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How To Look After Your Aging Skin: A Pharmacist's Guide to Skincare After 50
If you’re seeking the inside scoop on aging skin care, step into the laboratory of skincare wisdom. Our founder, Sharmani, a pharmacist and a mature woman herself, expertly blends science with style to unveil the art of aging gracefully. Ready for a journey that’s as scientific as it is fabulous? Shop Active Treatment Serums Is 45 Too Late to Start A Skincare Routine? It’s never too late! Dive into the world of timeless beauty with three main products, the Holy Grail for mature skin: Sunscreen Vitamin C (like the triple combination of vitamin C and antioxidants found in our Glow Getter3 Serum) Retinoids, like the powerful, yet gentle retinaldehyde combined with other highly active ingredients in our Advanced+ Renewal Serum. These three products should form the foundation for your aging skin care regimen. What Should My Skincare Routine Be at 50? Whether you started earlier or are just embarking on your serious skincare journey at 50, there’s no wrong time to craft a precise skincare routine. The same principles apply to 50-something skin as it does in your 40s: sunscreen, vitamin C, and retinoids. And because 50-something skin can start to experience dryness, make sure you have a good moisturizer like our Daily Infusion+ on hand. This hydrating powerhouse keeps your skin’s balance in check. How Can I Make My Aging Skin Look Better? To minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and leave your skin looking radiant and glowing, elevate your skincare routine with our Radiant Skin Set, which combines a morning and nighttime serum (Glow Getter3 and Advanced+ Renewal) for radiant and youthful-looking mature skin. Make sure to use something to combat dryness, which can age skin. Should You Use Retinol in Your 50s? Absolutely, let science lead the way! Retinoids are backed by oodles of evidence to show that they stimulate collagen production, bidding farewell to fine lines and wrinkles. They also increase skin cell turnover, fight hyperpigmentation, and even increase your skin’s moisture content, helping to combat dryness. Think of retinoids as your skin’s secret weapon, deployed under the cover of night. (retinoids should be applied at night because they are sensitive to sunlight and prone to degradation when exposed to UV rays.) We’re huge fans of the benefits that come with retinaldehyde, found in our Advanced+ Renewal Serum. What is the Best Skin Care Routine for Women Over 50? For actual results (not overhyped nonsense), get started with our Ageless Skin Set. In addition to our two serums, Glow Getter3 and Advanced+ Renewal, we include our hydrating Daily Infusion+ Moisturizer and Amazing Clean, an exfoliating cleanser (but caution sensitive skin with this one!) It contains the essentials for better looking skin–just add sunscreen. What is a Good Skin Care Routine for Aging Skin? Crafting a good skincare routine for mature skin isn’t as difficult or as confusing as you may imagine. Start with cleansing, which helps remove dirt and make-up and provides a clean canvas to help absorb other products. Next, prevent damage and protect skin with antioxidants and sunscreen. Finally, add in a retinoid treatment to rejuvenate and perfect skin. Nourishing face oils like our Antioxidant Face Oil and performance moisturizers like our Daily Infusion+ Moisturizer help keep mature skin protected against dryness, which can emphasize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. What is the Best Treatment for Aging Skin? The ultimate treatment for mature skin? It’s about finding the right products that work for YOUR skin and using them consistently. Beautiful skin doesn’t happen overnight or by chance. It’s a combination of a number of factors, including your lifestyle, your genetics and the skincare products you use. Eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, manage stress. Then add in scientifically proven ingredients and use them consistently in your skincare routine. Find products and a program that works for you and stick with it. It can take weeks to months to notice a difference. But stay with it, and you’ll reap the benefits. Dos and Don’ts For Skincare After 50 Now, let’s dive into the two most important Dos and Don’ts for skincare after 50. ✅ Do embrace a consistent routine tailored to your skin’s needs. ❌ Don’t skip sunscreen; it’s your best defense against premature aging. Should You Use Anti-Aging Products? Let’s challenge the term “anti-aging.” At Apothekari, we believe in embracing the beauty of getting older. Anti-aging suggests a fight against the natural process of aging, while we encourage a celebration of the journey and caring for your skin gracefully. We’ve long dropped this term from our marketing and we think it’s high time that everyone else does too! How to Care for Oily Mature Skin If you’re dealing with oily aging skin, embrace balance. Cleanse with our Amazing Clean, designed for exfoliation without irritating. Use lightweight moisturizers like our Daily Infusion+ to hydrate without causing excess oil. Retinoids like the retinaldehyde found in our Advanced+ Renewal Serum have been shown to minimize the appearance of blemishes and breakouts due to their impact