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Black Friday 2019 - 25% Off Apothekari Skincare!
Black Friday 2019 Mark your calendars! For 2 days only – November 28th/29th, our Black Friday 2019 promotion gets you savings on Apothekari Skincare. Plus every Apothekari purchase includes a gift! Code blackf25 at checkout. Details: Take 25% off all Apothekari Skincare products, excluding sets which are already offered at a special price Each order that contains an Apothekari Skincare product (includes sets, which are not 25% off) receives a free Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen, our zinc oxide, non-whitening, mineral sunscreen. Promotion runs for 2 days only – November 28th and 29th, 2019 Promotion cannot be applied to previous orders Use code blackf25 at checkout. Shop All Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen About Apothekari Skincare Apothekari takes its inspiration from apothecaries, the precursor of today’s pharmacies, and we are happy to share these naturally safe products with you! Apothekari Skincare delivers healthy formulations for skin that are: Free from harmful ingredients. Read more here. Effective, containing optimal concentrations of ingredients proven to deliver healthy & beautiful skin. Whether it’s a moisturizer for dry skin, a serum for brightening or a lotion to diminish the appearance of fine lines. Apothekari’s products work as they are intended, without hype and misinformation. We won’t tell you to use products that you don’t need nor will we scare you into using ones that can’t improve your skin. We hope that you’ll take advantage of these exceptional products during our Black Friday 2019 Promotion!
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Celebrate Softer Skin With This Set!
Celebrate softer skin! Whisk away dryness leaving silky, smooth skin with these exfoliating and moisturizing face and body products. Shop All Apothekari What Makes Skin Feel Rough & Dry? Softer skin is something we all desire, yet many of us experience skin that is rough, dry and sometimes painful. Dry skin can occur anywhere on the body, but certain areas are more likely to become very dry or even rough and cracked. Dryness tends to occur gradually, starting to feel tight and somewhat rough but then progressing to increased tightness, roughness, cracking and itching. Skin may also start to flake. When the dryness penetrates into the deeper layers of skin, skin starts to feel very rough. Frequent washing, extreme temperatures, dry air and hot baths can contribute to dryness. Our genes, age and hormone levels also play a role. What we eat along with medications we take may also lead to dry skin. Exfoliate & Moisturize for Softer Skin Having soft skin requires minimizing exposure to factors that contribute to rough, dry skin: Avoid dry air by spending less time outdoors in hot and cold weather, and by using a humidifier indoors when the heating is on Reduce the time spent in hot water by having quick showers instead of long baths Use gloves when washing dishes to minimize contact with hot water and strong detergents. Your skincare routine plays a role – stick to gentle products, especially avoiding harsh, stripping cleansers. It’s important, as well, to exfoliate and then moisturize. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead, dry skin cells that sit on the skin’s surface causing it to look and feel rough and which can slow down the absorption of products you put on top. Moisturizing helps to deliver hydration to skin, locking in moisture. Our Soft Skin Set includes four products that both exfoliate and moisturize to deliver soft, silky skin on your face and body: Daily Infusion Moisturizer. Hydrate, plump and protect facial skin with this light, non-greasy formulation that is suitable for all skin types AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel. Cleanse and soothe skin; prep it for other products with this gentle exfoliating cleanser Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil. Instantly transform dry body skin into soft, supple skin with this ultra-moisturizing and rich body oil Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish. Punch up the smoothness and pamper your skin with an invigorating exfoliating body polish. Who’s ready for softer skin this winter?
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Sweat Confidently With This Natural Deodorant!
