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This Serum Can Fight Free Radicals
Learn how to fight free radicals, molecules which can damage skin, by adding this serum to your daily skincare routine. Shop Bespoke Vitamin C 15% What Are Free Radicals? ‘Free radicals’ AKA Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) impact our health, including that of our skin. They are created in our bodies as a result of exposure to certain different physical or chemical conditions or illness, including pollution, UV rays, some pesticides and smoke along with the consumption of excess alcohol and some fried foods. Free radicals are thought to contribute to diseases such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders (like rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes and degenerative diseases (Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease) as well as cancer. Age-related changes in our appearance, including a loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, graying hair, hair loss, and changes in hair texture are also thought to be related to free radicals. That’s why it’s important to fight free radicals. How to Fight Free Radicals in Skin Once free radical damage starts, it’s thought that a ‘cascade’ of damage occurs, producing more free radicals and speeding up the process of cell damage. This buildup of free radicals offers one explanation for why even healthy bodies age and deteriorate over time. Antioxidants are highly stable molecules, which donate an electron to free radicals, reducing their path of destruction and thereby lessening the damage they cause. Because they are so stable, antioxidants can do this without becoming free radicals themselves. Our bodies make several important antioxidants – glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase – and we can help to fight free radicals even further by consuming antioxidant rich foods or by applying them topically. One single antioxidant isn’t enough; we benefit from a combination of including the following: Vitamin C Vitamin E Ferulic acid Green Tea Resveratrol Coenzyme Q10. Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum is made with a combination of antioxidants and designed to fight free radicals, promote collagen synthesis, brighten skin tone and improve the appearance of aging skin. It is available in a 10% (sensitive skin) or 15% concentration (non-sensitive skin) and each bottle is made fresh to order, guaranteeing its potency. Apply to skin daily every morning to fight free radicals leaving skin looking more youthful and radiant. Top Tip: Eat Your Antioxidants While the topical application of antioxidants is beneficial to skin, we can’t discount the importance of nutrition. Fruits, vegetables and spices including onion, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger are a major source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Enjoy the variety; it is the spice of life after all!
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3 Essential Skin Care Products for Summer
3 essential skin care products, found in our Anti-Aging Set, are important to protect and perfect skin this summer and year-round. (*Shade SPF 30 and our Anti-Aging Set have been discontinued. Our Radiant Skin Set includes the same 2 serums that were included in our Anti-Aging Set.) SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET Protect Skin & Prevent Damage Hands up if you love the sun! Sunshine and the sun’s heat make us feel good. The sun’s rays may be great for our mental health, but they’re not so kind to our skin. In fact, it’s estimated that unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays are responsible for more than 80% of skin damage. Regular sunscreen use along with topical antioxidants help to protect skin and prevent damage caused by the sun and our environment. Sunscreens, like Shade SPF 30 help to block the UVA and UVB rays that are responsible for sunburn and skin aging. Shade SPF 30 is a naturally safe, mineral-based zinc oxide sunscreen that offers broad spectrum, non-whitening sun protection and should be used every day, year round. Antioxidants work to protect skin from the free radicals that are generated by exposure to UV rays, pollution, smoke and other environmental factors. Free radicals are unstable molecules which harm skin and accelerate aging by destroying substances including collagen and elastin, proteins which are important to maintain youthful looking skin. Our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum is made to order and contains L-ascorbic acid plus additional antioxidants to not only protect skin, but also boost collagen production, brighten skin and moisturize. Essential Skin Care Products To Perfect Skin While preventing skin damage is the first step in keeping skin healthy, it’s also important to support skin with treatments that help to repair and perfect it. This is where retinoids come in. Retinoids, like retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, work by ‘turning on’ genes and cells that are involved in collagen production. Used regularly, this essential skin care product can help to reverse sun damage and promote healthier skin including: Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines Brighten skin Increase skin moisture content and soothe skin irritation Assist in management of acne and blemishes (retinaldehyde has antibacterial activity) A bonus of A is for Anti-Aging is that retinaldehyde is an effective and gentle retinoid, making it suitable for most skin types. 3 Essential Skin Care Products in One Set Because these 3 products – a sunscreen, an antioxidant treatment and a retinoid – are fundamental to great skin, we’ve combined them into our Anti-Aging Set, which currently features a $40 gift certificate. Summertime Skin Care is Year Round Skin Care While we tend to focus on sun protection in the summer, it’s important all year. The sun emits more UVB rays during the summer (UVB rays are responsible for burning) but emits the same amount of UVA rays regardless of season. UVA rays penetrate deeper than UVB rays and are the ones responsible for skin aging including the risk of developing some types of skin cancer. Consider sunscreen the number one essential skin care product and use it every single day!
