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Why a Vaginal Moisturizer May Be Important to Your Health
You may not be aware of it, but a vaginal moisturizer may be essential to your wellness if you’re navigating your way through perimenopause or menopause. We’ve written about vaginal dryness before – a condition that affects more than 50% of women over the age of 50. Vaginal dryness and its associated symptoms can have a significant negative impact on your quality of life. But, because it’s not talked about much, you may not even be aware of the symptoms caused by vaginal dryness. It’s still considered a hush-hush topic by many, but, we’re here to change that! Find out how to tell if a vaginal moisturizer can help you to manage your symptoms, feel better and embrace life again. Shop Intimate Care More Than Lip Service Vaginal Moisturizer is a hormone-free moisturizer that gives you fast, effective, hormone-free relief from vaginal dryness and its symptoms. Formulated by our pharmacist owner, it allows you to embrace life again! What Causes Vaginal Dryness? Vaginal dryness isn’t experienced by women in menopause only—it’s a condition that can be experienced by any women, at any point in her life. It’s usually associated with a drop in estrogen, the hormone that helps to keep vaginal and vulvar tissue healthy with lubrication, elasticity and the right acidic pH. You may experience a drop in estrogen for several reasons including: Breastfeeding Childbirth Cigarette smoking, or Menopause/perimenopause. Some medications like anti-estrogen pills, allergy and cold medicines, oral contraceptives and some anti-depressants can also cause estrogen levels to drop. Perfumed soaps and washes, douches and certain medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome and some immune disorders can also contribute to dryness. More Than Lip Service Vulvar and Vaginal Moisturizer offers fast, hormone-relief for when you experience dryness down there. Is Vaginal Dryness Normal? Here are the Symptoms Vaginal dryness can be quite uncomfortable, leading to soreness or itching in and around your vagina and vulva; pain or discomfort during sex; a more frequent need to pee. It can also lead to recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). Last of all, it can have a serious impact on your desire to engage in sexual activity, which can impact your relationship. Unlike many menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness isn’t something that goes away. And that’s because physical changes in the vagina make it a long-lasting condition. While many women view it as part of aging and just put up with it, help is available. Make sure you get it if you need it. How Can I Increase My Natural Lubrication? Here’s How a Vaginal Moisturizer May Help Although so many women experience vaginal dryness, it’s thought that more than 90% don’t seek help to manage their symptoms, despite there being several ways to treat the condition. Your choice of treatment depends on your personal preference and what makes most sense for you: Vaginal Lubricant. This can help to reduce the discomfort that occurs during sexual activity when the vagina is dry. It works similarly to natural lubrication and helps to decrease friction during intercourse. A vaginal lubricant is designed to be used on an as needed basis. Vaginal Moisturizer. A moisturizer like our More Than Lip Service provides longer term relief than a lubricant and should be used regularly (several times a week) to keep the vulva and/or vagina moisturized. You can use it internally or externally, depending on your symptoms and need. Studies have shown that moisturizers containing a combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin e (as in More Than Lip Service) provide as much relief as hormonal treatments, but without the potential for side effects associated with hormone use. Hormone Therapy. If you’re interested in exploring prescription options, your doctor can guide you through the choices available. You can choose from creams, rings, patches or pills. Don’t ignore vaginal dryness, especially if it’s interfering with your quality of life. Help is available so make sure you seek it out if you need it.
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This is How to Show Off Ageless Skin Effortlessly
Ageless skin, skin that’s healthy, radiant and beautiful, is the goal for most of us.
