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Fall Giveaway - Win! Apothekari Skin Set
FALL GIVEAWAY! Win! Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Fall has fell and we’re excited to usher in the new season with a Fall Giveaway! Enter to win our new Apothekari Ageless Skin Set and more on Facebook and/or Instagram*. Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Ageless Skin Set, our mineral based, zinc oxide sunscreen, Shade SPF 30 PLUS a $25 gift certificate. (Regular Retail Value $300+). Learn how to put together a routine for ageless skin with these products. The Prize Includes: Ageless Skin Set. Morning and nighttime skincare essentials: A is for Anti-Aging Serum: Minimize wrinkles, brighten skin & defend against sun damage Bespoke Vitamin C Serum: Protect against free radicals, brighten skin & exfoliate. (Choose 10% – sensitive – or 15% – regular skin) Daily Infusion Moisturizer: Hydrate, plump and protect skin against dryness. Cleanser: Cleanse skin from dirt and pollution and prep for treatments. Choose between: AHA-Amazing Exfoliating Cleansing Gel (all skin types except sensitive) or Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème (all skin types including sensitive) Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen: Mineral based, non-whitening & broad-spectrum sun protection $25 Gift Certificate to apply to a future Apothekari purchase. How To Enter: Our Fall 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 Fall Giveaway post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline ( Complete 2 steps to qualify as one valid entry: LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us which products you’re most looking forward to try in this prize package and who is/are your favourite ageless friend(s). Instagram Entry: Go to the Fall Giveaway post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW us @apothekariskin, and LOVE the post COMMENT by telling us which products you’re most looking forward to try in this prize package 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. Fall Giveaway Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.) Contest closes Friday, October 4, 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) 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 Fall 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 regular (non-promotional) retail value of the products. The prize package is valued at $300+ and contains the items outlined above under the Prize heading. If you wish to purchase the Ageless 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. 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… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography
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Canada Day Contest - Win! Apothekari Skincare Set
CANADA DAY CONTEST Win! Apothekari Skincare Set As a proud Canadian company (Vancouver based), we are getting into the spirit of Canada Day by celebrating with a contest! Enter for a chance to win an Apothekari skincare set on Facebook and/or Instagram*. ***This contest is now closed! Thank you all for entering and for your great comments! Congratulations to Adela Patoni, the winner of our contest!*** Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Anti-Aging Skincare Set (Value $255) filled with essentials for healthy & beautiful skin. Learn how these products can help beat sun damage this summer. This set includes: Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen: Mineral based, non-whitening & broad spectrum sun protection A is for Anti-Aging Serum: Minimize wrinkles, brighten skin & defend against sun damage Bespoke Vitamin C Serum: Protect against free radicals, brighten skin & exfoliate $40 Gift Certificate to apply to a future Apothekari purchase. How To Enter: Our Canada Day Contest 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 Canada Day Contest post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline. Complete 2 steps to qualify as one valid entry: LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us why you love Canada and who you will celebrate with. Instagram Entry: Go to the Canada Day Contest post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW us @apothekariskin, and LOVE the post COMMENT by telling us what you love about Canada 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. Canada Day Contest Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.) Contest closes July 3, 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 Metro Vancouver to qualify for the prize and free delivery. 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 Canada Day Contest 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 $255 and contains the items in our Anti-Aging Set, outlined above. If you wish to purchase the Anti-Aging 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. 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… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography
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Sunscreen Promotion - Be Safe In The Sun!
20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen Promotion Be safe in the sun! Prevent sun damage with a naturally safe sunscreen. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Benefits: Mineral based (zinc oxide) Non-whitening & non-greasyBroa d spectrum UVA/UVB protection Antioxidants defend against free radicals Our sunscreen promotion continues and ends June 7, 2019 or while supplies last. Maximum of 3 sunscreens per customer. More About Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Contains ingredients that heal, soothe and calm skin Health Canada approved sunscreen Physical blocking sun filter is not absorbed into the bloodstream Ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea and/or melasma (hyperpigmentation) 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. Read more about us here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography
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Sunscreen Sale - Get Ready for Summer!
