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Do men really need a separate face cream? Or is it just clever marketing?Face cream for men, cleansers for men, even eye creams “for men”—these days, there’s a whole range of skincare products targeted specifically at men. But does male skin actually need different products than female skin, or is this just smart branding? Time to find out!Men’s skin: is it different?Let’s start with the basics: is men’s skin really that different from women’s? Yes, there are definitely some differences. Men’s skin is generally thicker and firmer due to higher collagen production. Hormones like testosterone also cause male skin to be oilier. That means more sebum, larger pores, and often a shinier complexion. On top of that, many men shave regularly, which can cause irritation and make the skin feel rougher.As men age, collagen production decreases and the skin can start to feel drier—at that point, just like women’s skin, it needs more care.Do men really need different products?While there are differences between male and female skin, this doesn’t necessarily mean men need separate products. If you don’t have specific skin concerns like acne or eczema, a good cleanser, a quality moisturizer, and SPF are enough to take care of your skin.That’s why it’s more important to focus on the ingredients than the label that says “for men.” A product like the BAKR&BERG Vitamin Booster Day Cream with SPF can be an excellent choice for both women and men. It hydrates, protects against harmful UV rays, and gives your skin a vitamin boost—beneficial for everyone.So why the focus on men’s products?The reason there are products marketed specifically to men mostly comes down to habits. Many men didn’t grow up with a detailed skincare routine, and brands respond to that. They create products that absorb quickly, have neutral scents, and look simple and straightforward—making it easier and more appealing for men to actually use that jar of cream.But let’s be honest: your skin doesn’t care about labels. What matters is using the right care that suits your skin type—not what the packaging looks like.Take care of your skin—no matter your genderWhether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, the key is choosing the right products that match your skin’s needs. The BAKR&BERG Vitamin Booster Day Cream, with built-in SPF, is a top choice for men looking for a effective daily skincare routine.So don’t let marketing distract you too much. Your skin deserves the best ingredients, no matter what kind of jar or tube they come in!

Nutrition and Skin: What Does Science Say?Recently, an intriguing review article was published in the scientific journal Nutrition, titled Diet and Skin Health: The Good and the Bad. This article explores the crucial role of nutrition in maintaining healthy skin and how specific dietary habits can both positively and negatively influence the health of our largest organ: the skin.Here, we’re sharing the key insights from this review to help you gain more knowledge for radiant skin!The Crucial Role of Nutrition for Skin HealthThe review highlights that the skin not only serves as a protective barrier against harmful influences such as bacteria, UV radiation, and chemicals, but also participates in numerous physiological processes. These include regulating body temperature, synthesizing vitamin D, and supporting immune surveillance. As we age, face diseases, or are exposed to harmful environmental factors, the function and structure of the skin change drastically. This is why strategies for treating and preventing skin aging—such as cosmetic treatments and physical protection against sunlight—are becoming increasingly important.However, growing attention is being paid to the role of nutrition in skin health. This review emphasizes that certain foods can serve as an effective and natural way to alleviate and prevent signs of skin aging. But how does this work exactly?How an Unhealthy Diet Harms Your SkinThe authors of the review article stress the harmful effects of an unhealthy diet on the skin. Dietary habits such as insufficient water intake, high-fat and high-sugar diets, and consuming certain food additives can lead to skin problems. These unhealthy habits disrupt the skin’s balance, making it more prone to aging, loss of elasticity, and inflammation. Your diet directly impacts your skin's condition and appearance.Healthy Eating Habits for Radiant SkinFortunately, the opposite is also true: healthy dietary habits can greatly benefit your skin. The review emphasizes that a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, healthy fats, and vitamins has a positive impact on the skin. These nutrients help fight skin aging, maintain elasticity, and protect the skin from harmful influences such as UV radiation and pollution.Key foods that can help maintain healthy skin include:• Antioxidants: Found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, they protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.