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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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5 of the Most Surprising Ways to Stop Body Odor
If you’re human, you’re going to sweat, but you don’t have to suffer with body odor! Using a deodorant can help and you can also try some lifestyle changes. Here are 5 that may surprise you. Shop All Apothekari Natural Deodorants For EVERYTHING you wanted to know about body odor and natural deodorant, read this post. How Do You Stop Body Odor Naturally? 5 Lifestyle Tips 1. Apply Deodorant at Night Applying deodorant in the morning after we shower or bathe is part of a routine for most of us. But if it’s not doing the trick for you, try applying deodorant in the morning as well as at night. Deodorant works better when applied to dry skin, which is more likely right before you hop into bed. 2. Watch What You Eat Most of us know that strong smelling foods like garlic, curry and onions can lead to body odor. But did you know that these other foods can also have an impact? Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale are very high in fiber and sulfur-containing substances, which break down into hydrogen sulfide leading to a rotten egg kind of smell. There’s also some evidence to suggest that individuals who consume a lot of alcohol may be more prone to body odor. This is because alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, which can contribute to greater body odor. Lastly, eating too much red meat (due to its high fat content) may lead to odor as the bacteria on your skin feed on the fatty acids. 3. Shave Your Pits We’re not judging, but if you want to go au naturel, you should be aware that hair can slow the evaporation of sweat, contributing to more bacteria that increases the chance of body odor. Washing or changing your clothing more often can help. 4. Choose Your Fabrics Carefully Natural fibers (linen, silk, cotton, light wool like merino) breathe and minimize sweating. Newer high-tech fibers wick away moisture, helping you to stay dry, leaving bacteria without anything to feed on. You can also try to dress in layers, which helps to soak up the sweat. 5. Ditch the Fabric Softener Fabric softeners may promise sweeter smelling clothing, but they sit on the surface of clothing fibers, preventing air flow and sweat evaporation. This not only prevents air circulation, but also decreases the efficacy of detergent when you wash your clothes resulting in even more smelly clothing! What Not to Do Although you may have read that anti-bacterial soaps and washes are a good idea, they aren’t worth it in the long run. Antibacterial soaps kill bacteria or stop their growth and it’s not healthy at all. Research has shown antibacterial soaps may impact hormone levels and increase the risk of bacterial resistance. Plus, your body needs bacteria to maintain a healthy, balanced environment on your skin. How Do I Stop My Armpits From Smelling? If you’re following good personal hygiene practice and still can’t manage the odor, it may be time to see a doctor. We’ve written about what causes sweat before, but a medical condition may be responsible. Your doctor can help determine if that’s the cause. Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, which can be hereditary or caused by a range of factors including stress, nervousness, diabetes, menopause, thyroid issues, etc. Trimethylaminuria (a.k.a. fish odor syndrome), is a metabolic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down a smelly compound called trimethylamine. Prescription treatments including strong antiperspirants, Botox or electromagnetic therapy may be suitable options. Ask your physician. What Medical Condition Causes Body Odor? Here are some medically related reasons that you may experience body odor. Diabetes. Not body odor per se, but fruity smelling breath may be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, which occurs when your body is running low on insulin, causing your blood sugar to spike. Because your body can’t break down carbohydrates for energy, it breaks down fatty acids for fuel, which creates a build-up of acidic chemicals called ketones in the blood. One such acid, acetone, causes the fruity smell. If this is you, check in with your doctor ASAP, as the complications can be life threatening. Stinky skin (stronger than normal body odor) could be a sign of skin infections, as a result of the byproducts of bacterial growth. Liver and kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, can lead to excessive sweat and increased BO. Stinky feet may be signs of a fungal infection (like athlete’s foot), especially if you see dry, scaly skin around your toes, redness and blisters.
