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Fall Giveaway - Win! Apothekari Skin Set

Fall Giveaway - Win! Apothekari Skin Set

FALL GIVEAWAY! Win! Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Fall has fell and we’re excited to usher in the new season with a Fall Giveaway! Enter to win our new Apothekari Ageless Skin Set and more on Facebook and/or Instagram*. Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Ageless Skin Set, our mineral based, zinc oxide sunscreen, Shade SPF 30 PLUS a $25 gift certificate. (Regular Retail Value $300+). Learn how to put together a routine for ageless skin with these products. The Prize Includes: Ageless Skin Set. Morning and nighttime skincare essentials: A is for Anti-Aging Serum: Minimize wrinkles, brighten skin & defend against sun damage Bespoke Vitamin C Serum: Protect against free radicals, brighten skin & exfoliate. (Choose 10% – sensitive – or 15% – regular skin) Daily Infusion Moisturizer: Hydrate, plump and protect skin against dryness. Cleanser: Cleanse skin from dirt and pollution and prep for treatments. Choose between: AHA-Amazing Exfoliating Cleansing Gel (all skin types except sensitive) or Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème (all skin types including sensitive) Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen: Mineral based, non-whitening & broad-spectrum sun protection $25 Gift Certificate to apply to a future Apothekari purchase. How To Enter: Our Fall Giveaway is an online contest and you can enter through Facebook and/or Instagram*. Increase your chances of winning by entering in both methods; however, only one entry is allowed for each method. Facebook Entry: Go to the Fall Giveaway post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline ( Complete 2 steps to qualify as one valid entry: LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us which products you’re most looking forward to try in this prize package and who is/are your favourite ageless friend(s). Instagram Entry: Go to the Fall Giveaway post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW us @apothekariskin, and LOVE the post COMMENT by telling us which products you’re most looking forward to try in this prize package and tag 3 friends. Bonus Entry: Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for a bonus entry. This information will not be shared with any other party outside of Apothekari. Fall Giveaway Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.) Contest closes Friday, October 4, 2019 (noon, PST) No purchase necessary to enter. Maximum one entry per person per social media platform. Bonus entry for subscribing to newsletter. Participants must be 19+ and a resident of Canada to qualify for the prize and free delivery. One (1) winner will be selected in a random draw from among all eligible entries received via all entry methods and contacted by Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Message or email. The winner’s full name is required before being awarded the prize. Once contacted, the winner will have 24 hours to reply and accept the prize. If the winner does not meet the contest conditions, then there will be a redraw. The winner will be announced on the Fall Giveaway Post on Apothekari Skincare’s Facebook page and Instagram account once the prize has been accepted. Prize must be accepted as awarded. No substitutions. Not redeemable for cash equivalent. The winner’s home address is required for the delivery of the prize. The value of the prize is based on the regular (non-promotional) retail value of the products. The prize package is valued at $300+ and contains the items outlined above under the Prize heading. If you wish to purchase the Ageless Skin Set, visit our online store at PhaMix.com. *This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. By entering, entrants release Instagram and Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s and Facebook’s terms of use. Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Learn more about our philosophy here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography

