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Skincare is Self Care. Make it a Ritual.

Skincare is selfcare? It’s an often cited mantra that we hear these days. Yet in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, when we’re trying to juggle so many different things, it’s easy to overlook the significance of our skincare routine. Shop All Apothekari But what if I told you that your skincare regimen is more than just a series of steps to maintain healthy skin? It’s also a self-care ritual—an act of kindness you show to yourself daily. Your skin, the body’s largest organ, deserves attention beyond the superficial, and this attention can manifest as a deeply enriching experience. Your skincare routine should be more than a task; it should be something you genuinely enjoy. Consider it an opportunity to engage in a ritual that provides benefits not only to your skin but also to your mind and overall well-being. The importance of establishing routines lies in the sense of predictability they bring. As your skincare routine becomes a consistent part of your day, it transforms into a source of comfort, a predictable retreat in an otherwise chaotic world. Picture this: you’re in your bathroom, perhaps with your favorite calming playlist in the background. The gentle application of skincare products becomes a form of self-love, a few moments dedicated entirely to yourself. It’s an almost meditative experience, a pause in the daily hustle to reconnect with your body and send a powerful message that you matter. Elevate Your Skincare Practice with These Tips Now, let’s infuse some magic into your skincare routine with these tips to turn it into a full-fledged self-care celebration: Set the Mood with Relaxing Music. Transform your skincare space into a personal sanctuary by playing your favorite tunes. Let the soothing sounds create a spa-like ambiance. Meditate Your Way to Glowing Skin. Elevate your routine with a guided meditation app. Combine the benefits of skincare with the tranquility of meditation for a truly holistic experience. Indulge in a Luxurious Bath. Take your self-care routine up a notch by indulging in a long bath, scrubbing away roughness with our Foaming Bamboo Polish, followed by our Shea Body Butter. It’s a sensory delight that locks in moisture and leaves you feeling pampered. Enjoy the Art of Skincare. Embrace the simple steps, like massaging a serum or our Antioxidant Face Oil into your skin. These moments of self-massage not only benefit your skin but are also incredibly relaxing for your mind and body. 7 Science-Backed Self-Care Ideas For You to Embrace I’m not messing around, cause these are seven science-backed self-care ideas that can seamlessly integrate into your daily, weekly, or even hourly schedule. The good news? They’ll not only help you to feel better–and when you feel better, you’ll look better too: Get Outside. Step into nature to reap its meditative benefits while also incorporating some exercise into your routine. Pay it Forward. Spread joy by helping others, whether it’s through giving your time, money, or a heartfelt compliment. The positive energy you share will, in turn, uplift your spirits. Stress Less. While stress is inevitable, find strategies to manage it. Whether it’s a brief tea break or some alone time, these moments contribute to your overall well-being. Be Mindful. Practice being present, steering clear of worries about the past or anxieties about the future. Mindfulness can significantly enhance your mental health. Dance. Burn calories and boost your mood with a spontaneous dance party—perhaps even while prepping dinner. It’s a fun and effective way to stay active. Eat More Fruits and Veggies. Fuel your body with a rainbow of nutrient-rich foods, providing antioxidants, micronutrients, and fiber essential for good health. Get Enough Zzzs. Prioritize sleep, even if it’s just a quick cat nap. Quality sleep is linked to a myriad of health benefits, from improved mood to reduced risk of chronic conditions. Is Skincare a Form of Self-Love? Absolutely! Your skincare routine is a daily affirmation of self-love, a consistent practice that highlights your importance amidst life’s chaos. Why is Skincare Important to Life? Skincare transcends mere aesthetics; it’s a form of self-nurturing that sends a powerful message to your body: you value and care for it. Can Skincare Boost Self-Esteem? Indeed. A thoughtful skincare routine can boost self-esteem by fostering a positive self-image and instilling a sense of self-worth. Is Skincare Part of Your Lifestyle? If it isn’t it absolutely should be! Integrating skincare into your daily routine enhances your lifestyle, creating pockets of self-indulgence and care throughout your day. Benefits of Skincare on Mental Health Beyond its physical effects, skincare has an impact on mental health, offering moments of tranquility and self-reflection. Your skincare ritual becomes a daily dose of mindfulness, contributing to a healthier state of mind. As you embark on this journey of skincare as self-care, remember: it’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, embracing moments of tranquility, and sending a powerful message to yourself that you are worthy of love, care, and radiant skin. Your skincare ritual is your daily celebration of self, a small yet significant act that contributes to your overall well-being. So, let the magic of skincare and self-care unfold each day, making you feel as beautiful on the inside as you look on the outside. Cheers to a healthier, happier you!

