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How To Look After Your Aging Skin: A Pharmacist's Guide to Skincare After 50

If you’re seeking the inside scoop on aging skin care, step into the laboratory of skincare wisdom. Our founder, Sharmani, a pharmacist and a mature woman herself, expertly blends science with style to unveil the art of aging gracefully. Ready for a journey that’s as scientific as it is fabulous? Shop Active Treatment Serums Is 45 Too Late to Start A Skincare Routine? It’s never too late! Dive into the world of timeless beauty with three main products, the Holy Grail for mature skin: Sunscreen Vitamin C (like the triple combination of vitamin C and antioxidants found in our Glow Getter3 Serum) Retinoids, like the powerful, yet gentle retinaldehyde combined with other highly active ingredients in our Advanced+ Renewal Serum. These three products should form the foundation for your aging skin care regimen. What Should My Skincare Routine Be at 50? Whether you started earlier or are just embarking on your serious skincare journey at 50, there’s no wrong time to craft a precise skincare routine. The same principles apply to 50-something skin as it does in your 40s: sunscreen, vitamin C, and retinoids. And because 50-something skin can start to experience dryness, make sure you have a good moisturizer like our Daily Infusion+ on hand. This hydrating powerhouse keeps your skin’s balance in check. How Can I Make My Aging Skin Look Better? To minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and leave your skin looking radiant and glowing, elevate your skincare routine with our Radiant Skin Set, which combines a morning and nighttime serum (Glow Getter3 and Advanced+ Renewal) for radiant and youthful-looking mature skin. Make sure to use something to combat dryness, which can age skin. Should You Use Retinol in Your 50s? Absolutely, let science lead the way! Retinoids are backed by oodles of evidence to show that they stimulate collagen production, bidding farewell to fine lines and wrinkles. They also increase skin cell turnover, fight hyperpigmentation, and even increase your skin’s moisture content, helping to combat dryness. Think of retinoids as your skin’s secret weapon, deployed under the cover of night. (retinoids should be applied at night because they are sensitive to sunlight and prone to degradation when exposed to UV rays.) We’re huge fans of the benefits that come with retinaldehyde, found in our Advanced+ Renewal Serum. What is the Best Skin Care Routine for Women Over 50? For actual results (not overhyped nonsense), get started with our Ageless Skin Set. In addition to our two serums, Glow Getter3 and Advanced+ Renewal, we include our hydrating Daily Infusion+ Moisturizer and Amazing Clean, an exfoliating cleanser (but caution sensitive skin with this one!) It contains the essentials for better looking skin–just add sunscreen. What is a Good Skin Care Routine for Aging Skin? Crafting a good skincare routine for mature skin isn’t as difficult or as confusing as you may imagine. Start with cleansing, which helps remove dirt and make-up and provides a clean canvas to help absorb other products. Next, prevent damage and protect skin with antioxidants and sunscreen. Finally, add in a retinoid treatment to rejuvenate and perfect skin. Nourishing face oils like our Antioxidant Face Oil and performance moisturizers like our Daily Infusion+ Moisturizer help keep mature skin protected against dryness, which can emphasize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. What is the Best Treatment for Aging Skin? The ultimate treatment for mature skin? It’s about finding the right products that work for YOUR skin and using them consistently. Beautiful skin doesn’t happen overnight or by chance. It’s a combination of a number of factors, including your lifestyle, your genetics and the skincare products you use. Eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, manage stress. Then add in scientifically proven ingredients and use them consistently in your skincare routine. Find products and a program that works for you and stick with it. It can take weeks to months to notice a difference. But stay with it, and you’ll reap the benefits. Dos and Don’ts For Skincare After 50 Now, let’s dive into the two most important Dos and Don’ts for skincare after 50. ✅ Do embrace a consistent routine tailored to your skin’s needs. ❌ Don’t skip sunscreen; it’s your best defense against premature aging. Should You Use Anti-Aging Products? Let’s challenge the term “anti-aging.” At Apothekari, we believe in embracing the beauty of getting older. Anti-aging suggests a fight against the natural process of aging, while we encourage a celebration of the journey and caring for your skin gracefully. We’ve long dropped this term from our marketing and we think it’s high time that everyone else does too! How to Care for Oily Mature Skin If you’re dealing with oily aging skin, embrace balance. Cleanse with our Amazing Clean, designed for exfoliation without irritating. Use lightweight moisturizers like our Daily Infusion+ to hydrate without causing excess oil. Retinoids like the retinaldehyde found in our Advanced+ Renewal Serum have been shown to minimize the appearance of blemishes and breakouts due to their impact on managing oil production and antibacterial effects. If you find yourself starting to breakout like you did in your teens, Advanced+ Renewal may just save the day! How Can I Make My Aging Skin Look Better? We really don’t think there’s a better place to start seeing a transformation in your mature skin than by elevating your routine with our Radiant Skin Set. This duo of serums (Glow Getter3 and Advanced+ Renewal) works in harmony for radiant, youthful-looking skin. As you gracefully move through your 60s and 70s, continue with the same Apothekari products that are working for you. There’s no need to change things up because your skin doesn’t become immune to the effects of a good skin care product. If you notice that your skin becomes drier or more sensitive, look for moisturizers that deliver heavy-duty results. Or consider adding in a face oil. You may also notice dryness in areas besides your face. It’s one of the reasons that we developed More Than Lip Service. This vulvar and vaginal moisturizer delivers fast, long-lasting, and hormone-free relief from the pain, burning, and irritation that many women experience down there as they get older. Explore how our range adapts to the evolving needs of your skin, ensuring a radiant and healthy complexion. Here’s to timeless elegance, no matter your age.

