Our customers have been focusing on the face lately, asking specific questions about products that will help with the signs of aging. We love that our Phamix customers want to know what will work best for them and what they should be looking for in targeted treatments. Here are just a few that have come in through our blog and website:
1. I have acneic, aging skin (age 66). It is very oily in summer but in winter I experience some dehydration but acne persists, only somewhat diminished. I use retinol in warm months but had to stop. I feel I still need it in winter. I was looking at Green Cream Level 3 and the Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging Retinal Serum. I don’t know which to choose. How strong is the Apothekari product? I use a vitamin C, Sodium Hyaluronate and a rejuvenating serum in the morning and at night (since I can’t find a nighttime treatment that doesn’t break me out. I like to stick with serums.) What do you recommend? Thanks for your advice.
Thanks for your question. Your timing could not be more perfect as we just posted a blog about how Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging (and retinoids in general) can be an effective treatment for adult acne. You can read more about it here in our post.
In terms of strength, A is for Anti-Aging contains 0.1% retinaldehyde. Studies have shown that retinaldehyde is the best tolerated form of vitamin A so products with this ingredient contain higher concentrations with less side effects and better results. Keep in mind, too, that retinaldehyde is just one conversion step away from retinoic acid, the form of vitamin A that the skin uses. Retinol, like in Green Cream, requires a two-step conversion process.
As with any new skincare product, we always recommend doing a skin patch test to minimize any unexpected reactions. Initially with retinoids in general, there may be a period of exfoliation while the skin adjusts so things may seem to get worse before they get better. However, we really believe in Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging (it has become the line’s customer favorite, hands down) in terms of its gentleness and effectiveness, so much so that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
2. I have noticed dark spots under my eyes. Could you please advise me what else should i do to remove this? Thank you.
The area under the eye is quite delicate and fading dark spots can be a long-term process. There are few products that you may want to consider. We recommend:
• A retinoid formulation like Neostrata SecureWhite Anti Dark Circle Complex. The retinol will help to fade spots by encouraging cells to act “normally”.
• An antioxidant treatment like Apothekari Firming Eye Gel, which contains vitamin C and ferulic acid, which can help combat hyperpigmentation and prevent new spots from forming.
• Applying a good sunscreen suitable for the eye area every day to prevent dark spots from recurring.
3. What’s the shelf life of your Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum? Since ascorbic acid is very unstable, how do you stabilize it?
Thanks for your question.
As you know, the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C has the most clinical research to back up its usefulness in skin care. And it’s for this reason that we have chosen to formulate our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum with this ingredient.
You are wise to ask about the stability of any L-ascorbic acid serum as that is one of the downfalls of formulating. We have taken some steps to ensure that our serum retains its stability:
• We add a couple of actives, which deliver their own benefits – ferulic acid and vitamin E – but which also help to stabilize the L-ascorbic acid.
• We mix the serum to order so that the L-ascorbic acid is freshly added, helping to ensure that a bottle of the serum has a shelf life of 6-8 months as tested by our lab. This step is unique to other L-ascorbic acid serums on the market. It also allows us to avoid the use of certain ingredients, like propylene glycol, which may extend the shelf-life, but which some individuals are unable to tolerate.
Although not necessary, storage of the serum in a cool, dark place (like your refrigerator) may extend its shelf-life. However, we have not tested for this so are unable to guarantee this.
We hope that this helps to address your concerns but please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of further assistance.
4. Is the Preparation H ointment ok to go on my face? I had a tube shipped from Canada by a Facebook acquaintance and while it goes on greasy, when I apply it at night it is totally absorbed by the morning. Please say it is ok and will work the same! Thanks
Both Preparation H Cream and Preparation H Ointment have the same active ingredient, 1.0% BioDyne. Most of our customers, however, find the cream to have a more appealing texture when using it for wrinkles and under-eye puffiness. The choice between the cream and the ointment comes down to personal preference. As it is being used for purposes that are not indicated by the manufacturer, unfortunately, we are unable to give you any specific advice regarding its use.
