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Happy International Women's Day!
Happy International Women’s Day 2018 (IWD)! Held annually on March 8th, this global day has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. IWD celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and the day is marked around the world with arts performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches. IWD seems an appropriate time to celebrate all the strong, successful women we know, including the 12 women who participated in our Be Beautiful Apothekari Campaign last year. Sara – “Being beautiful is when you can express your true self – values, personality, style and whole being – without fear of repercussion or judgement. Confidence, authenticity, joyfulness and curiosity all contribute to my idea of what being beautiful is.” The theme for IWD 2018 is #PressforProgress, a nod to the growing global movement of advocacy, activism and support surrounding gender parity and sexism. Inspired by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, the aim of the theme is to encourage people to continue the vocal fight for equality. Not just today, but always, let’s reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. Seize the moment, celebrate, take action and transform women’s lives everywhere. The time is NOW.
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Cosmeceutical, Defined
When it comes to skin care, you’ve no doubt come across the word, cosmeceutical. The term is being used more frequently and is a hybrid of two words – cosmetic and pharmaceutical (drug). A cosmetic is a product that enhances your beauty and appearance while a drug is something that is used to prevent or treat a disease. The word cosmeceutical was coined by Raymond Reed, founder of the U.S. Society of cosmetic chemists, in 1961 and was popularized in the 1970s to refer to cosmetic products that contain active ingredients claiming to enhance the appearance of your skin. What Are Dermaceuticals? What about dermaceutical then, as it pertains to our brand – Apothekari Dermaceuticals? Like cosmeceutical, it is a hybrid of two words – derma, derived from dermis (the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis) and cosmetic. Like cosmeceutical, these two terms are often associated with skin care brands that are science based and for the most part, may be used interchangeably. In general, cosmeceuticals are non-prescription products, which are sold over the counter. Cosmeceuticals contain ingredients including retinoids, antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids and peptides. These active ingredients are not drugs but have known physiologic effects and will improve the appearance of aging skin over time. Cosmeceuticals Can Deliver Results The words cosmeceutical or dermaceutical are not recognized legally (i.e., they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or the European Union) so cosmetics companies must be careful in their marketing and stating of benefits because their products don’t undergo the same amount of vigorous testing that is required for drugs. While the ingredients that make up a skin care treatment may have many beneficial properties, manufacturers cannot market products with claims for purposes such as treating or preventing disease, or affecting the structure or function of the body—including the skin. These types of claims make the product a drug and then must meet the requirements for a drug. Under the law, information on cosmetic labeling, including claims, must be truthful and not misleading. What Are Cosmeceuticals Used For? If you’re shopping for a cosmeceutical, be wary of marketing hype. Ask questions and investigate the listed ingredients. Reputable companies include effective ingredients at appropriate concentrations and they don’t overstate their advantages. Cosmeceuticals are NOT magic treatments, but they can deliver a range of skin benefits including: Deliver Softer and Smoother Skin. Moisturize. Often by reducing transepidermal water loss (TWEL) thereby creating an environment for skin barrier repair. Provide an Added Skin Benefit. Novel ingredients or technology may be used: Retinoids to boost collagen and elastin production. Antioxidants to fight free radical damage. Alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate. Since we are all different, a product that works for you, may not work for your best friend, and vice versa. The key is to finding a cosmeceutical that works for your skin type and your needs. At Apothekari, our line of scientific skin care products offers a range of cosmeceuticals designed to improve the health and appearance of your skin. What are you waiting for? Shop All Apothekari
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$19 Gift Certificate Included With Every Trial Kit!
