With the latest technology in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation, you can feel your skin imperfections melt away, leaving behind a more beautiful and healthy you.

There are a ton benefits to regular Microdermabrasion Facials. If your goal to improve specific skin conditions and rejuvenate the overall health and appearance of your skin, this is the ideal treatment for you.

 • Better skin tone and color
• Clearer skin pores
• Fewer breakouts
• Softer healthier skin
• Renewed elasticity
• Reduced acne scarring
• Reduced fine lines & wrinkles
• Minimized age spots and sun damage
• Minimized stretch marks
• More effective use of skin care products
• Improves overall skin vitality
• Younger appearance & healthy glow
• Can be safely used in combination with other skin care treatments.
• Painless, non-invasive and cost effective option for both men, women and teens.
• Safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types

Looking forward to improving your skin!

Sincerely,

the Cosmetic Pharmacist

My daughter placed a Chanel gift bag under the Christmas tree, and I was extremely excited to know what was in the bag, but she told me that I could not open it until Christmas Day! As soon as we woke up on Christmas morning, I happily grabbed my gift and unwrapped what has now become my favorite serum. Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Serum is a water-light formula that provides 24-hour moisturizing benefits. This is a great product to consider if you’re looking for a hydrating serum that will take your skincare results to the next level.

MY EXPERIENCE

My first impression of Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Serum: I applied a small dime-sized amount to my skin, and it felt deeply replenished, plump, and I noticed a gorgeous glow. Additionally, the fragrance was very light and pleasant to smell. I’ve been using this serum consistently morning and night for 3 weeks and my skin feels very smooth and looks amazing thus-far

PROS AND CONS

Pros

High Quality formula that protects the purity of the product until the moment of application

Highly concentrated ingredients

Replenishes skin and has an intense plumping effect

Hydrates for 24 hours

Cons

 Expensive price point (1oz $110, 1.7oz $150)

Contains fragrance (not ideal for sensitive skin types)

IS THIS PRODUCT RIGHT FOR YOU?

This product is appropriate for anyone for all skin types primary skin concern is hydration. This product may not be the best choice for sensitive skin types due to the fragrance.

DIRECTION FOR USE

Apply morning and evening after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer.

INGREDIENT DEEP-DIVE

List of ingredients

AQUA:WATER

GLYCERIN: Humectant, moisturizer

PROPANEDIOL: Penetration enhancer

BUTYLENE GLYCOL: Solvent and conditioning agent

ISONONYL ISONONANOATE: Synthetic skin conditioning agent

DIPENTAERYTHRITYL HEXACAPRYLATE/HEXACAPRATE:

Skin-conditioning agent – occlusive, viscosity

PENTYLENE GLYCOL: Solvent and skin conditioning

CAMELLIA JAPONICA FLOWER EXTRACT:

Antioxidant, anti-pollution, and soothing properties. Rich source of gallic acid.

Also known as Tsubaki. Native to China, Korea, and Japan

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT EXTRACT: Extract of the roots of the ginger,

Zingiberofficinale. fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent

PHENOXYETHANOL: Fragrance ingredient and preservative

PARFUM: FRAGRANCE

SODIUM ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER: Aqueous, binding, film forming,

opacifying, and viscosity controlling

SODIUM CARBOMER: Emulsion stabilizer, film former, viscosity increasing agent

PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone): Water-soluble synthetic polymer

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL: Solvent and viscosity decreasing ingredient

AMODIMETHICONE: Silicon-based polymer

DISODIUM EDTA : Chelating agent, chelating, and viscosity controlling

SODIUM HYALURONATE-: Salt form of the skin-replenishing ingredient hyaluronic acid

IL74A: Chanel ingredient undisclosed

FINAL THOUGHTS

Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Serum is worth trying if you have very dry skin (like me) and haven’t had much success with other hydrating serums. The only drawback is the price being over $100 for one bottle of serum. However, you only need a very small amount of product, therefore one bottle can last you anywhere from 3-6months. Chanel is a high-quality brand, and this product is formulated with patented technology made to enhance its stability and effectiveness and will therefore provide visible results. I will be incorporating this serum into my skincare routine and look forward to seeing the results of my skin a few months from now!