on managing oil production and antibacterial effects. If you find yourself starting to breakout like you did in your teens, Advanced+ Renewal may just save the day! How Can I Make My Aging Skin Look Better? We really don’t think there’s a better place to start seeing a transformation in your mature skin than by elevating your routine with our Radiant Skin Set. This duo of serums (Glow Getter3 and Advanced+ Renewal) works in harmony for radiant, youthful-looking skin. As you gracefully move through your 60s and 70s, continue with the same Apothekari products that are working for you. There’s no need to change things up because your skin doesn’t become immune to the effects of a good skin care product. If you notice that your skin becomes drier or more sensitive, look for moisturizers that deliver heavy-duty results. Or consider adding in a face oil. You may also notice dryness in areas besides your face. It’s one of the reasons that we developed More Than Lip Service. This vulvar and vaginal moisturizer delivers fast, long-lasting, and hormone-free relief from the pain, burning, and irritation that many women experience down there as they get older. Explore how our range adapts to the evolving needs of your skin, ensuring a radiant and healthy complexion. Here’s to timeless elegance, no matter your age.
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9 Vitamin C Myths You Must Stop Believing
Although it’s a superstar skin care ingredient, there are many vitamin C myths circulating around when it comes to skin care. We’ve written about its benefits before, and in this post, we’re debunking the 9 most common vitamin C myths and setting the record straight. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 10% 1. All vitamin C is the same While the front of your bottle may read as just simply containing vitamin C, in the ingredient list, it can show up as L-ascorbic Acid (pure vitamin C) or other forms including ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, etc. While they are all called vitamin C, they differ in the results they deliver. Plus, each type may be tolerated differently when it comes to your skin. So what type of vitamin C is best? We’re big fans of L-ascorbic acid, because it’s backed by the most amount of research when it comes to its benefits for skin–boosting collagen production; inhibiting melanin synthesis, which contributes to age spots; exfoliating for more glowing skin, etc. It’s what’s in our Glow Getter 15% and 10% Serums. However, if your skin is really sensitive, you may not be able to tolerate L-ascorbic acid, in which case you can look for a formulation made with a different vitamin C derivative. 2. Does vitamin C make your skin sensitive? No, it doesn’t. Vitamin C is acidic, which is why this myth may have gained traction. Vitamin C hasn’t been shown to increase sensitivity to the sun. In fact, studies show that this powerful antioxidant ingredient helps protect against free radical damage from the sun, boosting the protection you get from sunscreen. So, you can apply your vitamin C product in the a.m. or p.m. (or both), depending on what benefits you’re seeking and how it feels in your routine. Daytime application delivers antioxidative benefits, while nighttime application helps more with firming and rejuvenation–though you will also get some of these benefits with daytime application as well. 3. Vitamin C can replace your sunscreen While it’s true that vitamin C helps to protect against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, it is not—and should not be used as—a sunscreen. Vitamin C is one of the strongest defenders against free radicals– unstable molecules that damage skin–and which are caused by exposure to sunlight, pollution and smoke. Think of sunscreen as your first line of defense, helping to block damaging rays, with vitamin C as its assistant, helping to protect against free radicals that make it through the sunscreen’s protection. 4. You can become resistant to it This myth tends to circulate about many skin care ingredients; not just vitamin C. First, it’s important to understand that resistance happens when the number of receptors decrease. Since vitamin C is not active at any specific receptor in the skin, resistance can’t occur. Think of it another way. Vitamin C is not only good for your skin, it’s good for your overall health. If you’re eating nourishing foods every day, chances are that they are high in vitamin C and your body definitely isn’t becoming resistant to the benefits of the strawberries or kale salad that you’re eating on the daily. If a vitamin C formula is working for you, there’s no need to worry that it’s going to stop working. 