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Your Natural Deodorant Spray for Sensitive Skin
Looking for a Deodorant That Won’t Irritate Sensitive Skin? Let’s be honest—finding a deodorant for sensitive skin that actually works can feel like searching for a unicorn. Many natural deodorants make big promises but don’t deliver. Some leave you feeling sticky, others cause irritation, and a few just… don’t work. If your skin has ever reacted to baking soda, aluminum, or artificial fragrance, you already know the struggle. So what’s the solution? That’s where Apothekari’s Barely There Natural Deodorant Spray steps in. With a subtle citrus scent, skin-loving ingredients, and triple odor protection, it’s designed to work with your body—not against it. Whether you’re battling hormonal shifts, menopause odor, or everyday sweat, Barely There offers effective, gentle protection. Why Sensitive Skin Needs Special Care Skin Sensitivities Aren’t Just a Trend If you’ve ever experienced redness, itchiness, or burning after applying deodorant, you’re not alone. Many people with sensitive skin react to common ingredients like baking soda or synthetic fragrances. Sensitive underarms demand a different approach—one that’s thoughtful, targeted, and gentle. Common Irritants in Traditional Deodorants Aluminum: Often used in antiperspirants, but can clog pores and irritate. Parabens: Preservatives that may disrupt hormones. Baking Soda: A popular natural alternative, but highly alkaline and rough on sensitive skin. Barely There is free of all these. Because clean shouldn’t mean compromised. Barely There: What Makes It the Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin? It’s Powered by Science (and Nature) At Apothekari, we know that your skin deserves a formula that does more than just mask odor. Barely There uses a Triple Odor Protection system: Saccharomyces Ferment: Natural enzymes break down odor-causing sweat molecules. Glycolic Acid: Keeps your skin’s pH low, making it less friendly to odor-causing bacteria. Ethylhexylglycerin: A skin-safe probiotic that supports good bacteria to keep the bad at bay. Light Citrus Scent, Barely There Feel This isn’t your average spray. Scented with just a whisper of bergamot, Barely There is perfect for those who want freshness without fragrance overload. It dries quickly, feels light, and won’t leave residue behind. The scent disappears within seconds—so you feel clean, not perfumed. Safe for All Your Body’s Places Unlike other products, this deodorant for sensitive skin is made for your whole body. Yes, even your private areas. You can use it: Under your arms Under your breasts On your inner thighs Anywhere sweat happens Because body odor doesn’t only happen in one place. Why It Matters Changing Bodies Need Smarter Care As hormone levels shift, so does body odor. Many women find that their old deodorants suddenly stop working. That’s because sweat glands become more active, and body chemistry changes. Barely There was designed with this in mind—it works even through menopause. How to Use It Effectively Simple Steps for Everyday Freshness Shake gently before use. Spray 2-3 pumps onto clean, dry skin. Let it dry completely before dressing. Reapply if needed—but most users don’t have to. Pro Tip: If you’ve just shaved, wait a few minutes before applying. While Barely There is gentle, sensitive skin post-shaving can react more strongly to anything. Real Ingredients. Real Results. No Gimmicks—Just Ingredients That Work Caffeine: Calms inflammation and soothes skin. Allantoin: Hydrates and promotes healing. Essential Oils: Offer natural antibacterial protection and a mild scent. What You’ll Never Find Inside: Aluminum Baking soda Parabens Synthetic fragrances Sticky residue This is why it stands out as the best deodorant for sensitive skin. What Customers Are Saying LoveBlack (Castle Rock, US) “It keeps me feeling fresh all day long. I really couldn’t be happier!” Marcela Desverney (West Milford, US) “Unfortunately didn’t work for me. It also stung a bit after shaving. But I love the packaging and scent.” Apothekari Response: We take every review seriously. If it doesn’t work for you, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. What to Expect When Switching to Natural Deodorant Detox is Real Your body might go through a brief detox when switching from traditional deodorants. You may sweat more or notice stronger odor at first. Stick with it—it typically balances out in 1-2 weeks. Stick With It Barely There is made to work with your skin’s natural ecosystem. Give it time to fully adjust. Sustainable, Ethical, and Safe Our Promise to You Made in certified North American labs Never tested on animals (only the human kind!) Eco-conscious packaging Backed by science and customer satisfaction Final Thoughts: Is This Deodorant for Sensitive Skin Worth It? Absolutely. Barely There offers a unique blend of science-backed ingredients and natural goodness. If you’ve been frustrated by deodorants that irritate or underperform, this is your moment to try something new. It’s not just about smelling good—it’s about feeling confident in your skin. With Barely There, you get effective protection without compromise. Ready to try the deodorant for sensitive skin that finally does it all? 👉Shop Barely There Natural Deodorant Spray and give your skin the care it’s been craving. Still Not Sure? Take our Skincare Quiz to find your perfect routine. 💛 Join our FREE 5-Day Wellness Challenge for exclusive skincare tips, personalized product recommendations, and 15% off your first order! Your skin deserves better. Let’s make the switch together.
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The Best Natural Deodorant for Whole-Body Freshness: Apothekari’s Tranquil Moment Spray
Have you ever applied a natural deodorant in the morning, only to find yourself questioning its effectiveness by midday? If you’re seeking a reliable, skin-friendly solution that keeps you fresh from dawn to dusk, Apothekari’s Tranquil Moment Natural Deodorant Spray might just be your answer. Why Choose a Natural Deodorant? Understanding the Shift to Natural Options Traditional deodorants often contain aluminum compounds that block sweat glands, potentially leading to skin irritation and other concerns. Natural deodorants, like Apothekari’s Tranquil Moment, offer an alternative by neutralizing odor without interfering with the body’s natural processes. The Benefits of Going Natural Aluminum-Free: Avoids potential skin irritation and allows natural perspiration. Paraben-Free: Eliminates synthetic preservatives that may disrupt hormonal balance. Baking Soda-Free: Reduces the risk of skin sensitivity and rashes. Introducing Apothekari’s Tranquil Moment Natural Deodorant Spray A Deodorant That Works with Your Body Apothekari’s Tranquil Moment Spray is designed to work in harmony with your body’s chemistry. Its unique formulation targets odor at its source, ensuring long-lasting freshness without compromising skin health. Key Features Triple Odor Protection: Combines natural enzymes, glycolic acid, and probiotics to combat odor-causing bacteria. Skin-Soothing Ingredients: Includes caffeine and allantoin to calm and protect the skin. Fast-Drying & Non-Sticky: Leaves no residue, ensuring comfort throughout the day. Gender-Neutral Scent: A balanced blend of lavender and citrus notes suitable for all. The Science Behind the Formula Triple Odor Protection Explained Saccharomyces Ferment: Natural enzymes that break down sweat molecules, preventing odor formation. Glycolic Acid: Maintains a low pH environment, deterring odor-causing bacteria. Ethylhexylglycerin: A probiotic that promotes beneficial bacteria, keeping harmful microbes in check. Additional Skin Benefits The inclusion of caffeine and allantoin not only soothes the skin but also reduces potential irritation, making it suitable for sensitive areas. Versatility in Application Beyond the Underarms Unlike many deodorants, Tranquil Moment Spray is safe for use on various body parts, including: Underarms Chest Private Areas (external use only) This versatility ensures comprehensive odor protection wherever needed. Ideal for Active Lifestyles Whether you’re heading to the gym, embarking on a long day at work, or traveling, this deodorant adapts to your routine, providing consistent freshness. Commitment to Clean Beauty Ingredients You Can Trust Apothekari prioritizes transparency and safety. Our deodorant is free from: Aluminum Parabens Baking Soda Synthetic Fragrances Phthalates Formaldehyde SLS/SLES Moreover, all products are cruelty-free and manufactured in certified North American labs. Real User Experiences Customer Testimonials Many users have praised Tranquil Moment for its effectiveness and gentle formula. One customer noted, “I’ve tried numerous natural deodorants, but this is the first that keeps me fresh all day without any irritation.” Expert Reviews Beauty experts have highlighted the deodorant’s unique blend of ingredients and its ability to provide long-lasting odor protection without compromising skin health. How to Use for Optimal Results Cleanse: Ensure the application area is clean and dry. Apply: Spray 2-3 times directly onto the desired area. Dry: Allow a few seconds for the product to dry before dressing. For best results, incorporate into your daily routine and reapply as needed, especially during high-activity periods. Conclusion: Embrace the Best Natural Deodorant Apothekari’s Tranquil Moment Natural Deodorant Spray stands out as a top choice for those seeking a reliable, skin-friendly, and effective natural deodorant. Its thoughtful formulation, combined with a commitment to clean beauty, makes it a worthy addition to any personal care routine. Ready to make the switch? Explore Tranquil Moment Natural Deodorant Spray here.
