Blog
Getting Back to Active Living for 2021
We’re always excited to share information about healthy living and this post is no exception. Just last week we teamed up with Jillian Mariani, the founder and general manager of Niyama Yoga Wellness for our Active Living Giveaway. In this post, Jillian shares her take on self-care, something that we take seriously here at Apothekari. We hope that you find it as informative and inspiring as we do. Getting Back to Active Living for 2021 by Jillian Mariani Whew – how glad are you that 2020 is in the rear-view? I don’t think there was ever a year I was so happy to see the end of! It felt almost euphoric to ring in 2021, with hope and positivity and some awesome intentions for making 2021 a truly fulfilling year. But a few days in, like me, you might be feeling a little less euphoric – we are still living in a pandemic world of course, and depending where you live there are months of winter ahead. Most of us are still working from home, and again depending where you live, fitness and yoga studios may be closed making some of those new year’s intentions harder to implement. And the early enjoyment of the convenience of online exercise classes may have totally worn off and you might be feeling challenged to get some movement in each day. When you’re working up a sweat, you want to feel confident that you’re smelling sweet. Our natural deodorants are made with skin friendly and worry-free ingredients. Banish odor all day long with odor neutralizing enzymes and skin conditioning ingredients. Free from aluminum, parabens & baking soda. Smell Fresh & Feel Clean With Our Natural Deodorants! When you’re working up a sweat, you want to feel confident that you’re smelling sweet. Our natural deodorants are made with skin friendly and worry-free ingredients. Banish odor all day long with odor neutralizing enzymes and skin conditioning ingredients. Free from aluminum, parabens & baking soda. Shop All Apothekari Natural Deodorants 5 Tips For Making Movement Part of Your Self-Care But this year, perhaps more than any other year, making movement part of your self-care routine is absolutely crucial. Both physically and emotionally, daily exercise has all benefits and no drawbacks. Here are my top 5 tips for Making Movement Part of Your Self-care this winter: 1. Commit and Schedule It This is key: make it a daily habit that you commit to, and show up for yourself. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity and schedule the time in your calendar at least 5 days out of the week and stick to it. It should be like brushing your teeth or eating meals – you do it because your wellness depends on it. If you really don’t feel up to it that day (hey, I believe in self-compassion too!) do something gentle, like taking a 15-minute brisk walk outside in nature, or taking some restorative poses and meditating. We can all fit that in our day, and if you think you don’t have time, try a day without TV or Netflix or Social Media scrolling. 2. Make it Something You Enjoy Doing something you hate just because you feel it’s good for you won’t last, unless you have superhuman levels of determination. Finding a movement practice you enjoy, whether it is a live online yoga or fitness class, a streamed recorded class, a run, a hike or time spent on an elliptical or stationary bike, will make it so much easier to stick to – you may even wake up looking forward to it. This doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing every day, mix it up if you like, variety is the spice after all, and when most days feel like groundhog day, I personally need to inject some variety into my movement. I personally like to alternate vinyasa-style yoga with barre workouts, and I’m incorporating snowshoeing this winter since the ski hills are closed in Ontario, where I live. 3. Support Your Body with the Right Nutrients, Before and After Exercise Don’t get me wrong, I love coffee. Like really love it. I do have to limit to one per day though, and I just can’t do it before I practice yoga or barre or any type of mindful movement. I am very type A and it just makes my brain run all over the map, so I can’t focus on being present and syncing my breath with movement. But I do need a bit of a motivator before a workout. Which is why I created Green Energy, a clean, plant-based, caffeine-free pre-workout that is actually good for you. Packed with superfood ingredients like spinach, beetroot, maca, acai as well as vegan-sourced amino acids to provide energy and stamina without the jitters. Plus it is vegan, paleo, keto and fasting-friendly with zero sugars or calories, and no artificials. And it’s so delicious that the thought of it actually does motivate me to get into my tights and on my mat. And for after, or as an intra-workout if it’s especially sweaty, I use Niyama’s After Practice Replenish & Repair to help replace electrolytes and support muscle and immune recovery, reducing next day soreness. In a delicious light pineapple coconut flavour, it is seriously refreshing and the l-glutamine and vitamin C help with immune function.I’m also a huge fan of plant protein smoothies, and 90% off the time that is my breakfast. I load up my blender with a scoop of Organic Plant Protein, some frozen berries, and a healthy fat source like a tablespoon of MCT oil or nut butter or ground flax seeds, or a bit of avocado, add a cup of water and blend away. 4. Make it Social If you are finding it hard to motivate yourself alone, enlist a friend or family member. Whether it is joining an online class together but apart, or exercising outdoors in a socially distanced way, making it something you do with someone else can make your workout more