Blog
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!
Learn more
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
Learn more
What Happens If You Don't Wash Your Face?
You’ve likely heard it before: “Always wash your face.” You’ve heard it so many times, it must be good advice. But is it? Can anything bad really happen if you don’t wash your face? Find out in this post. Shop Aha-Mazing Clean Gel Cleanser Shop Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Creme Wash Your Face to Clean & Prep It The main reason to wash your face is to clean it. A cleanser helps to remove dirt, make-up and oil that can accumulate on skin over the course of a day. Cleansing also helps to remove old, dead skin cells, which can build up on the surface, leaving skin looking dull and lifeless. The accumulation of these impurities along with dry and dead skin cells puts you at risk for clogged pores, which ultimately, can lead to breakouts. In addition to removing debris and potentially damaging substances, a clean face preps the skin’s surface for the application of subsequent skincare treatments. Actives are more easily absorbed deeper into the skin where they can exert their action. Moisturizing ingredients – humectants (which draw moisture to the skin); emollients (which soften and smooth skin) and occlusives (which lock moisture in) are also more effective, leading to increased hydration. The good news is that hydrated skin looks healthy and younger. Choose A Suitable Cleanser Convinced yet? If so, it’s important to choose a cleanser that’s right for your skin. There are many to choose from – gels, creams, powders, oils and balms – and we’ve written about them before. Choose one based on personal preference and also on your skin type. Sensitive skin tends to do better with milder, less foaming cleansers such as crèmes, balms and oils. Skin that is more tolerant can pick and choose. Cleansers can include actives such as alpha hydroxy acids (which help to exfoliate), moisturizing ingredients , antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. At Apothekari we offer two cleansers that are suitable for a range of skin types: Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients to clean, moisturize and protect skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. AHA-Mazing Exfoliating Cleansing Gel. Infused with a triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate, hydrate and help improve the health of skin. Caution sensitive skin. How to Wash Your Face When it comes to getting the deed done, you can follow a one or two-step method, which are explained in this post. The important bits: Use warm (not hot) water and rinse thoroughly Stay away from harsh surfactants (soaping agents) which strip away oils leading to dryness Ensure you wash your face at night. While there is some debate about a morning cleanse, at Apothekari, we feel that’s optional. The world isn’t going to end if you don’t wash your face, but your skin will look much better. Trust us on this one!
Learn more
A Skincare Routine For Ageless Skin
A solid skincare routine is the foundation for youthful, ageless skin. Learn how to put together a regimen that covers the essential products for morning and nighttime skincare in this post. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Aging Doesn’t Mean Aging Skin We’ve discussed the impact that age has on our skin in a previous post. This includes: Less natural oil production leading to rougher, drier skin Less elastin and collagen production leading to skin that is less firm Thinning skin that appears more transparent Loss of volume due to thinning bones. We can’t control the impact of time, but our lifestyle choices also play a role in our skin’s appearance. For great skin it’s important to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise and incorporate effective skincare products as found in our Ageless Skin Set. A Morning and Nighttime Skincare Routine A 3-step skincare routine is one that most of us should follow to keep our skin looking its very best: Cleanse. To rid skin of make-up, pollution, dirt and oil, which can lead to blemishes, redness and irritation. One-step or two-step; it’s up to you but this important step shouldn’t be missed, especially at night. Cleansing also ensures that serums and other active products that you put on your skin can penetrate to deliver their effects. Protect. If you’re not wearing sunscreen every day, you’re not giving your skin a fighting chance! The sun’s ultraviolet rays are thought to contribute to more than 80% of skin aging so find a sunscreen that you love and apply it every morning, every day of the year! Add in an antioxidant formulation – one with Vitamin C (as in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum), as recommended by most skincare experts. Antioxidants help defend against the free radicals that cause skin damage, and which we’re exposed to daily from pollution and UV rays. Perfect. Depending on your age, your skin type and where you live (climate, humidity, etc), this step addresses your skin’s specific needs. Whether it’s fine lines and wrinkles, crows feet, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, dry skin or acne, this last step addresses that. A serious anti-aging skincare routine must include a retinoid. Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids deliver a range of proven skin benefits including: Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Brighten skin tone by reversing sun damage and dark spots Thicken skin Retinoids also have anti-acne properties, making them a useful addition in the management of blemishes, which many women experience as they get older. Our A is for Anti-Aging contains retinaldehyde – an effective yet gentle retinoid, making it suitable for most skin types – along with other skin beneficial ingredients for firmer, brighter and more youthful looking skin. Depending on your concerns, incorporate other products including moisturizers, eye treatments, skin lighteners, masks or exfoliants into your skincare routine as needed. Our Ageless Skin Set: Part of Your Skincare Routine We’ve combine 4 essential products to cover a morning and nighttime skincare routine into our Ageless Skin Set, which currently features special pricing: A is for Anti-Aging – 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 (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. Use daily morning and/or night as needed. AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel (all skin types) – Cleanse skin to remove dirt and makeup and ensure absorption of active treatments. Choose between Cloud Nine, our gentle, foaming cleansing cream or AHA-Mazing, our exfoliating cleansing gel. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Are you ready to wake up to healthy, ageless skin with this essential AM/PM skincare set?