• Healthy Fats: Present in nuts, seeds, and fish, they hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation.• Probiotics and Phytochemicals: Often found in fermented foods, they protect the skin and support a healthy skin structure.Conclusion: Nutrition as the Key to Healthy SkinThe Nutrition review underscores that aging, diseases, and environmental factors greatly affect your skin, but healthy nutrition is equally important in maintaining radiant skin. Eating patterns rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, water, and fiber not only help keep your skin healthy but also contribute to your body’s overall health.So the next time you’re concerned about your skin, ask yourself: what have I eaten? Because beautiful skin starts with a healthy plate!For more information, we recommend reading the full review article in Nutrition for additional insights you can apply to achieve radiant skin.ReferenceDiet and Skin Health: The Good and the Bad. Review Nutrition. 2024 Mar:119:112350. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112350. Published online 2024 Jan 2.Authors: Idris Adewale Ahmed, Ph.D., Maryam Abimbola Mikail, Ph.D.• Affiliations:a. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Malaysiab. Mimia Sdn. Bhd., MalaysiaNutrition is an international scientific journal focusing on advancements in nutrition research and clinical nutrition practices to improve human health.What is a Scientific Review?A scientific review is a comprehensive article summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating existing research and literature on a specific topic. Its purpose is to summarize the current state of a field, identify trends and research gaps, and help interpret existing knowledge. Unlike original studies, a review does not contain new experimental data but instead provides a critical analysis of previously published studies.

Applying your cream is not just a routine. It’s all about the right technique to ensure your skin fully absorbs benefits. There are various approaches:  spreading or massaging, carefully allowing it to be absorbed, there are various approaches. But what is the best way? It depends on several factors, such as the type of cream you are using and its purpose. For instance, some medical ointments require that you apply them thinly. Sometimes application once per day is enough, but in other cases, it’s important to care for your skin multiple times a day, especially if you are frequently exposed to the sun or if your skin is damaged and dry. A tiger balm is easy to massage in, but some prescribed creams should not be massaged because it can affect absorption and effectiveness. Recently, an interesting scientific article was published that demonstrates which massage technique is the most effective for the absorption of retinol cream by your skin. We are excited to discuss this fascinating article1 with you in this blog. Retinol, a commonly used ingredient in anti-aging creams, has been the subject of research on the effects of massage on its absorption. Scientists applied retinol to pieces of pigskin and subjected them to various massage techniques. What did they find? Massage indeed influences the absorption of retinol by the skin, with the so-called 'rolling massage' proving to be the most effective. This could help in the development of advanced skincare products that combine massage with retinol. The research experimented with different massage styles (rolling or rotating) and their duration. The results showed that the type of massage had a significant impact on the penetration of retinol into the skin. Although retinol naturally dissolves well in the upper layer of the skin, the research team discovered that after 4 hours, significant amounts of retinol also penetrated into the deeper skin layers (epidermis and dermis), depending on the massage therapy protocol used. The 'rolling massage' was much more effective than the rotating process, which had little impact on retinol penetration. The conclusion was clear: the rolling type of massage was significantly more efficient than the rotating process in promoting the penetration of retinol into the skin. In other words, if you want to get the most out of your retinol cream, a rolling massage is the best choice. Referentie: Salas, T., Bordes, C., Arquier, D., Caillier, L., Mandica, F., & Bolzinger, M. (2023). "Effect of Massage on Retinol Skin Penetration." International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 642, 123106. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123106.