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Holiday Recipes to Nourish Your Soul

It’s easy to get caught up in overwhelm over the holidays. But, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a competition and there really is no winner. Do what feels right for you and your family so that it’s enjoyable, but also manageable. (And if you need some inspiration, I’m sharing 7 of my family’s favorite holiday recipes in this post–scroll to the bottom for the link.) The holidays don’t mean: Spending more than you can afford on presents Cooking till you drop Staying up until 2 am to decorate the perfect house Saying yes to every social gathering. Instead, set boundaries. Create new traditions that won’t break the bank and take all day–and night. Do it if it makes you feel happy and set it aside (or banish it all together) if it causes too much stress. The most magical thing about the holidays for me, has always been about spending time with the people that matter to me most. Laughing and making memories. And sharing good food together. I hope that you and your family take joy in this collection of simple, but delicious recipes, that always make this time of year festive and special for me and my family. Sausage rolls? Potato latkes? Peppermint bark? What will you make this year? xo Sharmani Download the recipes here.

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9 Vitamin C Myths You Must Stop Believing

Although it’s a superstar skin care ingredient, there are many vitamin C myths circulating around when it comes to skin care. We’ve written about its benefits before, and in this post, we’re debunking the 9 most common vitamin C myths and setting the record straight. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 10% 1. All vitamin C is the same While the front of your bottle may read as just simply containing vitamin C, in the ingredient list, it can show up as L-ascorbic Acid (pure vitamin C) or other forms including ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, etc. While they are all called vitamin C, they differ in the results they deliver. Plus, each type may be tolerated differently when it comes to your skin. So what type of vitamin C is best? We’re big fans of L-ascorbic acid, because it’s backed by the most amount of research when it comes to its benefits for skin–boosting collagen production; inhibiting melanin synthesis, which contributes to age spots; exfoliating for more glowing skin, etc. It’s what’s in our Glow Getter 15% and 10% Serums. However, if your skin is really sensitive, you may not be able to tolerate L-ascorbic acid, in which case you can look for a formulation made with a different vitamin C derivative. 2. Does vitamin C make your skin sensitive? No, it doesn’t. Vitamin C is acidic, which is why this myth may have gained traction. Vitamin C hasn’t been shown to increase sensitivity to the sun. In fact, studies show that this powerful antioxidant ingredient helps protect against free radical damage from the sun, boosting the protection you get from sunscreen. So, you can apply your vitamin C product in the a.m. or p.m. (or both), depending on what benefits you’re seeking and how it feels in your routine. Daytime application delivers antioxidative benefits, while nighttime application helps more with firming and rejuvenation–though you will also get some of these benefits with daytime application as well. 3. Vitamin C can replace your sunscreen While it’s true that vitamin C helps to protect against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, it is not—and should not be used as—a sunscreen. Vitamin C is one of the strongest defenders against free radicals– unstable molecules that damage skin–and which are caused by exposure to sunlight, pollution and smoke. Think of sunscreen as your first line of defense, helping to block damaging rays, with vitamin C as its assistant, helping to protect against free radicals that make it through the sunscreen’s protection. 4. You can become resistant to it This myth tends to circulate about many skin care ingredients; not just vitamin C. First, it’s important to understand that resistance happens when the number of receptors decrease. Since vitamin C is not active at any specific receptor in the skin, resistance can’t occur. Think of it another way. Vitamin C is not only good for your skin, it’s good for your overall health. If you’re eating nourishing foods every day, chances are that they are high in vitamin C and your body definitely isn’t becoming resistant to the benefits of the strawberries or kale salad that you’re eating on the daily. If a vitamin C formula is working for you, there’s no need to worry that it’s going to stop working. 