10 SIMPLE TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR MAKE-UP GERM FREE

You may not realize it but your cosmetics can easily become contaminated with a variety of yukky stuff, from oil and dirt, to bacteria and fungal spores! In the process it can become potentially harmful for your skin, causing an uneven complexion and breakouts.  Here are 10 tips to keep your make-up fresh and germ-free.

1. Wash your hands. Before touching your make-up try to wash your hands or use a little hand sanitizer – this can reduce the transfer of bacteria into your makeup by as much as 99%.
2. Keep your brushes clean. Try to keep your make-up brushes clean by washing them once a week. Follow these guidelines. You don’t need any elaborate cleansing solutions either – you can use baby shampoo and place the brush just off the edge of your bathroom shelf. This way the brush dries completely. 
3. Sharing makeup. Yes, we know it’s fun but sharing lipsticks or mascaras is unfortunately an ideal way to spread infections, like conjunctivitis and cold sores etc. Do try to keep the sharing to a minimum if you can! 
4. Expired products – Most make-up products have an expiry date. Keeping make-up for months – or even years – isn’t the best idea. Aside from contamination concerns, product performance will be degraded over time so foundations look more cakey and mascaras look more clumpy. Be sure to replace your collection regularly.  Here are some recommendations:

• Mascara: 2-3 months
• Foundation: 6-12 months
• Concealer: 1 year (liquid) or 2 years (stick)
• Powder: 1 year
• Eye shadow and eyeliner: 2-3 months
• Lipstick and lip gloss: 1 year    

5.  Make-up storage – Humidity – which is often higher in bathrooms – can be a               problem for make-up. Warmth and humidity can ‘assist’ microbial growth.                            Also, makeup should be kept away from extreme heat – never glove          compartment of your car for example! Light can cause pigments to fade, so find some space inside a cool, dark cupboard to keep your precious make-up in tip top condition.

6.  Sharpen your pencils. Keep sharpening as regular sharpening can shave away contaminated surfaces on your pencils.

7.  Don’t allow your wet brushes to stay damp. If you like to wet your brushes and pencils with water to intensify the effect of your eyeshadow for example, make sure the brush is stored so that the bristles can dry quickly afterwards. This will help to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.

8.  Always use makeup for its intended purpose. Using lip liner as eyeliner can spread dangerous bacteria from your mouth to your eyes or introduce ingredients to your eyes that could cause irritation.

9.  Pay attention to skin irritations or infections. Throw out old cosmetics and stop wearing makeup if you experience any irritation like a cold sore or eye infection. It’s best to play it safe and discard any products you’ve used within two weeks of spotting the infection.

10. Be smart about testers. If you do want to try the latest shades in the store, be sure to use single-use testers or clean cotton swabs. If the consultant doesn’t seem to care about hygeine, walk away and find someone who does!

If you have any tips of your own we would love to hear about them.

BEAUTY SUPERFOODS ON THE INSIDE AND OUT

We can all use great make-up and all sorts of products to make us look good, but the most effective beauty makeover that you’ll ever get comes from the inside.  Our skin, nails and hair also need nourishment to look great, so we’ve put together some key food essentials that will help boost your beauty from the inside!

If your skin isn’t getting enough nutrients then it will soon start to look dull, grey, dries out and feels fragile- not a good look we hear you cry. 

For a glowing complexion

Shining morning faces need their daily dose of antioxidants and that means vitamin B. 

Vitamin B aids metabolic reactions to repair and build collagen and elastin fibre – we can always do with a bit more collagen.

Good sources: Whole grains and cereals (bread, pasta, rice, wheat, meat, fish, eggs with essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6 which limit water loss in the skin cells – salmon is great for this, anchovies, sardines, tuna as well as avocados.

Water 
water is essential for healthy skin, for deep-down hydration. It also gets rid of waste, which causes dull skin.

Good sources : Aside from drinking water, get your fill from tea, soup, herbal tea, fruit and veg (they’re 90% water on average!).