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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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5 of the Most Surprising Ways to Stop Body Odor
If you’re human, you’re going to sweat, but you don’t have to suffer with body odor! Using a deodorant can help and you can also try some lifestyle changes. Here are 5 that may surprise you. Shop All Apothekari Natural Deodorants For EVERYTHING you wanted to know about body odor and natural deodorant, read this post. How Do You Stop Body Odor Naturally? 5 Lifestyle Tips 1. Apply Deodorant at Night Applying deodorant in the morning after we shower or bathe is part of a routine for most of us. But if it’s not doing the trick for you, try applying deodorant in the morning as well as at night. Deodorant works better when applied to dry skin, which is more likely right before you hop into bed. 2. Watch What You Eat Most of us know that strong smelling foods like garlic, curry and onions can lead to body odor. But did you know that these other foods can also have an impact? Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale are very high in fiber and sulfur-containing substances, which break down into hydrogen sulfide leading to a rotten egg kind of smell. There’s also some evidence to suggest that individuals who consume a lot of alcohol may be more prone to body odor. This is because alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, which can contribute to greater body odor. Lastly, eating too much red meat (due to its high fat content) may lead to odor as the bacteria on your skin feed on the fatty acids. 3. Shave Your Pits We’re not judging, but if you want to go au naturel, you should be aware that hair can slow the evaporation of sweat, contributing to more bacteria that increases the chance of body odor. Washing or changing your clothing more often can help. 4. Choose Your Fabrics Carefully Natural fibers (linen, silk, cotton, light wool like merino) breathe and minimize sweating. Newer high-tech fibers wick away moisture, helping you to stay dry, leaving bacteria without anything to feed on. You can also try to dress in layers, which helps to soak up the sweat. 5. Ditch the Fabric Softener Fabric softeners may promise sweeter smelling clothing, but they sit on the surface of clothing fibers, preventing air flow and sweat evaporation. This not only prevents air circulation, but also decreases the efficacy of detergent when you wash your clothes resulting in even more smelly clothing! What Not to Do Although you may have read that anti-bacterial soaps and washes are a good idea, they aren’t worth it in the long run. Antibacterial soaps kill bacteria or stop their growth and it’s not healthy at all. Research has shown antibacterial soaps may impact hormone levels and increase the risk of bacterial resistance. Plus, your body needs bacteria to maintain a healthy, balanced environment on your skin. How Do I Stop My Armpits From Smelling? If you’re following good personal hygiene practice and still can’t manage the odor, it may be time to see a doctor. We’ve written about what causes sweat before, but a medical condition may be responsible. Your doctor can help determine if that’s the cause. Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, which can be hereditary or caused by a range of factors including stress, nervousness, diabetes, menopause, thyroid issues, etc. Trimethylaminuria (a.k.a. fish odor syndrome), is a metabolic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down a smelly compound called trimethylamine. Prescription treatments including strong antiperspirants, Botox or electromagnetic therapy may be suitable options. Ask your physician. What Medical Condition Causes Body Odor? Here are some medically related reasons that you may experience body odor. Diabetes. Not body odor per se, but fruity smelling breath may be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, which occurs when your body is running low on insulin, causing your blood sugar to spike. Because your body can’t break down carbohydrates for energy, it breaks down fatty acids for fuel, which creates a build-up of acidic chemicals called ketones in the blood. One such acid, acetone, causes the fruity smell. If this is you, check in with your doctor ASAP, as the complications can be life threatening. Stinky skin (stronger than normal body odor) could be a sign of skin infections, as a result of the byproducts of bacterial growth. Liver and kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, can lead to excessive sweat and increased BO. Stinky feet may be signs of a fungal infection (like athlete’s foot), especially if you see dry, scaly skin around your toes, redness and blisters.
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This is How To Exfoliate Body Skin Like the Pros
Exfoliate body skin to show off softer, smoother arms & legs all year round! We’re sharing tips to help you do it just like the pros. Shop All Apothekari Here’s Why You Should Exfoliate Body Skin Exfoliation comes from the Latin, exfoliatus (to strip of leaves). It’s a term used to describe the process of removing dead skin cells, which can leave skin looking and feeling rough and dry. We’ve written about exfoliation before, but in this post, we’re focusing on body skin. While more of it’s on display during the warmer, summer months, this advice is relevant all year long. Exfoliation not only helps to improve the look and feel of your skin, it can also help to minimize and eliminate ingrown hairs and clogged pores. Using a fake tanner? Exfoliate first to ensure a more even application and better results. How to Exfoliate – Just Like a Pro Here’s how to get softer, smoother skin on your body: Use a washcloth, sponge/loofah or bristle brush. These are best used on dry skin and help to rub away excess skin flakes, leaving your skin softer and cleaner than before. Apply a bit of pressure and scrub gently over your skin in small, circular motions starting from the ankles and working your way upwards. Elevate the experience with a body polish! Our skin pampering Bamboo & Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish works best with wet skin dampened first in the shower or bath. Or, you can use it after getting to work on dry skin. The process is the same – whisk away dry skin cells by using small circular motions, working up from your ankles. Take care or avoid sensitive areas like your torso or breasts. End with a rinse to get rid of flaky skin and wash away residual product. Follow with a treatment like our Shea Body Butter or Lemon Rose Body Oil to seal in moisture and help keep skin hydrated. If you’re exfoliating your entire body, pay extra attention to your heels, elbows, and knees. These areas often experience the most dryness and should be given special attention. Grab our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish and aim to exfoliate once or twice a week. Get ready to say hello to silkier skin!