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Is Glass Better? What You Need to Know About Skincare Packaging
Is glass better when it comes to skincare packaging? Many factors need to be taken into account when choosing the best packaging for skincare products. We’ve shared some of them before. When it was time to choose containers for our new look, we did a lot of research. It may come as a surprise to you, but it became clear to us that glass is NOT always better. We’ll explain why in this post. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set *Apothekari Skincare in recyclable containers – product safety & YOUR wellbeing. Is Glass Better? Glass is often promoted as the most eco-friendly option. And while it has some benefits, it does come with its own issues : It’s Breakable. This not only poses a safety hazard if it breaks in your bathroom, but glass can also break during transportation to a recycling facility. Once glass is broken, it cannot be recycled and must go to a landfill, where it will sit for a long, long time. It’s Heavy. The weight means that it costs more, in both monetary and environmental terms, to transport. Its Production is Energy Intensive. More so than plastic, making it requires additional resources. Why Plastic Is a Pretty Solid Choice Research is ongoing regarding suitable alternatives, but when it comes to packaging, there still isn’t a perfect one. Plastic has its issues – we’re too dependent on it and it’s tied to the fossil fuel industry, a very big (and dirty) industry. However, compared to currently available alternatives, it’s actually a pretty solid choice for skincare packaging. Plastic is very efficient to produce, is light to transport, is easily recycled and it’s safe when dropped because it doesn’t break. What About Other Skincare Packaging Alternatives? Yes, other skincare packaging options exist. And, while they do offer some benefits over plastic, they also pose their own challenges: Aluminum. Like plastic, aluminum is safe because it doesn’t break. But, it can’t be recycled everywhere and it is energy intensive to produce. Cardboard/Paper. Takes a lot of energy to produce and isn’t suitable for many types of products like oils, water, other liquids. Soiled paper containers can’t be recycled. Similarly, plastic lined paper cannot be recycled and will end up in a landfill. Biodegradable Plastics. They may sound like the perfect solution, but biodegradable plastics aren’t at a stage where they are necessarily biodegradable or compostable. They may not maintain their stability for products that contain water or oils. And, recycling options are still limited. You can see that questioning ‘is glass better’, isn’t as clear cut as it seems. What is exciting is that technological advances are always ongoing. We’ll be monitoring this space carefully to give you products packaged in containers that put your wellbeing first. Stay tuned!
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Do You Really Have to Wash Your Face in the Morning?
If you care about your skin, it’s essential that you wash your face at night, and, we’ve written about why that’s important before. Do you need to wash your face in the morning as well? It depends. Learn more in this post. Shop Aha-Mazing Clean Gel Cleanser Shop Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Creme How Many Times a Day Should You Wash Your Face? For most of us, a once daily face wash is enough. Nightly cleansing helps to remove dirt and make-up that accumulates on your skin during the day. It also gets rid of oil build-up that can lead to clogged pores. But what about in the morning when all you’ve done is sleep? Whether or not to wash your face in the morning comes down to skin type and preference. Some of us prefer a warm water splash while others enjoy a morning cleanse. If your skin doesn’t feel dry or oily, continue on with what works for you. If you have oily skin, however, a morning face wash may be essential to help clear away excess oil. Can You Wash Your Face Too Much? While once or twice a day is best for most skin types, there are times when you may want to sneak in one more wash. A third wash can be okay if you’ve been sweating a lot or want to remove make-up ahead of an activity like going to the gym. Over washing removes skin’s protective oils and can lead to dryness, irritation or breakouts. Pay attention and cut back if this seems to be the case. Choose the Best Cleanser With so many cleansers to choose from, how do you find the best one for your skin? No matter what type of cleanser you lean towards, the most important thing is to ensure is that it’s gentle, even if you have oily skin. Harsh, soap-based cleansers are alkaline and can disrupt your skin’s pH leading to redness and irritation. Just as importantly, dry skin types should avoid cleansers that may leave a greasy layer on your face. Opt for creamier textures like our Cloud Nine Foaming Cleanser, if you have dry, sensitive skin. Oily or combination skin types do well with exfoliating and/or foaming cleansers like our AHA-Mazing Clean Gel, which is formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to help dissolve oil. Somewhere in the middle? You have the luxury of using what you enjoy and switching things up! Back to you? Morning cleanse – yes or no?
