and postbiotic extracts working to support your skin’s health, never to harm it. By avoiding artificial colourants, we protect your skin’s microbiome and respect its natural resilience, especially during the sensitive years of menopause when skin needs every advantage to thrive.   A New Standard for Skincare For us, it’s simple: if an ingredient doesn’t serve a meaningful purpose for your skin, it doesn’t belong in our formulas. When you choose Nu Allumé, you’re not just choosing skincare that looks good, you’re choosing skincare that does good, right down to the microscopic ecosystems that keep your skin vibrant, strong, and radiant.

Natural vs Synthetic Skincare: Why the Skin Microbiome Changes the Conversation In the ever-evolving landscape of skincare, the debate between natural and synthetic ingredients has created a fog of confusion that has left consumers navigating a maze of half-truths and marketing claims. For years, the allure of "natural" products has captivated the market, with consumers often swayed by the notion that what is natural must inherently be better. Conversely, synthetic ingredients have been demonised, cast as the villains of the skincare world. Yet, this binary thinking oversimplifies the complex realities of skincare science and, more importantly, overlooks the critical role of the skin microbiome.   The Role of the Skin Microbiome The skin microbiome, an intricate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. It acts as a protective barrier, helps in regulating immune responses, and even influences how our skin reacts to different ingredients. As our understanding of this microscopic world grows, it becomes increasingly clear that the true measure of a skincare product's effectiveness is not whether its ingredients are natural or synthetic, but how those ingredients interact with the skin microbiome.   A New Lens for Skincare This emerging field of microbiome science is poised to bring clarity to the beauty industry, offering a new lens through which we can evaluate skincare products. No longer should the debate hinge on the source of an ingredient; instead, the focus must shift to its impact on the skin's microbiome. For instance, while natural ingredients like essential oils may seem appealing, they can seriously disrupt the microbiome, leading to irritation or even long-term damage. On the other hand, certain synthetic ingredients, developed through meticulous scientific research for safety and efficacy, can prevent disruption to the microbiome's natural balance.   The Industry Shift The implications of this shift are profound. As consumers become more educated about the importance of the skin microbiome, they will begin to demand products that are formulated with this knowledge in mind. Brands that once relied on the "natural" label as a key selling point will need to evolve, prioritising microbiome-friendly formulations over simplistic marketing narratives.   From “Natural Beauty” to “Healthy Beauty” Forget just “Natural Beauty”, this transition represents the dawn of what we believe could be coined "Healthy Beauty" where the health of the skin microbiome takes precedence over everything else.   What This Means for Skincare In this new era, the split between natural and synthetic ingredients, once seen as a pivotal factor in product selection, will fade into irrelevance. Instead, the focus will be on how well a product supports the skin's microbiome and, by extension, its overall health. This shift will not only benefit consumers, who will enjoy healthier, more resilient skin as more brands turn to biotechnologically derived ingredients that are both sustainable and effective.   The Future of Skincare Innovation Moreover, as the science of the microbiome becomes more mainstream, it will likely spark a broader curiosity in related fields, driving further research and innovation in skincare. The industry's focus will shift from chasing trends to embracing evidence-based practices, ultimately leading to products that are truly beneficial for the skin. The adoption of microbiome-friendly skincare will also encourage a more holistic understanding of skin health, recognising the intricate interplay between the microbiome, the skin barrier, and overall well-being.   Final Thought The skin microbiome is not just a trend; it is the future of skincare, and it is set to revolutionise the way we think about beauty.