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

Are Eye Creams Different From Regular Creams?

Many women wonder if eye creams are different compared to other facial creams. And the answer is, it depends.

Although skin around the eyes tends to be thinner than that found on the rest of the face, it is the same otherwise. While some individuals find that their regular facial moisturizer works just fine around the eye area, others find that it may be too heavy. This is highly dependent on each individual skin type as well as the formulation of the cream itself. Some face creams may be well tolerated on the rest of the face, but may lead to irritation and/or milia (blocked pores) around the eye area. If you are concerned that this may happen when you apply your regular face cream to the eye area, then do a patch test around the eye area to see if this occurs. If what you’re concerned about is dryness and the face cream is well tolerated, then you’ve just saved yourself the cost (and the additional time) that comes with using two eparate products.

Of course, if what you’re after is something to treat a problem associated with the eye area specifically - puffy eyes, under eye dark circles or crow’s feet – then you may need to consider an eye cream designed for this purpose. One caveat: most eye creams do not contain any sun protection. This is problematic since the eye area is one of the first to show signs of aging in terms of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Whether your face cream doubles as your eye cream or you use one specifically formulated for that purpose, find a good UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen that protects your face (including the eye area) and use it every day. An ounce of prevention is worth it and your skin will thank you.

If you are looking for an eye cream, here are some to consider:

• Reversa Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream. This is one of a few eye creams that includes SPF protection along with ingredients that help to moisturize and help diminish appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Keys Eye Butter. This wonderfully natural eye cream contains antioxidants and is formulated to help the eye area look brighter.
• Neostrata Dark Circle Night Serum – Vitamin K and retinol have been clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines in the eye area.
• La Roche Posay Redermic Eyes – Vitamin C and madecassoside help to boost collagen production helping to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles

View all our eye treatments here

Copper Infused Bedding: Will It Smoothe Your Wrinkles?

You’ve probably already heard about copper peptides being marketed as beneficial to skin in skin care products. But get ready - copper infused bedding - along with claims to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, kill dust mites and bacteria and even benefit psoriasis and eczema sufferers - is coming your way.

Other bedding such as seaweed mattress ticking that claims to rejuvenate skin and aloe vera pillowcases and blankets that vow to soothe and moisturize skin are also available. But can these products really work?

According to an article in the New York Times, some dermatologists are questioning the claims made by these manufacturers because clinical studies are lacking. Whether it’s aloe vera, seaweed or copper, the latest products owe their existence to nanotechnology that allows the component ingredients to be broken down into ultrafine particles that can then be imbedded into the fabric. There are proponents both for and against the efficacy of these products.

Read the full article here.

Anthelios Sunscreens: Get Ready For The Season

We carry a range of effective UVA and UVB blocking sunscreens at PharmacyMix and Anthelios sunscreens continue to be amongst our top sellers.

In an earlier post I discussed the importance of wearing sunscreen year round to keep skin looking young and healthy. Whether you lean towards a formulation with chemical sun filters as found in Anthelios sunscreens or Ombrelle sunscreens,  or opt for one that contains physical blocking agents like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, ensure that it will deliver protection from both UVA and UVB rays and use it year round.

We get asked quite often why Anthelios sunscreens are effective. And though I’ve blogged about this before, I think it worth repeating:

• They are photostable. Photostability is important to ensure that the active ingredients will remain active upon exposure to the ultraviolet rays found in sunlight. Seems simple enough, but many sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that break down when the sun hits them. Anthelios sunscreens don’t
• They contain Mexoryl SX and/or Mexoryl XL. Combined with titanium dioxide and Parsol 1789 (avobenzone) stabilized with octocrylene, Anthelios sunscreens employ a patented sun filtering system that will protect you from from both short wave (UVB) and long wave (UVA) rays that lead to sunburn and photo aging
• They feel good on your skin. Unlike many other oily, greasy sunscreens available today, Anthelios sunscreens are formulated carefully to ensure that they are pleasing to use. And, there are a range of sprays, creams and lotions to suit all skin types. You’ll be able to find one that’s right for you.

*Not all Anthelios sunscreens are formulated equally. Newer versions DO NOT contain the patented Mexoryl SX/XL molecules. We only carry Anthelios sunscreens with Mexoryl at PharmacyMix, but many stores don’t. Read labels carefully.

Ombrelle sunscreens are manufactured using the same filtering system as Anthelios sunscreens and are a good alternative if cost is an issue.

Toilet Seat Dermatitis - Yes It Exists

If you think I’m making this one up, think again - toilet seat dermatitis is a real condition.

According to a recent article, the condition is one that has existed in medical textbooks, but not commonly seen until now. Harsh cleaning chemicals and exotic wooden toilet seats are thought to be the culprits.

Many cases are seen by pediatricians with some children suffering for years before proper diagnosis. Treatment with topical steroids often resolves cases, but prevention is recommended as the most effective remedy.

Read the full story here.