Our Premium Essentials Trial Kit is the ideal way to try out our Apothekari top sellers. As a bonus, when you purchase the trial kit, we now include a gift certificate for $19 (current trial kit price), which can be applied to your next order at Apothekari.com. Our trial kit contains samples, which are a perfect size for travelling and also makes a great gift. Depending on your skin type, each Apothekari Premium Essentials Trial Kit contains 4 products: A is for Anti-Aging Retinal Serum – 4 ml (1/8 oz): If there existed a miracle for skin, A Is For Anti-Aging would be a star contender. Formulated with patent-pending IconicA, this serum incorporates stabilized retinal and niacinamide plus other actives to deliver photo-aging protection, exfoliation, anti-inflammatory/anti-irritant properties and skin brightening effects. Retinaldehyde shares similar characteristics with other Vitamin A derivatives making it a useful addition in the management of acne as well. Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum – 4 ml (1/8 oz) : Our made to order Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid) contains an arsenal of antioxidants, moisturizing and other skin beneficial ingredients. Use this serum every morning to promote collagen synthesis, restore elasticity, protect against UV damage, lighten and brighten skin tone, moisturize, reduce skin redness & promote wound healing. Daily Infusion Moisturizer – 6 ml (1/5 oz): This is the moisturizer you’ve been looking for! It not only hydrates and plumps skin year-round, but also provides anti-aging benefits, protects against bacteria and leaves your skin feeling refreshed. What more can you ask for? A cleanser. Choose between: AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel – 8 ml (1/4 oz): Formulated with a unique blend of active ingredients, including sugar cane extract plus a triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, gently exfoliate clogged pores and promote cellular renewal. Refreshing mint scent, from spearmint and peppermint essential oils (Normal, Dry, Oily or Combination Skin) OR Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème – 6 ml (1/5 oz). This new generation of gentle, foaming cleanser, also moisturizes and protects skin. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it is skin soothing. This product is gluten free. (All Skin Types including Sensitive). Shop All Apothekari 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.
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4 Ways to Shake the Winter Blues
In this post, a slight deviation from skin care to focus on 4 ways to shake the winter blues. Something that can affect many of us during this time of year, the winter blues is often accompanied by sadness, sluggishness and food cravings. It’s estimated that the gloom caused by Mother Nature during the cold season is biologically felt to some degree by an estimated one in four of us. Although the majority of us experience milder cases, some individuals experience a more severe form of the winter blues known as seasonal affective disorder (aptly shortened to SAD). SAD involves more serious symptoms including significant weight gain, a lack of interest in normal activities and depression. Shop All Apothekari I grew up on the Canadian Prairies where summers were short and winters were long. And cold. The silver lining? Lots of sunshine. Still, as one with low blood pressure, warm weather genes and perpetually cold feet, below freezing temperatures, often hovering in the -20 to -30 degree Celsius temperature range, were not my cup of tea! So, as an adult, I packed up my bags leaving Edmonton, Alberta for more temperate climes in Vancouver, BC. The joy of ditching the winter boots, the down parka and plugging in the car lasted for a couple of winters until I became as jaded as Vancouverites by the perpetual drizzle and grey clouds that hovered over the city from November till February or March each year. It’s no wonder that people seem happier in the summer – the lack of sunshine in Pacific Northwest winters really can do a number on you! This year has been particularly brutal, I have to say. The cause of the winter blues is the lack of sunlight from winter’s shorter days. In Vancouver, this is compounded by the constant grey skies we experience through much of the winter disrupting our circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, resulting in winter ‘depression’. Geography, genetics, and individual brain chemistry all have an impact on the severity of symptoms you may experience. The farther north from the equator you live, the greater the risk you’ll have some degree of winter depression. For example, only about 1% of Florida residents have some winter-specific discomfort or depression, compared to about half of those living in uppermost parts of the U.S. or in southern Canada. Fixing the Winter Blues The best, and permanent, solution would be to move to a sunnier place. It’s something I definitely consider around this time of year! However, that’s not terribly practical for most people. If the winter blues are something you struggle with, here are 4 tips to help you cope: 1. Up Your Sunlight Exposure If moving isn’t a viable option, then a warm weather vacation may do the trick. If that’s not possible, consider light therapy. A device such as a lightbox is specially designed to mimic the sun’s beneficial rays. About 30 minutes of exposure first thing in the morning can help keep your body clock on its springtime cycle during the winter, and has been shown to help lift depressive symptoms. 2. Consider Ion Therapy Not as widely known as sunlight exposure, one study has suggested that ions (invisible particles) in the air – also affect one’s mood. When SAD patients were exposed to high levels of negative ions for 30 minutes, their depression eased after just a few weeks. Commercial negative ionizers are available and they may help some people. 3. Supplement With Vitamin D Experts have suggested that the feeling of sadness associated with the winter blues is partially due to a lack of Vitamin D, which is produced by exposure to natural light. Consider supplementing and check with your health care provider if you’re not sure what is best for you. 4. Get Moving Exercise releases endorphins that can be a great stress-buster and help to elevate your mood. If none of the above strategies work and you still find yourself blue and sad, it may be time to seek out the help of your physician. The winter blues may actually be more serious – depression – and if this the case, you may require medication. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it. Personally, out of all these strategies, I’m all for the winter getaway. Florida is looking mighty fine right now. Who’s in?