5. Higher concentrations are always better When it comes to vitamin c myths, this may be the most common one! However, with skin care products, more isn’t necessarily better, because your skin can only absorb so much. Plus, because vitamin C is acidic, higher concentrations can end up being quite irritating. In fact, studies have shown that concentrations of L-ascorbic acid greater than 20% can actually be damaging to skin. As long as you are using a vitamin C treatment from a reputable company, you can feel confident that they’re following guidelines for skin care ingredients that have been established in clinical studies. Whether it’s 0.5%, 1% or 10% doesn’t matter–what matters is that the amount used has been researched to deliver results, without harming skin. 6. Vitamin C can’t be used by sensitive skin Vitamin C can be suitable for all skin types. Is vitamin C ok for sensitive skin? The trick is to find the right type of vitamin C for you. For example, while L-ascorbic acid is the most widely researched–and potent–form of vitamin C, it can also be irritating to sensitive skin. If that’s the case, you can opt for a lower concentration or use it less frequently. If that doesn’t work, then try a form that isn’t so acidic. There are many to choose from, including tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside. 7. Vitamin C can’t be combined with other acids, retinol, or niacinamide When it comes to vitamin C and niacinamide, there’s an outdated study that shows the two can potentially react to form nicotinic acid, which can cause skin irritation. However, this potential exists only when pure ascorbic acid and niacinamide are combined together at very high temperatures. Thankfully, it’s not something we need to worry about when it comes to skin care. In fact, pairing these two ingredients can be a winning combination, especially for tackling hyperpigmentation because the two work in different ways to combat discoloration: vitamin C inhibits the production of the pigment responsible for age spots, while niacinamide helps prevent the transfer of the overproduced pigmentation within cells. What about combined with acids or retinol? Vitamin C can be used with retinol, but there is a risk of skin irritation when they are used together. If you want to include both in your skin care routine, we recommend spreading out your actives between your morning and night routine or even between days or weeks. ie vitamin C in the morning and retinoid at night. Can you use vitamin C and AHA (or other acids) together? As with retinoids, your skin can become irritated with these two ingredients are combined. Space them out (morning/night) or alternate the days that you use one or the other. 8. Vitamin C can discolor your skin Vitamin C actually does the opposite! It inhibits the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its coloring—and which is associated with age spots and hyperpigmentation. The end result is brighter and more evenly toned skin; not discolored skin. 9. DIY vitamin C is a good idea While it’s possible to mix up your own vitamin c serum at home, there are a couple of things to be mindful of: Foods high in vitamin C, like lemon and other citrus juices can lead to phytophotodermatitis, a painful reaction, that can cause skin to blister and break out in drak patches. Don’t do this at home, no matter how many internet searches tell you it’s safe and effective. If you mix your own vitamin C serum, be sure to mix it fresh every day. Vitamin C oxidizes very quickly resulting in a product that may not only be ineffective, but also harmful. Plus, water-based products need preservatives to ensure they don’t become contaminated with baceteria, mold or fungus. Even if refrigerated, they won’t stay fresh for long. We like to think that this is one thing best left to the experts. Did we cover all the vitamin C myths you may have questions about? Let us know in the comments so we can get to more myth busting for you.
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5 Wellness Tips That Will Nourish Your Body & Mind Now
The wellness tips that matter when times are normal just don’t make sense right now. So, in this post, we’re NOT going to tell you how to eat well or exercise more. The world is going through a traumatic experience, together. Kindness matters more than ever, both to ourselves and to others. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Here are 5 wellness tips to help nourish your body & mind, because it’s what we need now. We hope you find them useful. 1. Be Mindful The future has never been more uncertain. No amount of worrying is going to change that so let’s try and focus on what we can control – the here and now. If you can go outside, feel the sun and wind on your face and notice the air you breathe. Embrace who you are and take time to enjoy the things that bring you joy. Be grateful for what you have. Many of us are so fortunate to have a roof over our heads, a fridge stocked with food and people who care about us. 2. Calm Down There’s a lot of uncertainty so it’s not surprising to feel more anxious. Meditate, take up journaling, listen to soothing music, sleep more. All these have been shown to help reduce stress, which makes you feel more relaxed and less fearful. 3. Take Comfort Whether it’s childhood foods, favorite movies or relaxed clothing, allow yourself to indulge a bit. Enjoy the food you eat, savor the wine and welcome the sweatpants. Now’s not the time to be too hard on yourself. 