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Safe Skincare. What You Need to Know
Go down the internet rabbit hole for long enough, and you’ll start to question if safe skincare products exist. Is danger lurking in those pretty bottles sitting on your counter? Thankfully, for the most part, there’s little cause for concern. Many companies (including us!) make safe skincare, and in this post, learn how to choose them. Shop All Apothekari Is The Beauty Industry Regulated? It’s common misconception that skincare products aren’t regulated in countries like the United States and Canada. But, this just isn’t true. In the USA, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, overseen by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), regulates cosmetics. And in Canada, Health Canada establishes guidelines for safe skincare. If you’re going to sell a product in Canada, it must be registered with Health Canada (ours are). The rules differ amongst countries, but most developed nations, including the European Union, Japan, Australia, and others, have agencies which set rules that cosmetics companies must comply with. How can you protect yourself? Purchase from reputable companies whose products are registered with their country’s agency. Not sure? Ask. Unregistered products are a red flag that should make you reconsider your purchase. Are Skincare Products Harmful? While the ingredients in skincare products are regulated, the words used to market them are, unfortunately, not! Fear marketing is really effective so many companies use it to get you to buy—or not buy—something. Sadly, the beauty space is filled with mistruths that aren’t backed by science. They’re not only misleading, they’re also very confusing for most customers. At Apothekari, your wellness comes first. Our founder is a pharmacist and those values guide us in everything that we do. Scientific research dictates our formulations and we don’t resort to unsubstantiated claims. We stand by our products and operate with honesty and integrity. Fear isn’t something that we use to scare you into buying our products. How Do You Know if a Skin Product Is Safe? In a world filled with lots of noise, who can you trust when it comes to choosing safe skincare products? Like shopping for anything, the key is to be an educated consumer. Beyond looking for products registered with the relevant regulatory body, and being wary of fear marketing, here’s what’s important: Is The Product Preserved? Despite what you may hear, preservatives are not scary! What is scary, are products that aren’t preserved. Preservatives are essential in any product that contains water to protect you from harm that may be caused by bacteria, fungi and mold. You may be concerned about parabens, but many companies are now using alternatives. If the product contains water, AND says it’s preservative-free, then either the formulator is lying (some of the ingredients may contain preservatives and they don’t need to be listed on the label) or even worse, it’s made by someone putting your health at risk. Read more here. Get to Know Your Ingredients. Don’t be scared by chemicals, because whether synthetic or straight from nature, everything is a chemical. A ‘chemical-free’ product would not only be completely ineffective, it would be impossible to find. Good and bad ingredients can be ‘natural’, ‘green’ and ‘clean’ (unregulated marketing terms, which can mean anything), or made in a lab. It doesn’t matter where it comes from – what’s important is whether it’s safe and effective. Who to trust when it comes to ingredient safety? Again – be cautious about organizations who want to scare you. Here’s a good read. Understand What Works for You. We’re all unique so what works for your best friend may not be so great for your skin. Some of us may be fine with fragrances, while some of us may not. Only you know your body. Get used to reading labels so you can decide for yourself. Knowledge is power. Where do you turn for information when it comes to the safety of your skincare products?
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This Is How to Avoid Sun Damaged Skin Every Summer
Want to avoid sun damaged skin this, and every, summer? Learn how in this post! SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Also known as premature aging or photoaging, sun damage refers to skin that’s been wrecked by exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV rays). There are ways to prevent, and to repair, some of this damage. Read on for more information. Every time you go outside or sit by a window without sun protection, or use a tanning bed, you’re putting yourself at risk for skin damage. Over time, this damage can build up, leading to skin changes making you look years older than you normally would. Changes include: Wrinkles and fine lines Age spots and other pigmentation Loose skin Spider veins Blotchy or ruddy complexion Tanning beds can cause these changes to occur very quickly, sometimes in as little as a year! The damage can lead to deeper lines or dry, scaly patches – actinic keratoses (AKs), pre-cancerous skin growth, which can lead to skin cancer. You Can Protect Against Sun Damaged Skin. Reverse It Also Radiant Skin Set The best way to decrease your chances of sun damaged skin is to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays. Don’t sit out with unprotected skin – wear long sleeves and put on sunglasses Seek shade wherever possible Minimize sun exposure when UV rays are strongest, between 10 am and 4 pm. Use a well-formulated sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 whenever possible. Curious about how to use sunscreen properly? Read more here. Adding in an antioxidant formulation like our Glow Getter 3, helps protect skin further. Antioxidants like vitamin C and E and green tea, are antioxidants that help protect skin from the free radical damage that