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It’s 2020. Permission to Make the Most of the Festive Season!

2020 has been a challenging year for EVERYONE; this year give yourself permission, and make a plan, to really enjoy the Festive Season! As enjoyable as the holidays can be, they can also be busy and stressful. The stresses may be very different this year, but they are real so it’s still important to make time for self care. Take time to rest and rejuvenate, practice mindfulness and movement, and allow yourself to be nourished with food that speaks to your soul. Remember to look after your skin too! At Apothekari, we’re focusing on spreading light and happiness. Let’s take a look at all the festivals celebrated around the world at this time of year. Plus, we’re sharing some of our favorite, indulgent holiday recipes – cause what’s a celebration without food?! We hope that this post inspires you to find some joy during this “most wonderful time of the year”. (Apologies for the cliché). Shop All Apothekari 1. Bodhi Day Celebrated on December 8th each year, Buddhists honor the day that Siddhartha Gautama (the founder of Buddhism, aka Buddha), achieved enlightenment through meditation. ‘Bodhi’ means awakening or enlightenment and it took Buddha 49 days of unbroken meditation to find the root of suffering and how to free himself from it. On this day, Buddhists quietly reflect the ways of enlightenment. While some eat tea and cookies, others decorate a Bodhi tree, the tree that Buddha sat under, while meditating. There aren’t any parades or fanfare, rather a quiet day of meditation. 2. Hannukah Often called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration, which takes place December 10 – 18th, this year. It commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, means “dedication” in Hebrew and begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. The holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah (a nine-branch candelabra), traditional foods, games and gifts. 3. Winter Solstice The longest night of the year falls on December 21st this year, in the Northern Hemisphere. Since ancient times, the Winter Solstice has been recognized and celebrated as the subsequent “return” of the Sun. The traditions have influenced holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah, that we celebrate now. 4. Festivus If you’re a Seinfeld fan, then you’ll be familiar with this one! Taking place on December 23rd, this festival is a form of playful consumer resistance against the commercialization of the Christmas season. It was created by author Daniel O’Keefe and entered popular culture after a 1997 Seinfeld episode. There’s a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength”, and the labeling of easily explainable events as “Festivus miracles.” Yes, it sounds silly, but it does seem like it would be a lot of fun! 5. Christmas Who doesn’t know that this holiday falls every year on December 25th? Christmas is represented by presents and Santa Claus, but its origin is another story. The Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and although the true date of his birth is unknown, the church fixed the date as December 25, a date which corresponds to the winter solstice on the Roman calendar. If this is true, then that means Christmas is also a day to be grateful that the darkest nights have passed and spring is coming. Santa? Today’s character is based on traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop, the British figure of Father Christmas, and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas (based on Saint Nicholas). Holly, jolly Santa Claus is portrayed as a portly, white-bearded man, wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, and he became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century. Christmas is celebrated in countries around the world, even in non-Christian countries, where many of the non-religious aspects, such as gift-giving, decorations, and Christmas trees are embraced. 6. Kwanzaa This annual African-American celebration is held from December 26 to January 1, ending with gift-giving and a feast of faith called Karamu Ya Imani. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966, with the goal to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society. The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits of the harvest”. It was originally meant to be an alternative to Christmas but has turned into a celebration that many African Americans celebrate in addition to observing Christmas. Today, Kwanzaa is also celebrated outside the United States. What’s a Celebration Without Food? 7 Recipes We’re Sharing With You Holidays are made special by food prepared with love and care. They’re the ones that make an appearance for special occasions, and which may appear again and again over the years. Tradition can be very comforting, but there’s something exciting about discovering new things too. I’m adventurous when it comes to food so our holiday cooking involves some tradition plus new discoveries that I think my family will enjoy. These celebratory foods are designed to be shared and enjoyed with those we hold dear (even though we may not be able to see them in person this year). They may not lead to glowing skin, but oh, they will nourish your soul. FREE DOWNLOAD – CLICK HERE

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A Thanksgiving Gift For You! (Plus a Holiday Recipe)