Sincerely,

Cosmetic Pharmacist

Your dose of beauty

Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

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REFERENCES

http://www.chanel.com/us

http://www.ewg.org

http://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary

PMS is real and can affect us at any age. This dreadful part of our menstrual cycle causes us to be irritable, moody, and stressed out. If only there was some magic pill to help get to help us get through these annoying symptoms?! Well, I discovered Miss Mellow from Olly which is a blend of Chasteberry, isoflavones, and Dong Quai. It claims to reduce irritability, balance hormones and mood swings, and to even out stress response. The instructions are to take one capsule once per day with water.

Active ingredients

Chasteberry extract (Vitex agnus-castus, fruit)—85mg: a supplement known for helping with irritability and mood swings associated with PMS, breast soreness caused from the menstrual cycle, infertility, and other conditions.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis, root)—100mg:  a supplement known to help with menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, migraines, and other conditions to promote a healthy hormone balance.

Soy isoflavones—68mg: a supplement known to regulate hormone balance keeping hormones in check (may mimic estrogen).

My Experience

I took one capsule every day starting 13 days before my menstrual cycle was expected to start. On days one and two, I really didn’t notice anything. However, on day 3, I noticed I was sleeping better at night and I felt less irritable. My worst PMS days usually start about 4 days before my expected period, and  I noticed that I had less breast tenderness around this time than I  normally do. Additionally, I had less crying spells than usual (which is pretty awesome).

Recommendation/Rating

I rate this product a 8 out of 10. The amount of active ingredient in each capsule is the amount required to be effective, this product is gluten free, contains no artificial colors or flavors, and the product is NSF certified (NSF evaluates the composition of dietary supplements and ingredients). The product currently retails at $17.99 for a 30-day supply. With that being said, I think it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a product to balance your mood specifically related to premenstrual symptoms and/or your menstrual cycle.

Other important information

Be sure to consult with a health care professional if you have any medical conditions are pregnant or nursing or if you’re taking any medications.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

cosmeticpharmacist.com

Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.  

Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.  

During the COVID-19 quarantine, I found myself in need to remove unwanted hair. I decided to use a depilatory cream, and stumbled upon Nair “Glides Away.” What caught my attention was the fact that it looked like a stick of deodorant, and one of my trouble areas were my armpits. Perfect right?!

Before I choose any cosmetic product, I have to do my research. My main source has become The Environmental Working Group (EWG.com). They are a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. They provide a ratings of products based on the ingredients they contain. Knowing this information makes me feel more empowered when deciding on a product I use or recommend to any of my patients.

How did they rate Nair “Glides Away?”

EWG rated Nair “Glides Away” as a 6 which is considered “fair.” At first I thought ” A six on a scale of 1-10, this is BAD!” But after digging deep and looking at the break down, I calmed down and realized why.

The concerns is with the fragrance contained in the product. It can cause irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs). However, the product can still be safely used.

How can you safely use the product and still get the benefits?

Use the product only as directed. Make sure your skin is healthy before using this product. Applying this cream on broken skin increases your risk for irritation. Also, do not use if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions from topical products.

Make sure you apply the cream for no more than then recommended time, which is 10 minutes total. Leaving on longer than that will increase your risk for irritation, as well as exposure.

In addition, make sure you rinse the cream of thoroughly. If the product is not completely removed, you are increasing your risk of exposure.

Final Review

After using the product myself, I would definitely recommend (as long as your skin is healthy and you don’t have sensitive skin).

I got results within 3 minutes and it was very easy to use. I will continue to use until I can get in for a laser hair removal appointment!

Dr. Adrianna Shardey, PharmD

Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.  

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, thankfully, there are a ton of options. Shaving and depilatory creams are the most affordable, but the results don’t last very long. The next most popular option is waxing, which can last for weeks.

During the COVID-19 quarantine, salons were deemed a nonessential service, however some of us disagree. This lead to lots of people having to wax themselves, or choose other hair removal methods.

In 2014, I started my journey with laser hair removal. After about two years of treatments, my hair eventually became lighter, thinner, and in some areas non-existent. It got to the point where I didn’t have to worry about my hair growing.

However, after 2 full years of not receiving any laser treatments, my hair started to grow back! And of course I noticed this right as the quarantine began.

I began reviewing my options. I did not want to go with waxing because I hate the pain. I did not want to use a razor because I ALWAYS get ingrown hairs. Therefore, I decided to choose a depilatory cream.

What are the Pros and Cons ?