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Morning Skin Care Vs Evening
Your skin is exposed to UV rays, pollution, dirt and makeup. You may spend a good chunk of time talking on your cell phone, exposing your face to bacteria. For this reason, a morning skin care routine should be protective, helping to defend your skin against damage. At night, once you get rid of the dirt and makeup on your face, the scariest thing you’ll have to contend with is your pillowcase so make sure to change it regularly. This is the time when your skin (and your body) goes to work in resting, repairing and prepping for the next day. Shop All Apothekari Is It Better to Do Skin Care In the Morning or Night? To support your skin during both periods, you need to look after your skin both in the morning and night. The regimens are different but they don’t need to be complicated. In this post we show you how. Why Is Skin Care Better at Night? (it’s not…) At night, focus on cleansing and nourishing your skin. Choose products, that can help your skin to repair itself and even help slow down the aging process. Here’s what to do: Cleanse. Choose a gentle formulation that won’t strip away skin’s natural oils. Depending on your skin type, opt for one that is foaming – AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel – or creamier, like our Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème. If you enjoy using cleansing oils and balms, they are an effective way to help remove make-up and can be incorporated as part of a double cleanse method by following with a foaming cleanser after. Prevent. Ingredients including peptides, retinoids and antioxidants help to boost collagen and elastin production, tell your skin cells to behave normally and combat inflammation. We consider retinoids essential to healthy and youthful skin, but they are light sensitive so should be used at night. Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging contains retinaldehyde and niacinamide to boost collagen production, brighten skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Treat/Correct. Whether a serum, cream or lotion, this is a good time to apply treatments that can help to fix issues unique to your skin: For extra hydration, apply a moisturizer like our Daily Infusion Moisturizer, which hydrates and plumps skin. For hyperpigmentation, apply skin lightening agents including Vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, etc. Yes, you can use our Bespoke Vitamin C serum at night too! For eye care, seek out formulations to help combat puffiness, dark circles and crow’s feet. Consider Apothekari Firming Eye Gel, featuring Vitamin C. For wrinkles and fine lines, the retinoid or peptide formulation used in step 2, for prevention, has you covered. For sun damage, a combination of skin lighteners/brighteners and retinoids can help to reverse the damage. For oily skin, apply exfoliating toners or serums to help manage sebum production and reduce blemishes. Is Morning Skin Care Necessary? (um, yes…) Your morning skin care routine differs from that of your evening one in a few different ways: Cleanse. (Optional) In the morning, we consider this step optional, especially if your skin is dry to normal. It’s one step that I skip and boils down to a matter of personal preference. To cleanse or not to cleanse – this one’s up to you. Protect. The sun’s UV rays are responsible for more than 85% of skin aging. For this reason, the most important skin care product you’ll ever need is sunscreen. Use it daily, year round and you’ll reap the rewards. Watch out for our Shade SPF 30 coming soon! Prevent. It’s always good to try and prevent bad things before they happen so this step focuses on just that. Antioxidants, including Vitamins A, C and E, ferulic acid, pomegranate seed oil, astaxanthin and green tea are backed by sound science to support their efficacy preventing skin damage associated with free radicals and UV rays. Antioxidants can also boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Apply antioxidants in the morning to battle the daily assault of pollution and ultraviolet rays and at night to help boost collagen production and fight against factors that age skin.Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C 10% or 15% are our made to order high potency Vitamin C serums containing a range of antioxidants including L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, astaxanthin, pomegranate seed oil and green tea extract. It also features hyaluronic acid and propanediol to moisturize. Treat/Correct. As with your PM routine, your morning routine should incorporate treatments and ingredients that will help manage your particular skin issues. Revisit those and include them if you feel necessary. Not too complicated, I hope! Does your morning skin care routine differ from the one at night?