Sweat confidently! Prevent body odor with our new natural deodorant free from aluminum, parabens and baking soda, available in 3 essential oil scents. Shop All Apothekari Natural Deodorants We’ve been working on this product for over 2 years and are very excited to introduce it to you! Formulated with healthy ingredients that respect skin’s natural chemistry, our natural deodorant contains mild, natural and environmentally friendly ingredients, including an enzyme that neutralizes odors caused by perspiration; leaving you smelling fresh all day! Convenient roll-application means no messy hands either. For more information regarding natural deodorant, check out this post, where we’re discussing EVERYTHING you want to know. What Causes Body Odor? If you exercise, when you’re too warm, feeling nervous, anxious or stressed, chances are you’ll sweat. Sweat is released by sweat glands – eccrine (over most of your body) or apocrine (hairy areas) – to help cool your body down. Sweat itself is odorless until it combines with the bacteria that live on your skin, especially in moist areas like your armpits and groin. The bacteria on your skin break down certain proteins in your sweat into acids. This by-product of the bacteria breaking down the sweat is what results in body odor. Sweat produced by apocrine glands (as compared to the eccrine glands) is high in protein, resulting in more smelly acids. It’s the reason why body odor tends to occur more frequently under the armpits and groin. Anti-Perspirant vs Natural Deodorant An anti-perspirant works by blocking sweat ducts, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin’s surface. Bacteria can’t break down the sweat so the odor causing by-products are not produced. Most anti-antiperspirants rely on aluminum salts, which are effective because they stop the sweating that ultimately leads to odor. While there has been speculation that aluminum is linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease, the data to support this is weak at best. Aluminum, does however, come with other side effects including skin irritation and that horrible yellowing on the underarms of your white shirts. A natural deodorant, doesn’t reduce sweat, but prevents odor with ingredients that reduce the odor causing bacteria and/or by masking it with scent . Natural deodorants often rely on baking soda to help reduce bacteria by increasing the skin’s pH to 8-9; a range that sits much higher than our skin’s ideal pH, and which can cause irritation. For this reason, our deodorant is free from baking soda. Free From Aluminum, Parabens & Baking Soda Apothekari Natural Deodorant is formulated without irritating baking soda or aluminum salts. This helps to reduce the potential for skin irritation and also means no yellow stains on the underarms of your white shirts! Our formulation contains odor neutralizing enzymes along with lactic acid. This combination helps to prevent body odor, while also conditioning skin and respecting and maintaining the healthy physiological pH of your skin. We offer 3 different essential oil scent blends, to help keep you feeling fresh all day. Like all our products, our natural deodorant is also paraben free and cruelty free. It’s taken us years to perfect this formula and we hope you love it as much as we do! Read more about our philosophy here… Using Apothekari Natural Deodorant & FAQ If you are new to our natural deodorant, here are some answers to frequently asked questions and usage for optimal efficacy: Does Apothekari Natural Deodorant Control Wetness? Our deodorants don’t contain aluminum (which stops perspiration) so we are not an anti-perspirant. You will still sweat, but you won’t smell! How Should I Apply? Give the deodorant container a shake and then roll under each armpit. Allow a few minutes to dry before dressing. How Long Will One Container Last? Everyone is different and much depends on how frequently and how often you apply. With daily roll-on application, we find that one bottle lasts between 2-3 months on average. Prep Your Clothes. Odors can linger from waxes and oils found in anti-perspirants, natural deodorants and fabric softeners. These may be left behind in clothing causing it to smell even after washing. If this is the case, you may need to treat the clothing first with an enzymatic detergent before washing. Try doing this before tossing in the hamper. Please don’t blame our deodorant if your clothing smells! You Do Not Need to Detox! You know those natural deodorants that tell you to detox? Well, unlike those, you do not need a pit detox with Apothekari because our deodorant is baking soda free! Without baking soda, you don’t need to worry about developing a rash or burn under your arms. Baking soda deodorants have a high pH (8-9), which can cause skin irritation. Our skin is happy at a pH around 5 – our approach respects your skin’s pH and chemistry ensuring that you won’t experience the irritation often seen with other natural deodorants.
