Until recently, near-infrared light (from 700–4000 nm on the spectrum) was considered more or less harmless to the body. Now scientists aren't so sure.

A new study published in the Journal of Pharmacological and Biophysical Research suggests that near infrared light (IRA) reaches more deeply into the skin than UV rays, causing damage to connective tissue and releasing free radicals.

This means more rapidly aging skin as well as increased risk of some types of skin cancer.

What can you do?

The study concludes, "An effective, feasible approach is the topical application of mitochondrially targeted antioxidants." Antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C or E prevent free radical damage to cells by mopping up the molecules that damage collagen and elastin fibers in the body. Using a serum which contains stable forms of Vitamin C, E or A will boost the practical power of your sunscreen, reducing damage generated by IRA. We stock a wide range of antioxidant serums and creams including our popular line of apothekariserums and gels. View our full selection of antioxidant formulations 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.

Celebrities including Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Hasselback, Zooey Deschanel and now even Miley Cyrus are going gluten free. The latest food fad – or could going gluten free really be good for your health?

A protein found in grains including wheat, rye and barley, gluten gives elasticity to baked goods, helping them to rise and keep their shape and also resulting in that chewy texture we associate with freshly baked bread. Gluten containing food tastes good – pizza, croissants, bagels – who can argue that? But, research is starting to show that gluten found in food may not be very good for us. In its most severe form, individuals who are gluten sensitive develop Celiac disease, an immune disorder that can result in bloating, diarrhea, fatigue and a host of other health problems including osteoporosis and internal bleeding. Once diagnosed with Celiac disease, you must avoid all gluten containing foods to reduce the risk of severe health problems such as:

•Type 1 diabetes
•Autoimmune thyroid disease
•Autoimmune liver disease
•Rheumatoid arthritis
•Addison's disease, a condition in which the glands that produce critical hormones are damaged
•Sjögren's syndrome, a condition in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed
Even if you aren't diagnosed with Celiac disease, you may have a milder gluten sensitivity or intolerance, which causes symptoms including skin problems, headaches, brain fog and pain.

What The Experts Say

Some experts caution against going gluten free just because it seems that everyone else is doing it. They maintain that vitamin and mineral deficiencies will develop if your alternate diet isn't well planned. Or that you may gain weight, choosing to fill up on gluten-free versions of breads, cakes and cookies that are loaded with starches, sugar and fat. Whole grains (gluten containing or not) are a source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. However, if you're giving up gluten to feel better, the hope is that you'll steer towards healthier choices including more fresh vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. If that's the case, you'll get more than your fair share of the recommended daily allowances of essential nutrients, including plenty of fiber.

On the other end of the spectrum, meet Dr William Davis. A doctor who practices preventive cardiology in Wisconsin, Davis contends that it's not just gluten, but wheat itself that is detrimental to health.  Modern day wheat has been hybridizedto create a grain that spikes blood sugar higher than a Snickers bar, plays havoc with the intestinal system and with the brain, resulting in a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis. The list goes on. While he holds the wheat grain responsible as the biggest culprit, he cautions that the consumption of all grains are associated with adverse health effects. For this reason, Davis recommends minimizing grain consumption and loading up on vegetables and lean protein instead. He also advises going easy on the fruit. Loaded with sugar, it isn't always the healthiest option especially if consumed in large quantities. Davis espouses his philosophy on his blog Wheat Belly
Is Gluten Free Right For You?  

Some health professionals maintain that over 90% of gluten sensitivity (whether Celiac disease or intolerance) is undiagnosed! If you think that you may be one of those individuals you may want to ask your doctor to test for Celiac disease. If tests come back negative, consider an elimination diet to help determine if you have a sensitivity. Give up all gluten containing products (anything with wheat, rye or barley) for a few weeks and gradually reintroduce them to see if you experience any side effects.

While the thought of giving up your morning toast may sound alarming, think again. Gluten free products have come a long way. Supermarkets shelves are stocked with breads, pizza crusts, cookies and cakes. If you're a baker, then the internet is loaded with sites that will help you create the perfect flour blend for your favorite treats. Of course, you could just forgo baked goods in general and load up on vegetables instead. Your waistline will thank you and your health may improve.

Let us know. Are you gluten free?

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 ever wonder whether you're doing it right – applying your sunscreen that is – you may be happy to know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing new guidelines geared to helping protect consumers from skin cancer through clearer labeling on sun protection products. The guidelines take effect June 18, though it will take some time to filter through to store shelves.