5. Higher concentrations are always better When it comes to vitamin c myths, this may be the most common one! However, with skin care products, more isn’t necessarily better, because your skin can only absorb so much. Plus, because vitamin C is acidic, higher concentrations can end up being quite irritating. In fact, studies have shown that concentrations of L-ascorbic acid greater than 20% can actually be damaging to skin. As long as you are using a vitamin C treatment from a reputable company, you can feel confident that they’re following guidelines for skin care ingredients that have been established in clinical studies. Whether it’s 0.5%, 1% or 10% doesn’t matter–what matters is that the amount used has been researched to deliver results, without harming skin. 6. Vitamin C can’t be used by sensitive skin Vitamin C can be suitable for all skin types. Is vitamin C ok for sensitive skin? The trick is to find the right type of vitamin C for you. For example, while L-ascorbic acid is the most widely researched–and potent–form of vitamin C, it can also be irritating to sensitive skin. If that’s the case, you can opt for a lower concentration or use it less frequently. If that doesn’t work, then try a form that isn’t so acidic. There are many to choose from, including tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside. 7. Vitamin C can’t be combined with other acids, retinol, or niacinamide When it comes to vitamin C and niacinamide, there’s an outdated study that shows the two can potentially react to form nicotinic acid, which can cause skin irritation. However, this potential exists only when pure ascorbic acid and niacinamide are combined together at very high temperatures. Thankfully, it’s not something we need to worry about when it comes to skin care. In fact, pairing these two ingredients can be a winning combination, especially for tackling hyperpigmentation because the two work in different ways to combat discoloration: vitamin C inhibits the production of the pigment responsible for age spots, while niacinamide helps prevent the transfer of the overproduced pigmentation within cells. What about combined with acids or retinol? Vitamin C can be used with retinol, but there is a risk of skin irritation when they are used together. If you want to include both in your skin care routine, we recommend spreading out your actives between your morning and night routine or even between days or weeks. ie vitamin C in the morning and retinoid at night. Can you use vitamin C and AHA (or other acids) together? As with retinoids, your skin can become irritated with these two ingredients are combined. Space them out (morning/night) or alternate the days that you use one or the other. 8. Vitamin C can discolor your skin Vitamin C actually does the opposite! It inhibits the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its coloring—and which is associated with age spots and hyperpigmentation. The end result is brighter and more evenly toned skin; not discolored skin. 9. DIY vitamin C is a good idea While it’s possible to mix up your own vitamin c serum at home, there are a couple of things to be mindful of: Foods high in vitamin C, like lemon and other citrus juices can lead to phytophotodermatitis, a painful reaction, that can cause skin to blister and break out in drak patches. Don’t do this at home, no matter how many internet searches tell you it’s safe and effective. If you mix your own vitamin C serum, be sure to mix it fresh every day. Vitamin C oxidizes very quickly resulting in a product that may not only be ineffective, but also harmful. Plus, water-based products need preservatives to ensure they don’t become contaminated with baceteria, mold or fungus. Even if refrigerated, they won’t stay fresh for long. We like to think that this is one thing best left to the experts. Did we cover all the vitamin C myths you may have questions about? Let us know in the comments so we can get to more myth busting for you.

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Do You Really Need Eye Cream? Or Is It a Scam?