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Here's How To Protect Skin From Free Radical Damage
Free radical damage isn’t as scary as it sounds! While it can be harmful, there are many ways to protect your skin. Learn how in this post. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Here’s How a Free Radical Can Damage Skin If you’ve ever cut into an apple and watched it turn brown after awhile, you’ve witnessed oxidation, something that a free radical is responsible for. A similar thing happens in our skin, but over a period of decades instead of minutes. Free radicals, often referred to as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), are highly unstable molecules that are missing an electron. In their search for stability (another electron), a free radical steals one from a stable molecule, causing that molecule to become unstable. This leads to a chain reaction, known as a free radical cascade, that creates more free radicals. Eventually, this process causes damage to our cell membranes, proteins and DNA. When it comes to our skin’s structure, components like collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid are damaged leading to premature skin aging including visible signs like fine lines and wrinkles and dullness. What Causes Free Radicals? Free radicals are caused by everyday biochemical reactions that occur in our body, but thankfully we have control over lots of external factors that trigger and increase their production: UV Light. Moderate sun exposure is good for us – we need it, it produces vitamin D after all. But, overexposure triggers free radicals, which can lead to DNA damage along with photoaging and hyperpigmentation Like sun exposure, pollution can trigger free radicals, ultimately leading to skin damage Smoking isn’t just bad for our overall health. Cigarette smoke contains free radicals cause a range of problems including premature skin aging Excess alcohol, processed food and those high in saturated fats, are some of the worst offenders for triggering free radicals This is the Best Way to Neutralize Free Radical Damage Minimize free radical damage by eating well (up the fruits & veggies, nuts & oily fish – reduce alcohol), minimizing sun exposure, and stopping smoking. And, add in antioxidants! Antioxidants work by donating one of their own electrons to a free radical without becoming unstable, helping to stop the cascade of damage. Vitamins A, C and E are the most well-known, but several others, including, ferulic acid, green tea, astaxanthin, lycopene, etc. also benefit skin. When it comes to antioxidants, the more the merrier. We’ve formulated our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, to include not only Vitamins C & E, but also ferulic acid, green tea extract along with others. The moisturizing serum base protects skin from damage and restores its youthful and radiant appearance. Have you tried a Vitamin C serum before?
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This is How To Exfoliate Body Skin Like the Pros
Exfoliate body skin to show off softer, smoother arms & legs all year round! We’re sharing tips to help you do it just like the pros. Shop All Apothekari Here’s Why You Should Exfoliate Body Skin Exfoliation comes from the Latin, exfoliatus (to strip of leaves). It’s a term used to describe the process of removing dead skin cells, which can leave skin looking and feeling rough and dry. We’ve written about exfoliation before, but in this post, we’re focusing on body skin. While more of it’s on display during the warmer, summer months, this advice is relevant all year long. Exfoliation not only helps to improve the look and feel of your skin, it can also help to minimize and eliminate ingrown hairs and clogged pores. Using a fake tanner? Exfoliate first to ensure a more even application and better results. How to Exfoliate – Just Like a Pro Here’s how to get softer, smoother skin on your body: Use a washcloth, sponge/loofah or bristle brush. These are best used on dry skin and help to rub away excess skin flakes, leaving your skin softer and cleaner than before. Apply a bit of pressure and scrub gently over your skin in small, circular motions starting from the ankles and working your way upwards. Elevate the experience with a body polish! Our skin pampering Bamboo & Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish works best with wet skin dampened first in the shower or bath. Or, you can use it after getting to work on dry skin. The process is the same – whisk away dry skin cells by using small circular motions, working up from your ankles. Take care or avoid sensitive areas like your torso or breasts. End with a rinse to get rid of flaky skin and wash away residual product. Follow with a treatment like our Shea Body Butter or Lemon Rose Body Oil to seal in moisture and help keep skin hydrated. If you’re exfoliating your entire body, pay extra attention to your heels, elbows, and knees. These areas often experience the most dryness and should be given special attention. Grab our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish and aim to exfoliate once or twice a week. Get ready to say hello to silkier skin!