4. Maintain Routines and Rituals Our days may have been turned upside down, but routines and rituals help to maintain a sense of normalcy. Research has found that they help with self-control, can alleviate disappointment after hearing difficult news, and may even reduce anxiety before stressful tasks. Here at Apothekari, we’re enjoying our morning coffee while checking emails, practicing yoga (thanks to live online classes) and keeping up with our morning and nighttime skincare routine, which includes the two serums in our Radiant Skin Set. These everyday practices help us to feel some calm, when things most definitely are not! 5. Connect We spoke to Certified Life & Business Coach, Kristine Irving about the importance of social interaction, especially during times of crisis. “Humans are hard wired for connection and this is especially important during times of heightened stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.” said Kristine. “It’s never been more important to reach out to others in whatever way feels best for you. Video chats have become increasingly popular for good reason.” Coach KI – Certified Life & Business Coach We may not be able to see our favorite humans in person but we’ve found ourselves turning to Facetime, Zoom and other applications to keep in touch. Hands up if you’re doing the same! What about you? Any other wellness tips you’d add to this list? It may seem that this quarantine will never end, and it can be scary to think of what happens when it’s over. But, it’s important to remember that this is temporary. It will pass and we’ll go back to feeling free, safe, busy, and connected in the days ahead. Until then, stay safe and healthy. And let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
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3 Tips To Help Transition Summer Skin Care to Fall
No, we’re not ready to say goodbye to summer, but September’s just around the corner, so this may be a good time to focus on how to transition your summer skin care routine, to one more suitable for fall. Shop All Apothekari Autumn brings cooler weather and with it, a drop in humidity. Lower humidity makes for drier air, leading to even drier skin. Add in dry heat from radiators and your skin may start to react with dry, itchy skin and certain skin conditions such as eczema. To avoid an itch fest and to help keep skin looking and feeling soft and supple, we’re sharing 3 tips to help you manage the transition of summer skin care to fall. Tip 1: Moisturize More Often A lightweight moisturizer, gel or none at all may have served your skin well during the warmer months. However, as temperatures drop, the air becomes drier and you may need to amp up the hydration: Try a thicker moisturizer, which may be more appropriate for skin during cooler weather. If you find it too heavy for daytime use, apply at night before going to bed. Don’t forget to hydrate body skin, which can also suffer from dryness and itchiness. Our Shea Body Butter is made with organic shea butter and infused with healing herbs, fresh oils and natural vegetarian waxes to heal dry, cracked and callused skin without any greasiness. Scented with a beautiful essential oil blend, apply it to slightly damp skin, which helps to lock in moisture. Consider adding an oil to your routine. Our Antioxidant Face Oil features skin nourishing vegetable oils including Olkerii Marula Oil to deliver fatty acids, sterols and antioxidants that help to calm, heal and protect skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth and looking radiant. We love incorporating this into our nighttime routine during fall and winter. Opt for a gentler cleanser. Tip 2: Summer Skin Care Essentials Year Round *Shade SPF 30 and Anti-Aging Skin Set have been discontinued. Our Radiant Skin Set includes both serums that were included in our Anti-Aging Set (just add sunscreen). For help choosing a sunscreen, check out our blog post: Sunscreen Ingredients | What to Look For. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Regardless of the season, it’s important to follow the basics of good skin care by protecting, preventing damage and perfecting skin year-round. Our Anti-Aging Set contains the 3 products that all skin types need to maintain healthy & beautiful skin: A Retinoid Serum – A is for Anti-Aging. Formulated with retinaldehyde, a gentle and effective retinoid plus additional actives/ingredients to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten skin and protect against sun damage. An Antioxidant Treatment – Bespoke Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C plus antioxidants in a made to order serum that protects skin from the free radicals that can accelerate skin aging. Moisturizes and leads to brighter skin. A Sunscreen – Shade SPF 30. A naturally safe, mineral based, zinc oxide sunscreen that delivers broad spectrum and non-whitening protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Tip 3: Lifestyle Tips While the right skin care products are important as you move from a summer skin care routine to one more appropriate for fall, lifestyle factors can help as well: Opt for warm, not hot baths and showers. Hot water can lead to drier skin. Invest in a humidifier if the air is exceptionally dry. Run it while you sleep, which will not only help to stave off dry skin, but also benefit dry sinuses, a problem some of experience during the cooler months. Don’t forget your feet and hands. Cracked hands and feet are not only unsightly, but can be painful as well. We like to slather on a moisturizer at bedtime before donning on a pair of socks or gloves to up the moisture factor. What is your best tip for transitioning from summer skin care to fall?