Do you really need an eye cream? We think so, which is why we’re so excited to announce the arrival of Active Eyes, our specialized retinol peptide eye serum. More than just another moisturizer, Active Eyes is a powerful (yet gentle) age-beautifying serum that reduces the look of lines around the eye area. It also nourishes for firmer, smoother, brighter and hydrated skin, and is suitable for all skin types. Shop Active Eyes But, what if your beauty counter is already overflowing with serums, moisturizer, cleansers and toners? Is it worth your time, effort and money—not to mention the real estate on your bathroom counter— to add an eye treatment to your skin care routine? The answer may surprise you. What Is the Purpose of Eye Cream? An eye cream is a treatment that’s been specifically formulated to target skin concerns under the eye, on the eyelid and the skin around the eye. Some of the ingredients may be like those you’ll find in other creams or serums designed to be used on the face, but they may be present in a lower concentration to ensure that it’s safe for the delicate skin around the eyes. Skin isn’t just skin, and different parts of your body are covered with different types of skin. Eyelid skin is thinner and more fragile than the skin on the rest of your body and because of this, it shows signs of aging sooner than other areas of your face. It also doesn’t have any oil glands so needs more moisture to prevent dryness. Gentle care is non-negotiable. Active Eyes Serum What Ingredient Is Best for Under Eye? Choosing the right ingredients depends on your skin concerns. And whether it’s dark circles, fine lines, crepiness or undereye puffiness, if you’re starting to notice changes to your undereye area, then you should consider using a dedicated treatment. 1. How Can I Remove Dark Circles Under My Eyes? Lack of sleep, but also allergies or the natural aging process may be the reason for dark circles, which also tend to be more common amongst people of color. They may look purple or blue to dark brown or black in color, and while they’re rarely cause for concern, you may want to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons. Getting adequate sleep or changing your diet can improve dark circles. But, if they’re a result of aging, due to a loss of thinning skin, reduced fatty tissue, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage, you’ll need a treatment with ingredients that help to brighten the area. Niacinamide, antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and specialized brightening agents, like white bark extract (found in Active Eyes) are just a few examples of ingredients that can help. 2. How Do I Get Rid of the Wrinkles Under My Eyes? The best ingredient to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines is a retinoid. Active Eyes contains a stable, encapsulated form of retinol, at a concentration suitable for the delicate eye area. It helps to boost the production of collagen and increases the skin’s natural renewal process, helping to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and improve firmness as well. The formulation is supported with peptides, that further help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and deliver smoother skin. 3. How Do You Get Rid of Eye Bags? Eye bags are a result of the natural aging process, when the tissues and muscles around your eyes, weaken, leading to puffiness. A build-up of fluid can make this look worse. There aren’t many ingredients that can help to eliminate under eye bags long-term, but you can try the following for temporary results: Cold compresses Reduce fluid consumption or salt Sleep with your head slightly raised to prevent fluid accumulation Eliminate allergens that can contribute to eye bags What About Caffeine? Caffeine helps to shrink the size of blood vessels and can help to reduce the appearance of eye bags. But, the effect is temporary. So before forking over $$$ on a product, considering applying cool, wet teabags instead. They work just as well! Shop Eyes Are Eye Creams Harmful? As long as they’re formulated well, eye skin care products are not harmful. But, as with starting any new skincare product, exercise care. Retinoids and exfoliating acids may appear in concentrations that are too harsh for the eye area. Moisturizers may be too heavy, possibly leading to clogged pores and milia—tiny, milky-white spots, which appear just beneath the surface of your skin. Although harmless, the appearance of milia may bother you. If in doubt, a patch test is always a good idea. Apply a small amount to an area daily for three to five days and monitor for any unwanted reactions. What Can I Use to Moisturize Around Eyes? You can absolutely use your face moisturizer to treat the skin around your eyes. If it doesn’t irritate your eyes and provides a sufficient amount of moisture, you’re good. Take care to avoid very heavy products, which can lead to blocked pores. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer is a fantastic option if you need further hydration around the eyes. However, if you’re using a dedicated eye treatment, you may not need a moisturizer. Active Eyes contains glycerin, a highly hydrating humectant, which helps to draw moisture into the skin. What Is the Correct Way to Apply Eye Cream? Wash your hands. Freshly washed hands minimizes the chance of introducing germs around your eyes. Use the right amount. In general, a pump or half a pump of eye cream or serum per eye should be enough, because they tend to be super concentrated and also because you are treating a very small area. We prefer pump application to keep your product safe from contamination. Squirt or dab the appropriate amount of serum onto the back of your hand. Use your ring finger. Dip a finger into the serum and use it to make a semi-circle of small dots, along the bone under your eye. Gently tap in. Dot cream between the edge of your eye and your temple (on the side of your eye, where fine lines and wrinkles often appear first). Gently tap in. Dot cream/serum in a semi-circle under your brow line. Gently tap in. If it’s ok to apply to your eyelids, do that and then gently tap in. (Test first if you’re not sure it’s suitable for this area). Use as directed. Most eye creams are designed to be used both morning and night and will be most effective when used consistently. If you prefer to apply your eye serum just once a day, do it at night, which is a good time for your skin to repair and regenerate. Don’t Forget | Additional Eye Cream Tips Sunscreen is safe and essential to ensure protection against sun damage, even around the eye area. It’s important to use it every day. Sunscreen can sting and burn eyes so you may have to try several formulations before landing on one that works for you. Mineral based sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), powder formulations or sticks may be good options. Last, cleanse. But do it gently!

