Summer may be over, but don't forget to wear your sunscreen. While the sun's UVB rays may be waning, UVA rays (the ones that contribute to wrinkles, saggy skin, age spots, etc) are prevalent year round.  

You may be interested in using products that incorporate fewer chemical ingredients (and with increasing evidence that some of them may contribute to short and long term health problems who could blame you). If you're assessing your sunscreen options, then you may be wondering whether to choose a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or one that contains titanium dioxide.  

Natural sunscreens that rely upon the use of physical sunscreen filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide work by sitting on top of the skin and providing a barrier against UV rays, deflecting them away from the skin and preventing any harm. Chemical sun filtering agents on the other hand, work by being absorbed into the skin's top layer and deflecting UV rays or absorbing their energy and converting them into something harmless.

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide?  

The main difference between zinc oxide and titanium dioxide lies in the range of UV protection that they provide. Zinc oxide protects against the full UVA and UVB range; it covers from 290 to 380 nm. In fact, it is the only sun filtering agent (physical or chemical) that delivers such broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Titanium dioxide, on the other hand, protects well against UVB rays and short UVA rays, but not against longer UVA rays. For this reason, sunscreens containing titanium dioxide won't protect skin adequately against UVA rays and should incorporate UVA blockers such as zinc oxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX.  

If you've been using a non-chemical sunscreen formulated with titanium dioxide, you may have difficulty finding it. That's because recent changes to sunscreen regulation in the European Union require certain levels of UVA protection. Up until now many natural sunscreens in Europe have been using titanium dioxide as the only sun filtering agent. According to new regulations, this cannot deliver sufficient UVA protection and for this reason, many European manufacturers have had to pull their sunscreens off the shelves.

If you're interested in natural sunscreens, formulated without the use of chemicals, check out 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 .
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I've added a special promotion code for everyone at Fab40. All members can save 7% shopping at PharmacyMix.com by typing in the promo code 'fab40' at checkout. Savings apply to everything in the store, including sales or specials.  

Happy Monday!

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 .

Fabulously 40 members save 7% off all purchases, every day. Code fab40 at checkout.

Ringworm (Tinea corporis) is an infectious skin condition caused by a fungus. It is commonly known as athlete's foot (when the fungus infects the feet) or jock itch (when the infection occurs on the groin area). Men are more commonly affected than women.

What Causes Ringworm?  

Ringworm is inappropriately named as the infection is not caused by a worm, rather a fungus. The fungi that cause ringworm grow best in warm, moist areas found in locker rooms, swimming pools and the folds of skin. It is contagious and spreads via skin-to-skin contact with either an animal or person that has the infection. Towels, clothing or sporting gear can also spread ringworm.

Ringworm Symptoms  

The most common symptom of a ringworm infection is a rash that itches. While the rash often appears as a ring, this isn't always the case.

Jock itch affects the skin folds of the groin and it can spread to the inner thighs or buttocks. A ringworm infection on the hands appears like athlete's foot, leaving the skin of the palm to appear thick, dry and scaly. Skin between the fingers may be moist with open sores.

Ringworm Treatment  

In most cases, ringworm can be treated with over the counter topical anti fungal creams or sprays such as Micatin. While relief is often fast, treatment should be continued for the full treatment period to ensure eradication of the fungus. In this way, re-infection is less likely. Infections that don't respond to topical creams may require treatment with oral prescription medications.

Ringworm is best avoided by keeping skin dry. Dry skin thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Try not to share personal items with others.

Ringworm infections left untreated can become infected and may require treatment with antibiotics.

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.
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While I'm not completely sold on organic skin care (I don't think the standards have evolved enough to always justify the premium pricing), I am sold on skin care that contains effective ingredients, without the nasty stuff. For that reason, I've been sourcing more 'natural' skin care products for my online store. One new line that I'm excited to introduce is Marie Veronique Organic Sunscreens .

Beyond just another organic skin care product, Marie Veronique Organics sunscreens are a range of sun protection products that are not only safe, but effective as well. The sunscreens contain non-micronized, non-nanoparticle zinc oxide to deliver broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. In fact, the Environmental Working Group has rated Marie Veronique Organic sunscreens to be amongst the 10 safest and most effective sunscreens available.

Zinc Oxide and Antioxidant Formulation  

Zinc oxide is the only sun filter (chemical or physical) that delivers protection against the full UVA and UVB spectrum ? from 290nm up to 400 nm. This ensures that skin is protected not only against sun burn, but also against the long term damage associated with exposure to UVA rays ? skin damage, wrinkles, age spots, skin discoloration and some types of skin cancer. If your sunscreen contains only titanium dioxide (the other natural sun filter), you are not getting full UVA/UVB protection.

