• Lactic acid. This alpha hydroxy acid works to exfoliate dry, dead skin cells that sit on the skin’s surface leading to softer, smoother skin. In addition, lactic acid prepares the way for increased absorption of other active ingredients found in Epilyt Lotion.
• Propylene Glycol. This humectant ingredient helps to attract moisture to skin. It has also been shown to help increase absorption of active ingredients into skin.
• Glycerin. Another humectant, glycerin delivers much need moisture to dry, irritated skin. By increasing skin’s protective barrier, dryness and scaling are reduced.
• Oleic acid helps to thicken the formulation and delivers emollient (moisturizing) properties to Epilyt Lotion.

Excellent used as an all over body moisturizer, Epilyt Lotion may be used on any part of the body that suffers from dryness including the hands, feet and legs. A winning addition to your winter skin care arsenal.

 Epilyt Lotion can be purchased online at PharmacyMix.com.

Voltaren Gel contains the active ingredient diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). Depending on where you reside, it may be purchased over the counter without a prescription or it may require a prescriptioon. Oral diclofenac has been used for years to manage the pain associated with arthritis. And while it has been proven to be an effective treatment, oral consumption of diclofenac has been associated with stomach upset and even stomach bleeding in susceptible individuals. Applying diclofenac topically (as with Voltaren Gel), results in absorption of  only 6% of the active ingredient as compared to 100% of the equivalent oral dose. With Voltaren Gel, pain relief can be targeted to where it is most needed, with less exposure to the rest of the body.

How To Use Voltaren Gel

Voltaren Gel comes with detailed directions for use. In general, it is recommended that it be applied 4 times daily in order to obtain maximum relief. Results do vary from person to person with some individuals experiencing relief sooner than others.  

Voltaren Gel Safety Information

As with any medicine, there is always the risk of side effects. Voltaren (diclofenac) is an NSAID and NSAIDs may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. It may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects including bleeding and ulceration. Please check with your physician prior to using if you are at risk.

Some individuals experience irritation where the gel is applied.  

Voltaren Gel should not be used if you have a known sensitivity to diclofenac. As well, if you’ve experienced asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, Voltaren Gel probably isn’t right for you. Lastly, Voltaren Gel should not be used in conjunction with other NSAIDs.

 Read all safety information and instructions fully before using.

Dandruff isn’t caused by dry skin, contrary to what many people think. It is a condition associated with seborrhea, which causes cells on the scalp to shed and turn over more often than normal. Under normal circumstances cells will shed and be replaced in about a month, but with seborrhea this process is speeded up. The skin cells mature much faster than normal. It can take as little as 10 to 15 days for this to happen, resulting in the dead skin cells, clumping and flaking that appears as dandruff.

A Fungus May Be Responsible

Malassezia furfur (also known as P. ovale) is a fungus that ‘s found on normal, healthy skin. It feeds on oil secreted by the sebaceous (oil producing glands). Generally P. ovale is not a problem, but certain circumstances, including illness, hormonal changes, stress, etc may cause an overgrowth in P. ovale leading to dandruff.

If P. ovale is the culprit and it very often is, then dandruff may respond to treatment with an anti-fungal shampoo. While zinc pyrithione does have mild anti-fungal action (it also helps to reduce the rate of skin cell turnover and provide exfoliating action), a more effective anti-fungal agent is ketoconazole. Ketoconazole may be found in an over the counter preparation such as Nizoral shampoo. Nizoral shampoo is available in both a 1% and 2% concentration, with the 2% delivering more efficacy.

Other ingredients including coal tar, salicylic acid and phenol can also be helpful in managing the symptoms. It takes time to find out the correct combination of products to manage the symptoms. Read more about managing dandruff here.

Developed by a dermatologist, Green Cream contains retinol, which is widely categorized as a retinoid. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and they can be found in a range of skin care preparations as retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinoic acid. Retinol and retinyl palmitate are converted to retinoic acid, the active form of Vitamin A. It is the form of Vitamin A that exerts its action at the skin cells. 