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A Thanksgiving Gift For You! (Plus a Holiday Recipe)

Our Canadian autumn festival is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to offer up a Thanksgiving gift to you! As a small business, we’re grateful that you’ve stuck with us during this challenging time. Thank you for your support! Shop All Apothekari A Thanksgiving Gift to Thank You! Until Monday, October 12, all Apothekari orders over $30 will include a full size sugar scrub (4 oz). Choose from Lemon Verbena or Vanilla Rose. Let us know your preference at checkout. And, we hope you understand if we make a substitution if your first choice isn’t available. *While supplies last. 1 gift per customer. Softer, Smoother Skin & Pampering Too! Apothekari Sugar Body Polishes are made with a base of shea and olive fruit butters combined with virgin coconut oil. Filled with nourishing ingredients, they leave skin well moisturized and protected. They’re smooth and never drip excess oil, so they’re easy to apply. Our body polishes are scented with a combination of essential oils, making them ideal for a pampering and aromatherapeutic experience in your bath. We hope you enjoy using them. Bonus: A Healthy Holiday Offering It’s almost Thanksgiving in Canada and if you’re anything like us, I’ll bet your mind is filled with thoughts of pumpkin spice and turkey. There’s no denying that this year’s celebration is going to be different as we focus on keeping our bubbles small and our loved ones safe. But, for many of us, that won’t detract on the focus of a delicious meal. At our house, we’re fortunate that we can indulge in turkey, stuffing (with a gluten-free option), roasted vegetables and delicious sides, followed by pumpkin cheesecake. We always enjoy lovely wines with dinner, but it’s also nice to offer up something for those who don’t drink or who are driving. This year, I’ll be serving up a Grapefruit & Rosemary Mocktail. Grapefruit & Rosemary Mocktail Recipe Serves: 4 drinks * Variations below Ingredients Rosemary Simple Syrup: (Combine 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan and heat gently until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Do not let mixture come to a boil. Take off heat and add 3 sprigs of rosemary. Let cool and store in a jar in the fridge. Keeps for 10 days) 2 cups fresh pink grapefruit juice ¼ cup of the rosemary simple syrup 4 cups sparkling water Instructions (Per Mocktail) Add ½ cup fresh pink grapefruit into a serving glass. Add 1 Tablespoon (or to taste) of rosemary simple syrup. Stir. Top glass with sparkling water (about 1 cup) Garnish with rosemary sprig Served chilled *Variations: If you’re watching your sugar intake, substitute Lakanto or another sugar substitute Don’t like grapefruit? Try subbing a similar amount of orange juice or 1/3 – 1/2 the amount of lemon juice. Cheers!

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Give Back Giveaway - $350 in Prizes!

GIVE BACK GIVEAWAY! HELP US GIVE! $350 In Skincare & Wellness Products Help us support an organization & friend in need with our Give Back Giveaway! Enter on Facebook and/or Instagram to help us choose who to donate a case of 20 Hand Sanitizers to, PLUS a $50 Apothekari Gift Certificate to help lift someone’s spirits! * Give Back Prize: From healthcare professionals to grocery store workers, postal carriers, delivery drivers and others, many are putting themselves at risk so that we can stay safe at home. The winner will help us choose a Canadian organization or company that can benefit from receiving hand sanitizers. Plus, they’ll get to nominate someone who could use a bit of a lift during these unusual times with an Apothekari gift certificate too! (Retail value $350) The Prize Includes: 20 x 240 ml (8 oz) 70% Ethanol Hand Sanitizer Gel. This gel is made by a certified lab following standards for a safe and effective product. Enhanced with hyaluronic acid to help keep hands moisturized. $50 Apothekari Gift Certificate How To Enter: Our Give Back Giveaway is an online contest and you can enter through Facebook and/or Instagram*. Increase your chances of winning by entering in both methods; however, only one entry is allowed for each method. Facebook Entry: Go to the Give Back Giveaway post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us how which Canadian organization/charity would benefit from receiving the hand sanitizers, and NOMINATE someone whose day would be brightened with a $50 Apothekari Gift Certificate Instagram Entry: Go to the Give Back Giveaway post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 4 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW us @apothekariskin, and LOVE the post, and COMMENT by telling us how which Canadian organization/charity would benefit from receiving the hand sanitizers, and NOMINATE someone (tag them) whose day would be brightened with a $50 Apothekari Gift Certificate Bonus Entry: Share the contest post on your Facebook or Instagram feed and remember to use ‘#apothekariskin’ so that we can see the post. Give Back Giveaway Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.) Contest closes Saturday, April 25, 2020 (noon, PST) No purchase necessary to enter. Maximum one entry per person per social media platform. Bonus entry for sharing contest post on Instagram and/or Facebook. Participants must be 19+ and a resident of Canada to qualify for the prize. One (1) winner will be selected in a random draw from among all eligible entries received via all entry methods and contacted by Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Message or email. The winner’s full name is required before being awarded the prize. Once contacted, the winner will have 24 hours to reply and accept the prize. If the winner does not meet the contest conditions, then there will be a redraw. The winner will be announced on the Give Back Giveaway Post on Apothekari Skincare’s Facebook page and Instagram account once the prize has been accepted. Prize must be accepted as awarded. No substitutions. Not redeemable for cash equivalent. Hand sanitizers will be delivered directly to the receiving organization after confirming details. Gift Certificate winner will be contacted directly by us to claim prize. The value of the prize is based on the regular (non-promotional) retail value of the products. The prize package is valued at $350 and contains the items outlined above under the Prize heading. *This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. By entering, entrants release Instagram and Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s and Facebook’s terms of use. Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Learn more about our philosophy here.