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Beat Sun Damage This Summer

Beat Sun Damage This Summer

Sun damage, caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, is one of the main factors involved in aging skin with research showing that it is responsible for more than 80% of the damage. In this post, learn how a combination of the right products (found in our Anti-Aging Set, and which currently features a $40 gift certificate to apply to a future purchase), plus safe sun habits can help you to beat sun damage and minimize its effects, when it occurs. Our Anti-Aging Set has been discontinued, but consider our Ageless Skin Set. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set The Sun is Your Skin’s Worst Enemy One can’t deny how good sunshine feels on our skin. Yet, UV rays are the primary cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Protecting your skin against sun damage is the most important thing you can do to help keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful, yet most people don’t take this seriously. The sun produces two main types of UV rays that cause sun damage: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are longer penetrating rays, which reach deep into the skin. They can trigger skin cancer and also break down the skin’s supporting network, including the destruction of elastin and collagen, which ultimately leads to fine lines, wrinkles and saggy skin. UVA rays also disrupt melanin, leading to skin discolourations, AKA age spots. UVB rays are shorter rays and they are primarily associated with sunburns. However, they are also responsible for premature aging and skin cancer. Long term exposure to UV rays impacts the skin’s ability to produce components such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, etc., that are essential to its wellbeing. In addition to skin cancer, other undesirable changes may occur: Increased fine lines and wrinkles Uneven skin tone and discoloration Dry, thin and crepey looking skin A build-up of dead, dry skin cells, leaving skin looking dull and lifeless Sunscreens & Antioxidants Protect Against Sun Damage To fight against UV damage, protect your skin with a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Choose a product with a minimum of SPF 30 and use it every day, year round. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 is a zinc oxide, mineral-based sunscreen that is non-whitening and contains additional antioxidant protection. It’s never too late to start using sunscreen and the sooner, the better. Remember to reapply sunscreen if you are going to be outside for a long time or sweating. Don’t forget your lips, ears and the tops of your feet. Antioxidants complement the benefits of sunscreen by helping to defend against the free radical damage that accompanies UV rays. We recommend that you layer on an antioxidant treatment every morning under your sunscreen to take advantage of the one-two punch that you’ll get from this combination. Our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum contains l-ascorbic acid plus an arsenal of antioxidants including vitamin e, green tea extract, ferulic acid and pomegranate seed oil to help protect skin. Each bottle is made to order to guarantee freshness. Correct the Effects of Sun Damage Anti-Aging Set While sunscreen and sun protection are the best way to protect and prevent sun damage, products are available that can help to diminish its impact when it occurs: Retinoids, like retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, visibly diminish the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging by boosting collagen production and increasing skin cell turnover Vitamin C. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, vitamin C can brighten skin and help to make it appear more evenly toned. Find it in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum Treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) help to remove the buildup of dry, dead skin that cause dullness, resulting in more radiant skin. Our Anti-Aging Set contains A is for Anti-Aging (retinoid serum), Bespoke Vitamin C Serum (Vitamin C + antioxidants) and Shade SPF 30 (suncreen). This combination of 3 products is one of the most effective ways to help defeat sun damage. Lifestyle Tips While topical products can help to protect and perfect skin, these tips will go a long way to helping protect skin against sun damage: Cover up with a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves. Seek shade where possible Stay out of the sun during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm Who’s ready for summer?

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How To Reduce Wrinkles

How To Reduce Wrinkles

If you’re curious about how to reduce wrinkles, this post explains that. Wrinkles are one of the most common symptoms of aging skin, but using the right products – a sunscreen like Shade SPF 30 and a retinoid like A is for Anti-Aging Serum, can help to reduce them. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation) What is a Wrinkle? Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges in the skin, which tend to appear as we get older. They are most frequently found on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, including the face, the neck and chest, the back of the hands and the arms. Sun damage, smoking, some medications and dehydration along with environmental and genetic factors can influence their development. Facial expressions, such as repeatedly smiling, frowning, or squinting may also lead to fine lines and wrinkles. And, the thinner, drier and less elastic skin that accompanies aging, impact their formation as well. Younger skin has more elasticity, allowing it to spring back. The aging process makes springing back harder and less frequent, resulting in permanent lines aka, wrinkles. Wrinkles – Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Unprotected exposure to UV light is thought to be one of the biggest contributors to wrinkle development. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, which form part of the skin’s supporting network. This damage results in skin that is weaker and less flexible, causing it to droop and wrinkles to develop. This is why sun protection is one of the best things you can do to reduce wrinkles. Wear a broad spectrum, UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day, year round. Shade SPF 30 is a naturally safe, mineral-based (zinc oxide) and non-whitening formulation to consider Cover up with clothing, seek shade, wear hats and sunglasses to protect skin against sun damage Smoking speeds up the aging process by reducing blood supply to the skin. Excess consumption of alcohol can result in dehydration, which causes skin to become dry and appear more wrinkled. And finally, sleeping on your side or face contributes to face lines while repetitive facial expressions (like squinting) overworks facial muscles and can result in grooves beneath the skin’s surface, which eventually leads to wrinkles. Treatments That Reduce Wrinkles When it comes to topical ingredients, there are a few that can help, but retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are supported by the most amount of research to support their efficacy in the reduction of fine wrinkles. They have also been shown to reduce pigmentation and decrease skin roughness. Retinoids include ingredients such as retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinol and retinyl palmitate. They work by increasing the production of collagen and by stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. It takes about three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent and the best results take six to 12 months. The one downside of retinoids is that they can cause skin dryness and irritation so it may be useful to gradually work up to nightly applications, especially if you have sensitive skin. Retinaldehyde, which is found in A is for Anti-Aging is effective and one of the gentlest forms of retinoid available, making it suitable for most skin types. Retinaldehyde has the added benefit of being antibacterial, which delivers benefit to acne sufferers as well. A is for Anti-Aging also contains niacinamide, which can stimulate collagen production. The combination helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that retinoids are broken down in sunlight so apply this serum at night in order to maximize benefits. A two-pronged approach will serve you best when it comes to wrinkle reduction: sunscreen every day in the morning and a retinoid each night.