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Nourish to Flourish Giveaway - Win! $215 Skincare & Wellness Products
NOURISH TO FLOURISH GIVEAWAY! WIN! $215 Skincare & Wellness Products Apothekari has teamed up with our friends at Niyama Yoga Wellness, to help you Nourish to Flourish! Enter for a chance to win skincare and supplements from two female owned, Canadian companies on Facebook and/or Instagram.* Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Hydrating Skin Set, Apothekari Gift Certificate, Niyama Sleep Like Buddha, Niyama Daytime Zen Stress Support and Tote Bag (Prize Value $215) to help nourish your body and skin from the inside out. The Prize Includes: Apothekari Hydrating Skin Set: Banish dryness and say hello to softer skin with the restorative power of this hydrating and nourishing face and body oil set (2 products): Antioxidant Face Oil – For softer, radiant skin that is protected from dryness with a blend of nourishing vegetable oils rich in fatty acids, sterols and antioxidants to calm and heal. Delicate essential oil scent Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil (100 ml size) – Instantly transform dry body skin into soft, supple skin with this ultra-moisturizing and rich body oil. Contains fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to nourish skin. Intoxicating scent with notes of rose, lemon and jasmine. Apothekari $25 Gift Certificate: To apply to a future Apothekari purchase. Niyama Sleep Like Buddha: Contains three trusted natural ingredients for relaxation for those nights when you just know you aren’t going to be able to turn your beautiful brain off and get to sleep, so you can get up and accomplish all the amazing things you need to the next day. Fall asleep sooner, enjoy better quality sleep, and wake up reaping the benefits of a good night’s sleep Niyama Daytime Zen Stress Support: This combination of natural ingredients helps your body deal with and adapt to daily stresses so that you can focus on what you need to, in a relaxed yet attentive state of mind. Calming without being sedating, Daytime Zen helps temporarily manage feelings of stress and anxiety so you can shine all day! With L-theanine, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Bacopa Niyama Tote Bag. How To Enter: Our Nourish To Flourish Giveaway 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 ‘Nourish To Flourish Giveaway’ post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW both Apothekari (@apothekariskin) and Niyama (@niyamayogawell), and LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us how you nourish your body and skin with a shout out to a friend who helps to nourish your soul. Instagram Entry: Go to the ‘Nourish To Flourish Giveaway’ post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW both Apothekari (@apothekariskin) and Niyama (@niyamayogawellnesscanada) LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us how you nourish your body and skin 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. Nourish To Flourish Contest Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.). Contest closes November 8, 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 Canada to qualify for the prize and free delivery. One (1) entry 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 Nourish to Flourish Giveaway 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 $215 and contains the items outlined above. If you wish to purchase the Hydrating Skin 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. You are providing your information to Apothekari Skincare and not to Facebook or Instagram. 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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A Body Oil For Instantly Soft Skin
Now that the cold season is officially here, instantly transform dry skin on your body with our new Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil. Just a bit of TLC with this ultra-moisturizing and rich formula, helps deliver soft, supple and touchable skin. Shop Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil Nourish Dry Skin Apothekari’s Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil is an excellent source of nutrients and moisture for dry, irritated and chapped skin. Protect and nourish your body with a rich combination of precious oils: Jojoba Seed Oil. Jojoba oil is very similar to human skin oils allowing for easy absorption to deeply hydrate, sooth, soften and moisturize. It is anti-inflammatory and contains, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals to help nourish and protect skin. Rosehip Seed Extract. Rich in fatty acids, rosehip seed extract is useful in providing relief to chapped and irritated skin. It’s a rich source of antioxidants, helping to protect skin. Kukui Nut Oil. Easily absorbed, Indonesian kukui nut oil has a high fatty acid content along with tocopherol (Vitamin E). Deeply moisturizing and anti-inflammatory. Shea Nut Butter. A source of vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds, this emollient ingredient relieves dryness and aids with the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Raspberry Seed Oil. High concentration of fatty acids to supports skin cell membrane function, helping to retain moisture and maintaining skin elasticity. Essential Oil Blend. Pamper skin with this intoxicating blend featuring rose, lemon and jasmine. All this in our base of sunflower seed oil plus vitamin E delivers additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and helps to trap moisture on skin, keeping it hydrated longer. How to Use a Body Oil When it comes to moisturizing, skin needs both oil and water/water-loving ingredients (like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propanediol) to stay healthy. Oil alone is not enough to hydrate skin, which is why a body oil should be applied directly after a bath or shower while skin is still damp. Enjoy using a body oil as part of your self care, massaging onto skin using gentle strokes. This helps to lock in the moisture and keeps skin feeling soft and smooth all day long.