Day creams are an important part of our daily skincare routine. They hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin from harmful external influences. One of the key properties of a day cream is its spreadability—how easily the cream glides over the skin. However, you may have noticed that day creams with SPF (sun protection factor) often feel slightly thicker and are more difficult to apply smoothly. But why is this? The spreadability of a day cream is influenced by several factors: Consistency of emulsifiers: Emulsifiers are substances that help water and oil mix well to form a stable emulsion. In a day cream, they are crucial for the texture and spreadability. Lipids (fats): The composition of fats and oils in the cream greatly affects its spreadability. Heavier oils, such as shea butter, make the cream richer and give it a greasier feel, while lighter oils, like jojoba oil or apricot kernel oil, create a silky effect. The combination of heavy and light oils in BAKR&BERG's Vitamin Day Cream ensures optimal spreadability. Water phase vs. oil phase: Day creams are often O/W emulsions (oil-in-water), where oil is finely dispersed in water. This type of emulsion is lighter and easier to spread than W/O emulsions (water-in-oil), which are usually greasier and harder to distribute. BAKR&BERG's creams are carefully developed as O/W emulsions, which contributes to their desired composition and spreadability. Thickeners and stabilizers: To ensure the stability of UV filters and optimize their effectiveness, thickeners and stabilizers are often added to the formulation. While these ingredients are crucial for stability, they can affect the cream’s spreadability. The Role of UV Filters in Consistency: There are two types of UV filters used in day creams: chemical (organic) filters and physical (inorganic) filters. Chemical filters: These filters absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. While chemical filters typically have less impact on spreadability than physical filters, they can make the cream slightly thicker. Physical filters: These filters act as a physical barrier on the skin and reflect UV rays. These filters have a larger molecular structure and can make the cream feel rougher, making it harder to apply evenly. The larger molecular structure of physical filters can result in a coarser texture, which may contribute to the thicker feeling. In BAKR&BERG's Vitamin Booster Day Cream, the following sun filters are used: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano) (Tinosorb M), and Ethylhexyl Triazone. These sun filters provide strong protection without irritating the skin: Tinosorb S: Protects against both UV-A and UV-B, is not absorbed by the skin, does not produce free radicals or cause hormonal disruptions, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tinosorb M: Offers protection against both UV-A and UV-B. This nano filter adheres well to the skin, does not produce free radicals or cause hormonal disruptions, and is safe to use. Ethylhexyl Triazone: A stable UV-B filter that does not produce free radicals or cause hormonal disruptions, has minimal risk of skin irritation, and is not absorbed into the skin. Together, these filters offer safe, stable, and effective sun protection. Conclusion: The spreadability of a day cream depends on the various ingredients in the formulation. Day creams with SPF often contain additional components, such as UV filters and stabilizers, which can alter the texture and make the cream feel thicker. While this can sometimes be seen as a disadvantage, it is important to remember that the protective action of SPF is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful, and radiant skin. [1]. Venkatesh S, Reddy R, Rao K, et al. A study on the effect of surfactants and thickening agents on the spreadability of sunscreen formulations. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(1):88-96.[2]. Addor FAS, Barcaui CB, Gomes EE, Lupi O, Marçon CR, Miot HA. Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies. An Bras Dermatol. 2022 Mar-Apr;97(2):204-222.[3]. Otberg N, Boehm D, Neuser J, et al. The effect of emulsifier type on the skin absorption of sunscreen agents. J Dermatol Sci. 2020;98(1):10-16.