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Safe Skincare. What You Need to Know
Go down the internet rabbit hole for long enough, and you’ll start to question if safe skincare products exist. Is danger lurking in those pretty bottles sitting on your counter? Thankfully, for the most part, there’s little cause for concern. Many companies (including us!) make safe skincare, and in this post, learn how to choose them. Shop All Apothekari Is The Beauty Industry Regulated? It’s common misconception that skincare products aren’t regulated in countries like the United States and Canada. But, this just isn’t true. In the USA, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, overseen by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), regulates cosmetics. And in Canada, Health Canada establishes guidelines for safe skincare. If you’re going to sell a product in Canada, it must be registered with Health Canada (ours are). The rules differ amongst countries, but most developed nations, including the European Union, Japan, Australia, and others, have agencies which set rules that cosmetics companies must comply with. How can you protect yourself? Purchase from reputable companies whose products are registered with their country’s agency. Not sure? Ask. Unregistered products are a red flag that should make you reconsider your purchase. Are Skincare Products Harmful? While the ingredients in skincare products are regulated, the words used to market them are, unfortunately, not! Fear marketing is really effective so many companies use it to get you to buy—or not buy—something. Sadly, the beauty space is filled with mistruths that aren’t backed by science. They’re not only misleading, they’re also very confusing for most customers. At Apothekari, your wellness comes first. Our founder is a pharmacist and those values guide us in everything that we do. Scientific research dictates our formulations and we don’t resort to unsubstantiated claims. We stand by our products and operate with honesty and integrity. Fear isn’t something that we use to scare you into buying our products. How Do You Know if a Skin Product Is Safe? In a world filled with lots of noise, who can you trust when it comes to choosing safe skincare products? Like shopping for anything, the key is to be an educated consumer. Beyond looking for products registered with the relevant regulatory body, and being wary of fear marketing, here’s what’s important: Is The Product Preserved? Despite what you may hear, preservatives are not scary! What is scary, are products that aren’t preserved. Preservatives are essential in any product that contains water to protect you from harm that may be caused by bacteria, fungi and mold. You may be concerned about parabens, but many companies are now using alternatives. If the product contains water, AND says it’s preservative-free, then either the formulator is lying (some of the ingredients may contain preservatives and they don’t need to be listed on the label) or even worse, it’s made by someone putting your health at risk. Read more here. Get to Know Your Ingredients. Don’t be scared by chemicals, because whether synthetic or straight from nature, everything is a chemical. A ‘chemical-free’ product would not only be completely ineffective, it would be impossible to find. Good and bad ingredients can be ‘natural’, ‘green’ and ‘clean’ (unregulated marketing terms, which can mean anything), or made in a lab. It doesn’t matter where it comes from – what’s important is whether it’s safe and effective. Who to trust when it comes to ingredient safety? Again – be cautious about organizations who want to scare you. Here’s a good read. Understand What Works for You. We’re all unique so what works for your best friend may not be so great for your skin. Some of us may be fine with fragrances, while some of us may not. Only you know your body. Get used to reading labels so you can decide for yourself. Knowledge is power. Where do you turn for information when it comes to the safety of your skincare products?
