Pharmacymix.com, Skin Care Pharmacy and Blog Specializing in Anthelios and Mexoryl Sunscreens

Fall Is On Its Way…

One thing I always forget during the summer is how the weather can change so quickly during the days leading into fall. Weeks of sunny days and glorious temperatures can suddenly give way to crisper mornings and evenings and here in the West Coast, rain. Which is exactly what happened yesterday.

While I mourn the impending loss of summer (it’s my favorite season after all – give me beaches and the tropics over a skiing holiday anytime), fall’s arrival isn’t necessarily all bad. Fall fashions hit the stores and Hallowe’en and Christmas are around the corner (especially magical when kids are involved). Snuggling up under a blanket reading a good book holds an appeal that just can’t be matched in warmer weather. I’m also more productive as fall approaches both at work and at home.

Like Spring, Fall is a great time to take stock of things. Cleaning out closets, getting back to an exercise routine and fine tuning your diet. It’s also the perfect time to revisit your skin care regimen. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity may cause havoc with skin leaving you to reassess your product choices. Skin often becomes drier and may require exfoliation and more emollient products. For Fall skin care tips, read more here.

Summer isn’t over yet, though. Today it’s sunny. Enjoy the rest of summer.

The Best Anti Aging Cream?

If you peruse the cosmetics counter or the internet on a regular basis, then perhaps you’ve discovered the best anti aging cream. Not a product containing an incredible superfood/antioxidant from the Amazon, a novel molecule developed in a secret laboratory or an innovative method of delivering the active ingredient. The best anti aging cream is boring and old hat – sunscreen.

While it shouldn’t really surprise you, many individuals are still taken aback when they discover that managing exposure to sun is the best way to keep skin young and healthy. Why? Simple. Studies show that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are responsible for more than 85% of skin aging. From wrinkles and fine lines to skin discolorations and saggy jowls, minimizing sun exposure will not only decrease chance of sunburn, but also help to reduce the more chronic effects of sun exposure such as premature aging and the risk of developing some types of skin cancer.

Sunscreen should be the foundation for any good anti aging skin care regimen. Look for one that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays as found in a brand like Anthelios sunscreens. Depending on your skin type and needs, add in gentle cleansers, antioxidants to fight free radical damage, exfoliants, moisturizers and targeted treatments as needed. Once you discover that the best anti aging cream is probably You’ll discover that ed. Good skin care isn’t that complicated.

Impetigo: A Skin Infection

Seen most commonly in children, impetigo is a skin infection that is very contagious.

Appearing as either blistering or non-blistering types, the Staphylococcus bacteria is the most common cause, but Streptococcus pyogenes may also be responsible. Impetigo is more common in warm climates with high humidity. Skin trauma may associated with its development and direct contact hastens its spread.

In children, fever may accompany blisters or small pustules, which are typically found on the face around the nose, mouth and the extremities. Untreated impetigo may resolve on its own, however topical antibiotics may be used as they tend to be very effective. More extensive cases may require treatment with oral antibiotics for resolution.

Definining Sun Damaged Skin

In discussions about aging skin, you will often hear about sun damaged skin. Also known as photo damage, sun damage may be either acute or chronic.

Acute sun damage presents itself in the way of a sunburn, an experience which many of us are only too familiar with. Chronic sun damage occurs gradually, as a result of long term unprotected exposure to UV rays. The results of chronic sun damage (often referred to as photo aging)include wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, changes in skin texture and an increased risk for the development of some types of skin cancers.

If you live in a sunny climate, you are particularly at risk for developing sun damaged skin. The same is true if you spend a lot of time outdoors. You are also at risk if you vacation frequently in tropical areas, without protecting yourself against UV rays. Keep in mind that sun exposure that results in a tan is indicative of sun damaged skin. There is no such thing as a safe tan.

Other risk factors include fair skin and tanning studios.

Your best bet in protecting against sun damaged skin is prevention. Minimize your exposure to UV rays and protect yourself with shade, clothing and a good sunscreen when you can’t.
Read our article on how to treat sun damaged skin here.