Our Canadian autumn festival is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to offer up a Thanksgiving gift to you! As a small business, we’re grateful that you’ve stuck with us during this challenging time. Thank you for your support! Shop All Apothekari A Thanksgiving Gift to Thank You! Until Monday, October 12, all Apothekari orders over $30 will include a full size sugar scrub (4 oz). Choose from Lemon Verbena or Vanilla Rose. Let us know your preference at checkout. And, we hope you understand if we make a substitution if your first choice isn’t available. *While supplies last. 1 gift per customer. Softer, Smoother Skin & Pampering Too! Apothekari Sugar Body Polishes are made with a base of shea and olive fruit butters combined with virgin coconut oil. Filled with nourishing ingredients, they leave skin well moisturized and protected. They’re smooth and never drip excess oil, so they’re easy to apply. Our body polishes are scented with a combination of essential oils, making them ideal for a pampering and aromatherapeutic experience in your bath. We hope you enjoy using them. Bonus: A Healthy Holiday Offering It’s almost Thanksgiving in Canada and if you’re anything like us, I’ll bet your mind is filled with thoughts of pumpkin spice and turkey. There’s no denying that this year’s celebration is going to be different as we focus on keeping our bubbles small and our loved ones safe. But, for many of us, that won’t detract on the focus of a delicious meal. At our house, we’re fortunate that we can indulge in turkey, stuffing (with a gluten-free option), roasted vegetables and delicious sides, followed by pumpkin cheesecake. We always enjoy lovely wines with dinner, but it’s also nice to offer up something for those who don’t drink or who are driving. This year, I’ll be serving up a Grapefruit & Rosemary Mocktail. Grapefruit & Rosemary Mocktail Recipe Serves: 4 drinks * Variations below Ingredients Rosemary Simple Syrup: (Combine 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan and heat gently until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Do not let mixture come to a boil. Take off heat and add 3 sprigs of rosemary. Let cool and store in a jar in the fridge. Keeps for 10 days) 2 cups fresh pink grapefruit juice ¼ cup of the rosemary simple syrup 4 cups sparkling water Instructions (Per Mocktail) Add ½ cup fresh pink grapefruit into a serving glass. Add 1 Tablespoon (or to taste) of rosemary simple syrup. Stir. Top glass with sparkling water (about 1 cup) Garnish with rosemary sprig Served chilled *Variations: If you’re watching your sugar intake, substitute Lakanto or another sugar substitute Don’t like grapefruit? Try subbing a similar amount of orange juice or 1/3 – 1/2 the amount of lemon juice. Cheers!

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Love Your Skin! Enjoy 30% Off Smooth Skin Set For Valentine's Day

Love Your Skin! Enjoy 30% Off Apothekari Smooth Skin Set For Valentine’s Day Pamper your skin & punch up the smoothness with an invigorating exfoliating polish and luscious moisturizing butter for the body! Until Sunday, February 16th, 2020 – save 30% on our Apothekari Smooth Skin Set (Regular Price: $78.50; Sale Price: $54.95) This Set Includes: Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish Punch up the smoothness with this invigorating exfoliating polish for the body! Made with walnut shell powder, powdered bamboo and a light, refreshing essential oil blend of lemongrass, mimosa, this foaming scrub revitalizes and invigorates your skin and your senses leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and silky. Shea Body Butter Pamper dry skin! This luscious butter for the body moisturizes dry, cracked skin. Made with organic shea butter and infused with healing herbs, fresh oils and an intoxicating blend of essential oils this extra-rich, protective crème penetrates deeply to leave softness behind. Learn More About Getting Smooth Skin: How To Exfoliate What Makes Skin Soft? 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…

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A Skincare Routine For Ageless Skin