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Finally, A Long Lasting Natural Deodorant That Actually Works
Have you tried natural deodorants that left you… disappointed? Maybe they smelled nice at first, but didn’t last through your day. Or worse, they caused irritation or stained your clothes. We get it. That’s why we created a long lasting natural deodorant that actually does what it promises: keep you fresh, dry, and odor-free all day. Why Most Natural Deodorants Fail Let’s be real: not all natural deodorants are made equal. Many rely on baking soda, which can throw your skin’s pH off balance and cause painful irritation. Others are too oily or sticky. Some just don’t work. They mask odor for a few hours, but by mid-afternoon? You’re wondering if it’s you or the lunch leftovers. Common Complaints About Natural Deodorants They don’t last all day They leave residue on clothes The texture is sticky or greasy They irritate sensitive skin If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone. That’s what led us to develop our own solution. Meet Morning Bliss: The Long Lasting Natural Deodorant That Gets It Right Morning Bliss Natural Deodorant Spray is different. We built it from the ground up to work with your body, not against it. It tackles odor at the source and keeps you smelling great all day — not just until noon. It’s not just long lasting. It’s whole-body friendly. Yes, you can use it under your arms, under your boobs, and even down there. No baking soda. No aluminum. No parabens. Just odor control that works. Who It’s For: People who are sensitive to baking soda or essential oils Anyone dealing with menopause-related odor changes Athletes and busy professionals Anyone who wants a deodorant that keeps up with their day Our Triple Odor-Fighting Formula The secret to our long lasting natural deodorant lies in its triple protection system. Here’s what makes it work: 1. Natural Enzymes (Saccharomyces Ferment) These good bacteria break down sweat molecules, preventing odor before it starts. 2. Glycolic Acid This AHA keeps your skin slightly acidic—an environment that odor-causing bacteria hate. It also gently exfoliates, making your skin smoother over time. 3. Probiotics (Ethylhexylglycerin) Promotes a healthy balance of bacteria on your skin. More good bacteria = less odor. Together, they deliver real, long lasting odor protection you can count on. A Scent That Lifts You Up Morning Bliss features an energizing blend of sweet orange and rosemary. It smells fresh and herbal, not fake or overpowering. The scent is strong at first, but calms quickly once it settles into your skin. We made it gender-neutral, so anyone can enjoy the feel-good, citrusy boost that helps you start your day right. No Funky Stuff. Just What You Need. We’ve cut the fluff and kept what matters. Our long lasting natural deodorant is: Aluminum-free Paraben-free Baking soda-free Silicone-free Dye-free Synthetic fragrance-free Not tested on animals Plus, it dries fast, doesn’t stain clothes, and won’t leave your skin sticky. Safe for All Your Body Parts One of the most unique things about Morning Bliss? You can use it wherever odor happens. Where You Can Spray It: Underarms Underboobs Between your thighs Private areas (external use only) Many customers say it’s the only long lasting natural deodorant they’ve found that works for all these areas—especially during hot flashes or workouts. Menopause? No Problem Let’s talk about something most brands don’t: body odor during menopause. It happens. Your hormones shift, and suddenly your regular deodorant just isn’t cutting it. Morning Bliss is made for this exact reason. It doesn’t just mask odor—it prevents it. And because it’s gentle and non-irritating, you can use it even on delicate skin. What Real Users Are Saying “This deodorant is great. It works when most retail options don’t. The scent is strong at first, but if you apply under your garment, you’ll be fine! Still a beautiful scent.” — Becca V., Brantford, Canada We love hearing from our community. Most users say they feel fresher, more confident, and less worried about odor during the day. How to Use Our Long Lasting Natural Deodorant Using Morning Bliss is simple: Shake the bottle. Spray 2-3 pumps on clean, dry skin. Let it dry for a few seconds. Dress as usual. That’s it. No rubbing. No mess. Just long lasting protection. Can One Deodorant Really Do All This? We thought the same thing—until we made it. It took years of research, testing, and tweaking, but the result is something we’re genuinely proud to offer. If you’re ready to stop worrying about what your deodorant is not doing, Morning Bliss is ready to show you what a long lasting natural deodorant should do. Shop Morning Bliss Today Ready to try the deodorant that finally delivers? Shop Morning Bliss Natural Deodorant Spray now and enjoy long lasting freshness that truly lasts from morning to night. Shop Now Your skin will thank you. Your confidence will too.
