Page 67 - Demo

BEAUTY BUZZ 65
I f ever people have been thankful for access to beauty products at pharmacies, it’s been during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the open-as-usual businesses providing a welcome reprieve from lockdown and social distancing.
While some people have ‘let themselves go’ a bit during the pandemic, others have found that keeping up appearances, even just for themselves or their immediate family, has done them the world of good in terms of remaining positive
and upbeat.
Keeping up appearances spans increased interest in
ecofriendly, cruelty free and vegan beauty products,
including those with hemp-derived ingredients, says Stay Well Pharmacy owner Mark Webster.
However, he points out that even though ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ cosmetics appear to be the rage, he finds that some customers have difficulty with the price tags accompanying them.
“They’re usually expensive, especially for customers who come to my pharmacy in a lower socio-economic area,” he said.
He adds that he has also noticed customers today are especially concerned with safe contact in terms of cosmetics applicators and packaging, which pharmacies should be aware of.
She says CBD lip balm keeps lips shiny and smooth, as it contains vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as many other minerals and nutrients that promote better skin health.
For moisturising, she says CBD is known as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidising agent, all of which properties combined make it an anti-ageing product.
People with psoriasis and eczema can also turn to CBD salve, as studies show that they can help treat these conditions and alleviate the symptoms of eczema.
For those without skin problems, a CBD body lotion can help to promote skin elasticity and even help alleviate pain and muscle soreness.
Ms Smith highlights that a CBD acne serum has anti-inflammatory properties, is packed with antioxidants, and helps prevent excessive formation of sebum in the fight against acne.
Focusing on natural, sustainably sourced ingredients in beauty products is espoused by Sarah Jane Adams.
At 65, with an Instagram following of 187,000 and a personality brimming with confidence and creativity, Ms Adams rose to fame, acclaim and influencer status through her authentic, stylish and quirky portrayal of self and words of simplicity based on self-love and inner joy that speak to the hearts of so many across the age spectrum.
The messages don’t end there, with Ms Adams recently releasing her first book, Life in a Box.
During lockdown and since, her day has begun with a stretching routine that forms a small part of her practice in the morning, including yoga.
As to her skin care regime, Ms Adams says she senses and observes her skin condition, which she believes should be the basis for any beauty regime.
“Doing this reveals I need more moisturiser and less exfoliation as the seasons change from summer to winter,”
she said. “I’ve also discovered serums and face masks, which I enjoy using from time to time.”
Her products of choice are A’kin Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub, which she uses every day in spring and summer, but now every other day, and the A’kin day and night moisturiser. If her skin is feeling particularly dry, though, she’ll use the A’kin night moisturiser during the day.
“The last time I was at Priceline, I was introduced to a Skin Physics Dragon’s Blood Hydration Maximiser Mask, which is a simple, cost-effective, botanical face mask,” Ms Adams said.
In addition to beauty coming from within and a healthy lifestyle, she says beauty and wellbeing are very much related to mental stimulation and satisfaction with the everyday small things that make up our lives.
“I’ve gained a lot of stimulation and satisfaction from writing Life in a Box,” Ms Adams said.
“In it, I explore who we are and how we’re represented
by things and objects. My life story is told through the small objects I’ve collected since childhood. They’ve been kept in a box because I’m often on the move.
“My message to everyone is to accept your body and take the best care of it in the most natural way possible. Drink water, especially now in the change of season. Spend time in the
sun and do things that bring you joy – often to be found in the small everyday moments of life like walking, breathing in plenty of fresh air, gardening and stretching.”
On the ground, customers have appreciated deals such
as The Skin Republic’s Retinol Hydrogel Face Mask
(with retinol helping to smooth lines) which retails for $12.99; Natio Ageless Hydrating Mask 100g ($19.95); Revolution Skincare 12.5% Vitamin C Serum 30ml ($20), said to be effective at brightening and also doubling up
as an antioxidant; Natio Restore Antioxidant Face Serum 50ml, whose plant-derived actives and essences “support renewal and defend against environmental stress”
($27.95); L’Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Root Concealer Spray ($15.95) which “enables those who can’t get to
their colourist to touch up when roots become visible”; Rexona Antiperspirant Advanced Protection Bright Bouquet Deodorant 220ml ($7.50) which “keeps any hint of a sweat at bay during times of increased exercise”; St Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub ($9.99) which “clears the complexion of blackheads and blemishes”; Thebalm Mary-Lou Manizer 8.5g ($29.95); and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($24.95). All retail prices are approximate amounts and subject to variation at different pharmacies.
As we well know, beauty comes from within, giving nourishing body products their place, too. Blackmores Multivitamin For 50+ (90 capsules) has been a good place to start for many who have felt their glow has dimmed.
As to hemp, the global market for CBD (cannabidiol) cosmetics and skin care products, including online, is growing exponentially, with predictions it will be worth around
$3.5 billion by 2026.
Cannabidiol is one of the primary active compounds,
or cannabinoids, found in cannabis plants such as marijuana and industrial hemp.
According to blogger and health advocate Jessica Smith, the past couple of years have brought an ever-rising interest in CBD.
RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUL 2020