Vitamin C
- is essential for collagen production and protects your skin from UV damage and if you have any scars it does help to get rid of those too or certainly lessen the effects.

Good sources: Fresh fruit and veg, especially citrus fruit (lemon, orange and grapefruit), kiwi, cabbage vegetables and parsley.

Vitamin A – this is the most important vitamin for supple, radiant skin – we’ll take a truck load please!

Good sources: Liver, eggs, butter and butter for Vitamin A, and brightly-coloured fruit and veg (mango, melon, pepper, carrot, etc) for Provitamin A, which the body converts into Vitamin A.

Vitamin E – this baby is a powerhouse antioxidant with an unrivalled talent in repairing sun damage – if you like the sun then it might be worth stocking up!  Basically vitamin E traps aging free radicals and partners with vitamin A and C to protect cell membranes, which are the main target of those nasty free radicals.

Good sources: Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds), whole grains, cereals and vegetable/plant oils.

Selenium
- partner your vitamin E with selenium and you have the best weapon against free radicals.  Quite recently it has also been recognized as a major player in anti-aging and aids in the elimination of toxins such as tobacco and alcohol through urine.

Good sources: Meat, fish, seafood and eggs.

For clear skin

If your skin tends to be a bit sensitive or greasy then your best bet is to cut down on strong coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and certain spices like pepper, ginger, curry powder, paprika, mustard and fermented cheeses and try to avoid eating excessive amounts of fat and sugar.  Now before you panic because that does sound a bit heavy – remember if they happen to be some of your favourite things above, then just be moderate with them – don’t consume in excess amounts and you should be fine.

Zinc-Zinc is an antioxidant mineral, so if you suffer from spots and blotches, Zinc regulates sebum production and aids cell healing.

Good sources: Shellfish, fish, whole grains and cereals.

Probiotics – Friendly bacteria in your digestive system protect your intestines and strengthen the immune system including your skin.

Good sources: Fermented yoghurts and dairy produce

For beautiful lips

All lips will look great if they are backed with a gorgeous set of pearly white teeth.  So if you like your cigarettes and coffee just be careful they can stain, but you probably know that already.  Get plenty of nutrients to make sure your teeth stay strong, white and dazzling.

Calcium 
Calcium builds and strengthens teeth.

Good sources: Dairy produce, fruit, vegetables and some types of mineral water.

Phosphorus 
Along with calcium, phosphorus forms the mineral ‘weave’ of our bones.

Good sources: All foods contain phosphorus, so as long as you eat a balanced diet you’ll get enough of it.

Fluorine 
Fluorine is a trace element that strengthens tooth enamel.

Good sources: Mineral water that contains fluorine, radishes, cress, cherries and tomatoes.

For shiny hair

Now you can tell a lot about a person’s health by the state of their skin and hair.  When you are unwell or unhealthy, the hair becomes fragile, dry and brittle and can fall out and our skin can just look grey – not a good look!

B Vitamins  
These all contribute to healthy hair, especially B2, which regulates the scalp’s sebum; B5, which improves the structure and shine of the hair; and B8, which slows down hair loss and the appearance of grey hairs.

Good sources: Whole grains and cereals, meat, fish, eggs and brewer’s yeast (live yeast).

Zinc 
Zinc aids hair growth. Zinc deficiency hinders the formation of keratin, causing your hair follicles to atrophy.

Good sources: Shellfish, fish, whole grains and cereals.

For perfect nails

Like our hair and skin, our nails also reflect how healthy we are.  If nails break easily, or are weak or white marks on them then they are trying to tell us something – you need some vital nutrients – keep an eye on your nails and adjust your diet and include some of the following:

Calcium 
Calcium strengthens nails and makes them grow.

Good sources: Dairy produce, fruit and vegetables and some types of mineral water.

Iron 
Iron is a fortifying trace element that enriches red blood cells and increases oxygenisation of tissue, especially in nails that break easily.

Good sources: Red meat, shellfish and pulses.