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Safest Sunscreen | What to Look For
These days, most of us are becoming increasingly concerned about what we put on our skin. So, it’s no surprise that when the sun is shining brightly, we seek the safest sunscreen possible. Is There a Sunscreen That Isn’t Bad for You? There’s a lot of information circulating about the potential dangers of sunscreens and their alleged link to skin cancer. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there is very little to no evidence linking sunscreen use with developing skin cancer, despite what the fear mongers perpetuate online. What is the Safest Kind of Sunscreen to Use? In fact, medical health professionals, including trusted organizations such as, The Canadian Dermatology Association, The American Academy of Dermatology, The Skin Cancer Foundation, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, all recommend sunscreen and sun protection as the number one defense against developing skin cancer. The safest sunscreen is one that protects your skin against damaging ultraviolet light and that you will use all the time! In this post, let’s dive deeper into what’s available today to help you find the best fit for your needs. Which Sunscreen is Better Chemical or Mineral? Sunscreen filters are generally categorized into two main types: physical/mineral filters (inorganic) and chemical (organic) filters. There are only two physical blocking filters—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Everything else is a chemical filter. Both types are effective, and you’ll often find both a physical and a chemical filter in a sunscreen formulation, which can be a way to get the best of both worlds. Chemical filters interact with our skin’s surface, absorbing UV rays and converting them into harmless energy. Physical filters on the other hand, sit on top of the skin. They also and work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into harmless energy blocking. However, they have the additional action of being able to block or deflect UV rays. As a result, physical blocking sunscreens may feel thicker in texture compared to chemical blocking ones, due to their different mechanisms of action. We’ve posted before about sunscreen ingredients and hope that the chart below helps as well. Which is the Best Chemical Free Sunscreen? Everything is a chemical so it’s impossible to answer this question (even though it gets asked quite a lot!). If you’re worried about the impact of your personal care products on your health, be assured that cosmetics, including sunscreens—which are regulated as drugs in some countries—are overseen by government bodies to ensure their safety and effectiveness. If you want a sunscreen with minimal absorption, check out our chart below for sun filters that fit the criteria, which include not only physical blocking zinc oxide and titanium dioxide but many other chemical filters as well. What is the Safest SPF for Sunscreen? Whether physical or chemical, sunscreens need to protect against two types of UV rays: UVA rays, which are the longer penetrating rays that contribute to skin aging UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is only an indication of UVB protection and most skincare professionals recommend a minimum of SPF 30 for adequate protection. There isn’t a universally recognized rating for UVA protection, and you’ll find several different criteria, depending on where you live: Broad Spectrum (Canada/USA) UVA-PF (Europe/UK) PA/PPD (Japan/Korea) What does matter is that you choose a sunscreen that protects against both types of UV rays. What is the Healthiest Safest Sunscreen? The healthiest safest sunscreen is one that has been produced in a lab with appropriate testing before it’s sold to you. Regardless of the ingredients they contain, sunscreens are regulated by bodies including Health Canada and The FDA. They must go through rigorous testing to ensure that they provide adequate protection. Different regulations exist in other countries, but the advice is to stick with reputable brands. Creating an effective sunscreen is a very complicated process. You can’t just slap some zinc oxide into coconut oil and call it a day. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you it’s safe to do that either! What Sunscreen is Safe for Face? Whether for face or body, buying your sunscreen from a trustworthy brand, helps to guarantee its safety. And while there’s little to no difference in terms of the protection between sunscreen for your face and sunscreen for your body, you may find that sunscreens made for the face are more pleasant to use—less greasy, less white cast, etc. That’s not always the case, but that’s been my experience. What Ingredient to Avoid in Face Sunscreen? There aren’t any specific sunscreen filters you must avoid when it comes to choosing a face sunscreen. It all really comes down to personal preference and your skin’s needs: Avoid ingredients that you are allergic or sensitive to Stay away from fragrances that you find overwhelming or that irritate your skin Love the formulation. If you don’t, you won’t be using it! What Sunscreen is Best for Coral Reefs? If you’re worried about the damage that your scuba or snorkelling adventure may be inflicting upon coral reefs, you’re not alone. Alarming headlines suggest that sunscreen, and in particular, two filters—oxybenzone and octinoxate—are harming our reefs. What you need to know is that most of this research looking at the harmful effects of sunscreen ingredients on coral reefs and other aquatic organisms has been done in a lab, and lab studies can tell only part of the story. (You can read more here). Most scientists maintain that sunscreen ingredients aren’t the sole cause of the harm to coral reefs, they are only one part of a larger issue. There are lots of other stressors on coral reefs, including rising sea surface temperature; sewage and wastewater entering the ocean; and human impact. A 2021 review, published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, analyzed data from 12 studies of sunscreen ingredients and their effect on coral. The researchers concluded that while there’s ample proof that UV filters are found in ocean waters, there’s limited evidence that their presence is causing significant harm to coral reefs. More studies to evaluate the toxicity of sunscreen ingredients in real-world settings are needed. What Kind of Sunscreen is Reef Safe? Despite what the marketing labels may indicate, there’s no standard or regulated meaning behind “reef safe” or “reef friendly.” Some sunscreens with those claims avoid oxybenzone or octinoxate. Others include only minerals (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) or contain a mix of mineral and chemical ingredients. The definition of is really up to whoever sells the formulation. Plus, we don’t know if products labeled ‘reef safe’ really are better for the environment or not. In fact, while many “reef safe” sunscreens contain only mineral ingredients, a 2014 study found that titanium dioxide in the water produced hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that’s harmful to marine organisms. How Can I Maximize My Sun Protection? While using sunscreen is absolutely important, it’s also important to be smart in the sun: Cover up with sunglasses, long sleeves Seek shade Avoid sun during peak hours of 10 am – 4 pm. Include antioxidants like Glow Getter in your skincare routine. Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to premature aging. By incorporating antioxidants into your sunscreen, you can enhance the overall protection it provides. Stay safe and enjoy the sun responsibly!
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11 Overrated Skincare Products (That You Probably Don't Need)
Just because a cute 20-something is pushing it on social media, it doesn’t mean you need it, or that it’s even good for your skin—here are 11 overrated skincare products that your skin (and your wallet) can do without. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Overrated Skincare Products. What Skincare Products Are Necessary? Hype isn’t something that we DON’T do at Apothekari – our line of no fluff, more active ‘stuff’ treatments will transform your skin and provide relief from your skin’s changing needs. Do We Really Need All These Skincare Products? Here are some on the ‘to ditch’ list. 1. At-Home Microneedling Kits Studies have shown microneedling to be beneficial in helping with the absorption of topical skincare treatments like vitamin C and retinoids—when done in a professional setting. At home kits have issues around hygiene and safety. AND, the needling device is likely to be very shallow—so shallow that it won’t be effective. 2. Activated Charcoal Treatments From cleansers, to soaps and shampoos (and underarm detoxes too), charcoal containing products are big sellers these days. While they claim to ‘detox’ and remove dirt and oil, they can only do this on the skin’s surface so the effect is unlikely to be significant. Overrated skincare product for sure – especially don’t buy into charcoal detoxes for your armpits. They are totally unnecessary when making the switch to a natural deodorant like ours. 3. Cellulite Cream They’re usually pricey. More importantly, they do not work. Cellulite creams work no better than a good moisturizer. And, research has shown that physical massage and exercise can help to improve the appearance of cellulite more than any cream can. Keep in mind that cellulite is part of the normal aging process and every woman gets it. It’s impossible to shift it with topical treatments. Does Some Skincare Make Your Skin Worse? Some skincare products and ingredients can actually be harmful to skin, especially if not used correctly. For example: 4. Essential Oils Some essential oils have some great properties—and they smell amazing (love them in my diffuser). But, applied full strength to the face, they can lead to dermatitis, skin irritation, rosacea or psoriasis. While it can be safe to use essential oils on the face, they must be diluted in a carrier oil first. What is unnecessary in skin care routine? Although lots of people use these products, there’s often no need. Here are more overrated skin care products that you can say bye-bye to. 5. Toners We’re not alone in our distaste for useless skincare products and toners fit the bill. Unless they are formulated with ingredients that have a specific function—to hydrate, or minimize acne—they don’t need to take up space on your counter. 6. Stretch Mark Treatments Much like cellulite creams, stretch mark products can’t penetrate deep enough to treat the scarring in the dermis layer of the skin. We’re ranking this up there for worst skincare products. Try a good moisturizer instead. 