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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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Benefits of Green Tea EGCG: New Study
It’s well known that green tea, and more specifically, one of its active components, EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) delivers a myriad of benefits to skin. Green Tea Skin Benefits Green tea itself contains polyphenols, high antioxidant nutrients which help to protect the skin against free radical damage. Studies have shown that it also: Protects against the development of skin cancer Reduces sebum production, thereby minimizing the development of acne Minimizes rosacea Slows down the skin aging process. New Study on EGCG in Green Tea A study recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, points to new skin care benefits attributed to EGCG. According to the article, the benefits extended beyond that of its antioxidant and inflammatory properties and showed that it contributed to an increase in skin hydration. The authors examined EGCG’s effect on hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) gene expression, as well as antioxidant and anti-pigmentation properties. Benefits of EGCG for Skin Care EGCG was shown to increase the expression of skin’s natural moisturizing factor-related genes, among other activities. In addition, its antioxidant activity helped to prevent radical-evoked apoptosis (cell death) and it reduced melanin secretion. The study results suggest that EGCG could be used as a cosmetic ingredient for skin hydration, moisture retention and the prevention of wrinkle formation. Our customers are on to something as they already rave about the results they are seeing upon using our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum (which contains green tea extract along with L-ascorbic acid and other skin beneficial ingredients). Given these latest results, it’s not surprising at all!
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Hyaluronic Acid Love
When it comes to effective skin care ingredients, hyaluronic acid skin care products (along with related sodium hyaluronate) rank right up there with other superstars including l-ascorbic acid, retinoids and sunscreen. This naturally occurring substance is a carbohydrate that is found in our joints, our eyes and connective tissue, along with our skin. It helps to lubricate things and also has an immense capacity to attract and hold large quantities of moisture. It can do this without the skin receiving too much water, which can be just as bad for skin as too little. Aging skin loses its ability to maintain moisture, resulting in the visible loss of firmness, pliability, and plumpness. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant (attracts moisture from the environment into the skin) and replenishes moisture that is essential to the appearance of younger-looking, healthy and supple skin. Other ingredients, including glycerin and propanediol also do this, but hyaluronic acid is far more effective, capable of holding 1000 times its weight in water! The result is skin that looks and feels softer, smoother and hydrated, with a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What about sodium hyaluronate? This salt form of hyaluronic acid also acts as a humectant but is more stable and less likely to oxidize. It also has a lower molecular size, helping it to penetrate deeper into the skin. Chemists, however, have developed low molecular weight versions, which solves this issue. The key is not to go too low with the molecular weight as this can lead to skin inflammation. Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits – More… You don’t need super high concentrations of either sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid. Concentrations of 2% and less deliver great results so don’t be surprised to see them listed at the end of the ingredient list. Higher concentrations can conversely, dry the skin. While hydration is the main reason to incorporate hyaluronic acid, it also can: Increase skin elasticity Fight inflammation, thereby helping to soothe skin irritations such as atopic dermatitis and rosacea as well Deliver antioxidant benefits, helping to protect skin against free radical damage. Useful for all skin types, we love hyaluronic acid for its multi-tasking ability. Oily or combination skin types benefit from non-greasy hydration. Because it is so gentle, even sensitive and redness prone skin is able to tolerate it. Find it as sodium hyaluronate in our Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum (10% too).
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Apothekari Gift Guide 2017
Holiday Gift Guide 2017 We’re into the first week of December already and if you’re anything like me, you may be a bit behind on your gift shopping. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of gifts that may help relieve some of the stress. While we can’t guarantee that your purchase will arrive in time for Christmas, you can choose to pick up locally in Vancouver at Pure Pharmacy on Oak Street (option and details available at checkout) if that makes sense for you. Come Say Hello at The Bar Method Pop-Up! If you’d like to check out a bar class, shop from Apothekari (we’ll have testers on hand too) and support the Vancouver Food Bank through the Bar’s annual holiday Bar-a-thon food and toy drive, visit us during the Bar’s pop-ups: December 9th: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm West Vancouver, Marine Drive, Suite 250, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1J4 (604) 925-6199 December 16th 8:00 am – 1:30 pm Yaletwon. 837 Beatty Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, BC Phone: (604) 681-6188 We look forward to seeing you! Visit The Bar Method for more information. Now on to that Gift Guide… 1. For Someone Who Loves Bath-time Our range of sumptuous bath products are designed to exfoliate, moisturize and cleanse skin. Consider the following: Lemon Verbena Sugar Body Polish. A new addition to our online store, this sugar polish has a bright, aromatic citrus scent and is ideal for aromatherapeutic body treatments or a little pampering in your bath. Unlike most sugar-based scrubs, our body polish is smooth and never drips excess oil, so it’s easy to apply. Made with a blend of natural butters, this body exfoliator leaves the skin feeling soft and well-moisturized yet not greasy. Vanilla Rose Sugar Body Polish. New, like the Lemon Verbena Sugar Body Polish, Vanilla Rose boasts a modern and subtle scent of rose along with a faint hint of vanilla. It too, is ideal for aromatherapeutic body treatments or a little pampering in your bath. Unlike most sugar-based scrubs, our body polish is smooth and never drips excess oil, so it’s easy to apply. Made with a blend of natural butters, this body exfoliator leaves the skin feeling soft and well-moisturized yet not greasy. Our Shea Body Butter is made with organic shea butter and infused with healing herbs, fresh oils, natural vegetarian waxes and an intoxicating blend of essential oils to heal dry, cracked and callused skin. This extra-rich, protective crème is made with the highest quality organic shea butter from Africa. It penetrates deeply to heal dry, cracked, and callused skin and is also excellent as a daily hand crème, aiding in the health of cuticles and nails. Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish. Let our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish revitalize and invigorate your skin and your senses with walnut shell powder, powdered bamboo and a light, refreshing essential oil blend of lemongrass, mimosa, and litsea! This exfoliating polish also comes with some light foaming action, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth and you feeling refreshed! Our body treatments are packaged in gift sets for extra savings! 2. For Someone Serious About Skin Care Consider the gift of great skin for someone who is concerned about keeping it as healthy and youthful as possible. Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging, our top selling serum is everyone’s favorite because it’s formulated with retinaldehyde – a super gentle yet highly effective form of retinoid PLUS niacinamide – soothing, anti-inflammatory and hyperpigmentation busting. This treatment receives rave reviews from our customers and is a must have for anyone who wants skin that glows. Bespoke Vitamin C Serums. Available in both a 10% (for newbies or those with sensitive skin) or 15% concentrations, our hydrating serum contains Vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid plus a host of skin beneficial antioxidants to deliver protection from free radicals that can cause skin damage. Apply every morning for brighter skin. AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel is ideal for everyday use for all skin types (except sensitive). It will help to improve skin’s overall appearance, with all three major ingredients working together to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, gently exfoliate clogged pores, and promote cellular renewal. Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Creme is a new generation of gentle, foaming cleanser, that not only cleans, but also moisturizes and protects skin. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, soothes aging and sensitive skin, while delivering a healthy glow to all skin types. Apothekari Antioxidant Firming Eye Gel is formulated with Vitamin C, ferulic acid, sodium hyaluronate and algae extract to prevent signs of aging while correcting existing photodamage. Used daily, this preventive and corrective treatment combats signs of fatigue, improves discoloration and skin tone to restore a fresh, vibrant appearance around the eyes. 3. For Someone Hard To Shop For Can’t decide or not sure? We offer Gift Certificates starting at $25. Let them decide what to get and be rewarded for choosing a thoughtful and usable gift!
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