Sulphur 
Sulphur is a misunderstood mineral that’s vital for strong nails – it basically strengthens the nail structure

Good sources: Seafood, asparagus, onion, garlic and cabbage. 
At Planet Pharmacy we always want to lend a helping hand when it comes to looking and feeling great, so we’ve put together the following menu for a day of beauty food.

A DAY’S BEAUTY FOOD 

BreakfastA hot drink. A glass of fresh fruit juice or a piece of fresh fruit A fermented milk yoghurt or soya yoghurt 2 slices of wholemeal bread with Omega-3 rich butter (butter made with vegetable oil is better than animal fat butter) Snack A piece of fresh fruit Lunch A plate of raw veg or mixed salad (shallots, chives, parsley and other herbs), drizzled with lemon juice and rapeseed oil Around 150g oily fish Steamed vegetables and whole grains/cereals with a drizzle of olive oil A piece of fresh fruit Snack Green tea (left to infuse for less than 2min) A yoghurt or a piece of fresh fruit Dinner Mixed vegetable soup 100-150g steamed fish and steamed vegetables A yoghurt or fresh fruit salad

How to avoid the curse of dry skin – 4 key tips for beautiful skin body and face

We all suffer from dry skin from time to time.  Dry skin is basically caused by the loss of moisture from the outer surface of the skin and its insufficient replacement from the tissues below.   The levels of dryness will be different in everyone and is essentially down to the wide variation in the amount of perspiration and oil secreted by the glands.  These differences can be hereditary or caused by the environment.

Air-conditioning for us here in the desert is the main culprit as the a/c sucks moisture from the atmosphere.

To reduce the risks of dry skin take a look at the following tips:

Tip #1: Use lotion or creams

Always use a moisturizing body cream after a shower or bath.  The type of body moisturizer will depend on the individual.  You could also try a baby oil – step our of the bath/shower – lightly dry yourself but still leave your skin damp and slap the oil over your entire body.  The oil will lock in the moisture – you’ll be amazed at the results.

On your face make sure you use a soap free face wash, or if you use a cleansing lotion make sure it’s light, creamy texture.

After cleansing the face always use a toner to close pores and then use a hyaluronic acid product and then your normal moisturizer.  We recommend hyaluronic as it is a natural way to increase moisture levels in the skin – see the Beauty Intelligence article on Hyaluronic Acid.

Tip #2: Control soap usage.

Try to use a moisturizing shower-gel if you can.  Soaps can have an extremely drying effect on the skin and can often strip the skin of natural oils. in your garden, make sure to also put on gloves to protect your hands from getting into contact with harmful chemicals that may also cause dry skin.

Tip #3:  Drink plenty of water.

Drinking a lot of water – as we all know water is the elixir of life so drinking plenty will help keep skin moisturized.

Tip #4:  Have sufficient sleep.

Ahhh – the magic of sleep.  Sleeping at least 7 to 8 hours each night will help improve the release of melatonin and serotonin hormones, which are essential in maintaining excellent texture of the skin.

These essential tips will keep your skin in a tip top condition and may even make you look younger.

 

FIGHTING THE FRIZZ

Frizzy hair is for some something they have to live with and it is no fun.  Some people think that frizzy hair is an actual hair type.  In fact frizzy hair is a condition, which mostly affects people with wavy or curly hair.

There are many reasons for frizzy hair, such as excessive brushing, over washing can dry out the hair or increase in humidity in the air – and we all know how much humidity is in the air on our fair Dubai shores.

If you suffer from frizzy hair it really can be the bane of one’s life.  It is frustrating because of the amount of work that goes into taking care of your hair and spending time on it to look nice and all you get is a frizzy mop the minute you step outside the door.  It’s not something you’re doing wrong it’s just a bit unlucky.

It’s not all doom and gloom there are various ways you can tame it – in fact it might be worth considering that it’s something that you’re doing every day that’s causing the frizz.

