The story of rubber duckies begins in the late 19th century when rubber manufacturing began to boom. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that these adorable toys took on their iconic, buoyant form, thanks to Peter Ganine, who patented a "floating toy" design. Since then, rubber duckies have splashed their way into the hearts of people worldwide, evolving from simple children's toys to cultural icons.
Rubber duckies are more than just bath time companions. They're symbols of childhood innocence, joy, and nostalgia. Their bright colors and friendly faces can turn even the dreariest day into a sunshine-filled adventure. And let's not forget the satisfying squeak they make – music to anyone's ears!
Rubber duckies have made quite a splash in pop culture. Who can forget Ernie from "Sesame Street" singing "Rubber Duckie, you're the one"? This catchy tune became such a hit that it even reached No. 16 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1970! Rubber duckies have also floated their way into movies, books, and even art installations, proving they're not just for the tub.
Now, let's waddle over to the most exciting part – the special rubber duck collection at ApothecaryToronto.ca! This isn't your average rubber ducky assortment. It's a treasure trove of unique, whimsical, and downright adorable ducks that will make any collector or enthusiast quack with excitement.
From classic designs to novelty themes, there’s a duck for everyone. Whether you're a fan of superhero ducks, glow-in-the-dark quackers, or elegant, patterned ducks, ApothecaryToronto.ca has it all. These ducks aren't just for decoration; they're little pieces of joy that bring a splash of fun to any occasion.
Rubber duckies have journeyed far from their humble beginnings to become beloved icons in our culture. They remind us of the simple joys in life and bring a smile to faces young and old. The collection at ApothecaryToronto.ca is a testament to the enduring charm of these delightful ducks.
So, why wait? Waddle on over to ApothecaryToronto.ca and let these adorable rubber duckies make a splash in your heart and home. Trust me, you won't regret diving into this pond of happiness! 🦆💦🌈
]]>At the heart of our line of liquid and bar soaps at Apothecary lies the belief that nature provides the finest ingredients for healthy, radiant skin. The use of natural oils, such as olive oil, allows us to create soaps free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, making them gentle and nourishing for all skin types.
Olive oil, derived from the olive tree, has been revered for centuries for its numerous health benefits, both internally and externally. When it comes to soap making, olive oil proves to be a game-changer, transforming the soap into a luxurious experience. Here are some reasons why olive oil is exceptional for soap making:
Among the wide range of natural oil-based soaps, Castile soap holds a special place. Originating in the Castile region of Spain, this soap has a rich history dating back to the 8th century. What sets Castile soap apart from other varieties is its purity, as it contains only three primary ingredients: olive oil, water, and lye. This simple yet effective combination is the secret behind its superior quality.
Natural oil-based soaps, especially those enriched with olive oil like Castile soap, are a treasure trove of skin-loving benefits. This is why olive oil forms the base of our in house brand of soaps. Choosing Apothecary soaps not only means nourishing your skin with the finest ingredients nature has to offer, but also embracing a time-honored tradition of craftsmanship,
At Apothecary, our soaps are gentle, effective, and environmentally responsible. Make the switch to Apothecary soaps and experience the transformative power of olive oil for yourself. Your skin will thank you for it, and you'll revel in the delight of a truly superior soap product.
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Spray clarifying skin toner is a versatile skincare product that provides a host of benefits for various skin types. Unlike traditional toners that require cotton pads for application, the innovative spray formula allows for a refreshing and convenient misting experience. It is formulated with a blend of botanical extracts, vitamins, and antioxidants, all working synergistically to rejuvenate and clarify the skin.
Using spray clarifying skin toner is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a glowing and clarified complexion:
As for the timing, it's best to use a spray clarifying skin toner after cleansing, both in the morning and evening, as part of your regular skincare routine.
Two standout ingredients in our Apothecary clarifying spray toner are cucumber and honeysuckle extract. Let's delve into why these natural wonders are fantastic for your skin:
Spray clarifying skin toner, enriched with the goodness of cucumber and honeysuckle extract, is a game-changer in your skincare arsenal. Its ease of use, hydrating properties, and pore-cleansing abilities make it an essential step in achieving a clarified, radiant, and healthy complexion. Embrace the magic of spray toners, and let the refreshing mist breathe new life into your skin. Say goodbye to dull and congested skin, and hello to a radiant, revitalized you!