20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen Sale Get ready for summer! Protect your face with a naturally safe sunscreen. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Benefits: Mineral based (zinc oxide) Non-whitening & non-greasy Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection Antioxidants defend against free radicals Sunscreen sale ends June 7, 2019 or while supplies last. Maximum of 3 sunscreens per customer. More About Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Contains ingredients that heal, soothe and calm skin Health Canada approved sunscreen Physical blocking sun filter is not absorbed into the bloodstream Ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea and/or melasma (hyperpigmentation) 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. Read more about us here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography
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All Skin Needs These 3 Anti-Aging Products
All skin benefits from 3 anti-aging products in order to keep it looking its very best – a sunscreen, an antioxidant treatment and a retinoid. In this post, we’re diving into why these products are so important if you’re interested in maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. (This set has been discontinued. Consider our Ageless skin set instead) Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Here’s How Your Skin Ages Skin ages in two main ways – extrinsically and intrinsically – discussed in detail in an earlier post. Extrinsic aging occurs as result of things happening outside our bodies – UV rays, pollution, smoking & smoke exposure as well as diet and lifestyle. These factors are the biggest contributors to skin aging and can lead to thick and coarse skin, age spots and wrinkles. They can also influence the development of many types of skin cancer. Over time, ultraviolet light can damage elastin, collagen and glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs), proteins and sugars naturally found in skin and which help to keep it firm, supple, hydrated and line free. Intrinsic aging occurs naturally over a period of years and is related mainly to our genetic make-up along with hormonal and metabolic processes. If you’re interested to know more, we’ve written a detailed post on what happens to skin at menopause . Don’t be disheartened, though. If you’ve been dealt a bad hand when it comes to your genes, a healthy lifestyle, along with the right kinds of skincare products, can help to counteract many of the effects of your genes. All Skin Needs These 3 Anti-Aging Products Preventing skin damage is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the long term. Exposure to the sun’s rays is thought to be responsible for more than 80% of skin aging and ultimately leads to skin that is saggy, less resilient, wrinkled and possibly discolored. Anything you can do to protect skin from this damage is your best insurance against the effects of aging. Additionally, products that perfect skin to correct damage or imperfections are just as important. These 3 anti-aging products are the ones backed by clinical research and years of experience as offering the most benefit to skin: Sunscreen. A sunscreen that protects against both UVA (AGING) and UVB (BURNING) rays is essential to any skincare routine. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 delivers just that in a non-whitening, mineral based (zinc oxide), non-greasy formulation. Antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals when we’re exposed to sunlight and pollution, for example. They should be applied to skin every morning along with sunscreen because they help boost the effectiveness of one another. You can find the most widely researched antioxidant, Vitamin C (as L-ascorbic acid) plus a range of other skin beneficial antioxidants such as ferulic acid, green tea, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid and pomegranate seed oil in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, made fresh for each order. Retinoid. We LOVE retinoids at Apothekari! Retinoids are a class of ingredients that are derived from Vitamin A and which include prescription retinoic acid and tazarotene plus over the counter options such as retinol and retinaldehyde. In addition to helping boost collagen and elastic production, they increase skin cell turnover (getting new, healthy skin cells to come to the surface), reverse sun damage and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. We are big fans of retinaldehyde, which delivers results while being one of the gentlest retinoids, making it suitable for most skin types. Retinaldehyde also has antibacterial effects, making it a useful addition to the management of acne. Find retinaldehyde in A is for Anti-Aging, where it is combined with other skin beneficial ingredients. Are you ready to up your skincare game with these 3 anti-aging skincare products?