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7 Ways to Self Love For Valentine's Day
I’m not hugely into Valentine’s Day (though I must confess I like the chocolates :)) and this year I’m in the mood for a bit of self reflection, making self love and self care seem like appropriate topics for today. Shop All Apothekari You’ve no doubt come across the terms self love and self care more of late. Self love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. Many experts contend that if you are good to yourself, kind to your body and soul, then you can completely and authentically give and receive real love. By practicing self love, we begin to better accept our weaknesses as well as our strengths, have less need to explain away our shortcomings, have compassion for ourselves, are more centered in our life purpose and values, and can expect to live a fulfilled life through our own efforts. Loving and nurturing ourselves through self care leaves us feeling less resentful, more energized and well rested and able to receive love more readily. Contrary to what some may say, self love and self care do not involve beauty makeovers or new wardrobes. While these things may feel gratifying, they will not help you to love yourself more. Here are seven things that may actually work: Be Grateful. Whether through meditation or journaling, document your accomplishments, the things you feel good about and everything you are grateful for. It will help to give you appreciation for all that you have instead of focusing on what you don’t. Be Positive. Turn down your inner critic. Choose to be your own cheerleader. Forgive Yourself. We humans can be so hard on ourselves. Accept that you aren’t perfect and can make mistakes. When you make one, try to learn and grow, rather than beat yourself up over it. Be Mindful. Try to be more aware of what you think, feel and want. Live with design and purpose. By doing this you will make decisions that support this intention and act on this knowledge rather than being swayed by others. Practice Good Self Care. Take better care of your basic needs. Be more thoughtful about choosing nourishing food, exercising, getting enough sleep and choosing healthy relationships. Set Boundaries. Set limits and learn to say no to work, relationships or activities that deplete or harm you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Protect Yourself. Bring the right people into your life. Get rid of people who bring you pain and who take pleasure in your losses. Focus on those who share in your happiness and success and who bring a smile to your face. This Valentine’s Day, let’s focus on self love. Let’s give ourselves a break, appreciate who we are and share our awesome selves with the world! I think that’s a better gift than any bouquet of roses could ever possibly deliver. DON’T FORGET! The contest for our Valentine’s Day Giveaway runs until February 18th! You only need to shop online at Apothekari.com to qualify for an entry into our prize draw featuring over $200 of Apothekari products. Follow along on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – links below) for additional chances to win! Retail value: $218 Contest Closes: February 18th and winner will be drawn on February 20th. Good luck!
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Happy Family Day, BC!