A solid skincare routine is the foundation for youthful, ageless skin. Learn how to put together a regimen that covers the essential products for morning and nighttime skincare in this post. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Aging Doesn’t Mean Aging Skin We’ve discussed the impact that age has on our skin in a previous post. This includes: Less natural oil production leading to rougher, drier skin Less elastin and collagen production leading to skin that is less firm Thinning skin that appears more transparent Loss of volume due to thinning bones. We can’t control the impact of time, but our lifestyle choices also play a role in our skin’s appearance. For great skin it’s important to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise and incorporate effective skincare products as found in our Ageless Skin Set. A Morning and Nighttime Skincare Routine A 3-step skincare routine is one that most of us should follow to keep our skin looking its very best: Cleanse. To rid skin of make-up, pollution, dirt and oil, which can lead to blemishes, redness and irritation. One-step or two-step; it’s up to you but this important step shouldn’t be missed, especially at night. Cleansing also ensures that serums and other active products that you put on your skin can penetrate to deliver their effects. Protect. If you’re not wearing sunscreen every day, you’re not giving your skin a fighting chance! The sun’s ultraviolet rays are thought to contribute to more than 80% of skin aging so find a sunscreen that you love and apply it every morning, every day of the year! Add in an antioxidant formulation – one with Vitamin C (as in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum), as recommended by most skincare experts. Antioxidants help defend against the free radicals that cause skin damage, and which we’re exposed to daily from pollution and UV rays. Perfect. Depending on your age, your skin type and where you live (climate, humidity, etc), this step addresses your skin’s specific needs. Whether it’s fine lines and wrinkles, crows feet, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, dry skin or acne, this last step addresses that. A serious anti-aging skincare routine must include a retinoid. Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids deliver a range of proven skin benefits including: Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Brighten skin tone by reversing sun damage and dark spots Thicken skin Retinoids also have anti-acne properties, making them a useful addition in the management of blemishes, which many women experience as they get older. Our A is for Anti-Aging contains retinaldehyde – an effective yet gentle retinoid, making it suitable for most skin types – along with other skin beneficial ingredients for firmer, brighter and more youthful looking skin. Depending on your concerns, incorporate other products including moisturizers, eye treatments, skin lighteners, masks or exfoliants into your skincare routine as needed. Our Ageless Skin Set: Part of Your Skincare Routine We’ve combine 4 essential products to cover a morning and nighttime skincare routine into our Ageless Skin Set, which currently features special pricing: A is for Anti-Aging – A gentle and effective retinoid serum that helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation and reverse sun damage. Use daily at night. Bespoke Vitamin C Serum – Vitamin C (10 or 15%) plus antioxidants help to fight against free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process. Each bottle is made to order guaranteeing freshness. Apply daily every morning. Daily Infusion Moisturizer – Moisturize, hydrate and plump skin. Use daily morning and/or night as needed. AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel (all skin types) – Cleanse skin to remove dirt and makeup and ensure absorption of active treatments. Choose between Cloud Nine, our gentle, foaming cleansing cream or AHA-Mazing, our exfoliating cleansing gel. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Are you ready to wake up to healthy, ageless skin with this essential AM/PM skincare set?

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Boost Collagen With This Face Serum

Boost collagen with Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging, a face serum that can help keep skin looking healthy and youthful. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation) What is Collagen? Collagen is the protein most abundant in mammals and it’s behind pretty much everything holding you up right now – your bones, skin and muscle. Collagen is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which give strength and structure to tissues. This allows us to remain bendy, bouncy and generally supple. It’s one of the main components of skin but we sadly start to lose collagen as early as our twenties. Over time, this can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and loose skin. Fortunately, we can help to boost collagen levels with a combination of factors including lifestyle changes, sound nutrition plus topical treatments including this face serum, A is for Anti-Aging. Sunscreen and antioxidants are a great first defense against damage to collagen. Exposure to UV rays turns up the production of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), a group of enzymes responsible for the degradation of most of the body’s proteins like collagen. A well formulated sunscreen, like Shade SPF 30, along with an antioxidant treatment can help to neutralize free radicals and quash inflammation. The good news about some antioxidants, like Vitamin C and green tea, found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, is that in addition to protecting against free radicals, they also protect against collagen loss and help to boost its production. Learn more about how to beat sun damage here. This Face Serum Can Help To Boost Collagen While collagen creams are available, the collagen molecule itself is too large to penetrate skin to where it’s needed, deep in the dermis layer. The better way to boost collagen is to apply treatments that contain ingredients which have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen. In addition to antioxidants, peptides plus retinoids have been shown to boost collagen production. Retinoids like prescription retinoic acid or over the counter retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, have been around for a while and have a lot of evidence to support their ability to boost collagen levels. They work by ‘turning on’ genes and cells that are involved in collagen production and also help to organize new and existing collagen. Over time, they can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The biggest downside of retinoids is their ability to cause skin irritation. That’s why we are such big fans of the retinaldehyde found in A is for Anti-Aging, which is not only effective, but also the least irritating of all retinoids. Retinaldehyde is supported by other ingredients that can help to protect and improve skin’s appearance. Lifestyle Factors Beyond protecting collagen in your body with topical treatments, there are other things you can do as well. Smoking, stress, excessive alcohol consumption and a diet high in sugar and processed food can all accelerate the loss of collagen. Consume foods high in lean protein, essential fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, which contain amino acids, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients and help create a foundation for firm skin. Don’t skimp on protein, which is needed to produce collagen. If you’re curious about whether collagen supplements can help to boost collagen levels, know that while the research looks promising, it isn’t yet conclusive. For best results, look for brands that contain hydrolyzed peptides as these are the best way for the collagen stimulating molecules to reach your bloodstream. Other nutrients such as lysine, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and keratin stimulate collagen and vitamin C is essential for its production as well.