Learn more
How To Get More Radiant Skin
Glowy, radiant skin is a sign of healthy skin – a look that that we all aspire to. Consistently using the right combination of products is key to radiant skin. Learn more in this post. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET What Robs You of Radiant Skin? Lack of sleep, stress, aging and even what you eat can rob your complexion of its radiance. Skin that looks dull and tired can become luminous and glowing by using the right products along with some expert tips. Here’s how to achieve radiant skin. 4 Tips for Radiant Skin Cleanse. Start with a clean ‘canvas’ by removing dirt including oil, pollution and make-up that can leave skin looking dull. Choose between two foaming cleansers to suit most skin types: AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel – Exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate with this foaming cleansing that soothes skin and senses. Triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and a refreshing mint scent. Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème – Clean, moisturize and protect skin with this gentle, foaming cleanser. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients and ideal for aging and sensitive skin. Exfoliate. Nothing strips away your glow more than having a layer of dry, dead skin cells sitting on your skin’s surface. Exfoliation helps to remove these cells and brightens skin almost immediately. You can exfoliate physically with a scrub or chemically with an acid. When it comes to facial exfoliation, we lean towards chemical exfoliation, which only penetrates through the skin’s uppermost layer. Scrubs and polishes are more prone to aggressive use, which can lead to skin irritation. In addition to our AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel, which exfoliates and cleanses, our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, provides light exfoliation. Brighten. As we age, skin can become unevenly toned due to age spots, melasma, etc. The following ingredients can brighten skin: Niacinamide. Lightens skin discolouration and fades age spots by decreasing the number of melanin transferred to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells by more than half. Find niacinamide in A is for Anti-Aging, where it is combined with Phenylethyl Resorcinol, another skin brightening agent and retinaldehyde, for the ultimate in age prevention properties. Vitamin C. Found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, it brightens skin by disrupting the production of melanin, a skin pigment that causes discolouration and age spots. Because the two ingredients above do so much to improve skin’s glow, we’ve combined A is for Anti-Aging and our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum into the Radiant Skin Set. When used together regularly, these serums will help to illuminate your complexion. Expect to see results within a few weeks and optimal results in about three months. Other ingredients that can help to brighten skin include lactic acid, arbutin, kojic acid and licorice. Hydrate. Dry and dehydrated skin looks dull and may even appear more wrinkled. Although you may not need a dedicated moisturizer, it’s important to incorporate products that can help to replenish and lock in moisture. In a previous post we discussed how to choose a moisturizer and our Daily Infusion Moisturizer provides a perfect balance of the 3 types of ingredients needed to keep skin hydrated. Fake It Till You Make It! While you’re waiting for results from topical treatment to kick in, you can rely on make-up, which helps to deliver an instant glow. Look for products that contain minerals like mica, which reflect light to deliver radiant skin allover.