There were many different types of depilatory creams available. However, I narrowed it down to one. Which product did I choose and why??

What do you use to remove your unwanted hair?

Kind Regards, The Cosmetic Pharmacist

My favorite way to get my daily dose of collagen is by mixing it with my green tea. I drink green tea first thing in the morning and right before I go to bed. It’s a delicious treat that not only keeps me satisfied , but helps me relax.

Green Tea Collagen Recipe

• Lipton Green Tea – 1 tea bag
• Sugar – 2 teaspoons
• 2% Milk – splash
• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (Original) – 1 or 2 scoops
• 8 ounces of water
• Tea Kettle

Mix the ingredients and enjoy!!

Dr. Adrianna Shardey, PharmD

Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.  

With several collagen supplements flooding the market, its confusing when choosing which one may be right for you. When selecting a collagen supplement you want to make sure it’s a trusted brand and quality product. My approach when choosing any vitamin or supplement is to first make sure it passes my “Trust Test,” then I check at least two reputable sources for product reviews and literature.

My “Trust Test”

• Is the product marked with the USP verified seal?
• Is the product registered with the NSF or USP?
  • USP: https://www.quality-supplements.org/verified-products/verified-products-listings
  • NSF: https://www.nsf.org/certified-products-systems

My Top Sources for Product Reviews and/or Literature

• Consumer Lab: https://www.consumerlab.com/
• Consumer Survey: https://consumerssurvey.org/

Product Reveal

After doing my research, I decided to choose Vital Proteins: Collagen Peptides (Original). It meets my “Collagen Checklist” and passed the “Trust Test.” My favorite way to drink it is mixed with green tea in the morning and at night.

Good luck on your journey to the “Fountain of Youth!”

Dr. Adrianna Shardey, Pharm.D.   

References

1. https://www.consumerlab.com/news/consumerlab-tests-reveal-best-collagen-supplements/10-04-2019/ 
2. Consumerssurvey.org
3. https://www.nsf.org/
4. https://www.usp.org/services/verification-services
5. VitalProteins.com

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this site  is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this site is for general information purposes only. The content creator makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available on this site and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this  site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.

Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Collagen supplements have gained popularity in the past few years. Products are flooding the market and there are tons of brands out there. It’s confusing as a consumer as to which brand to choose. I didn’t know how overwhelming it would be to buy collagen until recently.  

So what’s the hype about COLLAGEN?

Collagen has been called the “Fountain of Youth” for a reason. It’s been show to assist with strengthening hair and nails, improving the appearance of skin, and supporting bone and joint health.

Why supplement?

We start losing about 1% of collagen each year beginning in our mid-20’s. By time menopause hits, we can expect to have lost about 30%. It takes up to 12 weeks to see results, but some consumers report seeing results in as little as 2 weeks.

Choosing the right product

Since supplements are not evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy, I make sure I’m diligent when choosing the best product. When choosing any supplement, I first make sure it passes my “Trust Test,” then I do a label check. For the “Trust Test” I verify if the product meets consumer safety standards. My top sources for this are the NSF and USP. I check to see if the product has their seal, if not, I check their website to see if the company’s product is listed. If it’s listed, I trust that the company has done its job to ensure their product is safe.

Next, I check the label. Are there any ridiculous health claims? Are the ingredients listed on the label? In addition, the product has to be reasonably priced. If this criteria is met, I evaluate if the product has the proper ingredients and dosage.

Collagen Checklist

There are 16 different types of collagen. When choosing a collagen supplement make sure it has Type I and Type III collagen (these make up 90% of the body). Next, make its hydrolyzed collagen peptides from grass-fed bovine (being hydrolyzed makes it easy to digest and bovine is the most potent collagen source). In addition, the product should have a diverse list of amino acids and at least 11 grams of collagen peptides per serving.

If you’re looking for a non-animal source, there are products that source their collagen from fish. This is called Marine collagen. Check the label to verify the source of collagen to be sure. However, if you don’t have any dietary preferences, grass-fed bovine is the most potent source.

Top Products on the Market

Based on reviewing research conducted by ConsumerLabs and ConsumersSurvey.org, I’ve listed below the top rated collagen supplements (in no specific order). Remember to verify the labels and pass the “Trust Test.”

● Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Power – Pure

● Essential Elements Collagen Peptides Powder