What Can Green Cream Do?
Retinoids, as found in Green Cream, are used in skin care preparations to help with a range of skin care conditions:
· Reverse sun damage
· Combat against wrinkles and fine lines.
· Treat of acne
· Treat pigmentation disorders such as melasma and solar lentigos

The result for users is a younger looking, smoother and more luminous skin.

How Does Green Cream Work?

The retinol in Green Cream breaks down into retinoic acid upon application to skin. Once absorbed, it encourages skin cells to communicate and function normally, a process that is often disrupted during the natural aging process. Green Cream also works to:
· Increase cell turnover in the top layer of skin (epidermis). The production of new skin cells causes skin to look brighter and smoother
· Stimulate collagen production which leads to the appearance of smoother and plumper skin
· Reduce pigmentation associated with sun damage
· Shrink oil glands which can reduce pore size and diminish scars. It may be helpful in the treatment of acne.
· Fight against free radicals due to its antioxidant ability. 

Green Cream is available in 3 different concentrations to suit the needs of all skin types. It makes an excellent alternative to prescription retinoids, which can sometimes be too harsh for some skin types. The special formulation of Green Cream helps to reduce the incidence of side effects – redness, drying and flaking – commonly experienced by individuals using retinoid products. Lastly, since retinol is susceptible to degradation upon light and air exposure, Green Cream is packaged in an airless pump with opaque packaging to ensure its potency.

If you are looking for an active treatment to combat skin aging, then Green Cream might be right for you.

Keys has been rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Report as the safest sunscreen on the market. The EWG gives Keys an EWG Skin Deep Rating of 0 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best). Keys Solar Rx was also featured as the most effective non-waterproof category sunblock for UVA and UVB in the Consumer Reports July 2007 issue.

Because it uses only zinc oxide and not any chemical sun filters, it is ideal for use on sensitive skin and children.
 
Keys Solar Rx Is Effective

With a UVB (UV Burning) rating of SPF 30+ and a UVA (UV Aging) rating of four stars using the EU rating system, Keys delivers. We now know that the sun is responsible for more than 80% of all visible skin aging. That’s why the use of a well-formulated sunscreen is an essential part of any anti aging skin care regimen. Sunscreen used daily, year round is one of the the most important things you can do to keep skin healthy and youthful. Remember that the SPF rating of a sunscreen only tells you how much UVB protection you’re getting. SPF is no guarantee of UVA protection, which is  why the four star rating for Keys Solar Rx is so important. 

In addition to its UV protecting ability, Keys Solar Rx is also a moisturizer. Along with the healing and soothing properties of Keys Luminos moisturizer, Solar Rx contains an 18.5% concentration of uncoated nano-zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is capable of protecting against the full UVA/UVB spectrum of sunlight. It has also been shown to possess healing properties, including anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties. Individuals with sensitive skin including rosacea and redness can benefit from it.

Like all Keys products, Solar Rx avoids the use of fragrance, which can irritate skin.
 
Using Keys Solar Rx

Keys Solar Rx is designed to offer the maximum physical protection from UVA and SPF 30 for UVB burning rays. It’s recommended that you reapply at least every two hours to exposed skin. If you are in tropical or high intensity sun conditions, more frequent application is recommended. Keys Solar Rx is very effective, but because it is not water resistant, it is not suitable for sun bathing, extreme hot weather sports or swimming. You should also practice safe sun habits and not rely on sunscreen as your sole method of sun protection.

Keys Solar Rx

Two new AHAs that are increasing being used in skin care formulations are mandelic acid and malic acid. These skin beneficial AHAs have a larger molecule size than the more widely used glycolic acid, allowing for slower penetration. Slower penetration leads to less skin irritation making the use of mandelic and malic acids very suitable for everyone, including those with sensitive skin.