Learn more
The Essentials For Smooth Skin On Your Body
If summer living has left you with arms and legs that are dry, rough and/or cracked, learn about the essentials necessary for touchable and smooth skin! *Our Bamboo Lemongrass Body Polish has been discontinued, but consider our Shea Body Butter or Lemon Rose Moisturizing Oil to help keep skin soft and smooth. Shop Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil We’re summer’s biggest fans at Apothekari, but extended sun exposure can do a number on your skin. Unprotected exposure to UVA rays can destroy collagen and elastin, which helps give skin a smooth and resilient texture. Plus, it can make it look and feel drier and rougher. While sun protection is important, it’s also necessary to use products that can help to undo the damage that summer can cause. Learn what they are in this post. What Causes Rough Skin? Your skin’s texture and appearance are affected primarily by its uppermost layer, the stratum corneum, which is made up of dead skin cells along with a mixture of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. These substances help to keep moisture in and irritants out. A build-up of these dead skin cells along with a lack of moisture and hydration are the main reasons that skin appears rough and dry. Low humidity or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or keratotis pilaris, may worsen your skin’s appearance. Plus, the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause may also detract from smooth skin. If you’re after smooth skin, it’s essential to do these 2 things: Exfoliate Moisturize The two products found in our Smooth Skin Body Set can help. Exfoliate for Smooth Skin Gentle cleansing and mild exfoliation help to deliver radiant and smooth skin by removing the dead skin cells on the surface that leave skin looking and feeling rough, dull and dry. Exfoliate either chemically (as with ingredients known as alpha hydroxy acids – AHAs – acids which help to dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together) or mechanically by using scrubs and polishes. Many of us pay attention to our facial skin, but we often overlook our hands and feet – parts of our body that suffer the most wear and tear, especially during the warmer months. Our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish is formulated with walnut shell powder, powdered bamboo and a gentle cleanser to whisk away dead, dry skin cells leaving smooth skin behind. It’s invigorating and refreshing essential oil scent turns a shower or bath into a spa-like event. Moisturizers Lead to Smoother Skin Once you’ve removed the dead skin leading to roughness, it’s important to moisturize. A good moisturizer helps to prevent flaking and dry patches by replenishing and locking in moisture. Whether you opt for a lotion, a cream or a butter, moisturizers help to deliver soft and smooth skin by plumping up skin cells. For best results, apply moisturizers to damp skin as quickly as you can after stepping out of the shower, to trap water and seal it in. Our Shea Body Butter contains healing herbs, fresh oils, natural vegetarian waxes in an organic shea butter base to heal dry, cracked and callused skin. We’ve combined both the Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish and the Shea Body Butter into our Smooth Skin Set so that your skin can benefit from both exfoliation and moisturization on a regular basis. Beauty From Within: Smooth Skin With These 3 Tips Here are 3 additional things you can do every day to ensure smooth skin: Drink Water. (Caution with the caffeinated, sugary beverages or alcoholic drinks) to help hydrate and assist your body’s metabolic processes. Fruits and vegetables count as well – not only are many high in water content (melons, cucumbers, etc), but they are also filled with micronutrients that help to maintain healthy skin. Get Enough Beauty Sleep. A lack of quality sleep increases your body’s production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can increase the inflammatory response in skin and showing up as more acne or skin sensitivity along with psoriasis and eczema. Exercise. Increases blood flow to the blood vessels, helping to provide more micronutrients to skin and enhancing its appearance.
Learn more
3 Tips To Help Transition Summer Skin Care to Fall
No, we’re not ready to say goodbye to summer, but September’s just around the corner, so this may be a good time to focus on how to transition your summer skin care routine, to one more suitable for fall. Shop All Apothekari Autumn brings cooler weather and with it, a drop in humidity. Lower humidity makes for drier air, leading to even drier skin. Add in dry heat from radiators and your skin may start to react with dry, itchy skin and certain skin conditions such as eczema. To avoid an itch fest and to help keep skin looking and feeling soft and supple, we’re sharing 3 tips to help you manage the transition of summer skin care to fall. Tip 1: Moisturize More Often A lightweight moisturizer, gel or none at all may have served your skin well during the warmer months. However, as temperatures drop, the air becomes drier and you may need to amp up the hydration: Try a thicker moisturizer, which may be more appropriate for skin during cooler weather. If you find it too heavy for daytime use, apply at night before going to bed. Don’t forget to hydrate body skin, which can also suffer from dryness and itchiness. Our Shea Body Butter is made with organic shea butter and infused with healing herbs, fresh oils and natural vegetarian waxes