7. CBD Skin Care Is this not the hottest trend right now? While there’s some research to show that CBD helps with skin inflammation, much more is needed before we can determine whether it fits into the category of overrated skincare products, or ones that actually deliver as promised. These Skin Care Trends Need to Go Away Popular on TikTok and other social media channels, there are some trends that look like a lot of fun—and promise tons of unproven benefits. Now we’re not saying not to do these because for the most part, they’re harmless. But…don’t expect much benefit. Studies have shown that these just don’t work. 8. Face Rollers Is everyone using (or selling) a facial roller these days? They may feel soothing—especially when chilled—but there’s very little science to support the anti-aging claims associated with these overrated skincare products. Made of jade? Or rose quartz? Or amethyst? Doesn’t matter. While they’ll help to reduce swelling or puffiness for the short term, they’re not going to deliver any long term benefits. However, if you enjoy using them, there’s no harm. Just don’t expect the marketing miracles. 9. Face Yoga Face yoga, or even face exercises promises to help lift and firm your skin. Sounds tempting, right? Sadly, there’s very little evidence to suggest that it works. Here’s why. Our face is made up of skin, fat and muscle layered on top of the skull. Beneath the subcutaneous fat are fat pads, which are plump, fat-containing areas that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle to create the volume that gives our face shape. It’s these fat pads that play a role in the fullness of your face; the fuller your face, generally speaking, the younger you look. As we get older, the fat pads begin to thin and become less plump … and as they do this, they also sag. That sagging can leave the face looking hollow as we age. Facial exercises can’t increase the plumpness of the fat pads or make them sag less. They also don’t change the look or feel of the skin itself. No matter how many exercises you do, the muscles under the fat pads won’t help to make your face look fuller. And when it comes to wrinkles and fine lines, there’s no real impact on the support structures (collagen and elastin) in the skin that over time break down and lead to the signs of aging. The good news? Face exercises aren’t harmful, but they’re not a replacement for a consistent skin care routine, including cleansing, sun protection, retinoids, antioxidants and moisturizing. Procedures like fillers, Botox or surgery are far more effective than face exercises if you’re looking for more dramatic results. Check in with your dermatologist if it’s something you’re considering. Do them if they make you feel good, but just don’t expect your skin to look any different. 10. Bee Sting Facials Some studies have shown that bee stings can reduce inflammation. There is the sticky problem though, of bee sting allergies, which can be deadly in susceptible individuals. I think we can safely say that the risks outweigh the benefits for this DANGEROUS and overhyped skincare trend. 11. Snail Mucin A popular K-beauty ingredient, snail mucin comes from snails. It’s reported to have a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which we know has many skin benefits. But, does it really need to be harvested from a snail when safe and effective options are already available, like the hyaluronic acid—and its relative, sodium hyaluronate—found in our Glow Getter Serum, Daily Infusion Moisturizer and More Than Lip Service Vulvar & Vaginal Moisturizer. What Skincare Products Are Really Necessary? I’ve called out 11 overrated skincare products that are likely going to suck up your time and not give you the results you’re looking for. If you can ignore those 11, which ones are essential to having healthy, glowing skin? Here’s a few things to consider: Know Your Skin Type The key to finding the right products is to identify your skin type – is it dry, oily, normal, combination? What are your concerns? Fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, acne, age spots? Understanding what your skin needs will help you to identify the ingredients and products that are the best fit. Be Consistent Like taking your medicines as instructed, a consistent skin care routine is key to getting results from your skincare products. You need to allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for topical treatments to notice a difference because it takes that long for your skin cells to turn over (renew). Along with regular use, don’t keep adding or eliminating products (unless you experience a reaction) because you’ll never get a grasp on what’s working for you. Be Gentle Too many stripping cleansers or exfoliating too often, can disrupt your skin’s protective barrier, leaving it prone to infection and irritation. Be mindful of the products you’re using. What Are the Only 3 Skincare Products You Need? If I had to choose just 3 skincare products, I know exactly which ones I’d choose: Sunscreen. And I’d use it Every SINGLE DAY. The sun’s UV rays are responsible for more than 80% of skin aging. Find a good broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and apply it in the morning. Retinoid. Retinoids like retinaldehyde in our Advanced+ Renewal Serum are one of the best ways to boost the production of collagen and elastin, which form part of our skin’s supporting network. These two proteins decline as we age, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and skin sag so it’s the most effective way to fight back against the most visible signs of aging. There are many other retinoids to choose from so find one that works for your skin to reap its benefits. Antioxidant. Antioxidants like the vitamin C in our Glow Getter Serum help to protect skin against free radicals—unstable molecules that we encounter as a result of sun and pollution exposure—that can lead to skin damage. Of course, life isn’t that simple so most of us need to rely on a few additional products as well. I’d say that a good cleanser—one that helps to remove dirt and make-up without stripping skin is also key. And finally, a moisturizer is something that most women need, especially as they get older and skin becomes drier. Need help choosing a moisturizer? Check out this post: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Moisturizer. Got anymore overrated skincare products to share? Let us know your worst skincare picks!
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Do You Need a Face Toner?
The face toner has been around for a long, long time. Once, it was deemed an essential component of a good skin care routine. But is it necessary today? Shop All Apothekari What is Face Toner and How Do You Use It? Face toner is a liquid skincare product that can play lots of different roles in your skincare routine depending on the ingredients that they contain. They’re often promoted as a way to remove ‘impurities’ or residual dirt that may be left behind on your face after cleansing. But, if you’re cleansing properly, and removing make-up first. Or, if you’re double cleansing, this step of toning seems a bit redundant. What Does a Toner Do for Your Face? In addition to removing left behind dirt, toners claim to hydrate, prime or sooth skin. As well, they are promoted to help your moisturizer absorb fully. And then, there are toners filled with additional active ingredients—salicylic acid for example—that may be used as treatments for some skin conditions, like acne. Is Face Toner Necessary? Without coming across as wishy washy, the best answer is that it depends. Toners have traditionally been applied after cleansing for two reasons mainly: Getting rid of dirt that remains post washing, as mentioned above To pH balance the skin. However, most cleansers—and skincare products in general—are pH balanced today, making this step unnecessary. Older face toners often contained high concentrations of alcohol and had an astringent effect— drawing water out of your skin’s tissues—helping to minimize the appearance of your pore size and reducing sebum levels. But they were often very harsh for dry or sensitive skin types. Today, toners tend to be water-based products and made with a variety of ingredients that can help to hydrate, protect, soothe, brighten, remove excess oil or reduce breakouts. Ingredients may include: Glycerin to moisturize Hyaluronic acid to increase hydration Antioxidants to protect Bisabolol to calm Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate and reduce blemishes Retinoids to boost collagen What Happens if You Don’t Use Toner? The short answer is, very little. If you’re following a consistent skin care regimen made up of products that work for your skin and that deliver results, then a toner is redundant as the other treatments will contain ingredients to make up for the absence of toner. When Should I Use Toner? As mentioned above, there’s no burning reason to apply toner. However, if it’s a product that you love; it isn’t duplicating ingredients in your serum, moisturizer, etc, or is a formulation designed to address a specific skin concern, then go at it! Do Dermatologists Recommend Toner? Most skin care professionals, including dermatologists agree that you can skip the toner. Unless, of course, it contains ingredients that specifically proven to help improve a skin condition. Acids for managing acne and blemishes, and hydrating ingredients for soothing dry skin are the most common beneficial uses for toners. Regardless of which toner you choose to use, avoid those that are highly alcohol-based as they are too drying, even if you have an oily complexion. Can I Skip Toner and Use Moisturizer? A resounding yes. As we’ve discussed in this post, toner is an optional skincare product that for the most part, has been replaced by others like serums and even your daily moisturizer. Moisturizers today often contain a combination of effective ingredients including: Humectants, which attract moisture to your skin Emollients (generally oils), which soften and smooth skin Occlusives, which help to protect your skin’s natural barrier system by preventing moisture loss and keeping it safe from harmful external irritants. If you’re using a ‘moisturizing’ toner, a good moisturizing cream and lotion can generally replace it. Can I Skip Toner and Use Serum? Another yes. Serums are widely available and come in a range of formulations with a variety of ingredients to help address most skin care concerns. The great thing about serums is that they tend to be lightweight, making them suitable for all skin types and ideal for layering under (or over) other treatments. Plus, they often contain more than just one ingredient, making them a more efficient—and cost effective—way to deliver skin benefits. So the next time, you ask yourself “Do I need a face toner?” consider that while they aren’t essential in your skin care routine, that they can make for a good supporting act. If you’re into that kind of thing.