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Love Your Skin! Enjoy 30% Off Smooth Skin Set For Valentine's Day

Love Your Skin! Enjoy 30% Off Apothekari Smooth Skin Set For Valentine’s Day Pamper your skin & punch up the smoothness with an invigorating exfoliating polish and luscious moisturizing butter for the body! Until Sunday, February 16th, 2020 – save 30% on our Apothekari Smooth Skin Set (Regular Price: $78.50; Sale Price: $54.95) This Set Includes: Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish Punch up the smoothness with this invigorating exfoliating polish for the body! Made with walnut shell powder, powdered bamboo and a light, refreshing essential oil blend of lemongrass, mimosa, this foaming scrub revitalizes and invigorates your skin and your senses leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and silky. Shea Body Butter Pamper dry skin! This luscious butter for the body moisturizes dry, cracked skin. Made with organic shea butter and infused with healing herbs, fresh oils and an intoxicating blend of essential oils this extra-rich, protective crème penetrates deeply to leave softness behind. Learn More About Getting Smooth Skin: How To Exfoliate What Makes Skin Soft? Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Learn more about our philosophy here…

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Get a Gift! With One Of 3 Skincare Sets

Get a gift from Apothekari when you purchase one of 3 skincare sets during the festive season! We’ve partnered up with three local companies to offer you a gift when you purchase one of the following: Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Shop All Apothekari Natural Deodorants Promotion Details One gift per set purchased per customer Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion Doesn’t apply to past purchases Runs until December 13th or while supplies last *We reserve the right to make a substitution if we run out of your chosen gift. Gift 1: Get a Gift of Beautiful Flowers & Beautiful Skin! Ready, Set, Glow and wake up to healthy, beautiful & ageless skin with our Ageless Skin Set. Get a gift of a beautiful bouquet from Bear’s Blooms ($30 value) with the purchase of this set. We’ll include a gift card, which may be used for a bunch of locally grown flowers, which will be delivered straight to your door!* Included in the Apothekari Ageless Skin Set: A is for Anti-Aging Serum – A gentle and effective retinoid serum that helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation and reverse sun damage. Use daily at night. Bespoke Vitamin C Serum – Vitamin C (choose 10% or 15%) plus antioxidants help to fight against free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process. Each bottle is made to order guaranteeing freshness. Apply daily every morning. Daily Infusion Moisturizer – Moisturize, hydrate and plump skin with this moisturizer. Use daily morning and/or night as needed. Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème (sensitive, dry skin) or AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel (all skin types) – Cleanse skin to remove dirt and makeup and ensure absorption of active treatments. Choose one. *Bear’s Blooms currently delivers to Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, and White Rock. If you live outside this area, you can substitute another one of the gifts from our promotion. Gift 2: Pamper Your Body & Your Senses Punch up the smoothness and pamper your skin with an invigorating exfoliating polish and luscious moisturizing butter for the body in our Smooth Skin Body Set and get a gift of a beautifully scented candle from Canvas Candle Company! (value $15.95) Our Smooth Skin Set contains two of our customer favorites and are perfect for bath time indulgence or to pamper someone special: Shea Body Butter – Extra-rich, protective cream made with the highest quality organic shea butter from Africa provides luscious moisture for the skin to heal dry, cracked and callused skin. Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish – Revitalize and invigorate your skin and your senses with our foaming body polish! The Best Coast Gold Travel Tin captures the essence of living on the West Coast of British Columbia. Enjoy the sweet scents of evergreen and cedarwood rooted with an earthy vetiver essential oil. This 6oz candle burns for up to 40 hours. Gift 3: Protect Against Odor & Protect Your ‘Stuff’ Sweat confidently and protect against odor, with our Natural Deodorant that works! Available in a set of 3 featuring a variety of essential oil blends, get a gift of a handmade and embroidered cotton pouch from KimandWhit (value $20) when you purchase this set! Use it to protect your essentials including make-up, your glasses or your new deodorant! Our natural deodorant is free from aluminum, parabens and irritating baking soda. We harness the power of enzymes to keep you feeling fresh all day!

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Beautiful Products for Beautiful Skin!