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Sunscreen Promotion - Be Safe In The Sun!

Sunscreen Promotion - Be Safe In The Sun!

20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen Promotion Be safe in the sun! Prevent sun damage with a naturally safe sunscreen. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Benefits: Mineral based (zinc oxide) Non-whitening & non-greasyBroa d spectrum UVA/UVB protection Antioxidants defend against free radicals Our sunscreen promotion continues and ends June 7, 2019 or while supplies last. Maximum of 3 sunscreens per customer. More About Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Contains ingredients that heal, soothe and calm skin Health Canada approved sunscreen Physical blocking sun filter is not absorbed into the bloodstream Ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea and/or melasma (hyperpigmentation) Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Read more about us here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography

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Sunscreen Sale - Get Ready for Summer!

Sunscreen Sale - Get Ready for Summer!

20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen Sale Get ready for summer! Protect your face with a naturally safe sunscreen. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Benefits: Mineral based (zinc oxide) Non-whitening & non-greasy Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection Antioxidants defend against free radicals Sunscreen sale ends June 7, 2019 or while supplies last. Maximum of 3 sunscreens per customer. More About Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Contains ingredients that heal, soothe and calm skin Health Canada approved sunscreen Physical blocking sun filter is not absorbed into the bloodstream Ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea and/or melasma (hyperpigmentation) Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Read more about us here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography

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All Skin Needs These 3 Anti-Aging Products

All Skin 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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A Naturally Safe Sunscreen for Spring Break

A Naturally Safe Sunscreen for Spring Break

In this post, we’re discussing a naturally safe sunscreen for spring break including some tips on how to choose one and use it for maximal benefit. A Safe Sunscreen: For A Snow or Sun Break If you live in most parts of North America or Northern Europe, it’s the time of year when a little getaway is just what many of us are craving! Whether you’re a winter person or a summer one (us over here), you’re going to need a sunscreen for your vacation. And although you may question the necessity for sun protection if you’re planning a ski holiday, bear in mind that the sun’s UVA rays (those ones associated with aging) are prevalent year-round, regardless of season. Additionally, snow is very reflective (4 times more so than sand) and UV light also increases with altitude, so it is possible to not only damage the skin, but also to burn. Regardless of your destination – beach or ski slope – an effective and safe sunscreen is non-negotiable. Choosing a Safe Sunscreen: Physical or Chemical Now that the travel arrangements have been organized, it’s time to choose a sunscreen, a choice that can be overwhelming given the multitude of products available for you to pick from. Your first decision is to decide between a chemical or a physical sunscreen, or one that contains a combination of both types of ingredients. Chemical sun filters work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into harmless energy. Physical sun filters work primarily by blocking or deflecting UV rays but they may also absorb UV rays as well. The choice is yours when it comes to a formulation and neither is right or wrong; it’s down to a matter or personal preference. When it comes to SPF, look for a minimum of SPF 30, recommended by most skin care experts. Many of us looking for a safe sunscreen, opt for ones that contain physical blocking ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is a soothing ingredient and a great choice for sensitive skin. It is also the sun filter shown to be most protective for hyperpigmentation so is a good choice if you have melasma or dark spots. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 is formulated with ZinClear, a form of zinc oxide that goes on clear (no white, ghost-like effect here!) and delivers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It also contains antioxidants to help deliver additional protection against UV rays. It’s the sunscreen that always travels with us at Apothekari! Keep in mind that Shade SPF 30 is not water resistant. If you need a water resistant formulation, shop our full range of sunscreens over at our partner site PhaMix.com. Application Tips for Sun Safety Now that you’ve chosen a safe sunscreen, it’s important to apply it correctly. Here’s how: Apply BEFORE going outside – allow about 15 minutes. Apply enough. Studies have shown that most of us don’t use enough sunscreen to get the labelled SPF benefit on the box. Be generous with application (a shot glass for the whole body; about ½ teaspoon for the face). Don’t forget areas like the tops of your feet, lips and ears. Reapply. Especially if you are swimming or sweating, apply every 2 hours. All set? Where are you going?