Happy Family Day, BC! Falling on the second Monday of February, British Columbians celebrate Family Day, taking extra time to enjoy activities with their loved ones – celebrating family life and the importance of spending time with family. Throughout the province and across the Lower Mainland, family-friendly events and activities have been organized, many for free. It’s the hope that many families will take this opportunity to discover areas of British Columbia that are new to them, or to rediscover familiar places. The Vancouver Sun lists a range of activities that can be enjoyed by you and your family. A few that have grabbed my attention? The Sea to Sky Gondola . With lift tickets at 50% off, this is a perfect way to enjoy outdoor activities including snow-tubing, and children’s activities plus face-painting and live music. Family Day at Fort Langley. I still recall spending lovely weekends here when our children were younger. Take in the traditions of the families at Fort Langley – from varied backgrounds like Scottish, Hawaiian, First Nations and Metis and enjoy the feature presentation on First Nations resources, make some Scottish bannock, or challenge your skills playing ‘Ulu Maika – a game meant to train Hawaiian warriors. Family Fun on the Farm (Southlands). Which child wouldn’t enjoy spending a day on a working farm, meeting the chickens, goats, sheep, horses, and ponies, including pony rides. Enjoy roast marshmallows on the bonfire. Family, derived from the Latin, familia, is a group of people affiliated either by by birth, marriage or other relationship) or co-residence. Today, the word “family”, is also used to create more inclusive categories such as close friends, community, nationhood, global village, and humanism. Whoever you spend Family Day with and however you define ‘family’, Happy Family Day, BC!
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A Valentine's Day Giveaway
For Valentine’s Day this year, we are sharing the love! All purchases online at Apothekari.com between February 11 – 18th qualify for an entry into our prize draw featuring over $200 of Apothekari products. Follow along on social media (Facebook and Instagram – links below) for additional chances to win! Our gift basket contains the following: A is for Anti-Aging Serum. One of our top sellers at Apothekari! Daily Infusion Moisturizer. Not too light and not too heavy, this Cinderella of moisturizers is very popular for a reason. AHA-Mazing Clean or Cloud Nine Cleanser. Depending on your skin type or needs, you may choose one of our two cleansers. Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish. Once you try this, you’ll never want to take a shower without it! Exfoliates and cleanses for the softest, smoothest skin, ever. Vanilla Rose Sugar Body Polish. Fine sugar body polish scented with floral notes of rose and vanilla. Lemon Verbena Sugar Polish. Fine sugar polish with a vibrant and refreshing citrus scent. Retail value: $218 Contest Closes: February 18th and winner will be drawn on February 19th. Good luck!
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Types of Cleansers - Which One is Best for You?
With so many different types of cleansers available today—how can you decide which is right for you? It comes down to two main factors: Your skin type Your preference Shop Cleansers Which Cleanser is Best? The best cleanser is the one that works for you! There are lots of options and you may have to experiment before you find one that’s right for your skin. In general, 5 main types of cleansers are available today: 1. Cream Of all the types of cleansers, cream cleansers tend to be the most moisturizing. They work well in drier climates and are ideal for drier skin types. They are also a great choice for the cooler months when humidity drops and skin requires more moisture. Cream cleansers don’t strip away skin’s natural oils so tend to offer mild, gentle cleansing. Our Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème is a gentle, foaming cleanser, that not only cleans, but also moisturizes and protects skin. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it soothes aging and sensitive skin, while delivering a healthy glow to all skin types. It is paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free and vegan. 2. Gel Usually lighter in texture than most other types of cleansers, gel cleansers are often foaming as well. They may contain actives including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid and are ideal for combination to oilier skin types, but all skin types can benefit from gel cleansers if they can be tolerated. Our AHA-Mazing Clean Gel contains a triple combination of AHAs helping to exfoliate skin. Light foaming action cleans without drying and the refreshing peppermint scent (from essential oils) helps to revive the senses. 3. Cleansing Oil or Balm While it may seem counterintuitive to cleanse with oil, cleansing oils (liquid) or balms (solid) work like ‘magnets’ to attract surface impurities including dirt and sebum. They may contain a mild foaming agent to help with rinse off, or may be removed with warm water and a washcloth. Best for normal to dry skin types, even combination and oily skin types can use this type of cleanser. Often used as the first step in the ‘double cleansing’ method, I love cleansing oils and balms for their ability to remove make-up. 4. Micellar Water If you’re a no nonsense kind of person, a micellar water may be just what you’re looking for. These water-based, non-soap treatments are made up of tiny molecules called micelles that attract dirt and debris. They do this without disturbing the skin’s natural oils. No scrubbing is involved making them a great choice for sensitive skin types especially. They are excellent for removing make-up. 5. Powder Powder cleansers contain a dry mixture of oil-absorbing and exfoliating granules. They are designed to be mixed with water to cleanse and work to exfoliate, leaving skin feeling smooth afterwards. Ideal for combination and oily skin types. The Types of Cleansers for You Cleansers are an important part of any skin care routine because they not only help to remove dirt, oil and make-up, they also prep the skin to better absorb treatments that are applied afterward. Cleansing should definitely be done at night, but for the most part, is considered an optional step in the morning. The great thing is that you don’t have to stick with just ONE cleanser. Depending on your skin type and your environment, you may have a different one for morning and night; summer and winter. What do I like? I love switching up an exfoliating foaming cleanser with a milder foaming one. And I also love using cleansing oils, but they need to be rinseable. What’s your favourite type of cleanser? Let us know in the comments below.