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Boost Collagen With This Face Serum
Boost collagen with Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging, a face serum that can help keep skin looking healthy and youthful. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation) What is Collagen? Collagen is the protein most abundant in mammals and it’s behind pretty much everything holding you up right now – your bones, skin and muscle. Collagen is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which give strength and structure to tissues. This allows us to remain bendy, bouncy and generally supple. It’s one of the main components of skin but we sadly start to lose collagen as early as our twenties. Over time, this can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and loose skin. Fortunately, we can help to boost collagen levels with a combination of factors including lifestyle changes, sound nutrition plus topical treatments including this face serum, A is for Anti-Aging. Sunscreen and antioxidants are a great first defense against damage to collagen. Exposure to UV rays turns up the production of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), a group of enzymes responsible for the degradation of most of the body’s proteins like collagen. A well formulated sunscreen, like Shade SPF 30, along with an antioxidant treatment can help to neutralize free radicals and quash inflammation. The good news about some antioxidants, like Vitamin C and green tea, found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, is that in addition to protecting against free radicals, they also protect against collagen loss and help to boost its production. Learn more about how to beat sun damage here. This Face Serum Can Help To Boost Collagen While collagen creams are available, the collagen molecule itself is too large to penetrate skin to where it’s needed, deep in the dermis layer. The better way to boost collagen is to apply treatments that contain ingredients which have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen. In addition to antioxidants, peptides plus retinoids have been shown to boost collagen production. Retinoids like prescription retinoic acid or over the counter retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, have been around for a while and have a lot of evidence to support their ability to boost collagen levels. They work by ‘turning on’ genes and cells that are involved in collagen production and also help to organize new and existing collagen. Over time, they can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The biggest downside of retinoids is their ability to cause skin irritation. That’s why we are such big fans of the retinaldehyde found in A is for Anti-Aging, which is not only effective, but also the least irritating of all retinoids. Retinaldehyde is supported by other ingredients that can help to protect and improve skin’s appearance. Lifestyle Factors Beyond protecting collagen in your body with topical treatments, there are other things you can do as well. Smoking, stress, excessive alcohol consumption and a diet high in sugar and processed food can all accelerate the loss of collagen. Consume foods high in lean protein, essential fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, which contain amino acids, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients and help create a foundation for firm skin. Don’t skimp on protein, which is needed to produce collagen. If you’re curious about whether collagen supplements can help to boost collagen levels, know that while the research looks promising, it isn’t yet conclusive. For best results, look for brands that contain hydrolyzed peptides as these are the best way for the collagen stimulating molecules to reach your bloodstream. Other nutrients such as lysine, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and keratin stimulate collagen and vitamin C is essential for its production as well.