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This Is How to Avoid Sun Damaged Skin Every Summer
Want to avoid sun damaged skin this, and every, summer? Learn how in this post! SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Also known as premature aging or photoaging, sun damage refers to skin that’s been wrecked by exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV rays). There are ways to prevent, and to repair, some of this damage. Read on for more information. Every time you go outside or sit by a window without sun protection, or use a tanning bed, you’re putting yourself at risk for skin damage. Over time, this damage can build up, leading to skin changes making you look years older than you normally would. Changes include: Wrinkles and fine lines Age spots and other pigmentation Loose skin Spider veins Blotchy or ruddy complexion Tanning beds can cause these changes to occur very quickly, sometimes in as little as a year! The damage can lead to deeper lines or dry, scaly patches – actinic keratoses (AKs), pre-cancerous skin growth, which can lead to skin cancer. You Can Protect Against Sun Damaged Skin. Reverse It Also Radiant Skin Set The best way to decrease your chances of sun damaged skin is to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays. Don’t sit out with unprotected skin – wear long sleeves and put on sunglasses Seek shade wherever possible Minimize sun exposure when UV rays are strongest, between 10 am and 4 pm. Use a well-formulated sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 whenever possible. Curious about how to use sunscreen properly? Read more here. Adding in an antioxidant formulation like our Glow Getter 3, helps protect skin further. Antioxidants like vitamin C and E and green tea, are antioxidants that help protect skin from the free radical damage that comes with sun exposure. Free radicals are unstable molecules that attack skin’s proteins (collagen and elastin, for example), lipids and worst of all, DNA. Antioxidants help protect against this kind of damage. We like to apply Bespoke Vitamin C every morning underneath our sunscreen. Already have skin that’s damaged? Retinoids, a class of ingredients that come from Vitamin A, have been shown to help reverse some of the damage. Retinoids boost collagen production in skin, helping to maintain its firmness. Our Advanced+ Renewal contains retinaldehyde, a gentle and highly effective retinoid, along with other actives, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and protect it against sun damage. Find both serums in our Radiant Skin Set. Is It Time to Visit Your Dermatologist? If your skin is seriously sun damaged, and you’ve tried topical treatments without much success, you may want to check in with your dermatologist. A dermatologist can help to determine if a prescription treatment may be more suitable. Or, if you’re a candidate for a medical procedure: Laser Resurfacing. Intense beams of light can remove layers of sun damaged skin and trigger the formation of collagen, leaving skin looking healthier Chemical Peels. Strips away sun-damaged skin Photorejuvenation (also known as intense pulsed light – IPL). Bursts of pulsed light are used to reach the deeper layers of skin and smooth out sunspots and freckles Microdermabrasion. Buffs off the top layer of skin with sand-like particles, which stimulates the growth of new skin underneath. Bleaching Creams. Bleaching chemicals smooth out uneven skin coloring. Sun Damaged Skin – Prevention is Always Best! Wear sunscreen every day. Minimize sun exposure. Add in an antioxidant and a retinoid into your skincare routine. There’s really no reason for sun damaged skin. We can keep our skin looking good for decades if we just take care of it.
