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

Drugs that may cause photosensitivity

Photosensitivity may be defined as sensitivity of the skin to a light source. And people with particular skin types tend to be more sensitive to sunburn. Photosensitivity can take a number of forms:

• Medications may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight; these include most of the tetracycline antibiotics, birth control pills, antihistamines, antidepressants and many retinoids (such as Vitamin A derivatives).
• Certain medicals conditions lead to increased light sensitivity. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus experience skin symptoms after sunlight exposure; some types of porphyria are aggravated by sunlight.
• As well, all types of skin cancer are linked to excessive sunlight exposure, and the rare hereditary condition xeroderma pigmentosum (a defect in DNA repair) can accellerate this risk.

You may have heard the terms “photoallergy” or “sunlight allergy”, to describe many of the conditions mentioned above. However, there is in fact no actual allergy in the technical sense of the word.

Four-hundred drugs are known to cause lightsensitive and photo-allergic reactions. If you’re not sure whether any of your medications are likely to cause photosensitivity, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

The use of a well formulated broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays such as Anthelios or Cotz SPF 58 becomes even more important if you are using any photosensitizing medications.

Here are some of the more common photosensitizing medications, listed by generic name.

ACAMPROSATE	ACETAMINOPHEN
ACETAZOLAMIDE	ACETOHEXAMIDE
ACYCLOVIR	ALDESLEUKIN
ALITRETINOIN	ALLOPURINOL
ALMOTRIPTAN	ALPRAZOLAM
AMANTADINE	AMILORIDE
AMINOLEVULINIC ACID	AMINOSALICYLATE SODIUM
AMIODARONE	AMITRIPTYLINE
AMOBARBITAL	AMOXAPINE
ANAGRELIDE	ANTHRAX VACCINE
ARSENIC	ATAZANAVIR
ATENOLOL	ATORVASTATIN
ATROPINE SULFATE	AZATADINE
AZATHIOPRINE	AZITHROMYCIN
BENAZEPRIL	BENDROFLUMETHIAZIDE
BENZTHIAZIDE	BENZTROPINE
BERGAMOT	BETAXOLOL
BEXAROTENE	BIMATOPROST
BISOPROLOL	BROMPHENIRAMINE
BUMETANIDE	BUPROPION
BUTABARBITAL	BUTALBITAL
CAPECITABINE	CAPTOPRIL
CARBAMAZEPINE	CARISOPRODOL
CARTEOLOL	CARVEDILOL
CEFAZOLIN	CEFTAZIDIME
CELECOXIB	CETIRIZINE
CEVIMELINE	CHLORAMBUCIL
CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE	CHLORHEXIDINE
CHLOROQUINE	CHLOROTHIAZIDE
CHLOROTRIANISENE	CHLORPHENIRAMINE
CHLORPROMAZINE	CHLORPROPAMIDE
CHLORTETRACYCLINE	CHLORTHALIDONE
CINOXACIN	CIPROFLOXACIN
CITALOPRAM	CLEMASTINE
CLOFAZIMINE	CLOFIBRATE
CLOMIPRAMINE	CLOPIDOGREL
CLORAZEPATE	CLOZAPINE
CO-TRIMOXAZOLE	COLCHICINE
CORTICOSTEROIDS	CROMOLYN
CYCLAMATE	CYCLOBENZAPRINE
CYCLOTHIAZIDE	CYPROHEPTADINE
DACARBAZINE	DANAZOL
DANTROLENE	DAPSONE
DEMECLOCYCLINE	DESIPRAMINE
DEXCHLORPHENIRAMINE	DIAZOXIDE
DICLOFENAC	DIFLUNISAL
DILTIAZEM	DIMENHYDRINATE
DIPHENHYDRAMINE	DISOPYRAMIDE
DOCETAXEL	DONG QUAI
DOXEPIN	DOXYCYCLINE
DULOXETINE	EFAVIRENZ