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Apothekari Skincare : An Indie, Female-Led, Proud Canadian Company!
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Apothekari Skincare is an indie, female-owned & operated, proudly Canadian company! We take our inspiration from apothecaries, the precursor of today’s pharmacies, resulting in a modern-day boutique specializing in healthy formulations for skincare. In this post, we’re sharing more about us, including where we’ve come from, what we stand for and where we’re going. Let’s get acquainted! Our Roots I’m Sharmani Pillay, a pharmacist by training and the founder of Apothekari. My career has involved dispensing medicines, counselling patients on their prescriptions and making recommendations for their wellness needs. Nearly 15 years ago, I took that knowledge to open my own business (now PhaMix.com) selling a range of curated wellness and skincare products. It became clear to me that women needed better skincare products and so Apothekari was born. Our formulations are: Naturally safe, without harmful ingredients Effective, containing optimal concentrations of ingredients proven to deliver healthy & beautiful skin. Whether it’s a moisturizer for dry skin, a serum for brightening or a lotion to diminish the appearance of fine lines. Apothekari’s products work as they are intended, without hype and misinformation. We won’t tell you to use products that you don’t need nor will we scare you into using ones that can’t improve your skin. Image: Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum – Alexandria, Virginia We Stand For Wellness Apothekari provides naturally safe products for face and body, but we stand for much more. Skin is our body’s largest organ and it reflects our overall wellness. Optimal care goes beyond just popping a pill or slathering on a cream. We understand the importance of a holistic approach to wellness and embrace self-care, sound nutrition, exercise, quality sleep and stress management to aging well and looking & feeling good. You deserve exceptional products and services, which means attention to detail in every aspect of our operations. Like many entrepreneurs, I wear lots of different hats and am involved in almost everything, including writing all the blog posts, managing social media, taking photos, working with designers and collaborating with chemists on formulations. On any given day, you may also find me answering phone calls, replying to emails and shipping out orders. Each day is different; boredom is a word that doesn’t exist around here! None of this, of course, would be possible without the small team of wonderful women, whom I’m grateful to work with every day. Exciting Developments For This Canadian Company! There’s no good idea that cannot be improved on. Michael Eisner We’ve recently launched new skincare sets and watch for more coming soon. Lots of innovation is going on behind the scenes, with several products in development, some offering unique advantages over others currently available today. We can’t wait to share them with you! Thank you for being part of our journey. Read more about us here.
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What Happens If You Don't Wash Your Face?
You’ve likely heard it before: “Always wash your face.” You’ve heard it so many times, it must be good advice. But is it? Can anything bad really happen if you don’t wash your face? Find out in this post. Shop Aha-Mazing Clean Gel Cleanser Shop Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Creme Wash Your Face to Clean & Prep It The main reason to wash your face is to clean it. A cleanser helps to remove dirt, make-up and oil that can accumulate on skin over the course of a day. Cleansing also helps to remove old, dead skin cells, which can build up on the surface, leaving skin looking dull and lifeless. The accumulation of these impurities along with dry and dead skin cells puts you at risk for clogged pores, which ultimately, can lead to breakouts. In addition to removing debris and potentially damaging substances, a clean face preps the skin’s surface for the application of subsequent skincare treatments. Actives are more easily absorbed deeper into the skin where they can exert their action. Moisturizing ingredients – humectants (which draw moisture to the skin); emollients (which soften and smooth skin) and occlusives (which lock moisture in) are also more effective, leading to increased hydration. The good news is that hydrated skin looks healthy and younger. Choose A Suitable Cleanser Convinced yet? If so, it’s important to choose a cleanser that’s right for your skin. There are many to choose from – gels, creams, powders, oils and balms – and we’ve written about them before. Choose one based on personal preference and also on your skin type. Sensitive skin tends to do better with milder, less foaming cleansers such as crèmes, balms and oils. Skin that is more tolerant can pick and choose. Cleansers can include actives such as alpha hydroxy acids (which help to exfoliate), moisturizing ingredients , antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. At Apothekari we offer two cleansers that are suitable for a range of skin types: Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients to clean, moisturize and protect skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. AHA-Mazing Exfoliating Cleansing Gel. Infused with a triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate, hydrate and help improve the health of skin. Caution sensitive skin. How to Wash Your Face When it comes to getting the deed done, you can follow a one or two-step method, which are explained in this post. The important bits: Use warm (not hot) water and rinse thoroughly Stay away from harsh surfactants (soaping agents) which strip away oils leading to dryness Ensure you wash your face at night. While there is some debate about a morning cleanse, at Apothekari, we feel that’s optional. The world isn’t going to end if you don’t wash your face, but your skin will look much better. Trust us on this one!