1. Try trimming your hair.  Think about the last time you had a hair-cut. Split ends get gradually worse and worse and this can cause the hair to frizz.  Try to get a hair trim every 6-8 weeks to keep hair healthy.
2. Cleaning hair.  Try not to clean your hair every day.  Instead shampoo and condition every other day to preserve natural oils.  Also, check out products that contain keratin, which fights frizz and repairs damaged hair.
3. Blow-dry properly 

If you blow-dry, first apply an anti-frizz product,. Then hold your hair straight with a brush. As you dry, direct the air downward as you smooth out your hair with the brush. For best results, only blow-dry every other day — though preferably even less. For those with curly hair, use a diffuser.
4. Take a look at your brush – some brushes actually promote frizziness particularly if you naturally have curly or wavy hair.  Might be worth using a wide toothed comb or your fingers
5. Deep-condition.  Treat yourself once a week to a deep conditioning treatment and that will help with enabling your hair to retain moisture, because dehydrated hair will develop into frizz.
6. Protect your hair

Sunscreen isn’t just for the skin; it’s also for your hair. UV rays, chlorine all damage hair so,make sure you rub some sunscreen into your scalp and through the hair.  This way your hair will be protected and stay healthy and reduce the chance of frizz – what could be better.

GOOD LUCK

 

 

HEALTHY, SMART SNACKING

Continuing our theme of health eating we decided to tackle healthy snacking and why healthy snacking is good for you.

With our endlessly hectic lifestyles, healthy snacking seems to fly out of the window and when you do stop to eat the temptation to go the quick and easy route is strong and go for a bag of crisps or chocolate becomes incredibly tempting.

To ensure that you have the right snacks at hand it’s best to prepare them in advance – that way you can avoid being tempted by the high fat snacks.  Having the right snacks to hand will ensure your energy levels remain consistent and that you have the fuel you need to keep you going throughout the course of the day – vital if you have a tough meeting!

Why Healthy Snacking Is Good for You

Healthy snacking is an integral part of your daily diet.  Not only will your energy levels remain high you will also avoid unnecessary weight gain by consuming high fat snack.  You’re best to avoid foods that contain simple carbohydrates – basically sugars, like candy bars or fizzy drinks.

To keep you firing on all cylinders throughout the day choose foods that contain complex carbohydrates, which are found in foods like wholegrain breads, cereals.  These can be combined with protein rich snacks such as peanut butter or low-fat yoghurt and cheese.

Smart Snacking Strategies

Here are some ways to make healthy snacking part of your everyday routine:

• Keep healthy snacks with you. Make it a habit to stash some fruit, wholegrain crackers, or baby carrots in your bag so you always have some healthy food nearby. Half a cheese sandwich also makes a great snack to have on standby.

• Make it interesting. Healthy snacking doesn’t have to be boring as long as you give yourself a variety of choices. Whole-wheat pretzels with spicy mustard, rice cakes with peanut butter and raisins, or low-fat fruit yogurt are healthy, tasty, and easy.
• Satisfy cravings with healthier approaches.  If you’re really craving some chocolate why not try a mug of hot chocolate which has only 140 calories and 3 grams of fat.  A chocolate bar has 230 calories and 13 grams of fat.  Instead of ice cream go for a frozen yoghurt.  Go for tortilla chips or a pretzel instead of regular crisps

After dinner can also be a slippery time. If you’re really feeling hungry, then don’t ignore it.   Instead of giving into the sweet cravings try some dried fruit like dates or figs, rice cakes or air popped popcorn or some strawberries with natural yoghurt.

Below are some treats you can prepare yourself:

• Ants on a log: spread peanut butter on a celery stick and top with raisins
• Banana ice: Peel several very ripe bananas, break them into 1-inch pieces, and freeze the pieces in a sealed plastic bag.  Just before serving, whirl the pieces in the blender with a small amount of water or juice.  Serve right away.  Add berries for a different flavor or top with fruit and nuts
• Health ice pops: Freeze fresh, unsweetened 100% juice in ice pop moulds or ice cube trays
• Whole grain pita and hummus: Warm a pita in the oven on low, then cut it into small triangles.  Dip it in a tasty, low-fat hummus.
• Happy trails mix: Combine 1 cup whole-grain toasted oat cereal with ¼ cup dried cranberries for a health trail  mix.

