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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 Get More Radiant Skin
Glowy, radiant skin is a sign of healthy skin – a look that that we all aspire to. Consistently using the right combination of products is key to radiant skin. Learn more in this post. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET What Robs You of Radiant Skin? Lack of sleep, stress, aging and even what you eat can rob your complexion of its radiance. Skin that looks dull and tired can become luminous and glowing by using the right products along with some expert tips. Here’s how to achieve radiant skin. 4 Tips for Radiant Skin Cleanse. Start with a clean ‘canvas’ by removing dirt including oil, pollution and make-up that can leave skin looking dull. Choose between two foaming cleansers to suit most skin types: AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel – Exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate with this foaming cleansing that soothes skin and senses. Triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and a refreshing mint scent. Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème – Clean, moisturize and protect skin with this gentle, foaming cleanser. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients and ideal for aging and sensitive skin. Exfoliate. Nothing strips away your glow more than having a layer of dry, dead skin cells sitting on your skin’s surface. Exfoliation helps to remove these cells and brightens skin almost immediately. You can exfoliate physically with a scrub or chemically with an acid. When it comes to facial exfoliation, we lean towards chemical exfoliation, which only penetrates through the skin’s uppermost layer. Scrubs and polishes are more prone to aggressive use, which can lead to skin irritation. In addition to our AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel, which exfoliates and cleanses, our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, provides light exfoliation. Brighten. As we age, skin can become unevenly toned due to age spots, melasma, etc. The following ingredients can brighten skin: Niacinamide. Lightens skin discolouration and fades age spots by decreasing the number of melanin transferred to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells by more than half. Find niacinamide in A is for Anti-Aging, where it is combined with Phenylethyl Resorcinol, another skin brightening agent and retinaldehyde, for the ultimate in age prevention properties. Vitamin C. Found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, it brightens skin by disrupting the production of melanin, a skin pigment that causes discolouration and age spots. Because the two ingredients above do so much to improve skin’s glow, we’ve combined A is for Anti-Aging and our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum into the Radiant Skin Set. When used together regularly, these serums will help to illuminate your complexion. Expect to see results within a few weeks and optimal results in about three months. Other ingredients that can help to brighten skin include lactic acid, arbutin, kojic acid and licorice. Hydrate. Dry and dehydrated skin looks dull and may even appear more wrinkled. Although you may not need a dedicated moisturizer, it’s important to incorporate products that can help to replenish and lock in moisture. In a previous post we discussed how to choose a moisturizer and our Daily Infusion Moisturizer provides a perfect balance of the 3 types of ingredients needed to keep skin hydrated. Fake It Till You Make It! While you’re waiting for results from topical treatment to kick in, you can rely on make-up, which helps to deliver an instant glow. Look for products that contain minerals like mica, which reflect light to deliver radiant skin allover.
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Menopause: Hormones & Your Skin
If you’re a woman and have reached a certain age, it’s inevitable that you’ll go through menopause. This normal and natural part of the aging process is experienced by all women as they get older and impacts your health, including that of your skin. In this post let’s look at how to keep your skin looking its very best. It’s Your Hormones! In a previous post, we talked about five main hormones that can impact skin – estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and insulin. Hormone levels fluctuate depending on a range of issues including stress, diet, sleep, our genes and menopause. At menopause – and the lead up period, perimenopause – a decline in estrogen levels is most implicated with skin health with progesterone and testosterone playing a smaller role. Estrogen. Estrogen seems to have an impact on skin in several ways: It is needed to produce collagen, a protein involved in the skin’s structure and which helps to keep it firm and thick. It has also been shown to boost the production of elastin, a fiber that helps give skin its elasticity. The combined action on elastin and collagen lessens the appearance of wrinkling and helps to keep skin firm and tight. Estrogen helps to maintain skin moisture by increasing the production of hyaluronic acid and can possibly help skin retain its ability to protect against external irritants. Progesterone. Although this hormone isn’t associated with skin health as much as estrogen, declining levels of progesterone are associated with a reduction in skin elasticity, leading to skin sagginess. Testosterone. Unlike