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Canada Day Contest - Win! Apothekari Skincare Set
CANADA DAY CONTEST Win! Apothekari Skincare Set As a proud Canadian company (Vancouver based), we are getting into the spirit of Canada Day by celebrating with a contest! Enter for a chance to win an Apothekari skincare set on Facebook and/or Instagram*. ***This contest is now closed! Thank you all for entering and for your great comments! Congratulations to Adela Patoni, the winner of our contest!*** Prize: One lucky winner will receive an Apothekari Anti-Aging Skincare Set (Value $255) filled with essentials for healthy & beautiful skin. Learn how these products can help beat sun damage this summer. This set includes: Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen: Mineral based, non-whitening & broad spectrum sun protection A is for Anti-Aging Serum: Minimize wrinkles, brighten skin & defend against sun damage Bespoke Vitamin C Serum: Protect against free radicals, brighten skin & exfoliate $40 Gift Certificate to apply to a future Apothekari purchase. How To Enter: Our Canada Day Contest is an online contest and you can enter through Facebook and/or Instagram*. Increase your chances of winning by entering in both methods; however, only one entry is allowed for each method. Facebook Entry: Go to the Canada Day Contest post on the Apothekari Facebook page timeline. Complete 2 steps to qualify as one valid entry: LOVE the contest post, and COMMENT by telling us why you love Canada and who you will celebrate with. Instagram Entry: Go to the Canada Day Contest post on the Apothekari Instagram Feed. Complete 3 steps to qualify as one valid entry: FOLLOW us @apothekariskin, and LOVE the post COMMENT by telling us what you love about Canada and tag 3 friends. Bonus Entry: Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for a bonus entry. This information will not be shared with any other party outside of Apothekari. Canada Day Contest Conditions: This contest is run by Apothekari Skincare (Harmani Enterprises Ltd.) Contest closes July 3, 2019 (noon, PST) No purchase necessary to enter. Maximum one entry per person per social media platform. Bonus entry for subscribing to newsletter. Participants must be 19+ and a resident of Metro Vancouver to qualify for the prize and free delivery. One (1) winner will be selected in a random draw from among all eligible entries received via all entry methods and contacted by Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Message or email. The winner’s full name is required before being awarded the prize. Once contacted, the winner will have 24 hours to reply and accept the prize. If the winner does not meet the contest conditions, then there will be a redraw. The winner will be announced on the Canada Day Contest Post on Apothekari Skincare’s Facebook page and Instagram account once the prize has been accepted. Prize must be accepted as awarded. No substitutions. Not redeemable for cash equivalent. The winner’s home address is required for the delivery of the prize. The value of the prize is based on the retail value of the products. The prize package is valued at $255 and contains the items in our Anti-Aging Set, outlined above. If you wish to purchase the Anti-Aging Set, visit our online store at PhaMix.com. *This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. By entering, entrants release Instagram and Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s and Facebook’s terms of use. Apothekari Clean Skincare Formulations You’re concerned about what you put on your skin and we are too. Our clean skincare formulations are made with naturally safe ingredients that are also free from: Aluminum Baking Soda Silicone Parabens Phthalates Formaldehyde Synthetic Colourants Synthetic Fragrances SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) And, Apothekari Skincare products are never tested on animals. Except the human kind, of course! Apothekari Skincare products are registered with Health Canada. Learn more about our philosophy here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography
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Beat Sun Damage This Summer
Sun damage, caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, is one of the main factors involved in aging skin with research showing that it is responsible for more than 80% of the damage. In this post, learn how a combination of the right products (found in our Anti-Aging Set, and which currently features a $40 gift certificate to apply to a future purchase), plus safe sun habits can help you to beat sun damage and minimize its effects, when it occurs. Our Anti-Aging Set has been discontinued, but consider our Ageless Skin Set. Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set The Sun is Your Skin’s Worst Enemy One can’t deny how good sunshine feels on our skin. Yet, UV rays are the primary cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Protecting your skin against sun damage is the most important thing you can do to help keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful, yet most people don’t take this seriously. The sun produces two main types of UV rays that cause sun damage: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are longer penetrating rays, which reach deep into the skin. They can trigger skin cancer and also break down the skin’s supporting network, including the destruction of elastin and collagen, which ultimately leads to fine lines, wrinkles and saggy skin. UVA rays also disrupt melanin, leading to skin discolourations, AKA age spots. UVB rays are shorter rays and they are primarily associated with sunburns. However, they are also responsible for premature aging and skin cancer. Long term exposure to UV rays impacts the skin’s ability to produce components such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, etc., that are essential to its wellbeing. In addition to skin cancer, other undesirable changes may occur: Increased fine lines and wrinkles Uneven skin tone and discoloration Dry, thin and crepey looking skin A build-up of dead, dry skin cells, leaving skin looking dull and lifeless Sunscreens & Antioxidants Protect Against Sun Damage To fight against UV damage, protect your skin with a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Choose a product with a minimum of SPF 30 and use it every day, year round. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 is a zinc oxide, mineral-based sunscreen that is non-whitening and contains additional antioxidant protection. It’s never too late to start using sunscreen and the sooner, the better. Remember to reapply sunscreen if you are going to be outside for a long time or sweating. Don’t forget your lips, ears and the tops of your feet. Antioxidants complement the benefits of sunscreen by helping to defend against the free radical damage that accompanies UV rays. We recommend that you layer on an antioxidant treatment every morning under your sunscreen to take advantage of the one-two punch that you’ll get from this combination. Our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum contains l-ascorbic acid plus an arsenal of antioxidants including vitamin e, green tea extract, ferulic acid and pomegranate seed oil to help protect skin. Each bottle is made to order to guarantee freshness. Correct the Effects of Sun Damage Anti-Aging Set While sunscreen and sun protection are the best way to protect and prevent sun damage, products are available that can help to diminish its impact when it occurs: Retinoids, like retinaldehyde, found in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, visibly diminish the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging by boosting collagen production and increasing skin cell turnover Vitamin C. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, vitamin C can brighten skin and help to make it appear more evenly toned. Find it in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum Treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) help to remove the buildup of dry, dead skin that cause dullness, resulting in more radiant skin. Our Anti-Aging Set contains A is for Anti-Aging (retinoid serum), Bespoke Vitamin C Serum (Vitamin C + antioxidants) and Shade SPF 30 (suncreen). This combination of 3 products is one of the most effective ways to help defeat sun damage. Lifestyle Tips While topical products can help to protect and perfect skin, these tips will go a long way to helping protect skin against sun damage: Cover up with a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves. Seek shade where possible Stay out of the sun during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm Who’s ready for summer?