MCK Labs, the manufacturers of MaMa Lotion, has recently introduced a new range of mandelic/malic acid skin care products, M2 Skin Care. The M2 Collection consists of 3 products:

• M2 Exfoliating Cleanser
• M2 Skin Refinish
• M2 Skin Recovery Moisturizer

Regular use of the M2 line of skin care products will help to deliver skin benefits including:

• Evening skin tone, reducing age spots & freckles 
• Significantly reduce acne breakouts 
• Tightening the skin & pores 
• Reducing or erasing fine lines & wrinkles 
• Significantly reducing symptoms of rosacea 
• Helping fade signs of melasma

Skin Will Gow 

In one month, regular use of the M2 Skin Care line will result in skin that is noticably improved. Clarity and color will improve; areas of pigmentation will be greatly reduced and the overall texture of your skin will be softer and smoother.

After two months, skin should experience a significant reduction in the number of blemishes. And, if blemishes are still present, they will be greatly reduced in size. Plus the marks they leave behind will fade faster than previously. The end result will be skin that is smooth, flawless and glowing. 

Beneficial Ingredients

The benefits of M2 Skin Care can be attributed to the combination of mandelic acid, malic acid and an algae extract. Mandelic acid is naturally antibacterial, which helps to combat against one of the contributing factors to acne. It also absorbs and controls oil, further helping to reduce blemishes. Malic acid is a natural humectant and antioxidant. As a humectant, it acts to draw water out of the dermis and into the epidermis, keeping skin hydrated. Its antioxidant ability helps fight free radicals, which can contribute to skin damage.

The formulation is rounded off by an algae extract specially selected for its non-irritating anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.  

Historical records show that even Queen Cleopatra used AHAs in the form of milk baths (milk contains lactic acid) to improve the look of her skin. Now, a number of skin care products contain these acids as an essential component that can help improve your skin and help maintain it looking even toned and smooth.
Alpha hydroxy acids are very efficient in their ability to exfoliate or remove the dead surface layer of your skin; this dead layer of skin cells give their way to a new layer of healthy and fresh skin cells on the surface. Regular use of AHAs will improve the texture and appearance of skin, leaving it with a subtle, but distinguishable glow.

AHAs commonly found in skin care formulations include:
1. Glycolic acid derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid is one of the more well known and widely used AHAs.
2. Lactic acid which is found in milk. It is not as irritating to skin as glycolic acid, yet still delivers significant benefit.
3. Citric acid which comes from citrus fruits.
4. Malic acids from fruits like apples and pears.
5. Mandelic acid from almonds. It is a gentle AHA and ideal for treating darker skin complexion, as the risk of developing hyper-pigmentation (as is more common with the use of glycolic acid) is quite remote.

You can use alpha hydroxy acids in several different ways:
1. As chemical peels in administered by a qualified skin care specialist. Chemical peels tend to contain AHAs in concentrations over 20%.
2. As cleansers or toners to mildly exfoliate skin.
3. In creams, serums or lotions. Because the AHA stays on skin, these types of formulations will deliver more substantial results than cleansers or toners, which are removed quite quickly.

How Do AHAs Benefit Skin?

AHAs are effective skin exfoliants that can help your skin many ways:
Effectively remove dead skin cells that reside on the surface of your skin
· Help the growth of new skin cells,
· Studies have shown that AHAs may aid the production of collagen and elastin, which are the two important skin components that help to provide structure to skin
· Reduce the appearance of wrinkles, skin roughness and skin discoloration

Alpha hydroxy acids work best when formulated at low pH to ensure their efficacy. Sensitive skin types may want to start with lower concentrations, around 4% before gradually building up to using higher strengths. Concentrations above 20% should be administered by qualified professionals.

AHA Side Effects

Because of their acidic nature, you may experience skin irritation including local redness and itching. Some individuals may also have low intensity pain at the site of application. AHAS also increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, which could possibly lead to sunburn. Ensure that you cover up with a good broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun blocking sunscreen each day along with your AHA preparation.

Individuals with medium to darker skin complexions can suffer from pigment changes. This may be more problematic with glycolic acid. Mandelic and malic acids as found in a product like MaMa Lotion tends to be better tolerated by these individuals.

As a pharmacist, I’ve done my research and there are several reasons why I stand behind this line.