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Is SPF Makeup Enough?

Is SPF Makeup Enough?

It’s September and with temperatures dropping, the sun playing hide and seek and rain clouds making an all too frequent appearance, you may be tempted to ditch your sunscreen and switch to SPF makeup instead. Tempting though it may be, fall (or any time of the year for that matter) isn’t the time to do it. SPF makeup may seem like a serious win-win – who doesn’t love multi-tasking products, after all – but it’s better in concept than in theory. SPF products, including sunscreens and makeup, achieve their rating via testing methods that involve precise application of a specific amount of product skin (2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin, or a dollop equivalent to the size of nickel). Studies have shown that most of us don’t apply enough sunscreen and this almost certainly applies to SPF makeup. When was the last time you applied that much foundation to your skin? Yup, me too! So in theory, while SPF makeup could offer up enough protection against UVA and UVB rays, the reality is that most of us use it in a way in which it just won’t happen. Foundations and powders are helpful, there’s no doubt about that, but they shouldn’t be used as your primary source of sun protection. They can however, bump up protection to your daily sunscreen and that’s the way to get the most out of them. How To Use SPF Makeup For optimal sun protection, choose a dedicated broad spectrum sunscreen instead. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 is a zinc-oxide, mineral sunscreen that delivers non-whitening UVA/UVB sun protection and is designed for all skin types. It is especially suitable for sensitive skin and contains antioxidant support to protect against free radical damage. For maximum benefit, we recommend applying it directly over an antioxidant serum (like our Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C) because sunscreens work in tandem with antioxidants to protect against UV damage in separate ways. For a wide selection of UVA/UVB sunscreens, our sister site PhaMix.com stocks a large selection. There’s no reason to shun SPF makeup; just keep in mind that it’s not meant to replace your sunscreen. If you want to use makeup with SPF, apply it on top of your sunscreen. Try to seek out a formulation that protects against both UVA and UVB rays to help protect against premature aging, sunburns and skin cancer. Additionally, aim for an SPF rating of 30 or higher to ensure maximum protection. Think of sunscreen as the cake, with SPF makeup as the icing on the cake. It’s not the main event, but it can add to it.

