What’s on your mind? Every day, we get customers calling and asking questions about the products we carry, skin care and sunscreens in general. We’re more than happy to answer (and learn a few new things along the way!). Here are a few that have come up recently:
1. I’ve been looking for Epilyt lotion (manufactured by the Stiefel Corporation) for quite some time now. I understand that Stiefel has discontinued this product, but I see it on your site. Is this product the same? Worked incredibly well for me.
The Epilyt Lotion we carry is manufactured in Canada by Valeo Pharmaceuticals. It is not an uncommon practice for different companies in different countries to have licences to produce the same product. Many of our US customers have contacted us, looking for the same product that was manufactured by Stiefel. A comparison of ingredients, show the two versions to be identical.
2. I inadvertently bought a sunscreen with an expiry date of this month. If I do not open it till the summer – is it safe to use it?
Expiration dates are based on tests that a sunscreen manufacturer has conducted to demonstrate how long the product retains its efficacy and safety. It does not mean that the product is unsafe, ineffective or bad beyond this date; just that there is no proof available to support this. The general rule of thumb for sunscreens is that they have a shelf life of 12 months once opened. However, regardless of the date, if the product’s smell or texture has changed, it is safer to dispose of it.
You may also want to contact the manufacturer for more information.
3. I have Sjogren’s Syndrome and rosacea. I live in the U.S. and have been using Complex 15 Face Cream for decades. It was made by Schering Plough which has been bought by Merck. Merck has supposedly discontinued this product “for business reasons.” Now I can’t find it anywhere in the U.S. for less than $50 a 2.5 oz tube. My question: is it still being made in Canada? Or will PhaMix run out of stock?
Complex 15 Face Cream is still available and being manufactured in Canada by Schering Plough. We have not heard of any plans for this popular cream to be discontinued.
4. Can we use the Combantrin Pyrantel tablets for our pets? We have dogs and cats that periodically need worm treatment.
The Combantrin Pyrantel Pamoate tablets that we stock are indicated for treating specific worm infestations in humans so they may not be effective for your pets. Please consult your veterinarian for appropriate medication that will protect and treat them against “animal specific” worms.
5. What’s the difference between a sunscreen and a moisturizer with SPF? Can they be used interchangeably?
Moisturizers with SPF are designed for daily use. Their primary goal is to moisturize, with the added benefit of offering protection against UVA and UVB rays. Because of this, SPF moisturizers feel nice going onto the skin – hydrating and not greasy. They are often perfect for use under make-up.
Sunscreens, in comparison, are designed first and foremost to protect against sun damage from both UVA and UVB rays. They are formulated to be more robust in staying power. For this reason some individuals find them a bit greasy or thick on the skin. But, it’s these very characteristics that help them to protect you under the hot sun or when sweating.
I tend to wear a dedicated sunscreen on most days. However, since I’m always trialing new products, I will wear an SPF moisturizer during the winter or if I’m spending most of my day indoors. Anthelios KA SPF 100 is my current favorite. If I’m going to be outside or in a sunnier clime, then my high SPF sunscreen (at this time, Anthelios XL Lightweight Lotion SPF 60) is the one I reach for.
Got a question? Give us a call.