1. L’Oreal, the cosmetics giant that manufactures La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreens, has invested years of research into developing its patented sun filtering system that includes Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) stabilized with Octocrylene and titanium dioxide. Mexoryl SX is water soluble and protects against short to medium range UVA rays, affording protection in the UV spectrum that is missing from many other sun filters. Mexoryl XL is its oil soluble cousin and it delivers protection from UVB rays as well as some UVA rays. Rather than any one ingredient being the key to Anthelios’ efficacy, it’s the combination of the two Mexoryl molecules plus the addition of the others that makes it work so well.
2. Photostability. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the Mexoryl molecules hold up well when exposed to UV rays. Many sunscreen formulations degrade upon exposure to sunlight leaving you unprotected and prone to sunburn and other long term skin damage. In fact, studies have shown that Mexoryl retains its UV blocking ability for as long as 4 to 5 hours after initial application.
3. La Roche Posay Anthelios formulations feel great on the skin. Many sunscreens feel thick, heavy and greasy. And while they might work, they feel uncomfortable, make you break out and often leave a white cast on skin. This can be particularly noticeable if you are not fair skinned. The Fluide Extreme formulation, in particular, is very light and can be used by all skin types with or without moisturizer every day.

Choose from a range of formulations developed for all skin types. Top selling La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreens include Anthelios XL SPF 60 Cream, Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF 50+, Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Crème and Dermo Pediatrics SPF 50+ Spray and Lotion. One of my favourite products is La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV SPF 30. While not a sunscreen – it’s a moisturizer with SPF protection – it has a wonderful hydrating formula perfect for normal to dry skin types. Because it is a moisturizer and not a sunscreen it is ideal for daily use on days when you won’t be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

If last year’s ingredient is so over, why did they spend so much money convincing us it was the next best thing? Yes, technology and research bring us new knowledge and can lead to some pretty useful and interesting developments in skincare. But truth is that there are some basics to great skin and it doesn’t always involve the trendiest most hyped ingredients.

When looking for ways to spend your skin care dollars, seek out products that contain effective ingredients that have been shown to deliver benefits. As time goes on, we can expect to benefit from research that will yield more ingredients that will deliver in our quest for youthful skin. For now, here are10 top skin care ingredients that you won’t be wasting your money on:

1. Vitamin C – A basic component of any anti-aging skin care regimen, Vitamin C is backed up by considerable research to show its many benefits:

• An increase in collagen synthesis, which helps to thicken the skin and may help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• Antioxidant activity, which reduces skin damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules) caused by exposure to sunlight and pollutants
• Boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin E, which is important in protecting our cell’s membranes
• An effective depigmenting agent at concentrations 5% or higher
• An improvement in the appearance of sun damaged skin
• Increases skin hydration by preventing moisture loss

2. Vitamin E – Like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is a highly effective antioxidant. It works to protect the membranes of cells, lipoproteins, and many other bodily structures considered to be “oily.”  Vitamin E is effective when taken both orally or applied topically. It helps protect skin from age spots and scarring and also boosts the skin’s natural moisture-retaining mechanisms. Vitamin E is often found in combination with Vitamin C. 

3. Retinoids – Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A. There are several currently used in skin care preparations – retinol, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, tazarotene. While retinol and retinyl palmitate may be found in over the counter preparations, the latter two require a doctor’s prescription.

Retinol’s benefits include:

• An increase in cell turnover leading to smoother, brighter looking skin
• Repair of cellular structure damage gradually in the epidermal cells as well as in the dermal collagen and small blood vessels resulting in tighter skin; fewer wrinkles
• Shrinkage of oil glands, which helps to reduce pore size and diminish scars
• Stimulates production of new collagen leading to a thicker, plumper epidermis

4. Hydroquinone – Discovered in the 1930s, hydroquinone is often referred to as a bleaching cream. Hydroquinone exerts is effects by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, responsible for the production of melanin, a skin pigment. It is widely regarded as the gold standard in treating conditions of hyperpigmentation. It is safe and effective when used at low, recommended doses for short periods of time – up to 6 months.

5. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – AHAs are mild acids that are obtained from milk and fruit sugars. They work by exfoliation, or encouraging the shedding of old, damaged surface skin cells. Exfoliation allows a newer, healthier skin cells to grow in their place. Wrinkles, skin discolorations, rough skin and sun damaged skin can all improve with daily AHA treatments over the course of a few months. 

Choose from a wide variety of AHAs including malic, mandelic, lactic or glycolic acid. While highly effective, they increase sensitivity to sunlight so a broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen is a must.

6. Salicylic Acid - Like AHAs, salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent for the outermost skin layer, the epidermis.  Often referred to as a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is different to AHAs in that it is lipid (oil) soluble as compared to AHAs which are water soluble. This characteristic allows salicylic acid to penetrate the oil in pores, helping to unclog and cleanse them of debris. It also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These actions make it an ideal choice for individuals with oily skin battling with blackheads and acne. 

Salicylic acid increases the skin’s sun sensitivity making the use of a sunscreen just as important as with AHAs.

7. Sunscreen Filters - We can rave about the latest anti-aging skin care ingredients, but most skin care specialists would agree that without protection from UV rays they’d all be a big waste of time. Most skin care experts agree that sun exposure is the root of over 85% of skin aging.

Look for a product that offers broad spectrum, photostable (able to maintain stability upon exposure to sunlight) protection against both UVA and UVB rays.  Effective filters include Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, zinc Oxide, stabilized avobenzone, Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S which deliver a range of both UVA and UVB protection.  

8. Green Tea – The benefits of green tea may be attributed to their constituent polyphenols, a subclass of flavonoids, found in many plants. Green tea possesses powerful antioxidant activity, reduces inflammation, and can reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure. Though clinical studies aren’t widely available, it’s likely that topically applied green tea polyphenols will have some effect on wrinkles or sagging skin.

9. Peptides - Peptides are protein fragments that have been shown to have some beneficial effect on skin. Though a number of peptides have been shown to have skin beneficial effects, two in particular deserve further attention – copper peptides and palmitoyl pentapeptide 3 (also called Matrixyl).

Studies have shown that peptides can be used to regulate the exchange and growth rates of skin layer cells, limit potentially harmful oxidation, and even create an anti-inflammatory environment that ensures optimal healing conditions. 

10. Soy – The benefits of soy may be attributed to their component isoflavones, phytoestrogens (plant estrogens that mimic some of the effects of estrogen) that deliver many beneficial effects to the skin. Soy isoflavones have antioxidant properties which help to prevent free-radical damage to DNA. In addition, isoflavones have been shown to protect against sunburn. They also help to decrease effects associated with skin aging such as a decrease in thickness, dryness and loss of skin elasticity.

Anthelios is a high end sunscreen product line of French cosmetics firm La Roche Posay. Anthelios sunscreens have been available in Canada and Europe for the last few years now. It still can be difficult to get in the USA but Anthelios has been approved by the respective governments’ drug agencies.

Anthelios is recommended by many dermatologists and other healthcare professionals it is now available to the USA.

What Makes Anthelios Unique?
La Roche Posay owns the right to the active ingredient Mexoryl (ecamsule) in their Anthelios brand. Mexoryl is a patented molecule that when combined with other sunscreen ingredients provides broad spectrum protection from BOTH UVA and UVB rays, a rarity among sunscreens. Most sunblock on the market only provide only one type of protection.

Multiple Formulations
Anthelios with Mexoryl comes in a range of different formulations. All sunscreens in the product line offer both UVA and UVB protection but options are provided that are geared towards:

• moisturization
• easy application
• day or evening use
• makeup base

Some popular products include:

Anthelios XL SPF60 - ultimate protection from damaging sun rays; Mexoryl SX, Mexory l XL, avobenzone, other unique sun filters gives you the ultimate SPF60 protection

Anthelios Lait - a nice light formulation that feels great on the skin

Anthelios S SPF30 - creamy formulation for everyday sun damage protection

Anthelios Spray - SPF30 convenient and fast application

Anthelios Face Stick - great for sports enthusiasts,lips, nose, ears, cheekbone protection in a handy stick that easily slips in your pocket

Check out the full line of Anthelios sunscreens on this page.