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A Sunscreen Giveaway

A Sunscreen Giveaway

Who doesn’t love a GIVEAWAY?! Here’s a chance to get your hands on SHADE SPF 30, our well-formulated, non-whitening, non-greasy, mineral-based sunscreen that covers all the bases and protects against UVA/UVB rays all year round. We’ve literally got you covered with our new sunscreen! We’ve worked so hard to perfect it and are excited to share it with you! Be good to your skin and stay sun smart, everyone! THE GIVEAWAY: One lucky winner will receive a summer’s* supply of our SHADE SPF 30 facial sunscreen – available just in time for the intense summer heat! Any purchase at Apothekari.com between June 7 (we’re making this one retroactive) and June 22 gets you an automatic entry into the draw. To increase your chances, pop on over and enter through our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages – links below. G O O D L U C K and keep an eye on social media for stories and posts and a closer look at our brand new SHADE SPF 30 sunscreen. **Non-waterproof facial sunscreen **We highly recommend sun protection all year round *3 months’ supply (3 bottles with a total value of $135) to get you through the summer – if used daily at recommended dose of 1/4 tsp application. Apothekari SHADE SPF 30 Mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide (13.5% concentration). Chemical sun filter free. SPF 30. Non-whitening. Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Antioxidant support to protect against free radical damage generated by UV exposure. Suitable for all skin types. Especially suitable for sensitive skin types unable to tolerate chemical sunscreens. Physical blocking sunscreens like those containing zinc oxide are the sunscreen of choice for individuals with melasma because they work to block/reflect sunlight and prevent UV rays from reaching the skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert it to harmless energy so the rays may still contribute to the development of melanin. Fragrance free Paraben free Silicone free Sulfate free Phthalate free Gluten free Synthetic colorant free Cruelty free and absolutely no animal testing. Contest Details Contest valid until June 22, 2018. Winner announced June 25, 2018. Winner will be selected at random and contacted directly to claim their win & provide mailing information. If no claim has been made within 72 hours, we will select another name. By entering the giveaway you agree to have your name or social media handle publicly posted. *Radio Maria Canada Interview with Cathy Biase If you missed it, I was recently interviewed by the lovely Cathy Biase on her show The Health Hub at Radio Maria Canada. Cathy is a Holistic Nutritionist and Cancer Coach with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto with a major in Psychology. During the show we talked about how to promote healthy skin, skin care must haves and adopting a holistic approach to skin care. Podcast coming soon and we will share the link with you! If you’re interested in health, nutrition and wellness, Cathy’s show features health experts who share advice on how to be the best you. She’s a wonderful, engaging interviewer and I highly recommend tuning in to her show, Tuesdays 8 am Pacific/11 am Eastern.

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New Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen is Here!

New Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen is Here!

I’m proud of all the products we offer in the Apothekari line-up but I couldn’t be prouder of our new sunscreen, Shade SPF 30! Serious skin care deserves a serious sunscreen. Shade SPF 30 has been a long time coming and I’m absolutely delighted to be able to finally offer it to you! This new zinc oxide, chemical sun filter FREE sunscreen is Health Canada approved and delivers a range of features, making it an ideal choice for all skin types and those of you seeking a natural, physical blocking sunscreen. Shade SPF 30 offers: Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection Non-whitening application (trust me on this. I tried many, many formulations and this one leaves no white cast at all…) Antioxidant support Suitability for all skin types. Especially suitable for sensitive skin and individuals with melasma. It’s also fragrance and colorant free & gluten free too! A Chemical Filter Free, Mineral Based Sunscreen Formulated with 13.5% zinc oxide (ZinClear), Shade SPF 30 offers healing, soothing and calming properties. Red algae extract (a UV absorbing substance) and ergothioneine (a natural antioxidant and amino acid, which prevents UV damage) offer additional UV protection and help support against free radical damage. It is an absolute must-have for anyone concerned about the health of their skin. Like All Apothekari Products, Shade SPF 30 Is Free From: Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde SLS/SLES Synthetic colorants and fragrances Silicone It is cruelty-free and never tested on animals. Key Ingredients Zinc Oxide. Broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB exposure which also promotes healing, soothes and calms the skin Thiotaine® (ergothioneine). Natural antioxidant and amino acid, prevents damage caused by UV radiation, recycles Vitamin C, assures efficient energy production, inhibits Tyrosinase (responsible for melanin production) Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract. Organism that lives in shallow water where it is exposed to extreme UV radiation, produces the most powerful UV-absorbing substances in nature, and the extract itself absorbs both UVA and UVB light. Shade SPF 30 should be applied to clean skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Use it daily and allow it to absorb before applying make-up. Product should be “patted” on, not rubbed in. As this is a physical sunscreen, the product sits on top of skin and is not absorbed. Reapply frequently. *Designed for facial use and not water resistant so use a water resistant sunscreen if sweating or swimming. Apply Shade SPF 30 daily along with Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum each morning (serum first, followed by sunscreen) to benefit from unparalleled protection against free radicals (generated by exposure to UV rays, pollution and daily living) and UV rays. Keep in mind that while daily sunscreen use is one of the best ways to minimize skin damage and can help to reduce the risk of developing some types of skin cancer, that sun smart habits are important too: Stay out of the sun during its peak hours, between 10 am and 4 pm. Seek shade when possible. Cover up with hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants. We hope that you love this sunscreen as much as we love bringing it to you!