estrogen and progesterone, women may experience an increase in testosterone at menopause leading to oilier skin and more breakouts. What Happens to Skin at Menopause These are the main skin changes that women may notice at menopause and beyond: Drier Skin More Wrinkled Skin Saggier Skin Thinner Skin Some women may experience oilier skin with increased breakouts due an increase in testosterone production. How to Treat Skin at Menopause Skin benefits from gentle, effective products and a consistent routine regardless of what life stage you’re at. At Apothekari, we subscribe to a 3 step skin care routine, which benefits most women. In addition to gentle cleansing, an effective UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen and topical antioxidants applied every day, it’s important to manage the skin issues particular to an individual. Whether it’s dryness, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles or age spots, it’s important to find and use the correct products on a regular basis. At menopause, retinoids (a class of ingredients derived from Vitamin A) are non-negotiable because they offer so many benefits to skin: Boost collagen production to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines Increase the skin’s moisture content and reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss) to minimize skin dryness Decrease melanin production resulting in a more even and brighter skin tone. Unfortunately, while retinoids are highly effective in helping to minimize the skin changes that many women experience at menopause, they can also be highly irritating. That’s why we are so excited to offer A is for Anti-Aging, our retinoid serum formulated with retinaldehyde, which is the gentlest form of retinoid, while still being highly active to skin. Many of our customers previously unable to tolerate other forms of retinoids like retinol or prescription retinoic acid, can use A is for Anti-Aging because retinaldehyde doesn’t irritate or burn skin. If you’re ready for healthy & beautiful skin at menopause, consider A is for Anti-Aging and find out for yourself why we have so many happy and repeat customers. If you’ve still got questions, get in touch. We’re always happy to help you find the right skin care products to meet your needs.
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2018 Skin Care Trends - 5 I'm Looking At
One can’t escape the inevitable ‘lists’ that accompany the start of a new year and the 2018 skin care trends list is one I can’t help but check out. There isn’t just one of course, as every blogger, magazine and article has their own take on which trends will become popular this year. Here are 5 that stand out for me. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% 1. Bespoke Skin Care At Apothekari, we’re already doing it! We launched our Bespoke Vitamin C Serums (aka made-to-order/customized) a few years ago because we understand that some products need to be made to order. Formulated with high concentrations of L-ascorbic acid (aka Vitamin C), our serum also contains green tea extract (potent antioxidant), ferulic acid, Vitamin E and a range of other moisturizing and free radical fighting ingredients. Our made-to-order process ensures that each bottle of Vitamin C serum contains potent, active and unoxidized Vitamin C to ensure that it’s the freshest product available anywhere. Out of all the 2018 skin care trends, we heart this one. 2. Body Care Takes Off It’s not surprising that most of us pay attention to our faces, but ignore our bodies when it comes to skin care. While you may have already noticed décolleté creams and body oils on shelves, this year, watch out for higher tech serums and creams containing ingredients normally reserved for the face. Even masks, normally reserved for facial care, are making a foray into body care with products specific to the chest, arms and breasts. 3. Free From While plenty of “all-natural”, “green”, “clean” and “eco” lines are on the market these days, consumer demand is fueling a rise in offerings including “gluten free”, “cruelty free” and “vegan” options as well. It’s easy to get caught up in a claim and assume a product is superior because it is natural, gluten free, cruelty free and/or vegan and companies may be taking advantage of this demand by offering products that may not be what they seem. Unfortunately because many of these term are not regulated, you may not be getting what you paid for. We encourage you to read the ingredient deck and not be afraid to call or write and ask if you need clarification. A good company will stand by its products and not be afraid to give you the information you need to make an informed purchase. 4. Gem Infused Skin Care Also big in 2017, this 2018 skin care trend may seem a bit woo woo, if New Age isn’t your thing. Fueled by celebrities, gems, including amethyst (claimed to be good for inflammation), malachite and tourmaline (detoxification and energizing) are a few to look out for. All things lunar and solar powered are also having a moment. Keep in mind that there is little, if any, scientific evidence to substantiate crystals’ efficacy when it comes to skin care. But it is kind of fun, isn’t it?! 5. Brands Supporting Causes A wonderful trend as more people are expected to support brands that “do good”. Brands are recognizing that consumers want to make charitable purchases and are donating a portion of sales to charitable organizations. Do any of the 2018 skin care trends stand out for you?
