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

Resveratrol: Skin’s Friend?

Resveratrol is a polyphenol (chemical substance found in plants with antioxidant properties) derived from the skin of red grapes (and therefore abundant in red wine) and some berries including blueberries, bilberries and cranberries. It has recently garnered a lot of interest due to anti-aging properties attributed to its use when taken internally or applied topically. What can resveratrol do for your skin?

Studies have shown that when taken orally that resveratrol delivers cardiovascular benefits and may benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, it has been shown to delay the initiation, promotion and progression of cancer. When it comes to skin care, resveratrol’s strong antioxidant properties as well as its ability to calm inflammation, have made it a contender for inclusion into a range of formulations.

More research on resveratrol would be welcome, but it is certainly an ingredient to watch out for. One thing to keep in mind is that there is some research to show that the topical application of resveratrol is associated with cell death if skin is exposed to sunlight. Given this, you may want to consider applying any resveratrol formulations at night or on days when you will be staying indoors.

Serum, Cream, Lotion, Gel: What’s Right For You?

Serum, cream, lotion or gel? When it comes to taking care of one’s skin, choosing the right product can be daunting. Not only are we asked to select from a vast array of ingredients with names we often can’t pronounce; we are also asked to decide which formulation is optimal.

Because so many things in the cosmetics industry lack regulation, descriptions for similar products can differ amongst manufacturers, adding to the confusion. It’s worthwhile to note that while there are differences between and definitions for the terms serum, cream, lotion or a gel that companies are at liberty to use whatever descriptors they want. So a serum in one company may be quite different to a serum formulation made by another company.

In general, creams are a mixture of oil with water. Creams are meant to be moisturizing and may contain active ingredients such as antioxidants or skin lighteners. Creams are best suited for normal and dry skin types and often useful in body care products.

Lotions (often called fluids or fluids) are very similar to creams in that they contain both water and oil. Lighter in consistency than creams, lotions are suitable for most skin types. However, individuals with oily skin may find them too heavy. Like creams, lotions are a good way to deliver topical active ingredients.

Very much in fashion these days, serums may be watery or thicker liquids, often (but not always) clear in color. Serums are water based making them light in consistency. They are easily and quickly absorbed into the skin and provide an excellent way to deliver topical ingredients including Vitamin C, peptides, alpha hydroxy acids, retinols. Serums may be layered under other serums as well as creams or lotions making them a very flexible product to incorporate into your skin care regimen. Serums are tolerated well by all skin types as long as the individual is not sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Gels by definition are liquids that look and behave like solids in a jelly-like manner. They are an effective way to deliver topical active ingredients that can be tolerated by most skin types.

Here are some of our top sellers in each category:

Creams

• La Roche Posay Redermic – collagen boosting Vitamin C and madecassoside combine with hyaluronic acid. Ideal for aging skin
• Anthelios XL SPF 60 – our best selling Anthelios sunscreen
• Green Cream – high potency retinol in a stable formulation delivers many skin benefits

Lotions

• Epilyt Lotion – lactic acid, propylene glycol and glycerin provide relief for itchy, dry skin
• Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF 50+ - this top selling Mexoryl sunscreen delivers UVA and UVB protection
• Reversa Skin Smoothing Body Lotion – 10% glycolic acid helps to deliver soft, smooth skin

Serum

• M2 HP Refinish Serum – mandelic and malic acids provide gentle exfoliation to help acne, scars and oily skin
• Neostrata Dark Circle Night Serum – Vitamin K and retinol help to combat under eye dark circles
• Reversa Antioxidant Booster Serum – fight free radical damage that can age skin

Gels

• Neostrata HQ Gel Plus – 4% hydroquinone plus glycolic acid will help to fight hyperpigmentation
• Clarex Oil Control Gel – control the shin associated with oily skin
• Dermatix Ultra Gel – Vitamin C and silicone combine in this combination clinically proven to help fade scars

About La Roche Posay Skin Care

Named for the small village of La Roche Posay in central France, La Roche Posay Skin Care products contain a unique selenium rich Thermal Spring Water that is found there. Thermal Spring Water is the heart of La Roche Posay. It is rich in selenium, which delivers antioxidant benefits to skin helping to protect it from free radical damage. It has also been shown to demonstrate anti-inflammatory benefits helping to protect skin against the effects of aging.