Smoking, Vaping, and the Skin: What Happens to Your Skin When You Smoke or Vape?Smoking has been a well-known cause of health problems for decades, but the impact of smoking on the skin often receives less attention. With the rise of e-cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vaping), it is more important than ever to understand how both traditional and modern smoking habits can affect your skin. Smoking and vaping can have harmful effects on the skin, such as premature aging, delayed wound healing, and an increased risk of skin conditions. To better understand this, we’ve delved into the scientific literature.The Effects of Smoking on the Skin Smoking damages the skin at several levels. Cigarette smoke breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This leads to premature aging and the formation of wrinkles. Free radicals, which are produced by the burning of tobacco, cause oxidative stress, meaning they damage healthy skin cells and reduce their ability to repair themselves. As a result, the skin becomes more vulnerable, thinner, and shows signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging, and a dull complexion.Vaping: A "Safer" Alternative? E-cigarettes, often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, have been shown by research to have similar harmful effects on the skin. Vaping can also lead to skin problems. Although e-cigarettes do not cause the burning of tobacco like regular cigarettes, they contain other harmful chemicals that can damage the skin. For instance, the nicotine content in vaping disrupts blood flow to the skin, which can lead to dry, dull, and aged skin, much like traditional smoking.Worse Wound Healing from Smoking and Vaping Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes negatively affect wound healing. Smoking reduces collagen production and slows down the migration of fibroblasts, the cells important for skin repair. This leads to slower wound healing, an increased risk of infections, and even tissue necrosis (skin tissue death) after surgeries. Additionally, smokers may develop more scars due to poor wound healing.Allergies and Skin Irritations from Smoking and Vaping Another lesser-known consequence of smoking is the development of contact allergies. Cigarette smoke contains allergens like formaldehyde, menthol, and even cocoa, which can cause allergic reactions such as hand dermatitis. This type of skin inflammation is especially common in smokers who touch cigarettes with their hands. E-cigarettes can also cause contact allergies, particularly from metals like nickel, which are often used in the devices. For example, a case was described where a patient with a nickel allergy developed a rash from touching their e-cigarette.Dermatological Conditions from Smoking and Vaping In addition to skin aging and poor wound healing, smoking can contribute to the development of skin conditions such as psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). The risk of SCC, a form of skin cancer, increases among smokers. The prevalence of such skin conditions among smokers highlights the significant impact of tobacco use on overall skin health. This also applies to vapers, who can experience inflammation and rashes due to the chemicals in e-liquids.Stoptober Every year in October, the month is dedicated to Stoptober, a campaign that encourages smokers to quit for 28 days. What began in 2012 in the United Kingdom, initiated by Public Health England, has since become an annual event in several countries, including the Netherlands. Since 2014, the Netherlands has enthusiastically joined this challenge. The idea behind Stoptober is simple but effective: if you manage to stay smoke-free for 28 days, you have a much greater chance of quitting permanently.Dr. Annemarie de Lind van Wijngaarden, a pulmonologist at the HAGA hospital in The Hague, emphasizes that it’s never too late to quit smoking. "Every cigarette you don’t smoke is a win," she says. Quitting smoking has an immediate positive effect on your energy, endurance, appearance, and sleep quality. After 12 weeks, the risk of a heart attack decreases, and your lung function improves. One year after quitting, the risk of heart disease is halved, and 10 years later, the increased risk of lung cancer is also halved. Additionally, it is crucial to work together towards a Smoke-Free Generation, says De Lind van Wijngaarden. "We all have a responsibility to ensure that young people and children don’t start smoking because addiction is difficult to overcome." By quitting, you set a good example and protect children from the harmful effects of tobacco.Conclusion It is clear that both cigarettes and e-cigarettes have harmful effects on the skin. They cause premature aging, slow down wound healing, and increase the risk of skin conditions. Although e-cigarettes are often seen as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, research shows that vaping also has negative consequences for skin health. The best thing you can do for your skin – and your overall health – is to quit smoking and vaping.Sources:  1 Ortiz, A., & Grando, S. A. (2012). Smoking and the skin. International Journal of Dermatology, 51(2), 250-262. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05205.x 2 Mitri, A., Lin, G., Waldman, R. A., & Grant-Kels, J. M. (2021). Effects of tobacco and vaping on the skin. Clinics in Dermatology, 39(5), 785-792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.004 3 https://stoptober.nl Special thanks to Annemarie de Lind van Wijngaarden, pulmonologist