fulfilling, and harder to skip. Plus it brings some much needed connection into your day. 5. Take Rest Take a rest day each week – if you function better doing exercise every single day and a day off really throws you, then make one day a week really light – just a walk or some low-impact stretches and let your body rest. And ensure you are getting enough sleep – most adults need 7-9 hours of good quality sleep on a regular basis to function optimally. Don’t Beat Yourself Up And if you miss a few days or have a bit of a lapse, don’t beat yourself up. We are living through very difficult times and just showing up some days (or weeks) is really hard. But get back into it as soon as you can – don’t let days turn into weeks and weeks into months. You will 100% feel better if you get your activity in – your stress levels will be reduced, your mental and emotional health improved and you might even emerge from this with a fitter body, that you feel great living in. About Jillian Jillian Mariani is the founder and general manager of Niyama Yoga Wellness. Jillian spent her 20+ year corporate career in the Canadian Natural Health Supplements category, in sales, marketing and product development with some of Canada’s favourite brands of vitamins and supplements. Jillian holds a BA from UofT, a diploma in Nutritional Management from GBC, an MBA from Schulich School of Business, and a YTT-200H from Downward Dog Yoga Centre. She lives in Toronto with her husband and children, and teaches Vinyasa yoga part-time. In addition to yoga, she enjoys cooking, travel, good books, netflix and turmeric lattes, dark chocolate, and beach walks. About Niyama Yoga Wellness Inspired by the practice of yoga, and clean, active, plant-based living, all Niyama products are vegan, non-GMO and made in Canada. Free from gluten, soy and sugar with no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives.
Learn more
It’s 2020. Permission to Make the Most of the Festive Season!
2020 has been a challenging year for EVERYONE; this year give yourself permission, and make a plan, to really enjoy the Festive Season! As enjoyable as the holidays can be, they can also be busy and stressful. The stresses may be very different this year, but they are real so it’s still important to make time for self care. Take time to rest and rejuvenate, practice mindfulness and movement, and allow yourself to be nourished with food that speaks to your soul. Remember to look after your skin too! At Apothekari, we’re focusing on spreading light and happiness. Let’s take a look at all the festivals celebrated around the world at this time of year. Plus, we’re sharing some of our favorite, indulgent holiday recipes – cause what’s a celebration without food?! We hope that this post inspires you to find some joy during this “most wonderful time of the year”. (Apologies for the cliché). Shop All Apothekari 1. Bodhi Day Celebrated on December 8th each year, Buddhists honor the day that Siddhartha Gautama (the founder of Buddhism, aka Buddha), achieved enlightenment through meditation. ‘Bodhi’ means awakening or enlightenment and it took Buddha 49 days of unbroken meditation to find the root of suffering and how to free himself from it. On this day, Buddhists quietly reflect the ways of enlightenment. While some eat tea and cookies, others decorate a Bodhi tree, the tree that Buddha sat under, while meditating. There aren’t any parades or fanfare, rather a quiet day of meditation. 2. Hannukah Often called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration, which takes place December 10 – 18th, this year. It commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, means “dedication” in Hebrew and begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. The holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah (a nine-branch candelabra), traditional foods, games and gifts. 3. Winter Solstice The longest night of the year falls on December 21st this year, in the Northern Hemisphere. Since ancient times, the Winter Solstice has been recognized and celebrated as the subsequent “return” of the Sun. The traditions have influenced holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah, that we celebrate now. 4. Festivus If you’re a Seinfeld fan, then you’ll be familiar with this one! Taking place on December 23rd, this festival is a form of playful consumer resistance against the commercialization of the Christmas season. It was created by author Daniel O’Keefe and entered popular culture after a 1997 Seinfeld episode. There’s a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength”, and the labeling of easily explainable events as “Festivus miracles.” Yes, it sounds silly, but it does seem like it would be a lot of fun! 5. Christmas Who doesn’t know that this holiday falls every year on December 25th? Christmas is represented by presents and Santa Claus, but its origin is another story. The Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and although the true date of his birth is unknown, the church fixed the date as December 25, a date which corresponds to the winter solstice on the Roman calendar. If this is true, then that means Christmas is also a day to be grateful that the darkest nights have passed and spring is coming. Santa? Today’s character is based on traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop, the British figure of Father Christmas, and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas (based on Saint Nicholas). Holly, jolly Santa Claus is portrayed as a portly, white-bearded man, wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, and he became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century. Christmas is celebrated in countries around the world, even in non-Christian countries, where many of the non-religious aspects, such as gift-giving, decorations, and Christmas trees are embraced. 