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Canada Day Contest - Win! Apothekari Skincare Set

CANADA DAY CONTEST Win! Apothekari Skincare Set As a proud Canadian company (Vancouver based), we are getting into the spirit of Canada Day by celebrating with a contest! Enter for a chance to win an Apothekari skincare set on Facebook and/or Instagram*. ***This contest is now closed! Thank you all for entering and for your great comments! Congratulations to Adela Patoni, the winner of our contest!*** Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Anti-Aging Skincare Set (Value $255) filled with essentials for healthy & beautiful skin. Learn how these products can help beat sun damage this summer. This set includes: Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen: Mineral based, non-whitening & broad spectrum sun protection A is for Anti-Aging Serum: Minimize wrinkles, brighten skin & defend against sun damage Bespoke Vitamin C Serum: Protect against free radicals, brighten skin & exfoliate $40 Gift Certificate to apply to a future Apothekari purchase. How To Enter: Our Canada Day Contest is an online contest and you can enter through Facebook and/or Instagram*. Increase your chances of winning by entering in both methods; however, only one entry is allowed for each method. Facebook Entry: Go to the Canada Day Contest post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline. Complete 2 steps to qualify as one valid entry: LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us why you love Canada and who you will celebrate with. Instagram Entry: Go to the Canada Day Contest post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW us @apothekariskin, and LOVE the post COMMENT by telling us what you love about Canada and tag 3 friends. Bonus Entry: Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for a bonus entry. This information will not be shared with any other party outside of Apothekari. Canada Day Contest Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.) Contest closes July 3, 2019 (noon, PST) No purchase necessary to enter. Maximum one entry per person per social media platform. Bonus entry for subscribing to newsletter. Participants must be 19+ and a resident of Metro Vancouver to qualify for the prize and free delivery. One (1) winner will be selected in a random draw from among all eligible entries received via all entry methods and contacted by Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Message or email. The winner’s full name is required before being awarded the prize. Once contacted, the winner will have 24 hours to reply and accept the prize. If the winner does not meet the contest conditions, then there will be a redraw. The winner will be announced on the Canada Day Contest Post on Apothekari Skincare’s Facebook page and Instagram account once the prize has been accepted. Prize must be accepted as awarded. No substitutions. Not redeemable for cash equivalent. The winner’s home address is required for the delivery of the prize. The value of the prize is based on the retail value of the products. The prize package is valued at $255 and contains the items in our Anti-Aging Set, outlined above. If you wish to purchase the Anti-Aging Set, visit our online store at PhaMix.com. *This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. By entering, entrants release Instagram and Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s and Facebook’s terms of use. Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Learn more about our philosophy here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography

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All Skin Needs These 3 Anti-Aging Products