As with everything, moderation is the key to smart snacking. People who eat regular meals and healthy snacks are less likely to overeat and gain weight than people who skip meals or go for long periods without eating.

Remember you can indulge sometimes – all we at Planet Lifestyle say make the indulgence the exception rather than the rule and then you’ll be able to have your ‘cake’ and eat it too.

Good luck.

 

 

 

5 Ways to Get Your 5 a Day

We all know how important it is to get fruit and vegetables into our diet.  But, as we all know, it is easier said than done when we lead such busy lives.  However, it is important.  Not only is it great for maintaining weight but it is good for our long term health.

We at Planet Pharmacy want to give you 5 very easy ways with which to get your five a day.  It works out actually to a total of about 2½ cups.  That’s the minimum anyway – if you can manage more then fantastic.

Here are some ideas to help you get into the 5-a-day (or more!) habit:

1. Start with the first meal of the day.

Breakfast is a great way to start the fruit and veggies rolling.  Have a banana with your cereal – it really sweetens up a bowl of cornflakes or bran flakes.  This can also work with berries and apples – have a mixture of all and you’ve already had a 1-3 of your fruits before you’ve left the house.

Don’t forget that orange juice counts too — but only if you drink 100% juice. (Limit juice to 1 or 2 servings a day). Continue this pattern by eating vegetables at lunch and at dinner.

2. Get extra energy from fruit or vegetable snacks.

There’s a good source of carbohydrates in fruit and vegetables which will provide valuable energy source for getting you through the rest of the day.  Combining with some protein such as a piece of cheese, yoghurt and you’ll have some serious staying power through the day.

3. Double up on fruit and veggie servings.

Recommended servings tend to be ½ cup so just double it to one cup and there of course aren’t extra calories and you’ll feel fuller for longer, which will stop that after work picking that destroys the waistline!

4. Use fruit and vegetables as ingredients.

Enjoy potatoes?  Then mash your potatoes with some broccoli and cauliflower.  Use applesauce instead of oil for your baked goods – pretty cool huh!  If your cooking up a good old fashioned chili then chop up some veggies like peppers, carrots, peas and toss them in – a great way to get your veggies without tasting them too much if you’re not really a lover of veggies in the first place.

5.  Try a new fruit, vegetable, or recipe each week.

There’s nothing like a bit of variety so try something different each week.  You never know you might find a new favourity.  Try the local fruit from your area – they’re normally fresher than imported fruits and can taste better.

GOOD LUCK WITH IT AND REMEMBER – STAY HEALTHY!

EXERCISE FOR THE MIND AND BODY…AND SKIN

We all know that when we exercise and watch what we eat, we lose some weight and we feel really good about ourselves.  Did you know that this healthy eating and exercise also has an amazing impact on your skin? By exercising your skin, the body’s largest organ, gets the boost it needs to look younger and even clear up acne.  If you are already into exercise or just starting out, here are some tips for taking care of your skin while burning those calories. 

• Exercise eliminates toxins

We all know how many toxins we expose ourselves to on a regular basis.  Exercise enhances the body’s ability to eliminate these toxins.  By exercising our organs become stronger- the kidneys, the liver and the skin become more in sync with the body’s mechanics, which can result in the body becoming more effective at flushing out our systems.

• Exercise helps smooth wrinkles and other signs of ageing

As we get older, our collagen-producing cells become fewer and fewer, leading to dry and wrinkled skin.

Exercising essentially breathes oxygen into skin cells, allowing them to produce the essential collagen that softens existing wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming. Exercise increases the blood supply throughout the body (including the face!) delivering the oxygen and other age-fighting nutrients.