Cause for concern is that the sun's UV rays are comprised of both UVA and UVB rays. And if you're judging a sunscreen by existing guidelines, namely the SPF (sun protection factor) rating, then you only know how much protection it offers against UVB rays – those that cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging. UVA rays can also penetrate through clouds and windows and they are prevalent year round. Both types of rays contribute to skin cancer.

Sunscreen products will have to pass a new FDA test that allows them to be labelled as "broad spectrum", followed by its SPF (sun protection factor), to indicate that it offers effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The FDA is also considering a proposal to cap the SPF indicator at "50+" (similar to the European Union) based on research that anything higher than 50 is only marginally better. For the very low SPF products (those that do not pass the broad spectrum test or have an SPF of 14 or lower), they will be required to carry a warning that reads, in part, "This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging."

Skin care experts recommend wearing a sunscreen every day, year round. Yet, it's estimated that only 1 in 5 people wear sunscreen properly on a consistent daily basis. You should apply a small shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover face, ears, neck, hands and any other exposed skin, but people typically wear about a half to a third of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which results in them only getting a half to a third of the coverage they think they're getting. Suddenly, an SPF 30 product, will only deliver SPF 10 or 15 protection.

Want to buy a sunscreen that delivers excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays and that already meets proposed FDA guidelines? Consider our full line of Anthelios sunscreens Formulated with Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL, they come in a range of formulations to suit all skin types.

Read more 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 spring allergies are wrecking havoc with your life, consider Drixoral Cold and Sinus An effective and trusted antihistamine and decongestant combination, Drixoral is formulated with two powerful medicines including an antihistamine and a decongestant to deliver fast 12 hour relief from nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itchy watery eyes.

The rapid action found in Drixoral is due to a fast dissolving first layer, which is rapidly absorbed to deliver quick relief. A second layer dissolves slowly to provide relief for up to 12 hours.

Pseudoephedrine's decongestant action helps to temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies along with those associated with sinusitis. It also reduces swelling of nasal passages and shrinks swollen membranes temporarily restoring freer breathing through the nose.Dexbrompheniramine maleate's antihistamine action alleviates runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy and watery eyes as may occur in allergic rhinitis (such as hay fever).

Drixoral should be taken as directed. Adults and children 12 years and over – one tablet every 12 hours, not exceeding two tablets in 24 hours. A doctor should be consulted when children are under 12 years of age. Because of its long action and layered technology, the tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed or dissolved. If taken as direction Drixoral is safe, however side effects may occur. Nervousness, dizziness and sleeplessness are reasons to discontinue use and consult a doctor. It's recommended that you read the package insert carefully prior to use especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medication.

For other wellness needs, check out our medicine cabinet 

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.

We're thrilled to introduce the latest product in our line-up of apothekari Skincare products – our Antioxidant Firming Eye Gel Formulated with scientifically proven ingredients, our new eye gel helps prevent the signs of aging while correcting existing photodamage. Eyes will have restored freshness and vibrancy. Suitable for all skin types, apothekari Antioxidant Firming Eye Gel is especially good for dry, sun damaged, and photo-aged skin at the eyes.

Apothekari Antioxidant Firming Eye Gel contains 4 key ingredients:

1.Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. It enhances collagen production, helping to improve the skin's elasticity. It also diminishes hyperpigmentation, erythema, and skin redness. Apothekari Antioxidant Firming Eye Gel contains 5 stable vitamin C
2.Ferulic acid is another powerful antioxidant, very effective at preventing sun damage. Studies demonstrate that exposure to ultraviolet light increases the antioxidant capacity and efficacy of ferulic acid. Ferulic acidincreases the antioxidant ability of vitamins C and vitamin E when combined with them. It not only prevents premature signs of photo-aging, but also prevents the formation of cancerous cells in the skin.
3.Hyaluronic acidnaturally occurs in the body and is responsible for tissue hydration and lubrication within the extra-cellular space of bodily tissues. Able to hold 500 times its own weight in water, this powerful moisturizer helps to retain water both above and below the skin surface keeping skin looking plumped and well hydrated.
4.Algae extractacts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It also stimulates collagen synthesis, strengthening connective tissues and providing an immediate and long-term skin tightening effect.
To use apothekari Antioxidant Firming Eye Gel, apply 3 to 4 drops twice daily to the skin adjacent to and underneath the eye area, avoiding direct contact with eyes. For optimal results, and to boost the product's benefits, use together with a broad spectrum sunscreen and an apothekari antioxidant serum 

Please click here to investigate more eye treatments 

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.