For healthy and beautiful skin, Apothekari Skincare has you covered. And. as part of our evolution, we’re excited to share our new look with you! Shop All Apothekari Why Skincare Packaging Matters There’s no disputing the importance of what’s inside your cosmetics container – our line of naturally safe products helps to deliver healthy and beautiful skin on your face and body. How products are packaged is also very important. We’ve discussed cosmetic packaging previously and why you should consider more than just how pretty a bottle looks sitting on a shelf. Our new look isn’t just for show: Opaque white containers protect against light and air, which can accelerate the breakdown of skincare products. Pumps. We now use them whenever possible to minimize contact with hands, which can contaminate what’s inside. Also, because you end up opening and closing the container less frequently, this further protects against exposure to light and air, which degrade cosmetics. Stable, Recyclable & Safe Containers. We chose our containers because they are made of materials that will not react with what’s inside, helping to maintain the stability of our formulations. Safety was another consideration. Unlike glass, plastic doesn’t break when dropped, something that has a great potential of occurring with wet, slippery hands and hard surfaces in bathrooms. Plus, our containers are all recyclable. Beautiful Skin With Our Black Friday Sale Get ready for beautiful skin with Apothekari by taking advantage of the savings offered during our Black Friday Sale! For 2 days only, November 28th/29th, save 25% on Apothekari Skincare (excluding sets). PLUS get a FREE Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen with every Apothekari purchase as our gift to you. Use code blackf25 at checkout. New Packaging & A New Natural Deodorant That Works! It’s not just our packaging that’s evolved, we’re also developing new products. Our latest is a natural deodorant that works! If you’ve suffered the pain of using natural deodorants that don’t deliver, you’ll want to try ours. Nearly two years in development, we’re thrilled to share it with you. Our natural deodorant is FREE FROM: Aluminum. Which stains clothing yellow Parabens. Which are potential hormone disruptors Baking Soda. Which is highly irritating to most skin. Available in 3 essential oil scented blends, in a convenient spray application, are you ready to give it a try?

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Black Friday 2019 - 25% Off Apothekari Skincare!

Black Friday 2019 Mark your calendars! For 2 days only – November 28th/29th, our Black Friday 2019 promotion gets you savings on Apothekari Skincare. Plus every Apothekari purchase includes a gift! Code blackf25 at checkout. Details: Take 25% off all Apothekari Skincare products, excluding sets which are already offered at a special price Each order that contains an Apothekari Skincare product (includes sets, which are not 25% off) receives a free Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen, our zinc oxide, non-whitening, mineral sunscreen. Promotion runs for 2 days only – November 28th and 29th, 2019 Promotion cannot be applied to previous orders Use code blackf25 at checkout. Shop All Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen About Apothekari Skincare Apothekari takes its inspiration from apothecaries, the precursor of today’s pharmacies, and we are happy to share these naturally safe products with you! Apothekari Skincare delivers healthy formulations for skin that are: Free from harmful ingredients. Read more here. Effective, containing optimal concentrations of ingredients proven to deliver healthy & beautiful skin. Whether it’s a moisturizer for dry skin, a serum for brightening or a lotion to diminish the appearance of fine lines. Apothekari’s products work as they are intended, without hype and misinformation. We won’t tell you to use products that you don’t need nor will we scare you into using ones that can’t improve your skin. We hope that you’ll take advantage of these exceptional products during our Black Friday 2019 Promotion!

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Nourish to Flourish Giveaway - Win! $215 Skincare & Wellness Products

