When it comes to evaluating skin care products, my training as a pharmacist has prepared me well. I know how individual treatments work; how they interact with other medicines; and what to avoid if you have a health condition. I know what can be treated with over the counter medicines and when it's time to seek your doctor's help. And, my spider sense tingles when something sounds too good to be true.

I take the same care in recommending skin care products as I would in determining the best cough syrup, correct supplement dosage or most effective pain medication to suit your needs. Everyone is unique and their requirements will be different too.

Here are 5 guidelines I use to screen the products you'll find at PharmacyMix:

1.Does It Work? I scour the internet, read journals and rely on personal experience to gauge the efficacy of treatments we offer here. If a product's ingredients don't make sense from a clinical perspective then I won't recommend it. What you won't find are bust enhancement creams, potions that claim to flatten your tummy or chase away your cellulite. Our store is filled with gentle cleansers, effective sunscreens, potent serums and soothing moisturizers – products that are important to great skin.
2.Is It Safe? If skin care products contain ingredients that come with dangerous side effects, you won't find them at our store. This isn't to say that you will never experience a side effect with anything we sell — all treatments, whether applied topically or ingested orally have the potential for side effects in susceptible people. However, if used as directed and tested first, there's little to be concerned about.
3.Is It Well Preserved? Just as important as the safety and efficacy of active ingredients is the preservative system used to keep them safe over time. Bacteria and other nasty things are not what you want growing in your eye cream.
4.Would I Use It Myself? I'm not in the business of trying to flog the trendiest ingredients or most celebrity endorsed products around. If a product isn't something that I'd consider using or recommend to my family and friends then I won't recommend it to you. I want you to use products that deliver results so that you'll feel confident in coming back to us.
5.Does It Come From A Good Source? The internet makes it easy to provide fraudulent or poorly manufactured goods. We know our suppliers and are confident that you're getting the real deal.
Choosing the right products for your skin can be confusing. Some companies will try to mystify you with complex marketing jargon in the hope that they'll overwhelm you with nonsense. At PharmacyMix, I ensure that each and every product we carry is safe and effective. If it isn't going to benefit your skin or your health, you won't find it here. Whether you're a long time customer or new to PharmacyMix, we can't wait to help you find the products that are right for you.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at [Link Removed]
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40 at checkout.

Pharmagirl, Your links have been removed, please consider upgrading to premium membership.