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This Serum Can Fight Free Radicals
Learn how to fight free radicals, molecules which can damage skin, by adding this serum to your daily skincare routine. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% What Are Free Radicals? ‘Free radicals’ AKA Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) impact our health, including that of our skin. They are created in our bodies as a result of exposure to certain different physical or chemical conditions or illness, including pollution, UV rays, some pesticides and smoke along with the consumption of excess alcohol and some fried foods. Free radicals are thought to contribute to diseases such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders (like rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes and degenerative diseases (Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease) as well as cancer. Age-related changes in our appearance, including a loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, graying hair, hair loss, and changes in hair texture are also thought to be related to free radicals. That’s why it’s important to fight free radicals. How to Fight Free Radicals in Skin Once free radical damage starts, it’s thought that a ‘cascade’ of damage occurs, producing more free radicals and speeding up the process of cell damage. This buildup of free radicals offers one explanation for why even healthy bodies age and deteriorate over time. Antioxidants are highly stable molecules, which donate an electron to free radicals, reducing their path of destruction and thereby lessening the damage they cause. Because they are so stable, antioxidants can do this without becoming free radicals themselves. Our bodies make several important antioxidants – glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase – and we can help to fight free radicals even further by consuming antioxidant rich foods or by applying them topically. One single antioxidant isn’t enough; we benefit from a combination of including the following: Vitamin C Vitamin E Ferulic acid Green Tea Resveratrol Coenzyme Q10. Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum is made with a combination of antioxidants and designed to fight free radicals, promote collagen synthesis, brighten skin tone and improve the appearance of aging skin. It is available in a 10% (sensitive skin) or 15% concentration (non-sensitive skin) and each bottle is made fresh to order, guaranteeing its potency. Apply to skin daily every morning to fight free radicals leaving skin looking more youthful and radiant. Top Tip: Eat Your Antioxidants While the topical application of antioxidants is beneficial to skin, we can’t discount the importance of nutrition. Fruits, vegetables and spices including onion, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger are a major source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Enjoy the variety; it is the spice of life after all!
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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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How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Face
What is Vitamin C? If you’re serious about skincare, you likely know that vitamin C (as found in our Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum) is a must have in your routine and in this post, let’s help you find the best vitamin c serum for your face. Buy Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum Vitamin C belongs to a group of molecules known as antioxidants, substances which stop oxidation, a chemical reaction that results in the production of free radicals. Often referred to as ROS – reactive oxygen species – free radicals are harmful substances which can damage cells. The sun’s UV rays, pollution and cigarette smoke are some of the biggest contributors to the development of free radicals. Antioxidants like vitamin C are able to protect against free radical damage by donating one of their electrons to stop the chain reaction that results in damage. They do this without making themselves unstable. Damaged proteins, lipids and DNA in skin accelerate the aging process resulting in a change in skin structure. They can also trigger inflammation, leading to a breakdown of collagen. The end result? More wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, saggier skin along with some types of skin cancer. Why You Need a Vitamin C Serum Our bodies manufacture some antioxidants, which deliver a range of body-wide benefits, but vitamin C isn’t one of them. In order to obtain adequate amounts of Vitamin C, it’s important to consume foods like fruits and vegetable (citrus fruits, guavas, bell peppers and kiwi fruit contain high amounts), which are rich in this important vitamin. Vitamin C is involved in many bodily processes: Collagen production Neurotransmitter production Plays a role in protein metabolism Assists with wound healing. Its antioxidant properties help limit the damage caused by free radicals and may help to prevent the development of certain diseases including cancer. A lack of vitamin C leads to scurvy, that condition experienced by sailors on long sea voyages in the mid-19th century. Vitamin C Skin Benefits Vitamin C is a normal part of the skin’s makeup, but aging causes a decline. Excessive exposure to UV light, pollution (including smoke and ozone) can also lower the skin’s Vitamin C content. While skin benefits from a vitamin C rich diet, skin care experts agree that topical application is the most efficient way to get good concentrations to skin where it helps in several ways: Limits damage caused by UV rays Contributes to collagen synthesis which helps to support skin Increases skin hydration. Studies suggest that vitamin C helps skin retain moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, it may promote the synthesis of lipids, which helps to further protect against dryness. Skin Lightening/Brightening. Vitamin C reduces the production of melanin, which can help to lighten and brighten skin tone. How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Face L-ascorbic acid is the form of Vitamin C that has the most research to back up its skin benefits, but many other effective forms of Vitamin C are available as well. This includes ascorbyl glucoside, amino ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, etc. All can help skin and should be evaluated individually when deciding which is the best vitamin c serum for your face. If you decide that the best vitamin C serum for your face is one that contains L-ascorbic acid, ensure that you purchase from a reputable brand. L-ascorbic acid, while highly effective, is also notoriously unstable. If a serum you are using contains this ingredient and is dark in colour or smells odd, don’t use it as it has likely oxidized and will be ineffective and potentially harmful to your skin. At Apothekari, each bottle of our L-ascorbic acid serum – Bespoke Vitamin C Serum – is made to order ensuring that every bottle is safe and effective for 6 -8 months after purchase. Vitamin C works best when combined with other antioxidants including Vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10, to name a few. Skin benefits most from formulations containing a combination of ingredients, which work together to deliver benefits. Wherever possible, Vitamin C serums should be applied in the morning prior to UV exposure as UV rays are one of the biggest generators of free radicals. Are you ready to choose the best vitamin C serum for your face?