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2017 Skin Care Trends: 5 Top Ones
As this year draws to a close, it’s a good time to visit a few of the 2017 skin care trends. Many of the trends originate with indie beauty companies (like Apothekari) and while some may seem a bit out there to begin with, many gain traction and become mainstream after some time. Here are five that stood out this year: Shop All Apothekari Top Skin Care Trends 1. Masking Google reported that wearing a face mask was the biggest skin care trend of 2017. Whether a sheet mask or a peel off mask, you’ll likely have seen many an Instagram blogger posting selfies of treatments incorporating ingredients like charcoal and turmeric. 2. Cleaner, Greener Options People are taking more note of what goes on their skin and 2017 saw a continued rise in the search for green options, including those of the vegan variety. According to Google, searches for vegan skin-care products have risen by a whopping 83 percent within the last year in the U.S. 3. Ayurvedic Beauty is Becoming Mainstream While the K-beauty trend is not going away anytime soon, we started to see brands and treatments incorporating Middle Eastern and South Asia wisdom with ingredients like turmeric. Beauty chocolates incorporating spices like cardamom and rose and inspired by Ayurveda also hit the aisles. 4. Crystal, Celestial, and Otherworldly Skin Care The New York Times dubbed 2017 as “The Great Crystal Boom”, a trend that focuses all things lunar cycle, solar powered, and crystal-loving being infused into skin care products. 5. Men Are Taking Note of Skin Care More men are becoming interested in their skin and companies are responding by offering more unisex products that appeal to both sexes. As well, there has been a growth in brands catering just to men. Which 2017 skin care trends appealed to you this year?
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Pharmacists & Skincare: It Makes Sense! (Part 2)
In Part 1 of Pharmacists & Skincare, I discussed the education and practical experience that pharmacists receive, which prepare them to advise patients about treatments for a wide range of health conditions. Whether it’s choosing the best cough and cold remedy, determining the correct supplement dosage or the most effective pain medication, a recommendation is based on evidence based analysis of the choices available and the individual needs of the patient in question. Shop All Apothekari Pharmacist Formulated Analytical training combined with care for patient safety and outcomes guides most pharmacists in their professional lives. I take this commitment seriously and apply it to all the products in the Apothekari line-up. Our treatments are filled with ingredients that are supported by clinical studies and at appropriate concentrations to deliver results. I take the same care in recommending skin care products as I would regarding anything else for your health. Pharmacists Consider These 5 Things When it Comes to Skincare Here are 5 guidelines that I take into consideration when formulating Apothekari treatments: Does It Work? In addition to my education and training as a pharmacist, I scour the internet, read journals and rely on professional and personal experience to gauge the efficacy of treatments at Apothekari. If a product’s ingredients don’t make sense from a clinical perspective then you won’t find it in our products. You’ll notice that we don’t offer bust enhancement creams, potions that claim to flatten your tummy or chase away your cellulite. Instead, our line contains gentle cleansers, potent serums and soothing moisturizers – products made with ingredients that are important and effective for great skin. Is It A Sound Formulation? I love to create so I like to experiment with various ingredients. I’ve had some pleasant outcomes, but it rarely happens the first time around. Formulating is part science and part art. Getting the right texture, colour and smell is important to ensure that our products appeal to a wide range of individuals. And it can take many, many trials and months of mixing, testing, experimenting and reformulating to ensure that the treatment remains stable and effective for its intended use. I work with qualified chemists who understand the science behind an ingredient’s pH, solubility and stability. They make sure that a product is just as pleasing when you open it up as it is when you are down to the bit at the bottom of the jar six months down the road. Is It Safe? I avoid ingredients that come with unpleasant side effects. This isn’t to say that you will never experience a side effect with any Apothekari product, as all skincare products have the potential for side effects in susceptible individuals. With any new topical treatment, it is wise to do a patch test first to ensure that you will not react to any given product. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Is It Well Preserved? For the sake of your health, please, please don’t buy into the preservative free fad. Preservatives are important and necessary to keep skincare products free from bacteria, yeast and mold. These and other nasty things are not what you want growing in your eye cream. The exception are oil based products, which often can be formulated preservative free. Would I Use It Myself? If a formulation isn’t something that I’d consider using or recommend to my family and friends then you won’t find it in our brand. It’s important that I offer products that deliver results so that you’ll feel confident in coming back to us. Marketing jargon and an overwhelming array of choices make it complicated to navigate the world of skincare. At times, it may seem downright impossible to choose the right products for your skin type and needs. At Apothekari, it’s my job to provide safe and effective products that will benefit your skin. I take this duty seriously and I am honored to be trusted with your needs. My team and I can’t wait to help you find the products that are just right for your skin! If you have any questions, we are always happy to help. Call us at 1.866.876.3649 or email us at info@apothekari.com and we will be happy to assist you.
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The Hand Lift Is Here!