ENALAPRIL	ENOXACIN
EPIRUBICIN	EPOETIN ALFA
ESOMEPRAZOLE	ESTAZOLAM
ESTROGENS	ETHACRYNIC ACID
ETHAMBUTOL	ETHIONAMIDE
ETODOLAC	FELBAMATE
FENOFIBRATE	FLOXURIDINE
FLUCYTOSINE	FLUOROURACIL
FLUOXETINE	FLUPHENAZINE
FLURBIPROFEN	FLUTAMIDE
FLUVASTATIN	FLUVOXAMINE
FOSINOPRIL	FURAZOLIDONE
FUROSEMIDE	GANCICLOVIR
GATIFLOXACIN	GEMIFLOXACIN
GENTAMICIN	GLATIRAMER
GLIMEPIRIDE	GLIPIZIDE
GLYBURIDE	GLYCOPYRROLATE
GOLD And GOLD COMPOUNDS	GOLDENSEAL
GREPAFLOXACIN	GRISEOFULVIN
HALOPERIDOL	HENNA
HEROIN	HYDRALAZINE
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE	HYDROFLUMETHIAZIDE
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE	HYDROXYUREA
HYDROXYZINE	HYOSCYAMINE
IBUPROFEN	IMATINIB
IMIPRAMINE	INDAPAMIDE
INDOMETHACIN	INFLIXIMAB
INTERFERON BETA 1-A	INTERFERON BETA-1B
INTERFERONS, ALFA-2	IRINOTECAN
ISOCARBOXAZID	ISONIAZID
ISOTRETINOIN	ITRACONAZOLE
KANAMYCIN	KAVA
KETOCONAZOLE	KETOPROFEN
KETOTIFEN	LAMOTRIGINE
LEUPROLIDE	LEVOFLOXACIN
LINCOMYCIN	LISINOPRIL
LOMEFLOXACIN	LORATADINE
LOSARTAN	LOXAPINE
MAPROTILINE	MECLIZINE
MECLOFENAMATE	MEDROXYPROGESTERONE
MEFENAMIC ACID	MELATONIN
MELOXICAM	MEPROBAMATE
MERCAPTOPURINE	MESALAMINE
MESORIDAZINE	METFORMIN
METHAZOLAMIDE	METHENAMINE
METHOTREXATE	METHOXSALEN
METHYCLOTHIAZIDE	METHYLDOPA
METHYLPHENIDATE	METOLAZONE
MINOCYCLINE	MIRTAZAPINE
MITOMYCIN	MOEXIPRIL
MOLINDONE	MOXIFLOXACIN
NABUMETONE	NALIDIXIC ACID
NAPROXEN	NAPROXEN
NARATRIPTAN	NEFAZODONE
NIFEDIPINE	NISOLDIPINE
NITROFURANTOIN	NORFLOXACIN
NORTRIPTYLINE	OFLOXACIN
OLANZAPINE	ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
OXAPROZIN	OXCARBAZEPINE
OXYTETRACYCLINE	PACLITAXEL
PANTOPRAZOLE	PAROXETINE
PENTOBARBITAL	PENTOSAN
PENTOSTATIN	PERPHENAZINE
PHENELZINE	PHENINDAMINE
PHENOBARBITAL	PILOCARPINE
PIMOZIDE	PIROXICAM
POLYTHIAZIDE	PRAVASTATIN
PROCARBAZINE	PROCHLORPERAZINE
PROCYCLIDINE	PROMAZINE
PROMETHAZINE	PROPRANOLOL
PROPYLTHIOURACIL	PROTRIPTYLINE
PSORALENS	PYRAZINAMIDE
PYRIDOXINE	PYRILAMINE
PYRIMETHAMINE	QUETIAPINE
QUINACRINE	QUINAPRIL
QUINESTROL	QUINETHAZONE
QUINIDINE	QUININE
RABEPRAZOLE	RAMIPRIL
RANITIDINE	RIBAVIRIN
RILUZOLE	RISPERIDONE
RITONAVIR	ROFECOXIB
ROPINIROLE	RUE
SACCHARIN	SAQUINAVIR
SCOPOLAMINE	SELEGILINE
SELENIUM	SERTRALINE
SILDENAFIL	SIMVASTATIN
SMALLPOX VACCINE	SOTALOL
SPARFLOXACIN	SPIRONOLACTONE
ST JOHN’S WORT	STREPTOMYCIN
SULFACETAMIDE	SULFADIAZINE
SULFADOXINE	SULFAMETHOXAZOLE
SULFASALAZINE	SULFISOXAZOLE
SULINDAC	SUMATRIPTAN
TACROLIMUS	TARTRAZINE
TERBINAFINE	TETRACYCLINE
THIMEROSAL	THIOGUANINE
THIORIDAZINE	THIOTHIXENE
TIAGABINE	TIMOLOL
TIOPRONIN	TOLAZAMIDE
TOLBUTAMIDE	TOLMETIN
TOPIRAMATE	TORSEMIDE
TRANYLCYPROMINE	TRAZODONE
TRETINOIN	TRIAMTERENE
TRIAZOLAM	TRICHLORMETHIAZIDE
TRIFLUOPERAZINE	TRIHEXYPHENIDYL
TRIMEPRAZINE	TRIMETHADIONE
TRIMETHOPRIM	TRIMETREXATE
TRIMIPRAMINE	TRIOXSALEN
TRIPELENNAMINE	TRIPROLIDINE
TROVAFLOXACIN	VALDECOXIB
VALPROIC ACID	VALSARTAN
VANCOMYCIN	VARDENAFIL
VENLAFAXINE	VERAPAMIL
VERTEPORFIN	VINBLASTINE
VITAMIN A	VORICONAZOLE
YARROW	ZALCITABINE
ZALEPLON	ZIPRASIDONE
ZOLMITRIPTAN	ZOLPIDEM