Marie Veronique sunscreen formulas are non-comedogenic and recommended for use in all skin types. The addition of a green tea base boosts the sun protection level and also helps to protect against free radical damage that may be generated by exposure to UV rays. Marie Veronique's Sun Serum and Cr?me de Soleil products contain the benefits of zinc oxide combined with essential fatty acids necessary for powerful anti-aging support such as the richly emollient and healing emu oil and the essential oil helichrysum, known for its anti-inflammatory and skin regenerative properties. The formulations are rounded off with antioxidants including pomegranate seed and red raspberry oils. Marie Veronique sunscreens are free from harmful chemicals, parabens, fillers, waxes or fragrances.

Choose From  

We stock a select range of these luxuriously effective multi-purpose sun protection, anti-aging and antioxidant formulations:

• Marie Veronique Sun Sun Serum SPF 20 : Marie Veronique's lightest sunscreen which combines the sun protection power of zinc oxide with the benefits of a potent anti-aging serum. Perfect for everyday moisturizing and protection ? this product can be used every day as a moisturizer with SPF protection. I'm using this one every day!

• Cr?me de Soleil SPF 30 : Made with zinc oxide, EFA rich emu oil and pearl powder. This light screen protects, repairs sun damage, moisturizes, and gives your skin a lustrous finish

• Cr?me de Soleil Tinted SPF 30 : made with zinc oxide, EFA rich emu oil and pearl powder. This light screen protects, repairs sun damage, moisturizes, and gives your skin a lustrous finish. Tinted lightly with the addition of iron oxides.

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 .
Fabulously 40 members save 7% on all purchases every day! Code *fab40  at checkout.*

When I was in my early 30s I toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo. Recently relocated to London, which had been dubbed the coolest city in the world, it seemed like the it would be the right thing at the right time. Although a bit late in life to consider indulging in what may be construed as a bit of rebellion, my husband talked me out of it, asking me to consider how I'd feel when I was 80 and sporting a tattoo (a very tasteful tattoo, I might add) above my derriere.

It didn't take much to talk me out of it. Life moved on and and I never had regrets; at least no major ones. And good thing too; a recent article in The Globe and Mail quotes a tattoo artist as stating that a tattoo above the 'butt cleavage' was coined a 'tramp stamp', leaving many women wishing they hadn't. Apart from pigeonholing the wearer, the tramp stamp comes with another side effect ? during childbirth an anesthetist will not go through the tattoo to administer an epidural. If you've been through childbirth, you'll understand why you really want to avoid having a tattoo here.

The Globe and Mail article also states that aging can really have significant impact on a tattoo, "If a woman gets a butterfly on her breast, there's a good chance in a few decades it's going to be a pterodactyl". In fact, distorted tattoos are one of the most common reasons that individuals seek a dermatologist's help in tattoo removal.

While tattoos can be removed, the process is not only painful, but costly and time consuming. In an earlier post I discussed the options involved in tattoo removal (http://blog.pharmacymix.com/how-to-remove-tattoos), but you may want to save yourself a headache down the road by carefully weighing your options. While dermatologists are leery of tattoos, some suggest that if you decide you must have one, that you should consider using a new type of ink called Freedom2. Developed by a Harvard dermatologist, it uses vegetable dyes encapsulated in a plastic polymer that is easily broken down by lasers.

Read the full article here - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/laser-treatment-isnt-a-quick-fix-dermatologists-warn/article1217278/.

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 and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .

Glycoproteins are proteins that contain a carbohydrate attached to a protein. They are important in maintaining the health of cellular proteins and play an important role in communication between cells. In addition, glycoproteins may combine with sugars to form substances that help to keep skin cells and the skin's structure healthy and intact.

Glycoproteins and Wrinkles

Recently, glycoproteins have been promoted in skin care products for their ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. While the use of glycoproteins to maintain the health of skin is certainly useful ? it can help to manage dry skin, for example ? at present there is no research to support their use in the treatment of wrinkles.

When you understand what causes wrinkles , you'll appreciate why glycoproteins can't deliver much in the way of help. In order to keep your skin youthful and healthy, follow these basic guidelines:

• Minimize exposure to UV rays by seeking shade, covering up and using a broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen daily. Choose from a range of effective products including Anthelios sunscreens , Marie Veronique Organic sunscreens , Keys Solar Rx


• Incorporate antioxidants such as Vitamin C , which can help to boost the production of collagen that naturally diminishes as we age. As well, antioxidants fight free radical damage associated with the premature aging of skin


• Eliminate the use of harsh, irritating skin care products, including cleansers that strip skin



Until research is available to show that glycoproteins can help to fight wrinkles, stick to the basics. There are many effective ingredients on the market - don't buy into the hype.
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 and a wellness consulting practice at MidlifeBalance.com .