A good night’s sleep isn’t just a luxury, it’s the VIP ticket to a life of vitality and happiness. Science has shown time and again that our nighttime adventures play a major role in how we feel and function. To understand why that beauty sleep is so crucial to our well-being and how it affects our body and mind, we take a deep dive into the world of science. Let’s start with the idea of sleep quality. It’s not just about how long we sleep, but also about how content we are with our overall sleep: how quickly we drift off to dreamland and how often we get up for a bathroom break during the night. A satisfying sleep experience is invaluable to our overall well-being. 1 Another interesting fact about sleep is how it gives our brains an upgrade in memory and learning. During sleep, memories from the day before are stored and our brains get a workout, allowing us to study better and retain that knowledge. 2 But hey, the quality of that good sleep is not to be underestimated when it comes to our well-being. Sleep disorders such as nighttime vomiting and apnea can put a damper on our sleep quality, which emphasizes the importance of good sleep hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. 3 When it comes to a normal night’s sleep, it’s different for everyone. But in an ideal world, we fall asleep like a log, only occasionally disturbed by a persistently buzzing mosquito. However, stress, aches and pains, and poor sleeping habits can throw a spanner in the works. In short, after this short scientific journey of discovery, we can safely say: a good night's sleep is the key to a vibrant life full of health and happiness. Let's understand these complex sleep processes and focus on healthy sleep habits for a vital and balanced life. So, let's all pay a little extra attention to our sleep - for a healthier and happier life! References: Nelson KL, Davis JE, Corbett CF. Sleep quality: An evolutionary concept analysis. Nurs Forum. 2022 Jan;57(1):144-151. doi: 10.1111/nuf.12659. Epub 2021 Oct 5. PMID: 34610163. Acosta MT. Sleep, memory and learning. PMID: 31603840. Baranwal N, Yu PK, Siegel NS. Sleep physiology, pathophysiology, and sleep hygiene. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2023 Mar-Apr;77:59-69. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2023.02.005. Epub 2023 Feb 24. PMID: 36841492.

Scrunchies are not only stylish, but also practical. They keep your hair out of your face during your daily facial care and look great as a bun or headband. Our scrunchies, made of Mulberry 22 silk, ensure that your hair stays healthy and looks beautiful. No damage, no metal, no dents and no wrinkles.

Micellar water comes from the word micelles, and the word micelle is derived from the Latin micella, from mica (grain). Micellar water is water with tiny droplets of oil suspended in it. But why is it such an effective cleanser? To understand, we need to look at the chemistry behind it.

  Almost a year ago, after a long preparation process, we launched our skincare brand BAKR&BERG. After an incredibly fun and educational time, we proudly share an article about BAKR&BERG in the magazine of the VJA (association of young pharmacists). In the article you can read how our scientific knowledge, clinical experience and shared passion for beauty have formed the basis of our beautiful brand. Read the article from the VJA Magazine below In addition to our work as a pharmacist and general practitioner, we, Sawen Bakr and Margreeth van den Berg, have always had a passion for skincare and cosmetics. The dream of developing our own skincare line regularly surfaced. Through our scientific knowledge, clinical experience and shared passion for beautiful skincare products, we found each other. We joined forces and founded the brand Bakr&Berg, a unique skincare brand that is specially designed for the self-conscious woman or man who cares about their skin and health and loves quality and beautiful things in life. Bakr&Berg in a nutshell: Skin care with a medical twist for people who care about their skin and health, but do not blindly grab a product from the shelves. And last but not least: A touch of gold! How it all started It started with a passion. With theoretical knowledge, clinical experience and above all a great personal interest, the idea quickly developed into a plan. We developed the plan through brainstorming sessions, consultations with various parties involved and a great deal of market research. From the very beginning, we have paid a lot of attention to the development process of our products. Where we lacked knowledge, we have brushed it up. The development process often goes ten steps forward and then eight steps back, but in the end it is the result that counts! We have created formulas that are fully supported by our scientific knowledge and clinical experience. With this we have developed formulas and combinations of ingredients that do exactly what they promise. Sustainable entrepreneurship as a conscious choice The process of developing a skincare line involved more than we initially thought. In addition to developing the formulas, we were confronted with the business side and