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How To Reduce Wrinkles
If you’re curious about how to reduce wrinkles, this post explains that. Wrinkles are one of the most common symptoms of aging skin, but using the right products – a sunscreen like Shade SPF 30 and a retinoid like A is for Anti-Aging Serum, can help to reduce them. Shop A Is for Anti-Aging Serum (Our Retinoid Formulation) What is a Wrinkle? Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges in the skin, which tend to appear as we get older. They are most frequently found on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, including the face, the neck and chest, the back of the hands and the arms. Sun damage, smoking, some medications and dehydration along with environmental and genetic factors can influence their development. Facial expressions, such as repeatedly smiling, frowning, or squinting may also lead to fine lines and wrinkles. And, the thinner, drier and less elastic skin that accompanies aging, impact their formation as well. Younger skin has more elasticity, allowing it to spring back. The aging process makes springing back harder and less frequent, resulting in permanent lines aka, wrinkles. Wrinkles – Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Unprotected exposure to UV light is thought to be one of the biggest contributors to wrinkle development. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, which form part of the skin’s supporting network. This damage results in skin that is weaker and less flexible, causing it to droop and wrinkles to develop. This is why sun protection is one of the best things you can do to reduce wrinkles. Wear a broad spectrum, UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day, year round. Shade SPF 30 is a naturally safe, mineral-based (zinc oxide) and non-whitening formulation to consider Cover up with clothing, seek shade, wear hats and sunglasses to protect skin against sun damage Smoking speeds up the aging process by reducing blood supply to the skin. Excess consumption of alcohol can result in dehydration, which causes skin to become dry and appear more wrinkled. And finally, sleeping on your side or face contributes to face lines while repetitive facial expressions (like squinting) overworks facial muscles and can result in grooves beneath the skin’s surface, which eventually leads to wrinkles. Treatments That Reduce Wrinkles When it comes to topical ingredients, there are a few that can help, but retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are supported by the most amount of research to support their efficacy in the reduction of fine wrinkles. They have also been shown to reduce pigmentation and decrease skin roughness. Retinoids include ingredients such as retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinol and retinyl palmitate. They work by increasing the production of collagen and by stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. It takes about three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent and the best results take six to 12 months. The one downside of retinoids is that they can cause skin dryness and irritation so it may be useful to gradually work up to nightly applications, especially if you have sensitive skin. Retinaldehyde, which is found in A is for Anti-Aging is effective and one of the gentlest forms of retinoid available, making it suitable for most skin types. Retinaldehyde has the added benefit of being antibacterial, which delivers benefit to acne sufferers as well. A is for Anti-Aging also contains niacinamide, which can stimulate collagen production. The combination helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that retinoids are broken down in sunlight so apply this serum at night in order to maximize benefits. A two-pronged approach will serve you best when it comes to wrinkle reduction: sunscreen every day in the morning and a retinoid each night.
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Sunscreen Promotion - Be Safe In The Sun!