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Everything You Wanted to Know About Natural Deodorant. And How to Choose the Right One
Curious about making the switch to natural deodorant? Or wondering if using one is right for you? You’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’re answering alllll the questions you may have about natural deodorant and finding one that’s right for you. Landing upon a deodorant that actually works–trust us, we’ve been through the process of trial and error–can seem as hard as finding the proverbial needle in the haystack. Ones that manage to control odor, effectively, are few and far between. Not to toot our own horn, but Apothekari’s natural deodorants do. Q: Does Natural Deodorant Work? If you’ve already been on a hunt to find the perfect deodorant, then we feel your pain. Hard as rock crystals that tug at your skin, sticky globs that drip down your arms and oil based ointments that stain your shirts. Not only are they messy, inconvenient and mean to your clothes, many of them just don’t work. We were about to give up too, until we decided that if the perfect deodorant didn’t exist, that we’d create our own. One that really works! Apothekari’s new spray deodorants rely on a triple combination of odor destroying ingredients that stop the stench: Natural odor eating enzymes that break down the stinky stuff in sweat so that you won’t smell Probiotics to help increase the concentration of good bacteria on your skin, which attacks the bad bacteria that leads to odor Glycolic acid, which keeps skin at a friendly pH and inhibits the production of the smell inducing bad bacteria. Plus we’ve included soothing allantoin and caffeine to ensure that your pits not only smell fresh, but feel soft and smooth too. Is It Safe to Use Natural Deodorant? Natural deodorants differ from antiperspirants because they are free from aluminum, the ingredient that stops sweat–and the ensuing odor–from developing. Instead, they rely on ingredients that can do one of several things: Absorb wetness (arrowroot powder, cornstarch) Increase or decrease skin pH to make it inhospitable to odor causing bacteria (baking soda, glycolic acid) Antibacterial properties (tea tree and other essential oils) Act as probiotics (ethylhexylglycerin). Most of the ingredients are safe (except for baking soda, whose high pH can lead to skin irritation and rashes and which we’d never recommend in deodorant) and well tolerated by most individuals who use them. When/How Often Should I Apply the Deodorant? Apply deodorant after showering or bathing, to your pits, feet or anywhere else on your body that needs some freshening up. Since we’re all different, use how much you sweat as a gauge. You may want to reapply before physical exercise or when heading out for the evening. It’s safe to use our deodorants more than once in a day. Do You Sweat More With Natural Deodorant? Yes, you will sweat more with natural deodorant compared to an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants minimize sweating, while deodorants works to control odor and have no impact on the amount of sweat. Is It a Gimmick? Well formulated deodorants actually deliver on their promise of controlling odor. Keep in mind that a deodorant isn’t an antiperspirant, so they won’t stop the sweat, but if they are made with the right ingredients, then they will help to keep you smelling fresh. Q: Antiperspirant vs Natural Deodorant Antiperspirants work by blocking sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin’s surface. The bacteria that live on your skin don’t have any sweat to break down so the odor causing by-products are not produced. Natural deodorant doesn’t reduce sweat, but prevents odor with ingredients that reduce the odor causing bacteria and/or by masking it with scent. While many natural deodorants rely on baking soda to help reduce bacteria by increasing the skin’s pH to 8-9; we use glycolic acid, instead, which helps skin to stay within it’s ideal pH, and minimizes the risk for irritation. What is the Most Effective All Natural Deodorant? The most effective deodorant is one that’s right for you. Although there are some ingredients known to help control odor (we listed a few above), not every deodorant works for every person. It’s a matter of body chemistry, individuality and the formulation itself. You may need to try a few deodorants before you find one that’s right for you. But we can tell you that the majority of people who use our deodorants, have nothing but positive things to say about it! But you don’t have to trust us; check out the testimonials on our pages. Q: What is the Healthiest Natural Deodorant? There isn’t just one deodorant that can claim to be the healthiest, but there are certain things to look for when choosing a healthy deodorant. pH Balance. pH is a scale that ranges from 0 to 14 and measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. High pH (14) means alkaline and low pH (0) is acidic. pH 7 is considered neutral. Your skin is naturally acidic, sitting somewhere between 4.5-6.5 and covered by a fine layer called the ‘acid mantle’. This layer helps to keep skin healthy, locking moisture in, and offering protection against harmful substances, including bacteria. It’s important to maintain this level to enable the ‘acid mantle’, the fine layer that sits on top of our skin, to function properly, retaining moisture and keeping germs out as well. If the pH is disturbed often or for a long period of time, your skin can become very unhappy. It’s why we avoid baking soda (or magnesium hydroxide) in our formulations. These high pH substances–greater than pH 8 or 9, may work initially, but over time, can lead to itching and irritation including rashes and even chemical burns. Apothekari’s natural deodorants are free from baking soda; the slightly acidic pH means happy skin. Aluminum Free. Aluminum is the key ingredient in antiperspirants and works by plugging sweat glands to prevent sweat, and the ensuing odor. And while you may be concerned about the link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease or breast cancer, studies have disputed that they’re connected when it comes to your health. But it’s not without its downsides. Aluminum is the ingredient that stains clothes yellow. And, it can irritate skin in sensitive individuals so, for these reasons, you may want to avoid it. CAVEAT: Many deodorants claim to be aluminum free yet may contain kaolin clay (chemical formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4, or aluminum and silica). If you’re trying to avoid aluminum, don’t make the mistake of choosing one with kaolin clay. Our deodorants don’t contain any aluminum-containing ingredients. Baking Soda Free. Although it works to control odor, baking soda is a high pH ingredient (see point 1 above) that kills the good bacteria on your skin that keeps it healthy. This disrupts your skin’s natural ecosystem, and over time, can lead to red, itchy and irritated skin. Probiotics. Probiotics work to increase the amount of ‘good bacteria’ that live on your skin. These good bacteria destroy the ‘bad bacteria’ that lead to odor so you’ll definitely want to use a formulation that contains probiotics. Is Baking Soda Harmful in Deodorant? We’ve discussed our concern with baking soda in deodorant above. It may be considered a natural ingredient, but stripping your skin’s natural pH leads to skin irritation. If you’ve tried natural deodorants before and experienced itchy, red or irritated skin, then baking soda is most likely to blame. Our natural deodorants are B.S. free in more than one way! There’s no baking soda in our formulations. Instead, we rely on a combination of odor neutralizing enzymes, probtiotics and glycolic acid to help keep your underarms–and other body parts–smelling fresh and feeling clean all day. Q: What Causes Body Odor? Sweat itself is odorless but when it’s released from either your eccrine glands (over most of your body) or apocrine glands (hairy areas) it mixes with the bacteria that live on your skin. These bacteria break down certain proteins in your sweat into acids, which lead to body odor. Apocrine sweat, which comes from hairy areas, is higher in protein. And when it’s broken down, it leads to smellier acids. It’s why body odor tends to occur more frequently in your pits and groin. Why Do I Smell Like BO With Natural Deodorant? See the point above. It means that your deodorant just isn’t cutting it. We’ve found that ingredients like coconut oil or a blend of essential oils, which start off smelling pretty, are the worst offenders. Does Natural Deodorant Make Your Armpits Stink? If the formulation you’re using is not effective, then yes you will smell! It won’t be able to effectively fight against odor, leaving you smelling like you’re trying to cover something up. Or worse yet, like a pair of damp, smelly gym socks. Get thee to a new formulation. Have you tried ours? Q: What Deodorants Have No Parabens? Ours have no parabens! Parabens are a class of preservatives that are used in both food and cosmetics to help keep them safe from developing bacteria, mold or fungi, which can be harmful to your health. However, many people are concerned with their safety profile and link to hormone disruption, which harm fertility and reproductive organs, affects birth outcomes, and increases the risk of cancer. While there is little evidence to suggest that parabens actually do any of this, many people wish to avoid parabens in their personal care products. For this reason, Apothekari’s natural deodorants are made without parabens. However, you can be assured that they are preserved properly, to ensure your safety. Q: Can You Just Switch to Natural Deodorant? Yes you can! While antiperspirant plugs the sweat glands to prevent sweat from developing, it is perfectly safe to stop using antiperspirant one day and then start using a natural deodorant the next. Your pits and other body parts will be very happy if you choose the right formulation. However, if you opt for one that contains high pH baking soda or magnesium