became familiar with the world of materials and packaging. Sustainability and veganism are aspects that we wanted to implement in our products. However, finding suitable packaging turned out to be quite a challenge. We never thought that it would be such a long, but especially interesting process to find the perfect packaging for our products. We are very aware of the surplus of plastic in the throwaway culture in which we live. Even with our products, there comes a time when they run out and the empty packaging ends up in the trash. That is why we really wanted to package our products in bioplastic and sat down with numerous producers (virtually) to ultimately find packaging material that is 100% recyclable. We ultimately opted for cane sugar plastic, a bioplastic that is completely recyclable. This was very important to us. Sugarcane is molecularly identical to oil-based plastic. It was essential that the packaging met the correct requirements of the Food and Drug Administration, as well as European guidelines and legislation. That is why many tests were carried out, which resulted in the 100% recyclable packaging, which has a CO2 footprint that is 50% less than that of normal plastic. For our first launched products we have chosen 75ml tubes, because this has proven to be a handy size from the market research we have done. It is compact and easy to carry, making it suitable for daily use or on the go. It is a nice size that contains enough volume for use over a certain period of time without being too big or unwieldy. Another important aspect of Bakr&Berg is that our products are registered in the G-standard. This gives pharmacists and doctors confidence to offer them in pharmacies. For now, Bakr&Berg is currently available in a select number of clinics and pharmacies in the Netherlands, but our goal is to expand this. This ambition goes hand in hand with the commitment to sustainability. Bakr&Berg will continue to consciously choose sustainable processes and materials. We are constantly developing new products and are looking forward to the further growth of Bakr&Berg and the expansion of our range. Our ambition is to be able to offer Bakr&Berg products to every woman and/or man worldwide.

  Although this winter can't really be called wintery, many people still suffer from chapped, dry, tight and even painful hands. Especially if you wash your hands often or are outside a lot, you can hardly avoid it. A good hand cream is therefore a real must for everyone. First of all for soft, supple hands, but of course also because it is simply wonderful to smear with a nice hand cream. How do dry and painful hands develop? Our hands have to endure a lot when it gets colder or when you wash your hands often. Think of cold air when it is freezing, but also the heater plays a role, oh and what about washing your hands often?! All factors that can cause rough, dry and painful skin with cracks in the worst case. Dry air is a common cause of (too) dry hands. In winter, the heating is turned on again and the windows are opened less often. The humidity in the house decreases. You will probably recognize it: after a wonderful night's sleep with the window slightly open, you turn on the heating. Lovely of course, but you can quickly suffer from tight and taut skin. Our hands are especially sensitive to this. If it is also freezing outside, all hell breaks loose. Super nasty, because cracks in the dry skin of your hands is really no fun. Tip. Turn the heating down a degree and also open the window a crack regularly on cold days. In addition to humidity, there is another important cause of dry hands, namely washing hands (with soap). Since the pandemic, we have been repeatedly told that we should wash our hands often and for as long as possible. Of course, this is good for fighting the virus, but it is disastrous for the skin of your hands. There is hardly anyone who has not suffered from washing hands too much. The more you wash your hands, the more you need to take care of them with a moisturizing hand cream. As we have all learned, soap is important in killing viruses, so unfortunately we are stuck with it. Tip. Don't shower too long and especially not too hot! Although it can be wonderful sometimes, it is really not good for your skin. Not only for the skin of your hands, but of your entire body! How do I prevent dry and chapped hands?! Applying hand cream to your hands is wonderful all year round, but it is a must during the winter months. Start applying it before you get any complaints. That way, you can prevent the discomfort. Add applying hand cream to your morning routine and repeat during the day after washing your hands. A small amount is enough to keep your hands supple and soft all day long. Hydrating hand cream from BAKR&BERG BAKR&BERG has developed a super fine hand cream, made from natural products. The hand cream makes your hands super soft and the scent is also delicious. Some of the ingredients of our cream are acadamia oil, olive oil and schizophyllan. These ingredients may not mean anything to you, but we can promise you that these ingredients each ensure that your skin feels supple and soft. Our hand cream comes in a nice tube (made of bioplastic) that also looks super nice. So nice to put in your bathroom or to put in your bag for on the go. BAKR&BERG Moisturizing hand cream | 75ML |