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Fall Giveaway - Win! Apothekari Skin Set
FALL GIVEAWAY! Win! Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Fall has fell and we’re excited to usher in the new season with a Fall Giveaway! Enter to win our new Apothekari Ageless Skin Set and more on Facebook and/or Instagram*. Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Ageless Skin Set, our mineral based, zinc oxide sunscreen, Shade SPF 30 PLUS a $25 gift certificate. (Regular Retail Value $300+). Learn how to put together a routine for ageless skin with these products. The Prize Includes: Ageless Skin Set. Morning and nighttime skincare essentials: 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. (Choose 10% – sensitive – or 15% – regular skin) Daily Infusion Moisturizer: Hydrate, plump and protect skin against dryness. Cleanser: Cleanse skin from dirt and pollution and prep for treatments. Choose between: AHA-Amazing Exfoliating Cleansing Gel (all skin types except sensitive) or Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème (all skin types including sensitive) Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen: Mineral based, non-whitening & broad-spectrum sun protection $25 Gift Certificate to apply to a future Apothekari purchase. How To Enter: Our Fall Giveaway 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 Fall Giveaway 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 which products you’re most looking forward to try in this prize package and who is/are your favourite ageless friend(s). Instagram Entry: Go to the Fall Giveaway 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 which products you’re most looking forward to try in this prize package 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. Fall Giveaway Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.) Contest closes Friday, October 4, 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 Canada 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 Fall Giveaway 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 regular (non-promotional) retail value of the products. The prize package is valued at $300+ and contains the items outlined above under the Prize heading. If you wish to purchase the Ageless Skin 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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A Skincare Routine For Ageless Skin
A solid skincare routine is the foundation for youthful, ageless skin. Learn how to put together a regimen that covers the essential products for morning and nighttime skincare in this post. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Aging Doesn’t Mean Aging Skin We’ve discussed the impact that age has on our skin in a previous post. This includes: Less natural oil production leading to rougher, drier skin Less elastin and collagen production leading to skin that is less firm Thinning skin that appears more transparent Loss of volume due to thinning bones. We can’t control the impact of time, but our lifestyle choices also play a role in our skin’s appearance. For great skin it’s important to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise and incorporate effective skincare products as found in our Ageless Skin Set. A Morning and Nighttime Skincare Routine A 3-step skincare routine is one that most of us should follow to keep our skin looking its very best: Cleanse. To rid skin of make-up, pollution, dirt and oil, which can lead to blemishes, redness and irritation. One-step or two-step; it’s up to you but this important step shouldn’t be missed, especially at night. Cleansing also ensures that serums and other active products that you put on your skin can penetrate to deliver their effects. Protect. If you’re not wearing sunscreen every day, you’re not giving your skin a fighting chance! The sun’s ultraviolet rays are thought to contribute to more than 80% of skin aging so find a sunscreen that you love and apply it every morning, every day of the year! Add in an antioxidant formulation – one with Vitamin C (as in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum), as recommended by most skincare experts. Antioxidants help defend against the free radicals that cause skin damage, and which we’re exposed to daily from pollution and UV rays. Perfect. Depending on your age, your skin type and where you live (climate, humidity, etc), this step addresses your skin’s specific needs. Whether it’s fine lines and wrinkles, crows feet, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, dry skin or acne, this last step addresses that. A serious anti-aging skincare routine must include a retinoid. Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids deliver a range of proven skin benefits including: Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Brighten skin tone by reversing sun damage and dark spots Thicken skin Retinoids also have anti-acne properties, making them a useful addition in the management of blemishes, which many women experience as they get older. Our A is for Anti-Aging contains retinaldehyde – an effective yet gentle retinoid, making it suitable for most skin types – along with other skin beneficial ingredients for firmer, brighter and more youthful looking skin. Depending on your concerns, incorporate other products including moisturizers, eye treatments, skin lighteners, masks or exfoliants into your skincare routine as needed. Our Ageless Skin Set: Part of Your Skincare Routine We’ve combine 4 essential products to cover a morning and nighttime skincare routine into our Ageless Skin Set, which currently features special pricing: A is for Anti-Aging – A gentle and effective retinoid serum that helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation and reverse sun damage. Use daily at night. Bespoke Vitamin C Serum – Vitamin C (10 or 15%) plus antioxidants help to fight against free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process. Each bottle is made to order guaranteeing freshness. Apply daily every morning. Daily Infusion Moisturizer – Moisturize, hydrate and plump skin. Use daily morning and/or night as needed. AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel (all skin types) – Cleanse skin to remove dirt and makeup and ensure absorption of active treatments. Choose between Cloud Nine, our gentle, foaming cleansing cream or AHA-Mazing, our exfoliating cleansing gel. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Are you ready to wake up to healthy, ageless skin with this essential AM/PM skincare set?
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How To Get More Radiant Skin
Glowy, radiant skin is a sign of healthy skin – a look that that we all aspire to. Consistently using the right combination of products is key to radiant skin. Learn more in this post. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET What Robs You of Radiant Skin? Lack of sleep, stress, aging and even what you eat can rob your complexion of its radiance. Skin that looks dull and tired can become luminous and glowing by using the right products along with some expert tips. Here’s how to achieve radiant skin. 4 Tips for Radiant Skin Cleanse. Start with a clean ‘canvas’ by removing dirt including oil, pollution and make-up that can leave skin looking dull. Choose between two foaming cleansers to suit most skin types: AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel – Exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate with this foaming cleansing that soothes skin and senses. Triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and a refreshing mint scent. Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème – Clean, moisturize and protect skin with this gentle, foaming cleanser. Rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients and ideal for aging and sensitive skin. Exfoliate. Nothing strips away your glow more than having a layer of dry, dead skin cells sitting on your skin’s surface. Exfoliation helps to remove these cells and brightens skin almost immediately. You can exfoliate physically with a scrub or chemically with an acid. When it comes to facial exfoliation, we lean towards chemical exfoliation, which only penetrates through the skin’s uppermost layer. Scrubs and polishes are more prone to aggressive use, which can lead to skin irritation. In addition to our AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel, which exfoliates and cleanses, our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, provides light exfoliation. Brighten. As we age, skin can become unevenly toned due to age spots, melasma, etc. The following ingredients can brighten skin: Niacinamide. Lightens skin discolouration and fades age spots by decreasing the number of melanin transferred to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells by more than half. Find niacinamide in A is for Anti-Aging, where it is combined with Phenylethyl Resorcinol, another skin brightening agent and retinaldehyde, for the ultimate in age prevention properties. Vitamin C. Found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, it brightens skin by disrupting the production of melanin, a skin pigment that causes discolouration and age spots. Because the two ingredients above do so much to improve skin’s glow, we’ve combined A is for Anti-Aging and our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum into the Radiant Skin Set. When used together regularly, these serums will help to illuminate your complexion. Expect to see results within a few weeks and optimal results in about three months. Other ingredients that can help to brighten skin include lactic acid, arbutin, kojic acid and licorice. Hydrate. Dry and dehydrated skin looks dull and may even appear more wrinkled. Although you may not need a dedicated moisturizer, it’s important to incorporate products that can help to replenish and lock in moisture. In a previous post we discussed how to choose a moisturizer and our Daily Infusion Moisturizer provides a perfect balance of the 3 types of ingredients needed to keep skin hydrated. Fake It Till You Make It! While you’re waiting for results from topical treatment to kick in, you can rely on make-up, which helps to deliver an instant glow. Look for products that contain minerals like mica, which reflect light to deliver radiant skin allover.