How do you Define Beauty?

Society today regards a beautiful woman as one with youthful, unlined skin accompanied by large breasts with curvy (but not too large) hips to match.

Yet it’s interesting to note that ‘beauty’ has changed over the ages, reflecting that perhaps the idea of what is beautiful today is just a trend that will change as time goes on.

Consider that in ancient China, a 4-inch “lotus foot” was considered a sign of perfect beauty. Achieved by foot-binding, it involved breaking the bones of the forefoot and folding them forward, then tying the misshapen appendage to prohibit growth. This practice resulted in severe pain, imbalance and falls to affected women. And in fact, osteoporosis eventually ensued because women were unable to bear weight and move properly. Hip and knee osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and even joint replacement surgery were also experienced.

The ancient Romans, Egyptians and Persians considered sparkling eyes to be beautiful and the  heavy metal antimony was used to make their eyes sparkle. Antimony is a toxic chemical that has side effects similar to arsenic - headache, dizziness, and depression. Larger doses cause violent and frequent vomiting, leading to death in a few days.

During the Elizabethan era, women covered their skin with lead-based makeup, which caused peripheral neuropathy, gout, anemia, chronic renal failure, and disfiguring scarring, requiring the application of more lead-based makeup. In fact the use of lead-based makeup resulted in the misshapen appearance of Queen Elizabeth I, who banished all mirrors from her castle due to her upset over her appearance.

In France during the 16th and 17th centuries, wealthy women used belladonna to dilate their pupils. This gave users an “attractive” doe-like appearance. The unfortunate side effect was retinal damage, glaucoma, and blindness. Vermilion rouge, used during the 18th century, resulted in loss of teeth, gingivitis as well as kidney and nervous system damage from mercury.

During the Victorian era, a modest, natural beauty, restrained and without makeup was advocated. Cosmetics were used sparingly – colored makeup being reserved for prostitutes and actresses, who wore it only on stage. Hygiene and health were emphasized and women were warned against the toxic qualities of lead-based cosmetics.

The Roaring Twenties symbolized the growing freedom of women as they started taking beauty cues from film stars. Heavy makeup came back into vogue – rouge and painted lips were very much in style. And in the 60s there was only one makeup look: dark eyes paired with pale lips (or, by the late ’60s, no makeup at all).

Beauty is also cultural. Consider that in some cultures (Hawaiian royalty, for example) that women were force-fed excessive quantities of food to maintain their corpulence, a sign of fertility and power.

Conversely today in the Western world, many women diet,  induce vomiting, abuse laxatives, and exercise excessively to lose weight. As well, we increasingly seek out cosmetic procedures to look more youthful. All in the name of beauty.

Consdering what we make of history, what will history make of us?

UltimaSkin Anti-Aging Skin Care at 50% Off!

ULTIMASKIN ANTI-AGING SKINCARE AT 50% OFF! CODE ULTIMA AT CHECKOUT ON PHARMACYMIX.COM. CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON PHARMACYMIX.COM

One of the things that I do at Pharmacymix is research only the best products for my customers. And it’s not always easy because you have to read between the marketing hype and the science. The truth does tend to be somewhere in the middle.

If you subscribe to my newsletters then you will know a lot about the ingredients that constitute a good anti-aging skin care product:

1. powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid to protect your skin cells from free radical damage generated by the sun and pollution
2. collagen boosters like Vitamin C and peptides that boost collagen production helping to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles
3. skin firming and tightening agents like DMAE that give skin a boost and smooth lines
4. gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid to remove dry dead skin cells resulting in a reduction of fine lines and the appearance of smoother, healthier skin.

I’m thrilled to have found a product line that meets all my requirements in Ultimaskin!