comes with sun exposure. Free radicals are unstable molecules that attack skin’s proteins (collagen and elastin, for example), lipids and worst of all, DNA. Antioxidants help protect against this kind of damage. We like to apply Bespoke Vitamin C every morning underneath our sunscreen. Already have skin that’s damaged? Retinoids, a class of ingredients that come from Vitamin A, have been shown to help reverse some of the damage. Retinoids boost collagen production in skin, helping to maintain its firmness. Our Advanced+ Renewal contains retinaldehyde, a gentle and highly effective retinoid, along with other actives, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and protect it against sun damage. Find both serums in our Radiant Skin Set. Is It Time to Visit Your Dermatologist? If your skin is seriously sun damaged, and you’ve tried topical treatments without much success, you may want to check in with your dermatologist. A dermatologist can help to determine if a prescription treatment may be more suitable. Or, if you’re a candidate for a medical procedure: Laser Resurfacing. Intense beams of light can remove layers of sun damaged skin and trigger the formation of collagen, leaving skin looking healthier Chemical Peels. Strips away sun-damaged skin Photorejuvenation (also known as intense pulsed light – IPL). Bursts of pulsed light are used to reach the deeper layers of skin and smooth out sunspots and freckles Microdermabrasion. Buffs off the top layer of skin with sand-like particles, which stimulates the growth of new skin underneath. Bleaching Creams. Bleaching chemicals smooth out uneven skin coloring. Sun Damaged Skin – Prevention is Always Best! Wear sunscreen every day. Minimize sun exposure. Add in an antioxidant and a retinoid into your skincare routine. There’s really no reason for sun damaged skin. We can keep our skin looking good for decades if we just take care of it.
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Gluten Skin and Your Health. This is What You Need to Know
A while ago we wrote about ‘Gluten Face’ (yes it’s a thing!) and now, let’s look at the relationship between gluten skin and your health. Learn more below! Shop All Apothekari Is Gluten Really Bad for You? Over the past few years, gluten has taken a real bashing when it comes to your health. A protein found in grains like wheat, rye and barley, it also can turn up in other foods, through cross contamination. (ie, other grains like oats). Know why we love bread so much? Yup, gluten. It gives baked goods their chewy deliciousness. It may taste great, but sadly, eating it may not be so good for some people. Not so serious, is gluten intolerance, which comes with a long range of symptoms when gluten-containing foods are consumed. Far more serious is Celiac Disease, a genetic, autoimmune condition, that occurs in people where eating gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Nutrients can’t be absorbed properly into the body and long-term health complications follow, including: Iron deficiency anemia Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia Infertility and miscarriage Lactose intolerance Vitamin and mineral deficiencies Nervous system disorders Gastrointestinal cancers Neurological issues including epileptic seizures, dementia, migraine, etc Gluten Skin Implications You Should Know About Whether you’re gluten intolerant or have Celiac Disease, the symptoms may be the same. And some individuals, especially those with Celiac Disease, may have no symptoms at all: Digestive issues such as gas, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Ongoing low energy levels, “brain fog,” chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. Autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma or multiple sclerosis. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling off balance. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS, delayed menstruation onset and stunted growth. Migraines and/or frequent headaches. Joint pain, inflammation and swelling, particularly in fingers, knees or hips Gluten skin issues include eczema, rosacea, skin rashes, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). Avoid Gluten in Skincare? Should you avoid gluten in your skincare products if you’re intolerant or have Celiac Disease? The answer may surprise you. Turns out that applying vs ingesting gluten, are two very different things. According to Dr. Alessio Fasano, Medical Director of the Center for Celiac Research, University of Maryland, “If you have Celiac Disease, then the application of gluten containing products to the skin should not be a problem, unless you have skin lesions that allow gluten to be absorbed systemically in great quantities.” This advice can be carried over to lipstick and lip products, as they are easily ingested. Last, if you have active dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin condition associated with Celiac Disease, or any cuts or open lesion, then use gluten-free skincare products to prevent its absorption. One caveat: If you have skin issues that won’t clear up no matter what you do, cut out gluten containing skincare products to see if it may help. The following Apothekari products don’t contain any gluten: Glow Getter 3, AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleanser, Daily Infusion Moisturizer, Natural Deodorants. They are not certified gluten free. Should You Follow A Gluten Free Diet? Following a gluten free diet is essential if you’ve tested positive for Celiac Disease. It’s not the same with gluten intolerance. Consumption doesn’t carry the same long-term health implications, but you’ll likely feel better if you avoid or restrict it in your diet. I’ve heard ‘experts’ suggest that you shouldn’t go gluten free unless you have Celiac Disease because a gluten free diet is expensive and that you’re going to load up on gluten free crackers, cookies