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5 Challenges to Being an Entrepreneur
As much as I love being my own boss, working for oneself can pose a few challenges sometimes. Don’t get me wrong – I know how fortunate I am to be able to do what I want, when I want and without someone telling me how to do it. Yet, the life of an entrepreneur isn’t always rosy. Here are 5 challenges to being an entrepreneur that I’ve faced. Shop All Apothekari 1. Loneliness I mainly work from home and while I interact with a range of wonderful individuals including my employees, suppliers and consultants in design, marketing and technology, it can be challenging to rely on your own company day in and day out. Although I’m often on the phone and spend a fair amount of time on email, it’s not quite the same as being able to socialize around the coffee machine and exchange pleasantries about the weekend. I try to combat this by making a point of leaving the house at least once a day, whether it’s to go to an exercise class, check-in at our shipping/warehouse facility or meet a friend or supplier for coffee or lunch. 2. Sticking to Deadlines Since I’m the one making the deadlines, there is nobody to answer to if one gets missed. I’ve found that making lists is very helpful and it’s useful to revisit the list daily and weekly as well. Striking out lines on a list feels very pleasurable and so the list making will continue. Despite the fact that I’m generally not a procrastinator, this is a hard one to adhere to at times. 3. Staying Focused The creative side of me is always coming up with new ideas and because I have sometimes a million ideas a day, it’s hard to continue on with the mundane (month end reports anyone?) when a shiny, sparkly new thing is calling your name. Staying focused is something I battle with all the time so if anyone has tips to share re this, I’m all ears. 4. Cash Flow Not so much now, but definitely in the early days, when sales were spottier and expenses were a constant, maintaining cash flow is something that I think most entrepreneurs struggle with. Thankfully, as your business grows and you achieve more steady sales, it becomes less of an issue. However, the cash flow beast can raise its ugly head if your business changes or unexpected circumstances land on your doorstep. Becoming friends with your bank manager can be particularly beneficial in this case. 5. Always Being the Decision Maker While you can ask employees for their input and discuss strategy with consultants, the final decision is always upon your shoulders. Since there will be nobody but yourself to blame should things go wrong, for an entrepreneur, decision making often feels daunting and sometimes leads to inaction, while you weigh the pros and cons of one direction over another. In this case, I’ve learned that if you’re struggling to make a decision, that it’s best to defer it. There’s usually a reason why one direction doesn’t feel quite right and given enough time, you’ll figure out why. Being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone, yet despite all the challenges, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
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Coconut Oil in Skin Care; The Good and the Bad
Is it ok to use coconut oil in skin care routines? Coconut oil is definitely having its time in the spotlight these days—whether for its lauded nutritional qualities or wellness benefits, you can’t miss its virtues being sung from the top of many rooftops. More in this post. Shop All Apothekari Coconut oil is produced by extracting the oil from the meat of mature coconuts. It has a high saturated fat content and is a darling of the ‘natural world’ whose advocates suggest we embrace it as part of our diet. However, many organizations including the World Health Organization, the United States Food and Drug Administration, American Heart Association and Dietitians of Canada advise that its consumption should be limited or avoided. The concern is that it increases both the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or good)) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad) cholesterol, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. We’ll leave the nutritionists to battle it out about the oil’s benefits and risks when it comes to your health, but when it comes to coconut oil in skin care, there are advantages. Coconut Oil In Skin Care: Bad? When it comes to skin care, many a blogger, model, and online commenter, suggest that coconut oil is an amazing do-it-all ingredient for your skin, capable of moisturizing it, cleansing