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How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Face
What is Vitamin C? If you’re serious about skincare, you likely know that vitamin C (as found in our Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum) is a must have in your routine and in this post, let’s help you find the best vitamin c serum for your face. Buy Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum Vitamin C belongs to a group of molecules known as antioxidants, substances which stop oxidation, a chemical reaction that results in the production of free radicals. Often referred to as ROS – reactive oxygen species – free radicals are harmful substances which can damage cells. The sun’s UV rays, pollution and cigarette smoke are some of the biggest contributors to the development of free radicals. Antioxidants like vitamin C are able to protect against free radical damage by donating one of their electrons to stop the chain reaction that results in damage. They do this without making themselves unstable. Damaged proteins, lipids and DNA in skin accelerate the aging process resulting in a change in skin structure. They can also trigger inflammation, leading to a breakdown of collagen. The end result? More wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, saggier skin along with some types of skin cancer. Why You Need a Vitamin C Serum Our bodies manufacture some antioxidants, which deliver a range of body-wide benefits, but vitamin C isn’t one of them. In order to obtain adequate amounts of Vitamin C, it’s important to consume foods like fruits and vegetable (citrus fruits, guavas, bell peppers and kiwi fruit contain high amounts), which are rich in this important vitamin. Vitamin C is involved in many bodily processes: Collagen production Neurotransmitter production Plays a role in protein metabolism Assists with wound healing. Its antioxidant properties help limit the damage caused by free radicals and may help to prevent the development of certain diseases including cancer. A lack of vitamin C leads to scurvy, that condition experienced by sailors on long sea voyages in the mid-19th century. Vitamin C Skin Benefits Vitamin C is a normal part of the skin’s makeup, but aging causes a decline. Excessive exposure to UV light, pollution (including smoke and ozone) can also lower the skin’s Vitamin C content. While skin benefits from a vitamin C rich diet, skin care experts agree that topical application is the most efficient way to get good concentrations to skin where it helps in several ways: Limits damage caused by UV rays Contributes to collagen synthesis which helps to support skin Increases skin hydration. Studies suggest that vitamin C helps skin retain moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, it may promote the synthesis of lipids, which helps to further protect against dryness. Skin Lightening/Brightening. Vitamin C reduces the production of melanin, which can help to lighten and brighten skin tone. How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Face L-ascorbic acid is the form of Vitamin C that has the most research to back up its skin benefits, but many other effective forms of Vitamin C are available as well. This includes ascorbyl glucoside, amino ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, etc. All can help skin and should be evaluated individually when deciding which is the best vitamin c serum for your face. If you decide that the best vitamin C serum for your face is one that contains L-ascorbic acid, ensure that you purchase from a reputable brand. L-ascorbic acid, while highly effective, is also notoriously unstable. If a serum you are using contains this ingredient and is dark in colour or smells odd, don’t use it as it has likely oxidized and will be ineffective and potentially harmful to your skin. At Apothekari, each bottle of our L-ascorbic acid serum – Bespoke Vitamin C Serum – is made to order ensuring that every bottle is safe and effective for 6 -8 months after purchase. Vitamin C works best when combined with other antioxidants including Vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10, to name a few. Skin benefits most from formulations containing a combination of ingredients, which work together to deliver benefits. Wherever possible, Vitamin C serums should be applied in the morning prior to UV exposure as UV rays are one of the biggest generators of free radicals. Are you ready to choose the best vitamin C serum for your face?