UltimaSkin’s anti aging serum contains:

• Alpha Lipoic Acid - one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid has the ability to protect our cells inside and out from free radical damage that has the potential to accelerate skin aging. In studies, alpha lipoic acid has been shown to work wonders on aging skin.
• DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) - a naturally occurring substance that possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. When applied to the skin DMAE helps skin look firmer, less lined and smoother. Skin appears more luminous and elastic.
• Siberian ginseng extract - rich in complex polysaccharides and glycoproteins, this complex helps to tighten and smooth the skin immediately. It will smooth fine lines and lasts for hours.
• Glycolic acid - gently exfoliates dry, dead skin cells to reveal smoother, healthier skin that lies underneath. It can also enhance the appearance of sun damaged skin.
• Tissue Respiratory Factors - a peptide that boosts collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and give skin a firmer appearance.
• Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C delivers multiple anti-aging skin benefits:
  • Boosts collagen production to improve skin tone, firmness, flexibility and elasticity
  • Protects skin from sun induced UV damage and photo aging
  • Evens out skin pigmentation.

As you know, Pharmacymix consistently offers special discounts and deals to all our loyal newsletter and blog readers. It’s our way of saying thanks for being loyal customers and a way to show our appreciation.

I was so excited after testing Ultimaskin’s products that I’ve started using them myself. And I’ve recommended it to many friends and family who are just as impressed as I am. In addition to the long term benefits that this serum provides, we also saw immediate results! Lines around our eyes, chin looked smoother and less pronounced. The dark circles around our one of my friend’s eyes became noticeably lighter brightening the overall tone of her skin.

Because of the impressive results, I decided that this was a line I wanted to carry at PharmacyMix and immediately ordered a supply. But more than just ensuring that you can buy the product, I wanted to offer you an incredible skin care product at a price low enough to try it without making a major dent in your pocketbook.

Brandishing my enthusiasm and hard negotiating tactics, I’ve convinced Ultimaskin to give Pharmacymix an exclusive 50% OFF the regular price just for Pharmacymix readers!

That’s right! For a limited time we are offering you the opportunity to get the whole Ultimaskin package at 50% off!!!

This package of the Anti Aging Serum wrinkle remover, Eye Lift Cream and Honey Soy Moisturizer normally retails for $185!

You can now get it for only $99.95!

View their store prices here. http://ultimaskin.com

We are the only store to have this special offer, we guarantee you the absolute lowest price for Ultimaskin by a wide margin. You can view the 3 product special by clicking on this link to view at PharmacyMix - click here. Enter code ultima at checkout.

We anticipate orders for this 50% off special offer to be very high and the amount of stock allocated for this exclusive deal is limited. We can guarantee this price only up till May 10th possibly sooner, once the inventory put aside for this discount is gone prices will revert back to the regular selling price.

Don’t miss out! Take advantage of this special 50% discount offer and get one of the most revolutionary anti aging products we have ever used. This offer is only valid with the promotional code ultima at checkout on www.pharmacymix.com.

DMAE - Facelift in a jar?

If you’re a regular student of anti-aging skin care 101, you’ll be familiar with the topical ingredient DMAE (dimethylaminoehthanol). A naturally occurring substance that facilitates the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, DMAE is often touted as “a facelift in a jar.”

A recently published study showed that DMAE possessed a tightening action on the skin helping to alleviate facial sag. The mechanism by which this works was unclear. Additionally, the study concluded that DMAE possibly exerted an anti-inflammatory effect. Users of DMAE products do experience a noticeable firming effect and some report a cumulative effect with continuing use of DMAE.

Is DMAE safe?

A recent study examined the topical application of DMAE on rabbit skin and human cell cultures. Some toxicity was noticed on both the rabbit skin and cell cultures. What’s important to note is that the solution used in the study was highly alkalinic. This is unlike DMAE used in skin care products, which is pH neutral. When we look at various ingredients used effectively in skin care preparations – alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids and chemical peels for example – they cause ‘damage’ to skin in a controlled manner. Ultimately, however, skin benefits once it is healed. 

Given the way this study was designed makes it difficult to extrapolate its results to actual use.

What should you do in the meantime?

Look for products containing lower concentrations (less than 1%) of DMAE and closely monitor skin for irritation or other adverse effects.

If the idea of ‘a facelift in a jar’ still appeals, you may want to consider UltimaSkin’s new Alpha Lipoic Acid Lifting Serum which is formulated with Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, Vitamin C and other effective anti-aging ingredients.