to heal dry, cracked and callused skin without any greasiness. Scented with a beautiful essential oil blend, apply it to slightly damp skin, which helps to lock in moisture. Consider adding an oil to your routine. Our Antioxidant Face Oil features skin nourishing vegetable oils including Olkerii Marula Oil to deliver fatty acids, sterols and antioxidants that help to calm, heal and protect skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth and looking radiant. We love incorporating this into our nighttime routine during fall and winter. Opt for a gentler cleanser. Tip 2: Summer Skin Care Essentials Year Round *Shade SPF 30 and Anti-Aging Skin Set have been discontinued. Our Radiant Skin Set includes both serums that were included in our Anti-Aging Set (just add sunscreen). For help choosing a sunscreen, check out our blog post: Sunscreen Ingredients | What to Look For. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Regardless of the season, it’s important to follow the basics of good skin care by protecting, preventing damage and perfecting skin year-round. Our Anti-Aging Set contains the 3 products that all skin types need to maintain healthy & beautiful skin: A Retinoid Serum – A is for Anti-Aging. Formulated with retinaldehyde, a gentle and effective retinoid plus additional actives/ingredients to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten skin and protect against sun damage. An Antioxidant Treatment – Bespoke Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C plus antioxidants in a made to order serum that protects skin from the free radicals that can accelerate skin aging. Moisturizes and leads to brighter skin. A Sunscreen – Shade SPF 30. A naturally safe, mineral based, zinc oxide sunscreen that delivers broad spectrum and non-whitening protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Tip 3: Lifestyle Tips While the right skin care products are important as you move from a summer skin care routine to one more appropriate for fall, lifestyle factors can help as well: Opt for warm, not hot baths and showers. Hot water can lead to drier skin. Invest in a humidifier if the air is exceptionally dry. Run it while you sleep, which will not only help to stave off dry skin, but also benefit dry sinuses, a problem some of experience during the cooler months. Don’t forget your feet and hands. Cracked hands and feet are not only unsightly, but can be painful as well. We like to slather on a moisturizer at bedtime before donning on a pair of socks or gloves to up the moisture factor. What is your best tip for transitioning from summer skin care to fall?
Learn more
This Serum Can Fight Free Radicals
Learn how to fight free radicals, molecules which can damage skin, by adding this serum to your daily skincare routine. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% What Are Free Radicals? ‘Free radicals’ AKA Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) impact our health, including that of our skin. They are created in our bodies as a result of exposure to certain different physical or chemical conditions or illness, including pollution, UV rays, some pesticides and smoke along with the consumption of excess alcohol and some fried foods. Free radicals are thought to contribute to diseases such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders (like rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes and degenerative diseases (Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease) as well as cancer. Age-related changes in our appearance, including a loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, graying hair, hair loss, and changes in hair texture are also thought to be related to free radicals. That’s why it’s important to fight free radicals. How to Fight Free Radicals in Skin Once free radical damage starts, it’s thought that a ‘cascade’ of damage occurs, producing more free radicals and speeding up the process of cell damage. This buildup of free radicals offers one explanation for why even healthy bodies age and deteriorate over time. Antioxidants are highly stable molecules, which donate an electron to free radicals, reducing their path of destruction and thereby lessening the damage they cause. Because they are so stable, antioxidants can do this without becoming free radicals themselves. Our bodies make several important antioxidants – glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase – and we can help to fight free radicals even further by consuming antioxidant rich foods or by applying them topically. One single antioxidant isn’t enough; we benefit from a combination of including the following: Vitamin C Vitamin E Ferulic acid Green Tea Resveratrol Coenzyme Q10. Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum is made with a combination of antioxidants and designed to fight free radicals, promote collagen synthesis, brighten skin tone and improve the appearance of aging skin. It is available in a 10% (sensitive skin) or 15% concentration (non-sensitive skin) and each bottle is made fresh to order, guaranteeing its potency. Apply to skin daily every morning to fight free radicals leaving skin looking more youthful and radiant. Top Tip: Eat Your Antioxidants While the topical application of antioxidants is beneficial to skin, we can’t discount the importance of nutrition. Fruits, vegetables and spices including onion, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger are a major source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Enjoy the variety; it is the spice of life after all!
