Many women wonder if eye creams are different compared to other facial creams. And the answer is, it depends.

Although skin around the eyes tends to be thinner than that found on the rest of the face, it is the same otherwise. While some individuals find that their regular facial moisturizer works just fine around the eye area, others find that it may be too heavy. This is highly dependent on each individual skin type as well as the formulation of the cream itself. Some face creams may be well tolerated on the rest of the face, but may lead to irritation and/or milia (blocked pores) around the eye area. If you are concerned that this may happen when you apply your regular face cream to the eye area, then do a patch test around the eye area to see if this occurs. If what you're concerned about is dryness and the face cream is well tolerated, then you've just saved yourself the cost (and the additional time) that comes with using two eparate products.

Of course, if what you're after is something to treat a problem associated with the eye area specifically - puffy eyes, under eye dark circles or crow's feet ? then you may need to consider an eye cream designed for this purpose. One caveat: most eye creams do not contain any sun protection. This is problematic since the eye area is one of the first to show signs of aging in terms of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Whether your face cream doubles as your eye cream or you use one specifically formulated for that purpose, find a good UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen that protects your face (including the eye area) and use it every day. An ounce of prevention is worth it and your skin will thank you.

If you are looking for an eye cream, here are some to consider:

? Reversa Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream  This is one of a few eye creams that includes SPF protection along with ingredients that help to moisturize and help diminish appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
? Keys Eye Butter  This wonderfully natural eye cream contains antioxidants and is formulated to help the eye area look brighter.
? Neostrata Dark Circle Night Serum  Vitamin K and retinol have been clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines in the eye area.
? La Roche Posay Redermic Eyes  Vitamin C and madecassoside help to boost collagen production helping to reduce the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles.

View all our eye treatments here  

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 PharmacyMix.com  
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40  at checkout.

During my teen years when I was just learning about how to take care of my skin, I remember reading an article about how to open and close your pores. The theory was that hot water or steam would 'open' your pores and then a splash of cold water would 'close' them up again, making them appear smaller. Made sense to me then.

However, like me when I found out the truth, you may be surprised to hear that pores aren't like doors that can be opened and closed. When we desire having closed pores, it's probably because we just want them to appear smaller. Our pore size (like so many other things about ourselves) is genetically determined. And while pores are nearly invisible when we are young, maturing oil glands cause them to appear larger as we age.

The trick to helping pores look smaller (or closed!) is to help keep them free of debris. Oil and dead skin cells can build up inside a pore causing it to appear larger than it really is. They key is to help get rid of the junk clogging up your pores.

Here are 3 top tips to help:

1.Products containing salicylic acid help to exfoliate surface skin and penetrate pores to help clear up sebum (oil) and other debris (dead skin cells for example) and remove them. Consider products such as La Roche Posay Effaclar line  which contains salicylic acid based treatments, gentle cleansers and oil free moisturizers specifically formulated for oily skin. Neostrata Blemish and Spot Gel  combines salicylic acid and glycolic acid to keep acne and blemishes in check.

2.Oil controlling gels such a Clarex  help to absorb excess facial oil throughout the day

3.Matte foundations and blotting papers are also your friends.

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 PharmacyMix.com  
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40  at checkout.

You may think it's a bit early to be talking sunscreen, but spring break and tropical vacations have had many parents calling for advice and asking about new Heiko SPF 40 Kids Sunscreen  Formulated in Canada, this new brand is made with natural and organic ingredients and do not contain:

- Parabens
- Panthenol
- PABA
- Parsol
- Alcohol
- Nut Oil
- Synthetic Dyes or Fragrances

Heiko Delivers UVA and UVB Protection  

Benefitting from its formulation with zinc oxide, the line provides physical blocking of both UVA and UVB rays. Natural olive and sunflower oils help to moisturize skin and provide water resistant benefits. Natural lavender helps to repel insects. In addition, all Heiko sunscreens are biodegradable and not toxic to fish, sea creatures, coral, lakes or oceans.

Heiko Kids SPF 40 Sunscreen contains 25% zinc oxide and is rated as one of the top 10 sunscreens for safety and efficacy by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Buy online at PharmacyMix.com.  

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 PharmacyMix.com  
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40  at checkout.

f you think I'm making this one up, think again - toilet seat dermatitis is a real condition.

According to a recent article  the condition is one that has existed in medical textbooks, but not commonly seen until now. Harsh cleaning chemicals and exotic wooden toilet seats are thought to be the culprits.

Many cases are seen by pediatricians with some children suffering for years before proper diagnosis. Treatment with topical steroids often resolves cases, but prevention is recommended as the most effective remedy.