6. Kwanzaa This annual African-American celebration is held from December 26 to January 1, ending with gift-giving and a feast of faith called Karamu Ya Imani. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966, with the goal to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society. The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits of the harvest”. It was originally meant to be an alternative to Christmas but has turned into a celebration that many African Americans celebrate in addition to observing Christmas. Today, Kwanzaa is also celebrated outside the United States. What’s a Celebration Without Food? 7 Recipes We’re Sharing With You Holidays are made special by food prepared with love and care. They’re the ones that make an appearance for special occasions, and which may appear again and again over the years. Tradition can be very comforting, but there’s something exciting about discovering new things too. I’m adventurous when it comes to food so our holiday cooking involves some tradition plus new discoveries that I think my family will enjoy. These celebratory foods are designed to be shared and enjoyed with those we hold dear (even though we may not be able to see them in person this year). They may not lead to glowing skin, but oh, they will nourish your soul. FREE DOWNLOAD – CLICK HERE
Learn more
Apothekari Reviews: Sharing the Skincare Love
We’re always thrilled (and definitely doing a happy dance) when you review our products and share your skincare love for Apothekari. In this post, here’s just a taste of what our fans are saying. Shop All Apothekari For more Apothekari skincare love, check out all our testimonials. Don’t forget to visit our press page too! Got a review or testimonial you’d like to share with us? Let us know on our social feeds or send us an email.
Learn more
This is How to Show Off Ageless Skin Effortlessly
Ageless skin, skin that’s healthy, radiant and beautiful, is the goal for most of us.
Learn more
Is Organic Skincare Really Better for You?
If you’re paying closer attention to your health these days, you may be curious whether organic skincare is better. In this post, we’re sharing information that we hope you’ll find useful in making that decision. Read on to learn more. Shop All Apothekari Is Organic Skincare Better? It’s difficult to avoid the claims that organic skincare products are better for your skin, but unfortunately, there’s no evidence to support this. In fact, many organic (along with natural, green, etc) ingredients may be bad for your skin, despite claims that the products are safer or better. This isn’t to say that products made with organic or natural ingredients are terrible, because there are many organic ingredients that are great for your skin. However, just because an ingredient is organic, it doesn’t mean it’s good for skin. And just because it’s synthetic, it doesn’t mean it’s bad for your skin. Natural and/or organic ingredients can be harsh, leading to skin irritation and sensitivities that can get worse over time. This isn’t an issue with organic ingredients only – even synthetic ingredients can be problematic. Ingredients like essential oils, fragrances, harsh cleansers and very low pH or high pH ingredients (like baking soda) may cause skin reactions. On the other hand, there’s also a long list of natural and/or organic ingredients like chamomile, shea butter, some plant oils and turmeric that are great for skin. What to Look For If you’re set on using only organic skincare products, then purchase from reputable companies. These are the ones that know what they are doing – they’re experienced with ingredients and how to incorporate them into safe, stable and effective formulations. They won’t make unsupported and absurd claims. And, they won’t try to frighten you about your skincare choices. The regulations around organic skincare aren’t very clear or strict. Sad, but true, it’s possible that an organic skincare product may contain just one or two organic ingredients. The best way to know that you’re getting what you pay for is to look for certification. Criteria vary depending on the certifying body so get to know them. Organic Skincare Certification Programs The European certifications are most stringent and include: Ecocert Cosmos BDIH UK Soil Association Natrue In the USA, organic cosmetics aren’t regulated by the FDA, rather the USDA program. This means that some organic beauty products are regulated, certified and labeled through the USDA and follow the same certification standards and labeling guidelines as organic food. However, some organic beauty products are certified to independent standards with third-party verification of their ingredients and processing methods. Check to be sure. Whether due to blissful denial or because they don’t know the research, lots of cosmetic companies sell products with ingredients that aren’t really organic or that are a problem for skin. Conversely, just because an ingredient isn’t organic doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or a problem for skin. Let’s set the record straight!
Learn more
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!
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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!
Learn more
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?
Learn more
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?
Learn more
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!
Learn more
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?
Learn more