hydroxide, then you may experience a reaction, including itching or a rash. Despite what you’ve been told, your body is NOT releasing toxins, it is simply reacting to an ingredient (baking soda) that is not good for your skin. If this happens, stop using the product and wait for the reaction to clear up. In some cases, it may not and if it lingers for longer than a 2-3 days, please check in with your doctor. What Happens When You Start Using Natural Deodorant? If you’re changing over from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, the main difference you’ll notice is an increase in sweating. Antiperspirants form plugs to block sweat glands and the odor that follows. Once you stop using an antiperspirant, it can take about a week for these plugs to disappear. The result will be an increase in sweating, but as long as you’re using an effective deodorant formulation, you shouldn’t notice a smell. Natural Deodorant for Men Men and women sweat a bit differently. Men tend to sweat more than women, and their sweat also smells a bit different. However, there’s no reason that they can’t use the same type of natural deodorant as it will work the same way, regardless of your gender. Is It Suitable for Kids/Teenagers? Yes, our deodorant has been formulated for anyone and everyone to use. Is Natural Deodorant Suitable to Use in Pregnancy? Natural deodorants are fine to use during pregnancy. If you have any concerns we advise checking with your healthcare practitioner. FAQ About Apothekari Natural Deodorant If you’re new to our natural deodorant, here are some answers to frequently asked questions and how to use it for optimal efficacy. How Do I Use the Deodorant? Mist 2-3 sprays to underarms, feet, under boobs or groin/underpants. Our deodorants are designed to control body odor and not cover up your natural odor. External use only. How Long Will One Bottle Last? Everyone is different, so it varies depending on how frequently you use it and how much you apply at one time. If you’re using to control odor under your arms only, we find that one bottle lasts between 2-3 months for most people. Prep Your Clothes First! Lingering odors from waxes and oils found in anti-perspirants, natural deodorants, and fabric softeners may be left behind in clothing–causing it to smell even after washing. If this is the case, you may need to treat the clothing first with an enzymatic detergent before washing. Try doing this before tossing in the hamper. Please don’t blame our deodorant if your clothing smells from old odors! Do I Need To Detox Before I Use Your Natural Deodorant? Unlike many other deodorants, you do not need a pit detox with Apothekari. Our natural deodorant is baking-soda free, so you don’t need to worry about developing a rash or burn under your arms, which often happens with baking soda. Baking soda-based deodorants have a high pH (8-9), while your skin is happy at a pH around 5. Our approach respects your skin’s pH and chemistry–ensuring that you won’t experience the irritation often seen with other natural deodorants.
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Do You Really Need Eye Cream? Or Is It a Scam?
Do you really need an eye cream? We think so, which is why we’re so excited to announce the arrival of Active Eyes, our specialized retinol peptide eye serum. More than just another moisturizer, Active Eyes is a powerful (yet gentle) age-beautifying serum that reduces the look of lines around the eye area. It also nourishes for firmer, smoother, brighter and hydrated skin, and is suitable for all skin types. Shop Active Eyes But, what if your beauty counter is already overflowing with serums, moisturizer, cleansers and toners? Is it worth your time, effort and money—not to mention the real estate on your bathroom counter— to add an eye treatment to your skin care routine? The answer may surprise you. What Is the Purpose of Eye Cream? An eye cream is a treatment that’s been specifically formulated to target skin concerns under the eye, on the eyelid and the skin around the eye. Some of the ingredients may be like those you’ll find in other creams or serums designed to be used on the face, but they may be present in a lower concentration to ensure that it’s safe for the delicate skin around the eyes. Skin isn’t just skin, and different parts of your body are covered with different types of skin. Eyelid skin is thinner and more fragile than the skin on the rest of your body and because of this, it shows signs of aging sooner than other areas of your face. It also doesn’t have any oil glands so needs more moisture to prevent dryness. Gentle care is non-negotiable. Active Eyes Serum What Ingredient Is Best for Under Eye? Choosing the right ingredients depends on your skin concerns. And whether it’s dark circles, fine lines, crepiness or undereye puffiness, if you’re starting to notice changes to your undereye area, then you should consider using a dedicated treatment. 1. How Can I Remove Dark Circles Under My Eyes? Lack of sleep, but also allergies or the natural aging process may be the reason for dark circles, which also tend to be more common amongst people of color. They may look purple or blue to dark brown or black in color, and while they’re rarely cause for concern, you may want to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons. Getting adequate sleep or changing your diet can improve dark circles. But, if they’re a result of aging, due to a loss of thinning skin, reduced fatty tissue, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage, you’ll need a treatment with ingredients that help to brighten the area. Niacinamide, antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and specialized brightening agents, like white bark extract (found in Active Eyes) are just a few examples of ingredients that can help. 2. How Do I Get Rid of the Wrinkles Under My Eyes? The best ingredient to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines is a retinoid. Active Eyes contains a stable, encapsulated form of retinol, at a concentration suitable for the delicate eye area. It helps to boost the production of collagen and increases the skin’s natural renewal process, helping to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and improve firmness as well. The formulation is supported with peptides, that further help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and deliver smoother skin. 3. How Do You Get Rid of Eye Bags? Eye bags are a result of the natural aging process, when the tissues and muscles around your eyes, weaken, leading to puffiness. A build-up of fluid can make this look worse. There aren’t many ingredients that can help to eliminate under eye bags long-term, but you can try the following for temporary results: Cold compresses Reduce fluid consumption or salt Sleep with your head slightly raised to prevent fluid accumulation Eliminate allergens that can contribute to eye bags What About Caffeine? Caffeine helps to shrink the size of blood vessels and can help to reduce the appearance of eye bags. But, the effect is temporary. So before forking over $$$ on a product, considering applying cool, wet teabags instead. They work just as well! Shop Eyes Are Eye Creams Harmful? As long as they’re formulated well, eye skin care products are not harmful. But, as with starting any new skincare product, exercise care. Retinoids and exfoliating acids may appear in concentrations that are too harsh for the eye area. Moisturizers may be too heavy, possibly leading to clogged pores and milia—tiny, milky-white spots, which appear just beneath the surface of your skin. Although harmless, the appearance of milia may bother you. If in doubt, a patch test is always a good idea. Apply a small amount to an area daily for three to five days and monitor for any unwanted reactions. What Can I Use to Moisturize Around Eyes? You can absolutely use your face moisturizer to treat the skin around your eyes. If it doesn’t irritate your eyes and provides a sufficient amount of moisture, you’re good. Take care to avoid very heavy products, which can lead to blocked pores. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer is a fantastic option if you need further hydration around the eyes. However, if you’re using a dedicated eye treatment, you may not need a moisturizer. Active Eyes contains glycerin, a highly hydrating humectant, which helps to draw moisture into the skin. What Is the Correct Way to Apply Eye Cream? Wash your hands. Freshly washed hands minimizes the chance of introducing germs around your eyes. Use the right amount. In general, a pump or half a pump of eye cream or serum per eye should be enough, because they tend to be super concentrated and also because you are treating a very small area. We prefer pump application to keep your product safe from contamination. Squirt or dab the appropriate amount of serum onto the back of your hand. Use your ring finger. Dip a finger into the serum and use it to make a semi-circle of small dots, along the bone under your eye. Gently tap in. Dot cream between the edge of your eye and your temple (on the side of your eye, where fine lines and wrinkles often appear first). Gently tap in. Dot cream/serum in a semi-circle under your brow line. Gently tap in. If it’s ok to apply to your eyelids, do that and then gently tap in. (Test first if you’re not sure it’s suitable for this area). Use as directed. Most eye creams are designed to be used both morning and night and will be most effective when used consistently. If you prefer to apply your eye serum just once a day, do it at night, which is a good time for your skin to repair and regenerate. Don’t Forget | Additional Eye Cream Tips Sunscreen is safe and essential to ensure protection against sun damage, even around the eye area. It’s important to use it every day. Sunscreen can sting and burn eyes so you may have to try several formulations before landing on one that works for you. Mineral based sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), powder formulations or sticks may be good options. Last, cleanse. But do it gently!