20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen Promotion Be safe in the sun! Prevent sun damage with a naturally safe sunscreen. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Benefits: Mineral based (zinc oxide) Non-whitening & non-greasyBroa d spectrum UVA/UVB protection Antioxidants defend against free radicals Our sunscreen promotion continues and ends June 7, 2019 or while supplies last. Maximum of 3 sunscreens per customer. More About Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Contains ingredients that heal, soothe and calm skin Health Canada approved sunscreen Physical blocking sun filter is not absorbed into the bloodstream Ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea and/or melasma (hyperpigmentation) 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. Read more about us here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography
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An Exfoliating Face Cleanser for Summer
Our exfoliating face cleanser, Apothekari AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel, is ideal not only for summer, but year round. Regular use will help to keep skin feeling soft and smooth. And, we may be slightly biased, but we have to confess that we are quite partial to its refreshing and soothing mint scent! Shop Aha-Mazing Clean Gel Cleanser Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. A build up of these cells can leave skin looking flaky, dry and even more wrinkled. They can also interfere with the absorption of active ingredients that you apply after. For these reasons, it’s important to remove these skin cells and an exfoliating face cleanser can help. Most skin types benefit from exfoliation if it’s done properly. However, certain skin types, such as sensitive skin, may not be able to tolerate products that exfoliate. In this case, it’s important to do a patch test first to avoid unpleasant side effects such as stinging, burning, redness or irritation. Two Ways To Exfoliate There are two main ways to exfoliate skin at home – mechanically or chemically. Both are safe and effective, and it really comes down to a matter of preference. Mechanical exfoliation involves the use of a tool such as a brush, a sponge or a scrub to help remove the dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation relies on the use of chemicals such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – found in Apothekari AHA-Amazing Clean Cleansing Gel, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA like salicylic acid) or L-ascorbic acid (a mild exfoliant, found in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum), which work to gently dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together. Experts often recommend chemical exfoliation over mechanical exfoliation because chemical exfoliants don’t penetrate very deeply and the results are not dependent on how you apply. When one mechanically exfoliates, it is possible to apply too much pressure or exfoliate for too long with an increased possibility of damaging or irritating skin. In the case of an exfoliating face cleanser, it is rinsed off, so the risk of over-exfoliating is almost non-existent. Besides using a cleanser, you may also choose to exfoliate chemically with a moisturizer, serum or lotion . Tips to Exfoliate To minimize skin irritation and damage, the following tips may help: Don’t Overdo It. Examine the skincare products you’re currently using, including those that are prescription medications or over the counter treatments, such as other topical acids or retinoids. Go slowly, paying special attention to how skin reacts. If your skin becomes red, irritated or you experience more breakouts, it’s a sign to cut back or spread treatments out. The frequency depends on your skin type and what you are using to exfoliate. Be Gentle. This is especially important if you are using scrubs or tools, which rely on pressure. Aim for small, circular motions, followed by a rinse with warm (never hot) water. If you have open cuts or wounds or skin is sunburned, exfoliating can wait. Moisturize. Skin can be dry after exfoliating so apply a hydrating treatment afterwards to maintain skin’s health. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer offers gentle and light hydration that is suitable for all skin types. Our Exfoliating Face Cleanser Regular use of AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel can help to even out skin discolourations, minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and soften and smooth skin. A triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids maximizes its benefits and because it’s a rinse off product, it is well tolerated by most skin types. Use caution with sensitive skin.
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Sunscreen Sale - Get Ready for Summer!