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3 Holy Grail Skin Care Products
In this blog post, I’m going to share with you the most important products in my skin care routine, or what I like to refer to as my Holy Grail Skin Care products. Like you, I’m a pretty busy kind of woman so when it comes to managing my life, I’m always on the lookout for ways to simplify things. If there’s a faster, easier or better way to do something, I want to know about it. Radiant Skin Set SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET These Are the 3 Holy Grail Skin Care Products There are lots of good skincare products to choose from, but 3 make the biggest impact on your skin. My hope in sharing these 3 products is that it will help you to prioritize the items in your skin care regimen. If you are inspired to purchase and use fewer products, you’ll benefit from saving time both morning and at night, dealing with less clutter and making a smaller dent in your wallet. You don’t need dozens of skin care products; you just need a few of the right ones. The ones I discuss below are the ones that I consider as my holy grail skin care products. These are products that contain ingredients, which are backed by science to deliver results. The best part is that in my case, there are only 3! Let’s get to it then, shall we? Holy Grail Skin Care #1 Sunscreen You may be sick of hearing me stress the importance of daily sunscreen use. However, protecting your skin from sun exposure is hands down, the MOST important thing you can do to help keep your skin looking young and healthy. Exposure to ultraviolet rays is contributes to more than 80% of skin aging. If I say it all the time, it’s because it really is that important! While most of us are quite familiar with the effects of UVB rays – sunburn, anyone – we appreciate the importance of wearing sunscreen during the warmer, summer months or while visiting faraway tropical locations. UVA rays however, the ones that penetrate deep into the dermis, may not seem to carry as many negative effects but they are responsible for premature skin aging, contributing to both wrinkles and skin aging. They are prevalent year round and can pass through glass, clouds and windows. Both types of rays contribute to skin cancers so it’s not just our vanity at stake here, we’re also talking about our health. Whether you opt for a chemical or physical blocking sunscreen, ensure that it: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays Is photostable (won’t degrade upon exposure to sunlight) and Is a formulation that you enjoy using it. I’m partial to Shade SPF 30, our new mineral based zinc oxide sunscreen, which provides broad spectrum UV protection in a non-whitening base. It’s one of my go-tos every morning. Holy Grail Skin Care #2 A Retinoid It’s not just me, but ask any skin care professional about the importance of retinoids and you will get resounding agreement. Retinoids are absolutely essential to anyone serious about their skin. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are a class of ingredients that deliver multiple skin benefits – unclogging pores, boosting collagen production to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, speeding up skin cell turnover to even out skin tone & discolouration and smoothing skin as well. Many individuals will start to notice a difference in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. Retinoids have been around since the 1970s when prescription only retinoic acid was approved for the treatment of acne. Soon after, dermatologists and patients began to notice that not only breakouts were diminishing, but that many users experienced a reduction in fine lines and hyperpigmentation as well. Whether you opt for over-the-counter retinol, retinaldehyde or retinyl palmitate or gravitate towards prescription options including retinoic acid or tazarotene, retinoids should be included in your skin care arsenal. Have you tried our A is for Anti-Aging Serum? Formulated with gentle retinaldehyde plus a combination of additional skin actives, it helps to protect against photo-aging, exfoliates, delivers anti-inflammatory/anti-irritant properties and brightens skin as well. Retinaldehyde also demonstrates anti-bacterial properties making it a useful addition in the management of acne as well. Keep the following in mind when using a retinoid: Retinoids are light sensitive so they are best applied at night Retinoids may make your skin worse before it gets better as their use is associated with dryness, redness and flaking. Minimize these side effects by starting slowly, applying one to two nights a week and gradually building up to daily use. If introduced in this way, most individuals can tolerate them well. Don’t use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Holy Grail Skin Care #3 An Antioxidant Formulation. Which Vitamin C Serum is Best? We’ve written about the importance of using antioxidants previously. Antioxidants are ingredients that help to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that cause havoc in the skin, setting off a cascade of skin damage. Free radicals may be generated by pollution, ultraviolet radiation and smoke and we are exposed to them daily. Skin benefits from a mix of antioxidants including Vitamin C (especially L-ascorbic acid, which is backed by the most research), Vitamin E, green tea, ferulic acid, alpha lipoic acid, reservatrol, coenzyme q10, etc. Apply antioxidants in the morning prior to UV exposure in conjunction with your sunscreen to help minimize the impact of free radical damage caused by UV rays. Sunscreens and antioxidants play very well together. Antioxidants may be applied at night as well. While they fight free radicals during the day, at night, they play more of a reparative and rejuvenating role, also helping to replenish the concentration of antioxidants in the skin. Our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum is formulated with L-ascorbic acid plus a range of additional antioxidants including ferulic acid, Vitamin E, green tea extract along with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to help protect, repair and moisturize skin. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Let’s hear it for skin care products that really make a difference to skin. What are your holy grail skin care products?
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How To Choose A Vitamin C Serum
If I had to make a list of my favorite skin care products, a Vitamin C Serum would get top billing. That, along with an SPF 30+ sunscreen and a retinoid treatment, would round out the list of my three must-haves. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% We know Vitamin C as the vitamin that prevents scurvy, but it’s also essential to our overall health, including that of our skin. Today’s post is dedicated to this amazing, superstar ingredient. Let’s take a closer look so that you know how to find a Vitamin C serum that’s just right for you and your skin. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 10% What Should I Look For When Choosing Vitamin C Serum? I’ve written about Vitamin C and its skin benefits before, but in this post, let’s get into the nitty gritty. While ascorbic acid/ L-ascorbic acid is the form of Vitamin C that is most well known, it is also available in several other forms. When it comes to skin care, you may find sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl ascorbate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl glucoside along with others included in a range of products such as serums, lotions and moisturizers. All of these forms have skin benefits, but none compare to l-ascorbic acid when it comes to the amount of research and clinical studies to back up its use in skin care. For that reason, it’s the form of Vitamin C we love most at Apothekari and why you’ll find it included in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serums. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in tissue repair and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the optimal functioning of several enzymes and is also important for the immune system. Lastly, it functions as an antioxidant, helping to protect against free radical damage. A diet high in vitamin C can help to boost your overall wellness, but in order to get adequate concentrations to the skin, a topical treatment works best. A Vitamin C Serum can provide a range of benefits including: Evening out your skin tone by decreasing melanin synthesis associated with pigmentation Protecting skin from damage caused by pollution Improving skin hydration, and Boosting collagen production to help keep wrinkles at bay. When properly formulated, ascorbic acid helps create more youthful and firmer looking skin that looks brighter and more evenly toned. Ascorbic acid by itself is a pretty sweet ingredient but it benefits from the addition of other antioxidants who work in conjunction with it to deliver the ultimate in free radical protection. Does It Matter Which Form of Vitamin C You Use? If you’re convinced that you need to have Vitamin C in your routine, here’s how to determine if the one you’re considering is the right one for you: Look for L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid listed as one of the active ingredients. While it is a finicky ingredient to work with (it’s light and air sensitive), it is also delivers the biggest bang for your buck. Other derivatives do work, but none pack quite the same punch. Ensure that the ingredient is listed high up in the ingredients list to ensure you are getting a product with enough potency. Some companies disclose the concentration in their formulation and when it comes to ascorbic acid, look for at least 10%. While highly effective, L-Ascorbic Acid cannot be tolerated by some skin types. If this is the case, opt for a lower concentration (up to 10%) or seek an alternate form of Vitamin C like sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. They are also effective and you will see results, but they may take longer. Look for opaque packaging and if possible, an airless pump to help protect the formulation. Vitamin C benefits from other antioxidants, including other forms of vitamin C but also ingredients including green tea, vitamin e, ferulic acid, alpha lipoic acid, etc. If your Vitamin C serum contains additional ingredients as well, it’s likely to do more for your skin. Use a Vitamin C serum in the morning when it will help to protect against free radical damage that we encounter during the day. I layer it on first thing after washing or splashing my face and before I put on my sunscreen. Sunscreen plus an antioxidant like Vitamin C is a winning combination as I’ve outlined previously. It is possible to use it at night, but it may be too much for your skin used in conjunction with other treatments including a retinoid or alpha hydroxy acids. When it comes to a Vitamin C Serum, do you have a favourite?