and cakes. To which I say, REALLY? I don’t know about you, but if I’m switching up my diet because of my health, it’s highly unlikely I’ll be loading up on Cheetos. In my family, we have two gluten intolerant individuals. And no, IT.IS.NOT.IN.THEIR.HEADS! Following a gluten free diet is essential to their wellbeing and as the primary food shopper and cook in our house, I’ve learned how to prepare nourishing and delicious meals. Focus on foods that are naturally gluten free, which also tend to be great for your overall wellness: Meat, poultry, and eggs Fish and seafood Beans and legumes Fruits and vegetables Grains and starches including, corn, rice, buckwheat, millet, tapioca, oats (ensure not contaminate) Nuts Dairy Potatoes Vinegars and oils Herbs and spices Gluten Skin & Health Resources You know yourself best so if you need to go gluten free for your health, do it. And, don’t let anyone question why. Check in with a trusted healthcare professional if you need guidance. And, visit the many trustworthy resources online. Here are some to get you started: National Celiac Organization. A non-profit organization dedicated to educating and advocating for individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivities, Celiac Disease Foundation. (CDF) is a nonprofit that helps fund research, education, and advocacy programs. Learn more about celiac disease and how to live gluten free. NIH. National Institutes of Health link to help you start on your GF journey US FDA. Information to help you read food labels. Gluten Intolearnce Group. Information for individuals with a gluten sensitivity. The Inspired RD. Alysa Bajenaru, a Registered Dietitian’s blog on navigating Celiac Disease. Great recipe inspiration.
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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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3 Foods to Avoid For Your Skin During The Holidays
Some foods are just better for our health than others – here are 3 foods to avoid when it comes to your skin and your overall wellness during the holidays this year. While the relationship between flawless, glowing skin and diet isn’t yet crystal clear, there is some evidence linking specific foods to skin flare-ups and other nutrient-rich foods to skin benefits. Learn more in this post. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET What Food Should Be Avoided For Skin? (Sugary Treats!) Beautifully decorated cookies, holiday chocolates & decadent macarons are in abundance at this time of year. Though they may taste good going down, over consumption can lead to glycation, resulting in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can induce free radical damage and cause deterioration of the skin. The end-result? A loss of elasticity and the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Sugar has become one of the most vilified foods for its negative impact on overall wellness, including our skin’s appearance. We’re not saying never, but try to limit your servings when possible. Or, indulge a sweet tooth with a small amount of fresh fruit or dark chocolate. 2 More Foods to Avoid: Alcohol & Salty Foods Alcohol and salty foods cause dehydration, which can leave skin looking pasty, puffy and more visibly wrinkled. Boozy holiday cocktails often contain a lot of sugar (see above), which can exacerbate the signs of skin aging. These are two foods to avoid when it comes to your skin; moderation is key. Reach for the water, a mocktail or a spritzer when it comes to beverages and load up on crudites instead of the chips. These choices will help to ensure you stay hydrated while nourishing your body with essential vitamins and minerals. What Foods Make Your Skin Better? It’s well known that certain nutrients are essential to good health. Minerals like magnesium and calcium; vitamins A, B, C and D; omega-3 fatty acids; lean protein; fibre; micronutrients…the list goes on. For healthy skin, the research isn’t so clear. But, given that it’s the body’s largest organ, it makes sense that what’s good for the body, is (in general) what’s good for the skin. A diet that keeps your inside healthy will help deliver glowing and beautiful skin as well. The occasional splurge isn’t going to ruin your complexion, but a consistently poor diet is bound to have implications. Several experts whose expertise straddles both nutrition and dermatology are here to tell you which foods may support smooth, healthy skin, and which foods are more likely to lead to rashes, blemishes, and breakouts. Try to Maintain Your Skin Care Routine Wherever Possible Work parties, family gatherings and extra social outings put temptation in front of you during the holidays and it’s only human nature to indulge. Have a sugar cookie, enjoy a glass of eggnog and try that new cheese your cousin bought just for you. It’s important to enjoy life too! While late nights and an over extended social calendar can disrupt routines, try to exercise, get enough sleep and choose healthy food options when you can for the health of both your skin and your body. When it comes to your skin, don’t neglect to cleanse your face before falling into bed. This will help to remove dirt and makeup that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Besides cleansing, if there are only two things you can remember to use, make it the serums in our Radiant Skin Set. It includes our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum (for morning) and our A is for Anti-Aging Serum (for night), which will help to protect against inflammation and free radical damage and deliver the glowing skin you want to show the world for the holidays! SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Happy Holidays All!
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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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