20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Sunscreen Sale Get ready for summer! Protect your face with a naturally safe sunscreen. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Benefits: Mineral based (zinc oxide) Non-whitening & non-greasy Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection Antioxidants defend against free radicals Sunscreen sale ends June 7, 2019 or while supplies last. Maximum of 3 sunscreens per customer. More About Apothekari Shade SPF 30 Contains ingredients that heal, soothe and calm skin Health Canada approved sunscreen Physical blocking sun filter is not absorbed into the bloodstream Ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea and/or melasma (hyperpigmentation) 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. Read more about us here… Photo credit: Yasmeen Strang Photography
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All Skin Needs These 3 Anti-Aging Products
All skin benefits from 3 anti-aging products in order to keep it looking its very best – a sunscreen, an antioxidant treatment and a retinoid. In this post, we’re diving into why these products are so important if you’re interested in maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. (This set has been discontinued. Consider our Ageless skin set instead) Shop Apothekari Ageless Skin Set Here’s How Your Skin Ages Skin ages in two main ways – extrinsically and intrinsically – discussed in detail in an earlier post. Extrinsic aging occurs as result of things happening outside our bodies – UV rays, pollution, smoking & smoke exposure as well as diet and lifestyle. These factors are the biggest contributors to skin aging and can lead to thick and coarse skin, age spots and wrinkles. They can also influence the development of many types of skin cancer. Over time, ultraviolet light can damage elastin, collagen and glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs), proteins and sugars naturally found in skin and which help to keep it firm, supple, hydrated and line free. Intrinsic aging occurs naturally over a period of years and is related mainly to our genetic make-up along with hormonal and metabolic processes. If you’re interested to know more, we’ve written a detailed post on what happens to skin at menopause . Don’t be disheartened, though. If you’ve been dealt a bad hand when it comes to your genes, a healthy lifestyle, along with the right kinds of skincare products, can help to counteract many of the effects of your genes. All Skin Needs These 3 Anti-Aging Products Preventing skin damage is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the long term. Exposure to the sun’s rays is thought to be responsible for more than 80% of skin aging and ultimately leads to skin that is saggy, less resilient, wrinkled and possibly discolored. Anything you can do to protect skin from this damage is your best insurance against the effects of aging. Additionally, products that perfect skin to correct damage or imperfections are just as important. These 3 anti-aging products are the ones backed by clinical research and years of experience as offering the most benefit to skin: Sunscreen. A sunscreen that protects against both UVA (AGING) and UVB (BURNING) rays is essential to any skincare routine. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 delivers just that in a non-whitening, mineral based (zinc oxide), non-greasy formulation. Antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals when we’re exposed to sunlight and pollution, for example. They should be applied to skin every morning along with sunscreen because they help boost the effectiveness of one another. You can find the most widely researched antioxidant, Vitamin C (as L-ascorbic acid) plus a range of other skin beneficial antioxidants such as ferulic acid, green tea, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid and pomegranate seed oil in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, made fresh for each order. Retinoid. We LOVE retinoids at Apothekari! Retinoids are a class of ingredients that are derived from Vitamin A and which include prescription retinoic acid and tazarotene plus over the counter options such as retinol and retinaldehyde. In addition to helping boost collagen and elastic production, they increase skin cell turnover (getting new, healthy skin cells to come to the surface), reverse sun damage and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. We are big fans of retinaldehyde, which delivers results while being one of the gentlest retinoids, making it suitable for most skin types. Retinaldehyde also has antibacterial effects, making it a useful addition to the management of acne. Find retinaldehyde in A is for Anti-Aging, where it is combined with other skin beneficial ingredients. Are you ready to up your skincare game with these 3 anti-aging skincare products?
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A Light Face Moisturizer for Warmer Weather
If you’re looking for a face moisturizer for warmer weather, Apothekari Daily Infusion Moisturizer may be just what you’re looking for. In this post we’re discussing tips to help you find one that’s just right for your skin. Want information about moisturizers in general? Check out this post we wrote earlier. Shop Daily Infusion Moisturizer A face moisturizer is a product that we apply to skin to relieve dryness and make it feel more comfortable. They can range from lighter serums and lotions to heavier and thicker treatments such as petroleum jelly (although this isn’t something we’d recommend!). Water qualifies as a moisturizer, but because it evaporates quite quickly, it’s not very effective on its own. The ideal face moisturizer falls somewhere in between water and petroleum jelly and many customers find that a product like Apothekari Daily Infusion Moisturizer works perfectly for them all year round because it moisturizes without leaving skin feeling greasy. It’s also suitable for all skin types. Moisturizer Ingredients Moisturizers are made up of three main types of ingredients: Humectants. Deliver moisture to skin by either grabbing it from the environment or pulling it from the skin’s deeper layers (dermis) to its surface layers (epidermis). Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), glycerin, propanediol, honey and propylene glycol are all examples. Emollients. Soften and smooth skin by filling in the gaps. May also lock in moisture. Fats and oils like vitamin E, cholesterol, jojoba oil and some silicones are emollients. Emollients may also have occlusive action. Occlusives. Work by forming a thin, oily layer over skin, helping to lock in moisture. They should be applied over damp skin, ideally. Lanolin, beeswax, petroleum jelly and fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are occlusive. Some occlusives may also have emollient activity. The combination and amounts of each ingredient influence how light or heavy a moisturizer feels. A Face Moisturizer for Warmer Weather Humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) changes depending on where you live or the season. Tropical locations and summer often bring higher humidity while winter and desert or cooler climates tend to be drier. A heavy moisturizer (one with more emollient and occlusive ingredients) that was perfect for cooler winter temperatures may feel too heavy now. If you find that your skin is left feeling greasy or oily now that it’s warmer outside, it may be time to revisit the moisturizer you’re using. Opt for one that contains fewer occlusive ingredients and that contains more humectant ingredients. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer has a good balance of humectants (glycerin), light emollients (caprylic/capric triglyceride, coco-caprylate/caprate, squalane) and occlusives (cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, glyceryl stearate) to deliver light moisture that all skin loves. We refer to it as the ‘Goldilocks of Moisturizers’ because most of our customers feel it’s just right! Tips: In order to maximize the effectiveness of your moisturizer, keep the following in mind: Apply over damp skin to lock in moisture. Moisturize as often as you need to. Don’t forget sunscreen to help protect skin against damage from UV rays. Now you and your face are ready for summer!