it, clearing it up and delivering radiant goodness. It’s made up of medium chain fatty acids and contains vitamin E, proteins, lauric, capric and caprylic acids, which deliver anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can offer skin benefits. Its high saturated fat content makes coconut oil very hydrating so dry skin types benefit quite well and it’s also been shown to soothe mild cases of eczema. Coconut oil is great for some skin types and some uses, but it’s not a cure all and it’s not for everyone. It is highly rated on the comedogenic scale, sitting at 4 on a scale of 0 – 5. This means that coconut oil can clog pores, which is problematic if you have oily or acneic skin. The comedogenic effect varies amongst individuals and it is possible for some individuals to tolerate it without any issues. Others may go for months before experiencing a breakout while it’s also possible to react almost immediately. If you want to give coconut oil a try, go slow and be prepared to drop it out of your routine if your skin doesn’t like it. Is Coconut Oil Good in Skincare Products? It’s probably best to skip coconut oil in skincare products for the face, but when it comes to body care, it’s not a bad idea at all. When applied to the body and scalp, coconut oil can be hydrating. Slather it on rough and dry feet at night and then don a pair of socks to wake up with softer, smoother tootsies by morning. You can find coconut oil in lots of body polishes and scrubs, where it’s often combined with other skin softening ingredients—it can help to elevate your bath-time routine! Are you a fan of coconut oil when it comes to skin care?
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Book Reviews January 2018
I offer three(ish) book reviews this January. All are fiction – two are book club picks and the other is one that grabbed me due to its subject matter. While many people veer toward non-fiction books, I tend to indulge in fiction. I spend so much time thinking and analyzing during the days that when it comes to relaxing, I need a bit of escapism. I don’t have a preferred genre, gravitating towards a range of categories including crime stories, mysteries, science fiction and best sellers. These days, I’m enjoying historical fiction more because history is fascinating and helps to give us an appreciation for how we got to where we are today. The break over the holidays left me with some good downtime and so I was able to get through two novels. The Power by Naomi Alderman. Our last pick for book club, this dystopian novel is about teenage girls who discover that they hold a new power. The book focuses on the abuse of power, no matter who wields it. It also sheds light on the imbalance of male-female interactions and the battle of the sexes. A very original take on gender politics, it takes into question whether the fundamental differences between men and women are due to nature or nurture. Kind of kooky and highly entertaining, I absolutely loved the concept, which feels oh so relevant in these times. Can’t wait to dissect this one at book club! Hum If You Don’t Know the Words by Bianca Marais. Having been born in South Africa and moved to Canada in the 1970s, when I was seven, this book called my name. Set in Apartheid-era South Africa, this is the story of a ten-year-old white girl living with her parents in 1970s Johannesburg and a Xhosa woman in a rural village in the Bantu homeland. Both their lives have been built upon the division of race, and a chance meeting occurs as a result of the Soweto Uprising, in which a protest by black students ignites racial conflict. Told through alternating perspectives, the narratives capture the emotions and tensions at the heart of Apartheid-era South Africa. Although I have long been away from South Africa, the country and its people will forever remain in my heart. Marais’ novel was an emotional read. Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward. The last book on my list is on the New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2017 and one I’ve yet to read. Set on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, it is reviewed as “a ‘road novel’, a slender epic of three generations and the ghosts that haunt them, and a portrait of what ordinary folk in dire circumstances cleave to as well as what they — and perhaps we all — are trying to outrun.” It’s our most recent book club pick and I’m looking forward to reading this one during January’s grey and rainy days. What have you been reading this winter? Any book reviews to share?
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