Learn more
Boost Collagen With This Face Serum
Boost collagen with Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging, a face serum that can help keep skin looking healthy and youthful. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation) What is Collagen? Collagen is the protein most abundant in mammals and it’s behind pretty much everything holding you up right now – your bones, skin and muscle. Collagen is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which give strength and structure to tissues. This allows us to remain bendy, bouncy and generally supple. It’s one of the main components of skin but we sadly start to lose collagen as early as our twenties. Over time, this can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and loose skin. Fortunately, we can help to boost collagen levels with a combination of factors including lifestyle changes, sound nutrition plus topical treatments including this face serum, A is for Anti-Aging. Sunscreen and antioxidants are a great first defense against damage to collagen. Exposure to UV rays turns up the production of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), a group of enzymes responsible for the degradation of most of the body’s proteins like collagen. A well formulated sunscreen, like Shade SPF 30, along with an antioxidant treatment can help to neutralize free radicals and quash inflammation. The good news about some antioxidants, like Vitamin C and green tea, found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, is that in addition to protecting against free radicals, they also protect against collagen loss and help to boost its production. Learn more about how to beat sun damage here. This Face Serum Can Help To Boost Collagen While collagen creams are available, the collagen molecule itself is too large to penetrate skin to where it’s needed, deep in the dermis layer. The better way to boost collagen is to apply treatments that contain ingredients which have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen. In addition to antioxidants, peptides plus retinoids have been shown to boost collagen production. Retinoids like prescription retinoic acid or over the counter retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, have been around for a while and have a lot of evidence to support their ability to boost collagen levels. They work by ‘turning on’ genes and cells that are involved in collagen production and also help to organize new and existing collagen. Over time, they can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The biggest downside of retinoids is their ability to cause skin irritation. That’s why we are such big fans of the retinaldehyde found in A is for Anti-Aging, which is not only effective, but also the least irritating of all retinoids. Retinaldehyde is supported by other ingredients that can help to protect and improve skin’s appearance. Lifestyle Factors Beyond protecting collagen in your body with topical treatments, there are other things you can do as well. Smoking, stress, excessive alcohol consumption and a diet high in sugar and processed food can all accelerate the loss of collagen. Consume foods high in lean protein, essential fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, which contain amino acids, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients and help create a foundation for firm skin. Don’t skimp on protein, which is needed to produce collagen. If you’re curious about whether collagen supplements can help to boost collagen levels, know that while the research looks promising, it isn’t yet conclusive. For best results, look for brands that contain hydrolyzed peptides as these are the best way for the collagen stimulating molecules to reach your bloodstream. Other nutrients such as lysine, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and keratin stimulate collagen and vitamin C is essential for its production as well.
Learn more
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
Learn more
Beat Sun Damage This Summer
Sun damage, caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, is one of the main factors involved in aging skin with research showing that it is responsible for more than 80% of the damage. In this post, learn how a combination of the right products (found in our Anti-Aging Set, and which currently features a $40 gift certificate to apply to a future purchase), plus safe sun habits can help you to beat sun damage and minimize its effects, when it occurs. Our Anti-Aging Set has been discontinued, but consider our Ageless Skin Set. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set The Sun is Your Skin’s Worst Enemy One can’t deny how good sunshine feels on our skin. Yet, UV rays are the primary cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Protecting your skin against sun damage is the most important thing you can do to help keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful, yet most people don’t take this seriously. The sun produces two main types of UV rays that cause sun damage: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are longer penetrating rays, which reach deep into the skin. They can trigger skin cancer and also break down the skin’s supporting network, including the destruction of elastin and collagen, which ultimately leads to fine lines, wrinkles and saggy skin. UVA rays also disrupt melanin, leading to skin discolourations, AKA age spots. UVB rays are shorter rays and they are primarily associated with sunburns. However, they are also responsible for premature aging and skin cancer. Long term exposure to UV rays impacts the skin’s ability to produce components such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, etc., that are essential to its wellbeing. In addition to skin cancer, other undesirable changes may occur: Increased fine lines and wrinkles Uneven skin tone and discoloration Dry, thin and crepey looking skin A build-up of dead, dry skin cells, leaving skin looking dull and lifeless Sunscreens & Antioxidants Protect Against Sun Damage To fight against UV damage, protect your skin with a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Choose a product with a minimum of SPF 30 and use it every day, year round. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 is a zinc oxide, mineral-based sunscreen that is non-whitening and contains additional antioxidant protection. It’s never too late to start using sunscreen and the sooner, the better. Remember to reapply sunscreen if you are going to be outside for a long time or sweating. Don’t forget your lips, ears and the tops of your feet. Antioxidants complement the benefits of sunscreen by helping to defend against the free radical damage that accompanies UV rays. We recommend that you layer on an antioxidant treatment every morning under your sunscreen to take advantage of the one-two punch that you’ll get from this combination. Our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum contains l-ascorbic acid plus an arsenal of antioxidants including vitamin e, green tea extract, ferulic acid and pomegranate seed oil to help protect skin. Each bottle is made to order to guarantee freshness. Correct the Effects of Sun Damage Anti-Aging Set While sunscreen and sun protection are the best way to protect and prevent sun damage, products are available that can help to diminish its impact when it occurs: Retinoids, like retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, visibly diminish the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging by boosting collagen production and increasing skin cell turnover Vitamin C. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, vitamin C can brighten skin and help to make it appear more evenly toned. Find it in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum Treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) help to remove the buildup of dry, dead skin that cause dullness, resulting in more radiant skin. Our Anti-Aging Set contains A is for Anti-Aging (retinoid serum), Bespoke Vitamin C Serum (Vitamin C + antioxidants) and Shade SPF 30 (suncreen). This combination of 3 products is one of the most effective ways to help defeat sun damage. Lifestyle Tips While topical products can help to protect and perfect skin, these tips will go a long way to helping protect skin against sun damage: Cover up with a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves. Seek shade where possible Stay out of the sun during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm Who’s ready for summer?
Learn more
How To Reduce Wrinkles
If you’re curious about how to reduce wrinkles, this post explains that. Wrinkles are one of the most common symptoms of aging skin, but using the right products – a sunscreen like Shade SPF 30 and a retinoid like A is for Anti-Aging Serum, can help to reduce them. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation) What is a Wrinkle? Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges in the skin, which tend to appear as we get older. They are most frequently found on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, including the face, the neck and chest, the back of the hands and the arms. Sun damage, smoking, some medications and dehydration along with environmental and genetic factors can influence their development. Facial expressions, such as repeatedly smiling, frowning, or squinting may also lead to fine lines and wrinkles. And, the thinner, drier and less elastic skin that accompanies aging, impact their formation as well. Younger skin has more elasticity, allowing it to spring back. The aging process makes springing back harder and less frequent, resulting in permanent lines aka, wrinkles. Wrinkles – Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Unprotected exposure to UV light is thought to be one of the biggest contributors to wrinkle development. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, which form part of the skin’s supporting network. This damage results in skin that is weaker and less flexible, causing it to droop and wrinkles to develop. This is why sun protection is one of the best things you can do to reduce wrinkles. Wear a broad spectrum, UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day, year round. Shade SPF 30 is a naturally safe, mineral-based (zinc oxide) and non-whitening formulation to consider Cover up with clothing, seek shade, wear hats and sunglasses to protect skin against sun damage Smoking speeds up the aging process by reducing blood supply to the skin. Excess consumption of alcohol can result in dehydration, which causes skin to become dry and appear more wrinkled. And finally, sleeping on your side or face contributes to face lines while repetitive facial expressions (like squinting) overworks facial muscles and can result in grooves beneath the skin’s surface, which eventually leads to wrinkles. Treatments That Reduce Wrinkles When it comes to topical ingredients, there are a few that can help, but retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are supported by the most amount of research to support their efficacy in the reduction of fine wrinkles. They have also been shown to reduce pigmentation and decrease skin roughness. Retinoids include ingredients such as retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinol and retinyl palmitate. They work by increasing the production of collagen and by stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. It takes about three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent and the best results take six to 12 months. The one downside of retinoids is that they can cause skin dryness and irritation so it may be useful to gradually work up to nightly applications, especially if you have sensitive skin. Retinaldehyde, which is found in A is for Anti-Aging is effective and one of the gentlest forms of retinoid available, making it suitable for most skin types. Retinaldehyde has the added benefit of being antibacterial, which delivers benefit to acne sufferers as well. A is for Anti-Aging also contains niacinamide, which can stimulate collagen production. The combination helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that retinoids are broken down in sunlight so apply this serum at night in order to maximize benefits. A two-pronged approach will serve you best when it comes to wrinkle reduction: sunscreen every day in the morning and a retinoid each night.
Learn more