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Hyaluronic Acid Love
When it comes to effective skin care ingredients, hyaluronic acid skin care products (along with related sodium hyaluronate) rank right up there with other superstars including l-ascorbic acid, retinoids and sunscreen. This naturally occurring substance is a carbohydrate that is found in our joints, our eyes and connective tissue, along with our skin. It helps to lubricate things and also has an immense capacity to attract and hold large quantities of moisture. It can do this without the skin receiving too much water, which can be just as bad for skin as too little. Aging skin loses its ability to maintain moisture, resulting in the visible loss of firmness, pliability, and plumpness. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant (attracts moisture from the environment into the skin) and replenishes moisture that is essential to the appearance of younger-looking, healthy and supple skin. Other ingredients, including glycerin and propanediol also do this, but hyaluronic acid is far more effective, capable of holding 1000 times its weight in water! The result is skin that looks and feels softer, smoother and hydrated, with a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What about sodium hyaluronate? This salt form of hyaluronic acid also acts as a humectant but is more stable and less likely to oxidize. It also has a lower molecular size, helping it to penetrate deeper into the skin. Chemists, however, have developed low molecular weight versions, which solves this issue. The key is not to go too low with the molecular weight as this can lead to skin inflammation. Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits – More… You don’t need super high concentrations of either sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid. Concentrations of 2% and less deliver great results so don’t be surprised to see them listed at the end of the ingredient list. Higher concentrations can conversely, dry the skin. While hydration is the main reason to incorporate hyaluronic acid, it also can: Increase skin elasticity Fight inflammation, thereby helping to soothe skin irritations such as atopic dermatitis and rosacea as well Deliver antioxidant benefits, helping to protect skin against free radical damage. Useful for all skin types, we love hyaluronic acid for its multi-tasking ability. Oily or combination skin types benefit from non-greasy hydration. Because it is so gentle, even sensitive and redness prone skin is able to tolerate it. Find it as sodium hyaluronate in our Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum (10% too).
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Astaxanthin Skin Benefits
Astaxanthin skin benefits are not widely known. More potent than its famous relatives Vitamins C and E, astaxanthin packs an antioxidant punch that helps protect skin from free radical damage. It belongs to a class of substances called carotenoids and is found in microalgae, yeast, salmon, krill, shrimp and some wild berries. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 10% Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Studies have shown that astaxanthin has a number of health benefits such as increasing strength and endurance, fighting against diabetes complication, protecting eyes from cataracts and glaucoma, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, preventing cancers, and assisting in neurodegenerative conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s when taken internally. It’s also been shown that astaxanthin skin benefits exist. Astaxanthin Skin Benefits Include: Sun Protection. While it doesn’t shield against or absorb UV light, astaxanthin helps to reduce the development of free radicals and also to scavenge them after their formation, rendering them less harmful. Anti-inflammatory. This benefit helps protect the skin against sunburn and soothes a sunburn after it develops. Apply an astaxanthin skin serum along with your sunscreen to deliver effective sun protection each day. Stimulates Collagen Production. A study showed that crow’s feet wrinkles and elasticity improved after treatment with astaxanthin. Find astaxanthin in a number of facial creams and serums including our Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum. Available in a 10% and 15% concentration, it’s supported by L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, green tea extract plus other potent antioxidants to hydrate, protect and brighten skin, giving it a more youthful glow.
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