• Exercise can reduce stress

Stress can have an effect on our skin and for some people that means an unsightly and discomforting break out of acne.

Exercise can be a great source of stress relief, and can reduce the production of testosterone-related hormones that can cause acne.

Physical exercise reduces your level of stress and consequently a woman’s adrenal glands produce less of the male-type hormones that contribute to skin flare-ups.  Sweating also helps to unclog pores – which may also help prevent breakouts and improve your overall complexion.

Caring for your skin while exercising

While exercise can boost the health and appearance of skin, it’s essential to take special care of your complexion when working out – especially if you are someone who is prone to acne. Here are some tips:

• Always start with a clean face.

It is preferable to have a make-up free face when exercising.  When we exercise the pores do tend to open as we sweat, so if there is any make-up on your face it could lead to the pores becoming clogged and leading to breakouts.

So, try to include some facial prep time into your pre workout routine.  La Cure has a great face wash that will clear away any impurities and freshen up your face so you can ‘feel the burn’ with confidence.

• Shower soon after exercise. Post-workout showers are more than just hygienic – they can help prevent body acne on the arms, shoulders and back.

• Hydrate. Well-hydrated skin benefits from exercise even more, leading to increased blood flow, which helps to flush out toxins. So remember to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout.

• Keep it cool. Exercise in a cool environment, and take breaks every 15 minutes to keep your body temperature down. In the summer, work out in the mornings before the sun’s rays become strongest and don’t forget to keep drinking water throughout your workout.

• It’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist should you have skin conditions or rashes.

Despite the immense benefits of fitness for your skin, it’s important to check with your doctor or Pharmacist if you have certain skin conditions – you might benefit from something that is prescribed.

So remember, there are many benefits of exercise on your body, and your skin is no exception. By helping to clear away toxins, fight the signs of ageing and reduce stress and acne, exercise can help give your skin a softer and more youthful look – the ultimate post-workout glow!

Diabetes – Diet and Food Tips

EATING TO PREVENT AND CONTROL DIABETES

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes then it is likely that you will have to control the disease with your diet.  Eating the right foods and portion of food is a key step in controlling diabetes.  The key to a diabetes diet is eating in moderation, sticking to regular mealtimes and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Diabetes is on the rise, but it is manageable and preventable with a few simple lifestyle changes by eating a healthy diet, keep your weight in check and getting at least some moderate exercise.

Added to eating healthily it is also really important to incorporate at least some sort of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle and this is even more important if you are suffering from Diabetes.  This doesn’t mean training to run a marathon it could mean a good walk every day, playing tennis or gardening – some sort of activity that keeps you active and your body moving.

You do not need to eat special foods, but instead simply emphasize vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A diabetes diet is simply a healthy eating plan that is high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories. It is a healthy diet for anyone!

In addition to fruits, vegetables and whole grains you should also include dried beans, fish and lean meats.  Non-fat diary such as skimmed milk and no-fat yoghurts and cheese are ideal and try to avoid fizzy drinks.  It is important to cut back on high calorie snacks and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes and full fat ice cream and when cooking try to use liquid oils and the best would be olive oil.

There is actually a top 10 list of super foods that everyone should be eating in order to superpower your diet regardless of whether you have diabetes and all you need to do is to mesh these super-foods into your everyday diet.  The main super-foods generally have a low glycemic index (GI) and are key in providing key nutrients

▪    Calcium

▪    Potassium

▪    Fiber

▪    Magnesium

▪    Vitamins A (as carotenoids), C, and E.

Although there are supplements available on the market it is always better to think about getting your nutrients from foods. Below is our suggested list of super-foods to include in your diet.

Beans – either kidney, pinto, navy or black beans, you can’t find better nutrition than that provided by beans. and are also good sources of magnesium, and potassium.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables – Spinach, collards, kale – these powerhouse foods are so low in calories and carbohydrates, you can’t eat too much.

Citrus Fruit – Grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes. Pick your favorites and get part of your daily dose of soluble fiber and vitamin C.