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Antioxidants + Sunscreen = A Winning Combination!

Antioxidants + Sunscreen = A Winning Combination!

When it comes to sun protection, antioxidants + sunscreen are a winning combination. No one disputes the importance of sun protection in minimizing the damaging impact of ultraviolet (UV) rays on skin. And while daily sunscreen use is one of the best defenses we have to help keep our skin looking young and healthy, you may not be as aware about the role that antioxidants play as well. Antioxidants + Sunscreen: Here’s Why While sunscreens protect from sun damage by either blocking or reflecting UV rays that can lead to sunburn and contribute to sagging skin, wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer, antioxidants help protect skin in a different way. When our skin comes into contact with UV rays, destructive particles called free radicals are created. Free radicals are highly active and unstable molecules that can start a chain reaction of skin inflammation and damage, leading to premature skin ageing and even serious skin health issues. Several studies, including this one have found that antioxidants fight against free radical damage by helping to neutralize them and thereby minimizing their negative impact on skin. While the consumption of high-antioxidant foods delivers them internally, topical application is the most effective way to increase their concentration in the skin. Antioxidants within the skin are depleted when our skin is exposed to the sun during times of sun exposure, but they can (and should) be replaced with topical formulas. Antioxidants. Lots to Choose From There are a number of effective antioxidants to choose from including well known and well-studied Vitamins C and E. Other topical choices include Coenzyme Q10, green tea, lycopene, lutein and lipoic acid. You can find Vitamins C, E, ferulic acid, green tea extract, lutein, lipoic acid and a range of additional antioxidants in made to order Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum. Ergothioneine, a naturally occurring amino acid and antioxidant and is included in our new Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen (coming soon!) to help prevent UV damage in conjunction with zinc oxide and red algae extract. Although sunscreens and antioxidants should be part of your UV protection strategy, keep in mind that wearing sunglasses and hats, covering up, seeking shade and staying out of the sun during its peak hours (10 am – 4 pm) are just as important in helping to keep your skin safe. Apply them during the morning to clean, dry skin to ensure protection from daytime sun alongside your sunscreen. Are you down with antioxidants – what’s your favourite?

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How To Apply Sunscreen

How To Apply Sunscreen

We’ve been experiencing a heat wave in the Pacific Northwest (no complaints here!) so it seems an opportune time to discuss sunscreen; more specifically, how to apply sunscreen. You most likely already appreciate the importance of daily sunscreen use year round. Sunscreen protects against burning UVB rays and deeper penetrating UVA rays, helping to minimize the development of skin against skin cancer and premature aging. You can maximize its effectiveness by applying it correctly. Here’s How to Apply Sunscreen the Right Way SPF 30+. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum coverage, meaning that it protects you from UVA and UVB rays. Select one that is water resistant if you will be swimming or perspiring. Apply Early. Apply sunscreen generously before going outdoors. Most experts recommend applying about 15 minutes prior to outdoor exposure to allow for absorption. Apply Enough. Most adults need at least one ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full) to fully cover all exposed areas of your body, ½ teaspoon for the face. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly to all bare skin, remembering your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet and legs. Don’t forget your lips! In order to ensure that you’ve covered all areas, it’s not a bad idea to wait a few minutes and then reapply. Reapply. The general recommendation is to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessively sweating. Layer Correctly. If you layer skin care treatments, apply sunscreen as the last product in your routine. If you are wearing make-up on top, wait 3–5 minutes for the sunscreen to set before applying foundation. If your foundation, BB cream, or tinted moisturizer contains sunscreen too, that’s fantastic as layering on sunscreen delivers additional protection. You may want to consider applying an antioxidant formulation like our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum to skin under your sunscreen. Antioxidants protect skin against the free radical damage generated by UV rays. The combination is an ideal way to get the most out of your morning skin care routine.

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