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Gluten Skin and Your Health. This is What You Need to Know
A while ago we wrote about ‘Gluten Face’ (yes it’s a thing!) and now, let’s look at the relationship between gluten skin and your health. Learn more below! Shop All Apothekari Is Gluten Really Bad for You? Over the past few years, gluten has taken a real bashing when it comes to your health. A protein found in grains like wheat, rye and barley, it also can turn up in other foods, through cross contamination. (ie, other grains like oats). Know why we love bread so much? Yup, gluten. It gives baked goods their chewy deliciousness. It may taste great, but sadly, eating it may not be so good for some people. Not so serious, is gluten intolerance, which comes with a long range of symptoms when gluten-containing foods are consumed. Far more serious is Celiac Disease, a genetic, autoimmune condition, that occurs in people where eating gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Nutrients can’t be absorbed properly into the body and long-term health complications follow, including: Iron deficiency anemia Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia Infertility and miscarriage Lactose intolerance Vitamin and mineral deficiencies Nervous system disorders Gastrointestinal cancers Neurological issues including epileptic seizures, dementia, migraine, etc Gluten Skin Implications You Should Know About Whether you’re gluten intolerant or have Celiac Disease, the symptoms may be the same. And some individuals, especially those with Celiac Disease, may have no symptoms at all: Digestive issues such as gas, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Ongoing low energy levels, “brain fog,” chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. Autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma or multiple sclerosis. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling off balance. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS, delayed menstruation onset and stunted growth. Migraines and/or frequent headaches. Joint pain, inflammation and swelling, particularly in fingers, knees or hips Gluten skin issues include eczema, rosacea, skin rashes, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). Avoid Gluten in Skincare? Should you avoid gluten in your skincare products if you’re intolerant or have Celiac Disease? The answer may surprise you. Turns out that applying vs ingesting gluten, are two very different things. According to Dr. Alessio Fasano, Medical Director of the Center for Celiac Research, University of Maryland, “If you have Celiac Disease, then the application of gluten containing products to the skin should not be a problem, unless you have skin lesions that allow gluten to be absorbed systemically in great quantities.” This advice can be carried over to lipstick and lip products, as they are easily ingested. Last, if you have active dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin condition associated with Celiac Disease, or any cuts or open lesion, then use gluten-free skincare products to prevent its absorption. One caveat: If you have skin issues that won’t clear up no matter what you do, cut out gluten containing skincare products to see if it may help. The following Apothekari products don’t contain any gluten: Glow Getter 3, AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleanser, Daily Infusion Moisturizer, Natural Deodorants. They are not certified gluten free. Should You Follow A Gluten Free Diet? Following a gluten free diet is essential if you’ve tested positive for Celiac Disease. It’s not the same with gluten intolerance. Consumption doesn’t carry the same long-term health implications, but you’ll likely feel better if you avoid or restrict it in your diet. I’ve heard ‘experts’ suggest that you shouldn’t go gluten free unless you have Celiac Disease because a gluten free diet is expensive and that you’re going to load up on gluten free crackers, cookies and cakes. To which I say, REALLY? I don’t know about you, but if I’m switching up my diet because of my health, it’s highly unlikely I’ll be loading up on Cheetos. In my family, we have two gluten intolerant individuals. And no, IT.IS.NOT.IN.THEIR.HEADS! Following a gluten free diet is essential to their wellbeing and as the primary food shopper and cook in our house, I’ve learned how to prepare nourishing and delicious meals. Focus on foods that are naturally gluten free, which also tend to be great for your overall wellness: Meat, poultry, and eggs Fish and seafood Beans and legumes Fruits and vegetables Grains and starches including, corn, rice, buckwheat, millet, tapioca, oats (ensure not contaminate) Nuts Dairy Potatoes Vinegars and oils Herbs and spices Gluten Skin & Health Resources You know yourself best so if you need to go gluten free for your health, do it. And, don’t let anyone question why. Check in with a trusted healthcare professional if you need guidance. And, visit the many trustworthy resources online. Here are some to get you started: National Celiac Organization. A non-profit organization dedicated to educating and advocating for individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivities, Celiac Disease Foundation. (CDF) is a nonprofit that helps fund research, education, and advocacy programs. Learn more about celiac disease and how to live gluten free. NIH. National Institutes of Health link to help you start on your GF journey US FDA. Information to help you read food labels. Gluten Intolearnce Group. Information for individuals with a gluten sensitivity. The Inspired RD. Alysa Bajenaru, a Registered Dietitian’s blog on navigating Celiac Disease. Great recipe inspiration.