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How To Look After Summer Skin | 7 of the Best Tips
We’re sharing 7 of the best tips to help you keep your summer skin looking radiant and beautiful this season and beyond. If you love the summertime as much I do, this is a must read! Shop All Apothekari How Can I Care For My Skin in the Summer? 1. First, Put on Your Sunscreen Remember when you were 10 and your mom sent you outside to play with your friends during summer break? ALL DAY LONG (you could only come in to pee and if you were lucky, maybe she’d give you a popsicle?). And sunscreen wasn’t a thing? Yeah, me too. I didn’t suffer too badly, because I don’t really burn, but I do remember some very pink faces in the neighborhood. More than the pain though—and we probably didn’t know it back then—that sunburn caused significant skin damage, increasing the chances of dark spots, roughness and dry, wrinkled skin. If you suffered a burn, it also increased your risk for skin cancers such as melanoma. This is why it’s so important to protect your skin against sun damage. The first step in protecting summer skin is to guard it from harm that can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays: Find and use a broad spectrum (minimum SPF 30) sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to apply to your ears, lips and tops of feet – most of us miss these areas. Seek out shady places whenever you’re out and about, especially during the sun’s peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm. Cover up with long sleeves and hats when you can. The sun can also burn your eyes, harming the retina, lens or cornea so make sure to protect your peepers with sunglasses and hats. 2. Antioxidants Rescue Summer Skin! While sunscreen is essential during hot weather, you may not know that you can amp up its protection. Meet sunscreen’s partner in crime, antioxidants. Sunscreens help to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, but you get even better protection if you combine sunscreen with an antioxidant. Even if you wear sunscreen every day, you’re not going to get 100% protection from the sun’s rays. An SPF 50+ sunscreen equals about 98% protection from UVB rays. Plus, most of us don’t apply nearly enough sunscreen (or as often enough) as we should to get the protection stated on the label. Just the smallest amount of residual UV exposure can trigger the development of free radicals, unstable molecules that can accelerate skin aging. Like unprotected sun exposure, free radicals can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, loss of firmness, and other issues. You may not be able to see or feel free radical damage, but it’s happening, just at a deeper level and the results will show up over time. Antioxidants help make up for what sunscreen can’t do – they protect against the free radical damage that exposure to sunlight causes. So even if you haven’t applied enough sunscreen—or forget to reapply—antioxidants neutralize the free-radical damage that’s caused by sun exposure. They also help defend skin from other sources of free radicals, such as pollution, smoke, high-energy visible (HEV) light and blue light from your cell phone. There isn’t a single BEST antioxidant but there are lots of amazing ones. Vitamins C and E are two of the most widely studied, but there are many others that also offer benefits, including ferulic acid, green tea, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10. When it comes to antioxidants, the more the merrier. A highly effective combination is available in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum. Apply it every morning underneath your sunscreen. It not only protects, but will also help to deliver an irresistible glow. Ready for healthy, glowing skin in your 40s and beyond? Click here to download our FREE guide containing 5 tips to help you feel good and look your best as you ride the waves of your body’s changes. Treat the skin on all your body’s places with safe, effective products plus advice that will allow you to age with confidence, comfort and grace. 3. Correction 101 Sun damage can occur even with the consistent use of a sunscreen and an antioxidant. This is why you need to incorporate a retinoid into your routine. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids help to fight against skin damage associated with the sun. They’ve been shown to help boost the production of collagen and elastin for firmer, more supple skin; reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; brighten skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots and leave skin feeling smoother overall. Our A is for Anti-Aging Serum contains gentle yet highly effective retinaldehyde, making it suitable for almost all skin types. The formulation also reduces redness and increases skin’s moisture content. It’s no wonder we’ve dubbed A is for Anti-Aging, ‘a miracle for skin’—if one existed. 4. Summer Skin Needs Lighter Moisture Depending on where you live and your skin type, you may need to swap out your moisturizer. If it’s especially humid and your skin isn’t feeling dry, you may find that you don’t need a moisturizer—your morning serum and sunscreen may be all that you need. If you’ve been using face oils, you may want to give them a rest until cooler, drier weather arrives. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer plumps, protects and refreshes skin without any hint of oiliness. It’s THE perfect year round moisturizer and ideal for summer skin. 5. Drink Up! Water of course! Drinking more water can’t fix dry skin but it does help it to function well by delivering nutrients to it. Make your daily hydration that much more special with ‘spa water’—cut up some fruit, add in some herbs and some ice. The flavors infuse the water, giving it a wonderful lift. 6. How Can I Get Glowing Skin in Summer? (Hint: Exfoliate!) Dead, dry skin cells that sit on the surface can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. If you’re using our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, you may be able to skip a facial exfoliant because the low pH L-ascorbic acid exfoliates. However, if you’re after additional exfoliation, add in a treatment that contains an alpha hydroxy acid like glycolic acid, lactic acid or malic acid. Use it once or twice a week at night, making sure to skip your retinoid treatment on those nights—the combination may be too much for most skin types. And, don’t forget your body—see tip 7 for how to take care of the rest of your skin. 7. Don’t Forget ALL Your Body’s Places We obsess over our faces but often neglect the skin on the rest of our body. Pay attention especially to these areas: Feet. Which can get rough from going barefeet or wearing sandals. Exfoliate with a scrub or pumice and slather on a moisturizing treatment like our Shea Body Butter or Lemon Rose Body Oil to lock in hydration. Neck. Shorter necklines leave our neck exposed to damage, much like our faces. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen and follow the same regimen as you do for your face. It’s important year round, but especially during the summer. Back of Hands. Much like your neck, your hands are prone to sun damage. Give them the same amount of care as your neck and face. Moisturize regularly, especially after showering or bathing or washing dishes. Taking care of the skin on your body is fantastic way to slip in some me time, ensuring that you aren’t neglecting your self care. Here’s to a safe and healthy, happy summer!