All skin benefits from 3 anti-aging products in order to keep it looking its very best – a sunscreen, an antioxidant treatment and a retinoid. In this post, we’re diving into why these products are so important if you’re interested in maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. (This set has been discontinued. Consider our Ageless skin set instead) Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Here’s How Your Skin Ages Skin ages in two main ways – extrinsically and intrinsically – discussed in detail in an earlier post. Extrinsic aging occurs as result of things happening outside our bodies – UV rays, pollution, smoking & smoke exposure as well as diet and lifestyle. These factors are the biggest contributors to skin aging and can lead to thick and coarse skin, age spots and wrinkles. They can also influence the development of many types of skin cancer. Over time, ultraviolet light can damage elastin, collagen and glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs), proteins and sugars naturally found in skin and which help to keep it firm, supple, hydrated and line free. Intrinsic aging occurs naturally over a period of years and is related mainly to our genetic make-up along with hormonal and metabolic processes. If you’re interested to know more, we’ve written a detailed post on what happens to skin at menopause . Don’t be disheartened, though. If you’ve been dealt a bad hand when it comes to your genes, a healthy lifestyle, along with the right kinds of skincare products, can help to counteract many of the effects of your genes. All Skin Needs These 3 Anti-Aging Products Preventing skin damage is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the long term. Exposure to the sun’s rays is thought to be responsible for more than 80% of skin aging and ultimately leads to skin that is saggy, less resilient, wrinkled and possibly discolored. Anything you can do to protect skin from this damage is your best insurance against the effects of aging. Additionally, products that perfect skin to correct damage or imperfections are just as important. These 3 anti-aging products are the ones backed by clinical research and years of experience as offering the most benefit to skin: Sunscreen. A sunscreen that protects against both UVA (AGING) and UVB (BURNING) rays is essential to any skincare routine. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 delivers just that in a non-whitening, mineral based (zinc oxide), non-greasy formulation. Antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals when we’re exposed to sunlight and pollution, for example. They should be applied to skin every morning along with sunscreen because they help boost the effectiveness of one another. You can find the most widely researched antioxidant, Vitamin C (as L-ascorbic acid) plus a range of other skin beneficial antioxidants such as ferulic acid, green tea, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid and pomegranate seed oil in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, made fresh for each order. Retinoid. We LOVE retinoids at Apothekari! Retinoids are a class of ingredients that are derived from Vitamin A and which include prescription retinoic acid and tazarotene plus over the counter options such as retinol and retinaldehyde. In addition to helping boost collagen and elastic production, they increase skin cell turnover (getting new, healthy skin cells to come to the surface), reverse sun damage and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. We are big fans of retinaldehyde, which delivers results while being one of the gentlest retinoids, making it suitable for most skin types. Retinaldehyde also has antibacterial effects, making it a useful addition to the management of acne. Find retinaldehyde in A is for Anti-Aging, where it is combined with other skin beneficial ingredients. Are you ready to up your skincare game with these 3 anti-aging skincare products?

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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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Sugar Face, Sugar Skin

Sugar Face (aka sugar skin) is a term that we are starting to hear more often. It’s become a trending topic as we begin to increasingly appreciate the detrimental effect that sugar has, not only on our health, but on our skin as well. Shop All Apothekari Does Sugar Ruin Your Face? You may think of sugar face as a topic discussed only amongst celebrities, but dermatologists and nutritionists are talking about it as well. Just how does sugar age us? A recent scientific review discusses how the consumption of sugar reacts with proteins, creating elements called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). First described in the context of diabetes, AGEs are formed through a type of non-enzymatic reaction called glycation. In the skin, these substances lead to: Wrinkled skin Sagging under the eyes A gaunt look to the face Thinning of the skin Painful pimples Hardened cell structures. Think of the way arteries harden to cause coronary heart disease. The process is similar in skin cells. Sugar can also weaken the body’s immune system, leaving it less able to fight off bacteria, which may be implicated in acne. Sugar face or sugar skin results in a detrimental impact on your appearance. But, the health risks of excessive sugar consumption can be great too. Along with an increased risk of things like type 2 diabetes, eating too much refined sugar creates inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. When blood sugar levels drop, stress hormones are released resulting in anxiety and tension as common side effects. The immune system may also be impacted affecting thyroid function, energy levels and digestion. How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Sugar Face? If you’re trying to avoid sugar, you should be mindful of foods where sugar is more hidden. Fruit juice, fruit and ‘sugary’ vegetables like beets and carrots are also high in sugar. Pay attention to where a food falls on the glycemic index and seek out those that rank lower, which will help to slow down glycation. You don’t have to cut out fruit completely but think of it as a treat, opting for a diet that consists mainly of leafy green vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Think you can never have cupcakes again? Take heart. Great skin is made up of a combination of factors including genetics, skin care, along with environmental and lifestyle factors. Sugar, an inflammatory food, ranks high on the list of things to avoid, but you should also be paying attention to protection from environmental toxins (like pollution and UV rays), managing stress and getting adequate sleep. Thankfully, it’s never too late for lifestyle changes. Sugar can speed up aging, but adopting healthier habits and a great skin care routine can start to slow this process – whatever your age. Sugar face? We’ve got you beaten! In previous posts, we’ve discussed the other three faces that the doctor describes: Gluten Face – Characterized by a range of symptoms including psoriasis, eczema, acne or dry skin. Wine Face – Typically associated with individuals who consume one or two glasses of wine or other alcohol most nights of the week, skin becomes dehydrated, making fine lines and wrinkles look worse. The face may become red and make the individual appear older. Dairy Face – Characterized by a range of symptoms including swollen eyelids, bags and under eye dark circles, small white spots and bumps on the chin.

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