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How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Face
What is Vitamin C? If you’re serious about skincare, you likely know that vitamin C (as found in our Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum) is a must have in your routine and in this post, let’s help you find the best vitamin c serum for your face. Buy Bespoke Vitamin C 15% Serum Vitamin C belongs to a group of molecules known as antioxidants, substances which stop oxidation, a chemical reaction that results in the production of free radicals. Often referred to as ROS – reactive oxygen species – free radicals are harmful substances which can damage cells. The sun’s UV rays, pollution and cigarette smoke are some of the biggest contributors to the development of free radicals. Antioxidants like vitamin C are able to protect against free radical damage by donating one of their electrons to stop the chain reaction that results in damage. They do this without making themselves unstable. Damaged proteins, lipids and DNA in skin accelerate the aging process resulting in a change in skin structure. They can also trigger inflammation, leading to a breakdown of collagen. The end result? More wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, saggier skin along with some types of skin cancer. Why You Need a Vitamin C Serum Our bodies manufacture some antioxidants, which deliver a range of body-wide benefits, but vitamin C isn’t one of them. In order to obtain adequate amounts of Vitamin C, it’s important to consume foods like fruits and vegetable (citrus fruits, guavas, bell peppers and kiwi fruit contain high amounts), which are rich in this important vitamin. Vitamin C is involved in many bodily processes: Collagen production Neurotransmitter production Plays a role in protein metabolism Assists with wound healing. Its antioxidant properties help limit the damage caused by free radicals and may help to prevent the development of certain diseases including cancer. A lack of vitamin C leads to scurvy, that condition experienced by sailors on long sea voyages in the mid-19th century. Vitamin C Skin Benefits Vitamin C is a normal part of the skin’s makeup, but aging causes a decline. Excessive exposure to UV light, pollution (including smoke and ozone) can also lower the skin’s Vitamin C content. While skin benefits from a vitamin C rich diet, skin care experts agree that topical application is the most efficient way to get good concentrations to skin where it helps in several ways: Limits damage caused by UV rays Contributes to collagen synthesis which helps to support skin Increases skin hydration. Studies suggest that vitamin C helps skin retain moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, it may promote the synthesis of lipids, which helps to further protect against dryness. Skin Lightening/Brightening. Vitamin C reduces the production of melanin, which can help to lighten and brighten skin tone. How to Choose the Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Face L-ascorbic acid is the form of Vitamin C that has the most research to back up its skin benefits, but many other effective forms of Vitamin C are available as well. This includes ascorbyl glucoside, amino ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, etc. All can help skin and should be evaluated individually when deciding which is the best vitamin c serum for your face. If you decide that the best vitamin C serum for your face is one that contains L-ascorbic acid, ensure that you purchase from a reputable brand. L-ascorbic acid, while highly effective, is also notoriously unstable. If a serum you are using contains this ingredient and is dark in colour or smells odd, don’t use it as it has likely oxidized and will be ineffective and potentially harmful to your skin. At Apothekari, each bottle of our L-ascorbic acid serum – Bespoke Vitamin C Serum – is made to order ensuring that every bottle is safe and effective for 6 -8 months after purchase. Vitamin C works best when combined with other antioxidants including Vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10, to name a few. Skin benefits most from formulations containing a combination of ingredients, which work together to deliver benefits. Wherever possible, Vitamin C serums should be applied in the morning prior to UV exposure as UV rays are one of the biggest generators of free radicals. Are you ready to choose the best vitamin C serum for your face?
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