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7 Free Self Care Practices That You Can Do Now
In this post I’m sharing 7 FREE self care practices. Whether it’s health, finances or the future, we’re all feeling more stressed out by how this pandemic has changed our lives. Looking after your physical and mental wellness has never been more important, and, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Free self care – who’s in?! Shop Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil Stress Damages Us More Than You May Know While it’s important to prioritize your health all the time, it’s absolutely essential during times of stress. Being on high alert delivers messages to our brain to send in the stress hormones. These are the same hormones that trigger our ‘fight or flight’ response and lead to: An increased heart rate Faster breathing Muscles primed and ready for action The stress response was designed to protect our bodies during an emergency, allowing us to react quickly. Fire stress responses day after day, though, and our health starts to suffer. We’ve already discussed the stress, skin connection. But, there are more serious implications of long term stress: Mental Health. Over time, increased levels of cortisol, (the ‘stress hormone’) can harm communication between our immune system and the part of our brain responsible for dealing with stress. This can lead various symptoms such as, irritability, anxiety, depression & sleeplessness. Headaches & Muscle Pain. As a result of constant muscle tension. Asthma and/or Panic Attacks. Due to shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Heart Disease. Heart attacks, hypertension and even elevated cholesterol levels have been linked to an increase in heart rate and higher levels of stress hormones Digestive Health. Stress can damage the connection between our brains and our gut, triggering pain, bloating, an increase/decrease in appetite, diarrhea or constipation and even vomiting. The impact of some of these may also affect our mood. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to lessen the damage. These 7 Free Self Care Practices Can Make a Difference Depending on where you live, spas and gyms may be open now. But, you may be concerned about the potential health risks or financial implication of visiting one. Luckily, there are plenty of free self care practices that can be done easily from home. Here are 7 of our favorite: 1. Draw a Bath Self care is more than bubble baths; everyone knows that! But, lighting some candles, getting your diffuser going and soaking in warm water is always good for the soul. We love to use a body oil afterwards because the act of applying it is (in part), about taking a minute for yourself. Ultra-moisturizing and wildly luxurious to the touch, try our Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil. It’ll instantly transform dry body skin into soft, supple and glowing skin. 2. Put on Your Dancing Shoes It may be a while before you can hit the dance floor with your friends, but there’s no reason to not have one at home. Throw on your favorite tunes and let yourself go. 3. Keep a Gratitude Journal & Write Compliments to Yourself We can’t control what’s going on around us, but remembering to be thankful for what we have, instead of what we don’t, helps to reframe your life outlook in a big way. 4. Read a Book Fiction or non-fiction; it doesn’t matter. Whether you’re taking time to learn something new or escaping into a great story, reading is very relaxing. 5. Daydream Brew some tea, cozy up under a blanket and let your mind go. Studies have shown that daydreaming can help with problem solving and with building memories. 6. Get Some Fresh Air Stepping out for a walk (following socially distant guidelines) allows you to get some exercise, which has both physical and mental benefits. A change of scenery also helps to alleviate boredom. 7. Sleep In While a regular sleep schedule is best, sometimes your body just needs a bit more. Recognize that and indulge every now and again. Savor every moment by also taking time to make yourself your favorite breakfast. Mine? Shakshuka – a gratifying and healthy dish made with eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce. This is a recipe I love to make, courtesy of the NY Times. When Self Care Isn’t Enough Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to cope. You may feel sad, burned out or very alone. True self care involves recognizing when traditional ‘self care’ isn’t enough. At this stage, please ask for help. Check in with a friend, a family member or a community group. Call a hotline or reach out to a professional doctor or counsellor (most professionals are seeing patients virtually these days) if you need to. Many of us are suffering due to circumstances bigger than ourselves, but we don’t have to do it alone.