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Pharmacists & Skincare: It Makes Sense! (Part 2)
In Part 1 of Pharmacists & Skincare, I discussed the education and practical experience that pharmacists receive, which prepare them to advise patients about treatments for a wide range of health conditions. Whether it’s choosing the best cough and cold remedy, determining the correct supplement dosage or the most effective pain medication, a recommendation is based on evidence based analysis of the choices available and the individual needs of the patient in question. Shop All Apothekari Pharmacist Formulated Analytical training combined with care for patient safety and outcomes guides most pharmacists in their professional lives. I take this commitment seriously and apply it to all the products in the Apothekari line-up. Our treatments are filled with ingredients that are supported by clinical studies and at appropriate concentrations to deliver results. I take the same care in recommending skin care products as I would regarding anything else for your health. Pharmacists Consider These 5 Things When it Comes to Skincare Here are 5 guidelines that I take into consideration when formulating Apothekari treatments: Does It Work? In addition to my education and training as a pharmacist, I scour the internet, read journals and rely on professional and personal experience to gauge the efficacy of treatments at Apothekari. If a product’s ingredients don’t make sense from a clinical perspective then you won’t find it in our products. You’ll notice that we don’t offer bust enhancement creams, potions that claim to flatten your tummy or chase away your cellulite. Instead, our line contains gentle cleansers, potent serums and soothing moisturizers – products made with ingredients that are important and effective for great skin. Is It A Sound Formulation? I love to create so I like to experiment with various ingredients. I’ve had some pleasant outcomes, but it rarely happens the first time around. Formulating is part science and part art. Getting the right texture, colour and smell is important to ensure that our products appeal to a wide range of individuals. And it can take many, many trials and months of mixing, testing, experimenting and reformulating to ensure that the treatment remains stable and effective for its intended use. I work with qualified chemists who understand the science behind an ingredient’s pH, solubility and stability. They make sure that a product is just as pleasing when you open it up as it is when you are down to the bit at the bottom of the jar six months down the road. Is It Safe? I avoid ingredients that come with unpleasant side effects. This isn’t to say that you will never experience a side effect with any Apothekari product, as all skincare products have the potential for side effects in susceptible individuals. With any new topical treatment, it is wise to do a patch test first to ensure that you will not react to any given product. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Is It Well Preserved? For the sake of your health, please, please don’t buy into the preservative free fad. Preservatives are important and necessary to keep skincare products free from bacteria, yeast and mold. These and other nasty things are not what you want growing in your eye cream. The exception are oil based products, which often can be formulated preservative free. Would I Use It Myself? If a formulation isn’t something that I’d consider using or recommend to my family and friends then you won’t find it in our brand. It’s important that I offer products that deliver results so that you’ll feel confident in coming back to us. Marketing jargon and an overwhelming array of choices make it complicated to navigate the world of skincare. At times, it may seem downright impossible to choose the right products for your skin type and needs. At Apothekari, it’s my job to provide safe and effective products that will benefit your skin. I take this duty seriously and I am honored to be trusted with your needs. My team and I can’t wait to help you find the products that are just right for your skin! If you have any questions, we are always happy to help. Call us at 1.866.876.3649 or email us at info@apothekari.com and we will be happy to assist you.
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Another Skin Care Line - Why Apothekari? Part 1
As consumers, a skin care line can bombard us with ads, slick marketing and promises in an attempt to entice us to purchase a range of their products. The inundation may continue at the beauty counter of our favourite store – so many products, so many brands! It’s not surprising that all these companies are clamouring for attention. Yet, it’s enough to make most of us throw up our hands in frustration and buy nothing. This is the environment in which Apothekari was launched. And you may wonder why. With so many products and so many brands – why is there a need for yet another skin care line? Why did I start Apothekari? Shop All Apothekari Why Apothekari? The answer isn’t that simple, so you’ll have to bear with me a bit. When I started my first business PharmacyMix in 2006, I wanted to sell products that helped people. With a background as a Pharmacist, it was a natural route to take. I’d offer a curated range of wellness products, alternative medicines and hard to find and effective cosmetics. However, when I launched my online store, it turned out that my customers weren’t that interested in the alternative medicines on offer, somewhat interested in the wellness products but very, very interested in the skin care products. The world of skin care is confusing. I felt that if I could help people make the right choice for their wellness, then that knowledge and care could certainly apply to skin care too. Apothekari was conceived as a skin care line that helps to cut through that confusion. I’ve spent my career helping individuals do just that and it’s my hope that I can continue to do that in the world of beauty. This science based skin care line is made with ingredients that have been clinically proven to deliver the best possible outcomes for your skin. No hype, no empty promises – just results. I’m humbled to be trusted with your skin care needs and I take this trust seriously. I will continue to put the same amount of care and attention into Apothekari treatments as I would if I were helping you with your overall wellness. It’s something I don’t take lightly and it’s my promise to you!
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