NOURISH TO FLOURISH GIVEAWAY! WIN! $215 Skincare & Wellness Products Apothekari has teamed up with our friends at Niyama Yoga Wellness, to help you Nourish to Flourish! Enter for a chance to win skincare and supplements from two female owned, Canadian companies on Facebook and/or Instagram.* Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Hydrating Skin Set, Apothekari Gift Certificate, Niyama Sleep Like Buddha, Niyama Daytime Zen Stress Support and Tote Bag (Prize Value $215) to help nourish your body and skin from the inside out. The Prize Includes: Apothekari Hydrating Skin Set: Banish dryness and say hello to softer skin with the restorative power of this hydrating and nourishing face and body oil set (2 products): Antioxidant Face Oil – For softer, radiant skin that is protected from dryness with a blend of nourishing vegetable oils rich in fatty acids, sterols and antioxidants to calm and heal. Delicate essential oil scent Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil (100 ml size) – Instantly transform dry body skin into soft, supple skin with this ultra-moisturizing and rich body oil. Contains fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to nourish skin. Intoxicating scent with notes of rose, lemon and jasmine. Apothekari $25 Gift Certificate: To apply to a future Apothekari purchase. Niyama Sleep Like Buddha: Contains three trusted natural ingredients for relaxation for those nights when you just know you aren’t going to be able to turn your beautiful brain off and get to sleep, so you can get up and accomplish all the amazing things you need to the next day. Fall asleep sooner, enjoy better quality sleep, and wake up reaping the benefits of a good night’s sleep Niyama Daytime Zen Stress Support: This combination of natural ingredients helps your body deal with and adapt to daily stresses so that you can focus on what you need to, in a relaxed yet attentive state of mind. Calming without being sedating, Daytime Zen helps temporarily manage feelings of stress and anxiety so you can shine all day! With L-theanine, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Bacopa Niyama Tote Bag. How To Enter: Our Nourish To Flourish Giveaway is an online contest and you can enter through Facebook and/or Instagram*. Increase your chances of winning by entering in both methods; however, only one entry is allowed for each method. Facebook Entry: Go to the ‘Nourish To Flourish Giveaway’ post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW both Apothekari (@apothekariskin) and Niyama (@niyamayogawell), and LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us how you nourish your body and skin with a shout out to a friend who helps to nourish your soul. Instagram Entry: Go to the ‘Nourish To Flourish Giveaway’ post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW both Apothekari (@apothekariskin) and Niyama (@niyamayogawellnesscanada) LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us how you nourish your body and skin and tag 3 friends. Bonus Entry: Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for a bonus entry. This information will not be shared with any other party outside of Apothekari. Nourish To Flourish Contest Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.). Contest closes November 8, 2019 (noon, PST). No purchase necessary to enter. Maximum one entry per person per social media platform. Bonus entry for subscribing to newsletter Participants must be 19+ and a resident of Canada to qualify for the prize and free delivery. One (1) entry will be selected in a random draw from among all eligible entries received via all entry methods and contacted by Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Message or email. The winner’s full name is required before being awarded the prize. Once contacted, the winner will have 24 hours to reply and accept the prize. If the winner does not meet the contest conditions, then there will be a redraw. The winner will be announced on the Nourish to Flourish Giveaway Post on Apothekari Skincare’s Facebook page and Instagram account once the prize has been accepted. Prize must be accepted as awarded. No substitutions. Not redeemable for cash equivalent. The winner’s home address is required for the delivery of the prize. The value of the prize is based on the retail value of the products. The prize package is valued at $215 and contains the items outlined above. If you wish to purchase the Hydrating Skin Set, visit our online store at PhaMix.com. *This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. You are providing your information to Apothekari Skincare and not to Facebook or Instagram. Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Learn more about our philosophy here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography

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Apothekari Skincare : An Indie, Female-Led, Proud Canadian Company!

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Apothekari Skincare is an indie, female-owned & operated, proudly Canadian company! We take our inspiration from apothecaries, the precursor of today’s pharmacies, resulting in a modern-day boutique specializing in healthy formulations for skincare. In this post, we’re sharing more about us, including where we’ve come from, what we stand for and where we’re going. Let’s get acquainted! Our Roots I’m Sharmani Pillay, a pharmacist by training and the founder of Apothekari. My career has involved dispensing medicines, counselling patients on their prescriptions and making recommendations for their wellness needs. Nearly 15 years ago, I took that knowledge to open my own business (now PhaMix.com) selling a range of curated wellness and skincare products. It became clear to me that women needed better skincare products and so Apothekari was born. Our formulations are: Naturally safe, without harmful ingredients Effective, containing optimal concentrations of ingredients proven to deliver healthy & beautiful skin. Whether it’s a moisturizer for dry skin, a serum for brightening or a lotion to diminish the appearance of fine lines. Apothekari’s products work as they are intended, without hype and misinformation. We won’t tell you to use products that you don’t need nor will we scare you into using ones that can’t improve your skin. Image: Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum – Alexandria, Virginia We Stand For Wellness Apothekari provides naturally safe products for face and body, but we stand for much more. Skin is our body’s largest organ and it reflects our overall wellness. Optimal care goes beyond just popping a pill or slathering on a cream. We understand the importance of a holistic approach to wellness and embrace self-care, sound nutrition, exercise, quality sleep and stress management to aging well and looking & feeling good. You deserve exceptional products and services, which means attention to detail in every aspect of our operations. Like many entrepreneurs, I wear lots of different hats and am involved in almost everything, including writing all the blog posts, managing social media, taking photos, working with designers and collaborating with chemists on formulations. On any given day, you may also find me answering phone calls, replying to emails and shipping out orders. Each day is different; boredom is a word that doesn’t exist around here! None of this, of course, would be possible without the small team of wonderful women, whom I’m grateful to work with every day. Exciting Developments For This Canadian Company! There’s no good idea that cannot be improved on. Michael Eisner We’ve recently launched new skincare sets and watch for more coming soon. Lots of innovation is going on behind the scenes, with several products in development, some offering unique advantages over others currently available today. We can’t wait to share them with you! Thank you for being part of our journey. Read more about us here.

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