Sweet Potatoes – A starchy vegetable packed full of vitamin A and fiber. Try in place of regular potatoes for a lower GI alternative.

Berries – whether blueberries, strawberries or another variety they are all packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.

Tomatoes – pureed, raw, or in a sauce, you’re eating vital nutrients like vitamin C, iron, vitamin E.

Fish High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Salmon has got to be the number one choice – a fresh piece of salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Whole Grains – rich in nutrients; magnesium, chromium, omega 3 fatty acids and folate.

Pearled barley and oatmeal are a source of fiber and potassium.

Nuts – An ounce of nuts can go a long way in providing key healthy fats along with hunger management. Other benefits are a dose of magnesium and fiber.

Some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flax seeds, also contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Fat-free Milk and Yogurt – In addition to calcium, many fortified dairy products are a good source of vitamin D.

Of course, the above is a guide and can be effectively integrated into your more familiar foods.  If you can integrate all foods then you will probably be eating a very healthy, well balanced diet that will keep you healthy.

For more information have a chat with your Pharmacist at your local Health First Pharmacy located in the following locations listed below.

Added to eating healthily it is also really important to incorporate at least some sort of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle and this is even more important if you are suffering from Diabetes.  This doesn’t mean training to run a marathon it could mean a good walk every day, playing tennis or gardening – some sort of activity that keeps you active and your body moving.

UAE	Tel
Dubai
Health First Elite Pharmacy	04 4377533
Health First Ghaleelah Pharmacy	04 2693618
Health First Shama Pharmacy	04 4474800
Al Fanar Pharmacy	04 3486120
Health First Scientific Pharmacy	04 3999020
Dehan Pharmacy	04 2287027
Health First Al Ghazal Pharmacy	04 3450888
Sharjah
Mafraq Pharmacy	06 5725313
Masafi Pharmacy	06 5721805
Sands Pharmacy	06 5336128
Ras Al Khaimah
Health First International Pharmacy	07 2282255
Health First Al Manar Pharmacy	07 2274848
Abu Dhabi
Judy Pharmacy	02 6668798
Health First Royal Pharmacy	02 6666427
Health First Elite Pharmacy	02 4494209
Al Sadiq Pharmacy	02 5530036
Al Wathba Pharmacy	02 5831368
New Al Wathba Pharmacy	02 5822829
Fujeirah
Health First Fujeirah Pharmacy	09 2229295
Siji Pharmacy	09 2231540
Safad Pharmacy	09 2447064
Dibba Pharmacy (in Dibba)	09 2444376

The importance of getting a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep comes naturally to some people and not so naturally to others.  There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to put a spring in your step, make you both feel and look great.  A bad night’s sleep, however, can leave you feeling weak, grouchy and depressed.

There can be any number of reasons why this happens: diet, stress and even how your bedroom is decked out can affect your ability to fall asleep.

Unfortunately for those who struggle with sleep, as we just can’t function without it, it’s bad news for the sleepless.  The time we spend asleep allows the body to recover from the day’s activity, restore cells and consolidate memories –important activities that enable us to function during the day and be in tiptop condition.

What we all know is that a great night’s sleep brings out the best in all of us during the day – there’s no point trying to get by on less as you’ll just become moody, irritable and emotional, and that’s a bad combination for anyone!

Sleep disturbing factors.  Nowadays we generally tend to sleep a lot less, and a lot less soundly, due to the increased amount of distractions that surround to us on a daily basis: TV, Internet, sports, even the small flashing red lights from our Blackberry that adorn our bedrooms can have an adverse effect.  In addition, stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, depression can all have a significant impact on one’s sleep to a greater or lesser degree.

When is it time to worry?  If you’ve been having sleepless nights at least 3 times a week in the last month and its beginning to affect your daily life, it may be time to visit your doctor to discuss the root cause of the problem.  You may also consider going to your local, trusted pharmacist to see the various herbal sleep remedies that may be available.