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Sweat Facts: 7 Things We Need to Clear Up About Your Deodorant
Let’s talk about sweat facts. In particular, many of the myths surrounding natural deodorants. Because when it comes to this topic, there’s no shortage of information on the internet. Sadly, many of them make no sense at all. We’re discussing 7 that it’s time to bust. Let’s go! Shop All Apothekari Natural Deodorants For EVERYTHING you wanted to know about natural deodorant, read this post. Why Do We Sweat? Facts When it comes to sweating and body odor, there are lots of misconceptions. Time to set the facts straight. Myth 1: Do You Have to Detox Before Using a Natural Deodorant? One of the biggest cringeworthy sweat facts advice floating around is that when it comes to using deodorants is that you need to do a ‘detox’ when switching over from an antiperspirant to a deodorant. Truth: First, your skin isn’t a “detox” organ. That’s what our livers are for. The main purpose of skin is to act as a barrier – keeping harmful substances out and the good ones in. Second, there’s absolutely no evidence to support the notion of detox when it comes to deodorant. As you transition over from using an anti-perspirant to a deodorant, the antiperspirant plugs that block sweat glands will dissipate until they are no longer blocking the glands. This occurs naturally and there’s nothing you can do to help the process along. You may start sweating more. And, the bacteria that live on your skin will feed on this sweat, leading to odor. Enter your deodorant. It’s as simple as stopping the antiperspirant one day and applying a deodorant the next. No product is required to help the process along. Myth 2: Is It Safe to Use Baking Soda As a Deodorant? The truth? Baking soda may be good for cleaning your kitchen sink, but it’s an ingredient that you should avoid putting on your skin. Baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate) has a high pH. This makes it highly irritating to skin, which is slightly acidic (much lower pH). Applying baking soda not only disrupts the skin’s pH, it also disturbs your skin’s protective barrier and its microbiome (the collection of bacteria that help keep skin healthy). It can be very irritating, leading to rashes, redness or burning. Myth 3: Is Magnesium Hydroxide Safe in Deodorant? Truth: The pH of magnesium hydroxide is even higher than that of baking soda, making it potentially even more irritating than baking soda! (so the answer is no!) Myth 4: Can You Use Kaolin Clay in Deodorant? Yes, you can because kaolin clay absorbs wetness, thereby reducing odor. Truth: Here’s the problem—If you’ve switched to a deodorant because you want to avoid the aluminum in an anti-perspirant, you may be interested to learn that kaolin clay is made up of several minerals including kaolin, silicon and aluminum!If you’re trying to avoid aluminum, you should avoid deodorants containing kaolin clay as well. Myth 5: Are Parabens Linked to Cancer? Parabens are a class of highly effective preservatives used to keep foods and cosmetics safe. A 2004 British study found traces of parabens in the breast tissue of 19 out of 20 women. And, because parabens have some mild estrogenic effect, some researchers concluded that parabens are linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. Truth: Although it’s often touted about as a scientific sweat fact, it’s important to note that parabens are included in cosmetics at very low percentages and that their estrogenic effect is very, very mild. Parabens are also found naturally in foods. Estrogen can play a role in breast cancer, but there is no evidence that people who use paraben-containing products face an increased risk. We can’t say that they’re categorically bad for us, but if you are concerned, other preservatives are available. All Apothekari products are paraben free. Myth 6: Is Aluminum in Deodorant Harmful? Truth: While it’s been suggested that there’s a possible connection between aluminum and breast cancer, there’s no scientific evidence that links its use to the development of breast cancer. In fact, a 2014 review concluded there was no clear evidence showing that the use of aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increases the risk of breast cancer (5) Willhite CC, Karyakina NA, Yokel RA, et al. Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2014; 44 Suppl 4:1-80. The Alzheimer’s concern? A few studies from the 1960s found high levels of aluminum in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. But the findings haven’t been replicated in later research and the conclusion is that there isn’t any link between the two. The real problem with aluminum? It stains your white clothes yellow. And, many people are sensitive to it. These are the real reasons to avoid using aluminum. You’ll be pleased to know that Apothekari deodorants are aluminum free. Myth 7: Do You Really Need to Use Deodorant? I absolutely (DEFINITELY) need it, but you may not! Truth: Research has shown that if you possess a gene called ABCC11, that you may not need a deodorant! Researchers have known about this gene for a while, although most of the work on it has focused on its connection to earwax–people with this gene variant are more likely to have “dry” earwax, compared to “wet” or “sticky”. Although researchers aren’t quite sure how the gene affects both earwax and sweat odor, they believe it has to do with the production of amino acids. When it comes to body odor, the presence of this gene means your armpits produce less of an amino acid that leads to bacteria growth. These bacteria, when combined with sweat, lead to body odor. Fewer bacteria, less odor. It’s thought that only 2 percent or so of the population have this gene and that it’s more common in East Asian populations. Maybe you want to go au naturale to see if you can give it a miss? Any Other Sweat Facts You’d Like to Know? I hope that this post has helped to provide some clarity around the confusion about deodorants. Let us know if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help.
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What's the Best Way to Layer Skincare Products?
We’ve written about how to layer skincare products before, and this time we’re going a bit deeper. In this post, learn how to layer skincare products the right way to help maximize the benefits of your topical treatments. Shop Antioxidant Face Oil When Should Oil Be Used in Skincare Routine? So you may get some conflicting advice when it comes to when to apply a face oil. Some advise to apply oil before moisturizer, so that it absorbs right into your skin before you slather on more hydration. Others say to apply it after your moisturizer, so that it can help to lock in the hydrating ingredients. To us, it makes more sense to do the latter – apply it after your moisturizer so that it seals everything in. But, if you read our entire blog post, you’ll know that there really isn’t a perfect answer. Just use the face oil! What is the Order of Skin Care Layers? You’d think that a topic like how to build a skincare routine would be relatively easy. Yet, with all the options available to choose from – creams, serums, toners, essences, oils, etc., – finding the right products for your skin can get complicated. Add in how to use these products to maximize their benefits, well that just adds another level of complexity. If you’ve already got a good skincare routine set up and want to learn the best way to layer skincare products, know that the advice is more a rule of thumb rather than anything set in stone. The most common recommendation is to go from thinnest in texture to heaviest in texture, but even if you get it wrong, nothing bad will happen. Breathe a sigh of relief! Want to get the glowing skin of your dreams? Subscribe to our newsletter list and download our free guide: 5 Tips For Glowing Skin. How Important Are the Steps for a Skincare Routine? In general, it’s recommended that you apply your products in order from thinnest to thickest. The rationale is that this helps to ensure the best possible absorption. However, if you mess things up, and the order gets switched around, it’s unlikely to do much harm. That’s because very few products create a bulletproof layer that nothing can penetrate. So, even if you put your heavy cream on before a hydrating serum, the world won’t end. The absorption of that serum through the cream may happen a lot more slowly and you may not get as much to your skin as you would have if you’d applied it first. Additionally, since the goal of the cream is to help lock in the hydration from the serum, you may lose that benefit as well. The same applies to active treatment serums. Ideally, you’ll want the ingredients as close to your skin as possible (think vitamin C, retinoids etc) so it’s best to apply these first for maximum absorption. Then follow with a cream, lotion or oil. Here’s the Correct Order of Skin Care Products Cleanser. It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that cleansers top the list. Single cleanse, double cleanse, warm water splash (often this is fine for many of us in the morning), it should always be the first step. Toner. We’ve always maintained that toners are optional. Not everyone needs to use them and they’re one of the products that you can leave out of your routine easily. However, toners can be useful to help introduce active ingredients like those found in acne treatments. Serum/Exfoliant. Exfoliants and serums like our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum or A is for Anti-Aging Serum often contain lots of active ingredients like antioxidants, retinoids and peptides so it’s a good idea to apply them as close to clean skin as possible. They’re the products that deliver the most skin benefits so it’s important to ensure their optimal absorption. Moisturizer. Whether you opt for a cream or a lotion, moisturizers help to hydrate and plump skin. They can also help to lock in moisture, preventing dry skin. Eye Cream. Sunscreen (AM)/Face Oil (PM). Sunscreen should always be your last step in the morning before you apply make-up. At night, face oil is the very last thing to put on before you get your zzz’s in. If you want to use a face oil in the morning, put it on before your sunscreen. Remember not to apply too much, especially if you’re layering as your skin can only absorb so much. Let us know if you found this helpful.
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Apothekari Reviews: Sharing the Skincare Love
We’re always thrilled (and definitely doing a happy dance) when you review our products and share your skincare love for Apothekari. In this post, here’s just a taste of what our fans are saying. Shop All Apothekari For more Apothekari skincare love, check out all our testimonials. Don’t forget to visit our press page too! Got a review or testimonial you’d like to share with us? Let us know on our social feeds or send us an email.
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