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The Essentials For Smooth Skin On Your Body
If summer living has left you with arms and legs that are dry, rough and/or cracked, learn about the essentials necessary for touchable and smooth skin! *Our Bamboo Lemongrass Body Polish has been discontinued, but consider our Shea Body Butter or Lemon Rose Moisturizing Oil to help keep skin soft and smooth. Shop Lemon Rose Moisturizing Body Oil We’re summer’s biggest fans at Apothekari, but extended sun exposure can do a number on your skin. Unprotected exposure to UVA rays can destroy collagen and elastin, which helps give skin a smooth and resilient texture. Plus, it can make it look and feel drier and rougher. While sun protection is important, it’s also necessary to use products that can help to undo the damage that summer can cause. Learn what they are in this post. What Causes Rough Skin? Your skin’s texture and appearance are affected primarily by its uppermost layer, the stratum corneum, which is made up of dead skin cells along with a mixture of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. These substances help to keep moisture in and irritants out. A build-up of these dead skin cells along with a lack of moisture and hydration are the main reasons that skin appears rough and dry. Low humidity or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or keratotis pilaris, may worsen your skin’s appearance. Plus, the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause may also detract from smooth skin. If you’re after smooth skin, it’s essential to do these 2 things: Exfoliate Moisturize The two products found in our Smooth Skin Body Set can help. Exfoliate for Smooth Skin Gentle cleansing and mild exfoliation help to deliver radiant and smooth skin by removing the dead skin cells on the surface that leave skin looking and feeling rough, dull and dry. Exfoliate either chemically (as with ingredients known as alpha hydroxy acids – AHAs – acids which help to dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together) or mechanically by using scrubs and polishes. Many of us pay attention to our facial skin, but we often overlook our hands and feet – parts of our body that suffer the most wear and tear, especially during the warmer months. Our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish is formulated with walnut shell powder, powdered bamboo and a gentle cleanser to whisk away dead, dry skin cells leaving smooth skin behind. It’s invigorating and refreshing essential oil scent turns a shower or bath into a spa-like event. Moisturizers Lead to Smoother Skin Once you’ve removed the dead skin leading to roughness, it’s important to moisturize. A good moisturizer helps to prevent flaking and dry patches by replenishing and locking in moisture. Whether you opt for a lotion, a cream or a butter, moisturizers help to deliver soft and smooth skin by plumping up skin cells. For best results, apply moisturizers to damp skin as quickly as you can after stepping out of the shower, to trap water and seal it in. Our Shea Body Butter contains healing herbs, fresh oils, natural vegetarian waxes in an organic shea butter base to heal dry, cracked and callused skin. We’ve combined both the Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish and the Shea Body Butter into our Smooth Skin Set so that your skin can benefit from both exfoliation and moisturization on a regular basis. Beauty From Within: Smooth Skin With These 3 Tips Here are 3 additional things you can do every day to ensure smooth skin: Drink Water. (Caution with the caffeinated, sugary beverages or alcoholic drinks) to help hydrate and assist your body’s metabolic processes. Fruits and vegetables count as well – not only are many high in water content (melons, cucumbers, etc), but they are also filled with micronutrients that help to maintain healthy skin. Get Enough Beauty Sleep. A lack of quality sleep increases your body’s production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can increase the inflammatory response in skin and showing up as more acne or skin sensitivity along with psoriasis and eczema. Exercise. Increases blood flow to the blood vessels, helping to provide more micronutrients to skin and enhancing its appearance.
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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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