In addition to discussions with either your doctor or Pharmacist, it might also be worth considering the following solutions that you can do for yourself:

Get the setting right – it is really tempting to have a TV in the bedroom – there’s nothing like curling up in bed to your favourite movie or TV programme last thing at night.  However, late night viewing habits have been associated with subconsciously disturbing one’s sleep.  Your bedroom needs to be a serene, peaceful and quiet place.   If you can, treat yourself to some gorgeously expensive bed linen – like a designer outfit it’ll make you feel great and will last years.

Make it dark  – Light pollution is an unpleasant side effect of our modern lives. It is really important to make sure that your room doesn’t let in the light.  You need to make sure that your natural sleep isn’t disturbed and best way to do this make sure your curtains are lined with a black out.  If you don’t buy them this way then you can easily buy black out from the material shop and have a tailor stitch them in. However, it’s not just light from outside that you need to be aware of. How many electronic devices are there, winking and blinking throughout the night in your room? Alarm clock displays, indicator lights plugged in chargers, red standby lights on TVs etc. All these lights sources can have an adverse and a simple solution is to use a piece of tape to cover up the offending LED/display.

Tea and Coffee – as we all know tea and coffee are stimulants so it is best to avoid drinking these after 3pm.  Try a caffeine free green tea instead or a decaf coffee to avoid having a disturbed night.

Not too much, not too late – Trying to squeeze in exercise into an already busy day is difficult and a lot of exercise has to be carried out after work for most people.  If you have to exercise during the evenings after work, then try to do it as early as possible.  Exercise can keep the brain active for hours afterwards and really cause problems when you’re trying to get to sleep.

On the menu – Always try to have a light meal preferably no rich sauces or foods that can play havoc with the digestive system and can often prevent sleep.  Keep meals light or ‘clean’, using foods such as salmon, brown rice, vegetables – not only great to nourish the body but great for the digestive system too.

 

Try and forget your worries and anxieties – Easier said than done.  Stress from work or personal worries have an immense impact on one’s sleep.  A cup of Camomile tea and a good book before turning the light out does work wonders and helps the mind to switch off.  Sometimes you just might need a little help if the root of the sleeplessness is more serious – your doctor will be able to advise you.

If you feel that a little helping hand is still required then your local Planet Pharmacy Pharmacist can advise and discuss with you our herbal remedies that are readily available.

 

  

Luxury hydrating skin care that’s accessible for us all by Maria Galland

      Us ladies constantly battle with keeping our skin soft, smooth and hydrated.  Our skin is constantly exposed to free radicals and negative environmental influences with every new day. Smog in the city, UV radiation, and intense air-conditioned environments, particularly in summer, are a challenge to the complexion.

Specific care, offering a protective shield, prolonging the life-span of the cells and thus counteracting skin ageing, is what is required to maintain the skin’s youthfulness. The only other alternative would be to fall into a long, deep sleep like Sleeping Beauty and we know that’s as likely as us marrying Prince William!

Maria Galland has developed a Luxury Hydrating series that essentially gives the complexion all-round cell protection and optimise the moisture levels in the facial skin with a long-term, “depot” effect. Exclusive and effective ingredient complexes are completely at the service of beauty, leaving the skin with maximum radiance and making it smoother and fuller once more – a perfect solution that suits our hectic lives.

Maria Galland suggests that we begin the luxury care routine with silky, light LUXURY HYDRATING SERUM 1012. Then, apply a few soft drops of LUXURY HYDRATING ELIXIR 1013 as a treatment or additional intensive care. By the way, the elixir is an ideal after-sun product, especially in summer.

If you use the light LUXURY HYDRATING CREAM 1006 then your skin will glow with a youthful and beautiful radiance. You should also treat your complexion to a well-being break once a week, with soft and creamy LUXURY HYDRATING MASK 1031.

So, there’s no reason to sink into a 100-year sleep – but at least we have Maria Galland to keep us looking like princesses!