The hand lift is here! Beyond Botox, face lifts, nose jobs and fillers, hand lifts are becoming de rigueur. Yes, the face is one of the most age-telling body parts we have. However, the hands are a dead giveaway too. Skin on the back of our hands is extremely thin and the loss of fat padding shows as we age. Our hands become less firm and plump. Tendons, bones and veins become more visible and the hand appears bony and more fragile. Daily exposure to UV rays results in the appearance of age spots and brown patches. Shop All Apothekari The ‘hand lift’ is fast and touted to be a simple procedure that can convert older-looking hands into younger looking ones in minutes. First, fillers are injected to plump and replenish volume to the back of the hands and to provide a supple and youthful appearance. The resulting raised skin level makes tendons, joints and veins lose their prominence. Next, laser treatments may be used to diminish the appearance of brown spots and pigmentation. With hands looking years younger, patients are then encouraged to protect and maintain results at home by keeping hands well moisturized and protected with sunscreen. Although the procedure takes less than 10 minutes, the cost may leave a larger impression on your wallet. At $1200 for a treatment, it definitely isn’t for everyone. Lower Cost Alternatives to the Hand Lift? If you’re afraid of medical procedures or just can’t imagine paying for a hand lift, take heart. By applying the same principles of good skin care to your hands as you do to your face, you may not need that hand lift after all! Here are 5 low-budget steps you can take to younger looking hands: 1. Sun Protection The sun is responsible for most skin aging and is a particular culprit in skin discoloration. Apply a good sunscreen to the backs of your hands daily. 2. Retinoids They work to boost the production of collagen and elastin thereby maintaining skin’s structural integrity. In this case, what’s good for the face is definitely good for the hands. Try A is for Anti-Aging Retinal Serum. 3. Don Gloves Yes it’s a pain, but you’ll get used to it. Water, especially the hot water we use to wash dishes, is the hands’ enemy as it can wash away the lipids that hold in moisture. 4. Moisturize Restore the skin’s barrier system with a moisturizer containing humectants and emollients to seal in moisture. Our Shea Body Butter has a permanent home at my kitchen and bathroom counter. 5. Exfoliate Get rid of dry skin with a body polish like our Bamboo & Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish. Hands will feel and look soft and smoothe. In a world of selfies, it’s a given that the hand lift is here to stay. Is it right for you?
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Skin Care Trends For 2017: 5 To Watch For
Wonder which skin care trends for 2017 to watch out for? Depending on who you ask and which blog you read, there are many! Here are 5 that you may find interesting: Shop All Apothekari 5 Skincare Trends 1. You are What you Eat If you’ve ever been to a naturopath then you’ll have heard the mantra that ‘Good health starts in the gut’. This year, watch out for probiotics being front and centre when it comes to beauty. Too many ‘bad’ bacteria and too few ‘good’ ones can affect your overall health, including that of your skin. The recommendation is to incorporate foods and drinks that are rich in probiotics, including yogurt and fermented foods such as miso and sauerkraut. Kombucha anyone? While you will find brands offering topically applied probiotics as well, we haven’t seen much research to support their use as yet. I’d wait a while to indulge on this particular trend. 2. Hyaluronic Acid Able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is and has been, a boon to dry, dehydrated and aging skin. It not only helps to keep moisture in the skin, it also diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While hyaluronic acid is already a popular active in many skin care treatments, look for it to become even more popular this year. You can find hyaluronic acid in our Bespoke Vitamin C 10% and 15% serums where it helps to moisturize skin while delivering beneficial antioxidant protection. 3. Gentle Cleansing We may like the feeling of ‘squeaky clean’, but it may not be the best thing for our skin. Harsh cleansers and abrasive scrubs strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin’s pH leading to dryness, inflammation and irritation. Be gentle with your skin. We love Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème to soothe while it gently cleanses. Suitable for sensitive skin too. 4. Rise of the Face Mask Already gaining traction in 2016, look for an increase in the use of face masks this year. There is one for everybody, including masks to boost hydration, deliver light exfoliation and actives to skin. This is one trend that my teenagers are loving and it’s certain that more are to come! 5. Superfood Skin Care Remember acai? Well, it’s still around. Beyond acai, however, many companies are bringing the kitchen to the beauty counter. Look out for salad ingredients including kale and broccoli as well as the more exotic sounding moringa, to be incorporated into topicals. What do you think of these skin care trends for 2017? Do any appeal to you?
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