A new poll from Ipsos Reid indicates that, of all the professions, pharmacists enjoy the highest confidence of the Canadian public, even outranking doctors, soldiers, pilots and teachers.

78 per cent of poll respondents said they trust pharmacists the most, followed by doctors (75 per cent), Canadian soldiers (74 per cent), airline pilots (73 per cent) and teachers (65 per cent.) Meanwhile, CEOs, municipal politicians, union leaders, national politicians and car salespeople were ranked in the bottom five out of 26 professions.

All I can say is, Aw Shucks. Thanks for the vote of confidence! I'll always try to be worthy of it.

The poll was conducted between Dec. 14 and Dec. 19 and included 1,021 adults, with a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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.

As temperatures fall into the freezing range, you may be asking yourself if you really need to apply that sunscreen. The answer, unequivocally, is yes!

Whether you want to hear it or not, I dish out advice concerning best practices for your skin. And, applying a good UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen daily, year round, is one of the most important things you can do.

The sun's UV rays are composed of 3 types: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC rays generally burn up before they reach the earth's atmosphere, you should be concerned about both UVA and UVB rays. Summer sun carries both UVA (Aging) and UVB (Burning) rays. In the winter, UVB rays are quite weak, but UVA rays abound. Deeper penetrating UVA rays won't give you sunburn, but they will age your skin.

Think of sunscreen as your insurance policy to minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, saggy skin and costly medical procedures.  It's winter, yes. And you still need your sunscreen.

Check our wide selection of UVA/UVB blocking formulations including Anthelios sunscreensand Ombrelle sunscreensformulated with Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL. View our full range 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.

In some ways you can compare skincare treatments to clothing – they help to protect skin against the elements. In both cases, the concept of layering helps to deliver maximum benefit. Start with lighter layers and build up gradually ending with the most protective one. When it comes to your skin, here's how to do it right:

1.Start with a clean base. Clean skin ensures the optimal absorption of your products. Try a gentle and effective cleanser like La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel. View our full selection of cleansers here
2.Follow with a treatment that has the lightest consistency. In most cases, this will be a serum. Serums are quickly taken in and won't interfere with the absorption of subsequent applications. Right now I'm loving the lightness of apothekari Antioxidant C + Efor its moisturizing, protective and brightening effects.
3.Apply, in order, products from lightest to heaviest. For example a moisturizer, then your sunscreen. NOTE: Sunscreens are a special exception. If your sunscreen is chemical based (Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XLfor example), it should go on directly after your serum followed by any other products. This ensures that the active ingredients penetrate adequately to deliver maximum protection. If your sunscreen is physical(and it is the heaviest in consistency), apply it last.
4.Follow with foundation, concealer and/or make-up.
These 4 simple steps will help you achieve the most benefit from your skin care products.

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.