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Stress, Skin. What You Need to Know
It’s not just our emotional state that’s affected, when it comes to stress, skin suffers too. In this post learn how to recognize the impact of stress on your skin. Plus, some tips and skincare products to help manage it. Shop Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Creme Shop Daily Infusion Moisturizer Shop Antioxidant Face Oil What Stress Does Whether related to our jobs, our relationships or our finances, stress is part of modern-day life. And, it’s not necessarily bad. Good stress, like the kind involved with planning a party, a trip or getting a new job that we love, usually lasts for a short time and makes us feel alive, happy and excited. Other stress, what we often call bad stress, tends to be ongoing. It’s what happens when we’re faced with things like financial stress, a relationship breakup or the uncertainty that we’re all facing due to Covid-19, right now. This kind of stress can damage our health. When we’re under stress, our bodies trigger the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into our systems. These ‘chemical messengers’ lead to bodily responses including an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and more sugar in the bloodstream. Not so bad if we experience it for just a short time, but when we’re under stress for a long period, the mental and physical impact can be harmful to our well-being. Stress, Skin Changes Beyond the changes described above, cortisol’s release also affects our skin. Oil and sebum production increase, which can result in acne or increased skin sensitivity. Cortisol may weaken the skin’s immune system and increase the breaking down and failing to repair tissues. A decrease in collagen and elastin leads to wrinkles, lines and dull looking skin. If that wasn’t enough, cortisol amps up inflammation, causing flare-ups in conditions like eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. During periods of stress, revisit your skin care routine. Put aside the harsh treatments – like stripping cleansers and exfoliants, and focus on being gentle. Try switching to a gentle cleanser, like our Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. In addition to cleaning, it also moisturizes and protects skin. Continue to apply sunscreen daily to defend against UV ray damage and keep skin moisturized if it is dry. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer hydrates without greasiness and is perfect for all skin types. For a bit of a hydration boost, add in an oil, which helps to soften skin and lock in moisture. Our Antioxidant Face Oil contains fatty acids, antioxidants and skin soothing bisabolol, to help reduce inflammation. Stress Management 101 This time will pass, but it may take a while for us to get there. In the meantime, try to manage stress with a few moments of self-care: Get enough sleep, between 7 and 9 hours for most people Exercise three or four times a week – walking and yoga are fantastic! Consider meditation or deep breathing exercises Relax with a book or connect with a friend Focus on eating a healthy diet, but don’t beat yourself up if you make a slip. We have enough to worry about already! There isn’t one single method that works for everyone, but try a few different things and you’ll find what works for you. Do you have any stress management tips to share?
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Apothekari Press - Our Natural Deodorants, As Seen In!
When you pour your heart and soul into getting something right – 2 years in the development of our natural deodorant – it’s exciting to get a bit of Apothekari press! In this post, positive reviews and some of the coverage we’ve received lately. Shop All Apothekari Natural Deodorants Apothekari Press Deodorant Review Shortly after introducing our deodorants, I stumbled up Wardrobe Oxygen, a blog run by Alison Gary. Alison writes about fashion, beauty and life, including a running review on deodorants that she’s tried. Spoiler: NONE had made the cut. With the greatest of confidence in the effectiveness of our deodorants, I asked Alison if she’d try our deodorants in exchange for a review. She agreed. After using our deodorants for several weeks, Alison declared our Lavender Bergamot Deodorant a winner! Read more about her experience with Apothekari, including other deodorant brands here. If Alison’s blog isn’t on your radar, it should be; she is funny and honest and a great one to follow. Apothekari Press As Seen In BC Business Magazine, Montecristo Magazine & More More Apothekari press in a couple of local publications including the April issue of BC Business Magazine. In Montecristo Magazine, writer Amanda Ross discusses her experience swapping out antiperspirant for a natural deodorant (ours) during these unusual times. We’re also delighted to have been featured on Canadian blogs and/or social media accounts that we LOVE, including: Maddie over at Toronto Beauty Reviews, and Vicki Duong, who gives us a shout out on her post about Vancouver companies perfect for WFH (work from home). Visit our Apothekari press page for all the details. It’s an honour to be recognized for the efforts I’ve put into creating naturally safe essentials for beautiful and healthy skin. Thanks all for your support during these extraordinary times. And, stay safe and healthy.
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