La Roche Posay Core Principles

Focusing on safety and efficacy, La Roche Posay follows these basic principles:

• Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic skincare
• Highly concentrated dermatological ingredients
• With soothing anti-oxidant thermal spring water
• No fragrances or ingredients that potentially cause irritation
• Ingredients limited to the strictly necessary
• All products tested on the most sensitive skins
• Tightly packaged under sterile conditions

La Roche Posay Offers A Full Product Range For All Skin Needs

1. Sun Protection. All skin experts agree that the sun is responsible for over 80% of skin aging, which is why daily protection from UVA and UVB rays is so important. Anthelios sunscreens are integral to La Roche Posay skin care
2. Oily Skin/Acne Prone. The Effaclar line of products  offers solutions designed to help reduce blackheads, control breakouts, and improve skin texture.
3. Aging Skin. Aging brings about a reduced skin cell turnover, less collagen production and an increase in unwanted pigmentation. The result may be fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. A range of solutions including Active C, Redermic, Mela D, Substiane and Derm AOX are available.
4. Sensitive Skin. Skin that reacts to products or other external factors must be treated gently by avoiding fragrances, preservatives and other potential allergens. Toleriane is fragrance-free and formulated especially for intolerant skin
5. Reactive/Red Skin. Delicate skin that reddens easily can be aggravated by environmental stress and surface irritation resulting in an embarrassed or boiled appearance. Neutralize redness and restore comfort to your skin with La Roche Posay. Rosaliac helps neutralize, soothe and moisturize skin prone to redness.
6. Dry To Severely Dry Skin. Your skin is protected by a layer made up of water and lipids. When certain lipids are lacking, this natural barrier is weakened and water is allowed to escape, leaving skin susceptible to outside irritants. La Roche-Posay helps restore this protective layer and skin is rehydrated, soft, and supple. Hydraphase offers 24-hour moisturization for dehydrated skin. Nutritic delivers transforming facial care for dry and severely dry skin. Lipikar moisturizes dry body skin by restoring natural lipids to the cutaneous barrier.

View all La Roche Posay products here.

Are You Using A Cosmetic Or A Cosmeceutical?

In recent years, the term cosmeceutical has come into its own. Many marketers are banking on the latest one to capture your imagination and become a best seller. What exactly is a cosmeceutical product, how is it different to a cosmetic and does it make sense for you?

What The Regulations Say

When it comes to skin care, the US Food and Drug Administration defines two terms - cosmetics and drugs. Cosmetics are defined as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance” [FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)]. Included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, toothpastes, and deodorants, as well as any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. Drugs are defined, in part, by their intended use “articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease” and “articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals” [FD&C Act, sec. 201(g)(1)].

The FDA does not regulate the term cosmeceutical.

In Canada, Health Canada regulates The Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations which outline general safety, labelling and notification requirements. This act defines a cosmetic as: “any substance or mixture of substances, manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth and includes deodorants and perfumes.” The definition includes (but is not limited to) soap, grooming products for animals, and cosmetics used by professional esthetic services (e.g. facial masks, manicure preparations, hair dye). It also encompasses bulk products used by institutional services (e.g. handsoap in school restrooms). If a product makes a therapeutic claim to prevent or treat disease, it is classified as a drug under the Food and Drugs Act and therefore requires a drug identification number (DIN). Products containing ingredients of natural origin with a therapeutic function or claim are Natural Health Products (NHPs) under the authority of Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD). Each NHP must possess a Natural Product Number (NPN).

Like the FDA, Health Canada does not regulate the term cosmeceutical.

In both countries, a product can be both a cosmetic and a drug as the same time (consider a medicated dandruff shampoo that cleanses the hair as well as helps to treat dandruff). While the term cosmeceutical is not recognized by the law, marketers will have us believe that it is a topically applied product that has ‘druglike’ activity.

What does this mean for you? Buyer beware; this is where common sense will be your best ally.