Read the full story here  

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 PharmacyMix.com  
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40  at checkout.

If you suffer from scarrring, then you may want to know more about Dermatix Ultra Gel  an improved formula silicone gel treatment for scars that has been shown to reduce the appearance of visible scars by as much as 70%.

Dermatix Ultra is an improved formulation based on the proven properties of Dermatix silicone gel. It contains silicone along with ester C, a stable form of Vitamin C. The silicone used is dimethicone (99. ). In clinical studies, dimethicone has been shown to flatten, soften and smooth scars; relieve the itching and discomfort of scars as well as reduce the redness and discoloration associated with them. Ester C is available as ascorbyl tetra-isopalmitate (0.5 ), a lipid-soluble, non-acidic, and stable form of vitamin C, making it very bioavailable to the skin's cells. Ascorbyl tetra-Iiopalmitate provides powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the healing of scar tissue (by aiding in the stimulation of normal collagen synthesis).

Together, the components deliver a soft, smooth and silky gel with skin protective and reconstructive properties. Dermatix Ultra has been shown to improve the appearance of recent or old scars of any origin. In addition, it prevents the development of abnormal scars. Clinical studies have shown silicone to demonstrate positive effects on scar prevention and treatment, as much as a 70% reduction.

Dermatix Ultra Advantages  

Compared to traditional silicone sheets, Dermatix Ultra silicone gel is transparent, odorless, colorless, dries quickly and may be applied to any part of the body including the face, breasts and joints. It is suitable for all types of skin, all ages and tolerates makeup, making it an excellent choice in preventing and treating scars that result from:

?Surgery
?Cosmetic surgery
?Dermabrasion or laser treatment
?Burns or wounds
?Skin problems such as those stemming from chickenpox
?Acne.

How To Use Dermatix C
Regular use of Dermatix C should result in a reduction of itching and discomfort after four or five weeks. At least two months of continuous treatment (about a 15g tube) should deliver significant improvement in the appearance of the scar.

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 PharmacyMix.com  
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40  at checkout.

Valentine’s Day may be over, but that’s not a reason to ignore an oft neglected body part - our lips.  

At this time of year in particular, when low humidity and low temperatures contribute to skin dryness, the lips can take a beating. Exposure to UV rays (yes, UVA rays are prevalent even during winter), smoke and pollution can take their toll leaving lips looking flaky and dry. This may lead to soreness and or bleeding. Aging can deliver another blow by contributing to a decrease in collagen production resulting in thin, discolored lips, with fine lines and wrinkles surrounding them.

Because skin on the lips is extremely thin and lacks oil glands, it is more prone to dryness and damage than other parts of the body. The daily use of a well formulated UVA and UVB blocking lip balm is important to protect against sun damage. And, supplementing with hydrating lip balms/creams throughout the day and at night will help to provide and seal in much needed moisture.

Combating Lip Wrinkles And Thinness  

If your lips are beginning to thin, you may decide to opt for a surgical treatment with fillers. However, if your budget or your philosophy don't lean this way, you may want to consider non-invasive lip treatments that have recently been introduced. Some lip treatments contain peptides, which have been shown to enhance the production of collagen that naturally declines with aging. Chemical exfoliants (alpha hydroxy acids - AHAs - for example) or manual ones (sugar scrubs, etc) will assist in improving the appearance of lips by removing dead, dry skin cells. AHAs are also thought to boost collagen production helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lips may also benefit from retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, which stimulates collagen production and increases skin cell turnover.

Ingredients such as cinnamon leaf oil or niacin are great as temporary fix for plumper lips. They act as skin irritants, helping to boost circulation to the lip area leaving them looking fuller and redder. Both ingredients can irritate lips if applied over zealously so take care. And, don't apply full strength solutions of either directly to lips as it will be far too irritating.

For lips that rival Angelina Jolie's, here are some products to consider:

? Anthelios Lip Stick SPF 50+  or Antherpos Cream SPF 50  ? UVA/UVB protection and soothing emollients will protect and moisturize
? Neostrata Anti-Wrinkle Lip Enhancer  ? Formulated with peptides, retinol and niacin, this new formulation is ideal for individuals concerned about thinning lips as well as wrinkles and fine lines
? Dr Hauschka Lip Balm  and Dr Hauschka Lipstick  are full of emollient botanicals to sooth irritated dry lips.

View all our lip treatments here  

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 PharmacyMix.com  
For a limited time, Fabulously 40 members save 5% off all purchases. Code fab40  at checkout.