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Every year as Father’s Day comes around, we begin to brainstorm a gift that will be ultra special. In order for the gift to be special we must first think about what makes our fathers feel special and confident in their everyday lives. For a lot of fathers their beard is their most proud asset, so what better gift could we give them than a relaxing facial with a highlight on beard care!
Before we get into what our beard care facial includes, let's dive into why beard care is important in the first place!
Your hair grows and changes in stages, and during these stages a lot of mishaps can happen along the way that could affect your skin underneath or change the outcome of your desired look.
In the Anagen Phase, your hair follicles are pushing out hairs that will continue to grow until they are cut or until they reach the end of their lifespan and fall out.
The Catagen Phase can only start when the Anagen Phase ends. This stage tends to last around 10 days. Hair follicles shrink and hair growth slows. The hair separates from the bottom of the follicle, yet remains in place.
In the Telogen Phase your hair goes through a period of rest. Hairs don’t grow, but they also do not shed. New hairs start to form in follicles that have just released hairs during the Catagen Phase.
In order for these stages to run smoothly, it is essential to maintain the health of your hair follicles.
If the right techniques and preventative care is not used, you can also end up with inflamed hair follicles. Inflamed hair follicles will present themselves as red, itchy, irritated bumps. This is a very common problem and can be caused by a number of things such as:
-Improper hygiene techniques
-Constant rubbing / friction around follicles
-Over-shaving
-Over production of sebum / sweat
-Spending a lot of time in a hot tub or sauna
Outlined below are some ways to assure your hair stages will run smoothly and the integrity of your skin and beard will be kept.
Start by cleansing your beard and the skin underneath daily or at minimum 2-3 times per week. This prevents build-up of dirt, bacteria, and sweat. These are all things that will compromise your skin and beard health. It is important to use a cleanser or beard shampoo that aligns with your skin type whether that be normal, oily, combination, or dry. If you are unsure of your skin type, having a consultation with our Medical Aesthetician will be able to assist in picking the right product for you.
Using a tool such as a silicone scalp brush will also help with blood circulation and be able to penetrate the cleanser deeper and more thoroughly through your hair.
After cleansing, it is imperative that a moisturizing agent be used to protect your skin and beard’s moisture barrier.
For acne prone skin: Use a lightweight beard conditioner.
For normal / dry skin: Use a hydrating beard oil
For sensitive skin: Use a fragrance-free moisturizer
Applying these products while the skin and beard is still damp will reap the most benefits.
At this time you can lightly massage your chin area to again help with blood circulation and distribution of product.
Then you can move onto styling! Detangling beards whilst they are damp is much easier.
A beard brush: Cleans your beard and spreads moisture. It digs through beard hair to reach the skin underneath. It creates a fluffier and fuller looking beard.
A beard comb: Better at detangling, styling and spreading holding product.
If you want your beard more tapered and clean, making sure you are using the right grooming techniques is essential to your skin and beard health as well. Always use clean disinfected scissors and make sure you are replacing your razor blades after every fifth shave.
Here at Apothecary we make it our mission to celebrate beards and help you enhance them!
That is exactly why we are offering beard services that follow every step outlined above.
Our Fundamental Facial will take care of your skin needs and with the add on of the beard service we will make sure that the skin underneath your beard is happy and healthy as well. We will make sure to focus on the beard area, finishing off with beard balm and styling of your choice.
So make the right choice this Father’s Day and give him a special day with us! He will be in great hands and he will leave with a beard and face he can absolutely be proud of.
]]>Retinol I’m sure by now you’ve heard something about retinol, but what is retinol? and what does it really do?
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Retinol was first used for skin Deficiencies in Vitamin A have been linked to skin infections, damaged skin barriers, and decrease in collagen and elastin production. All of these things lead to noticeable poor skin health! With the introduction of retinol, you are helping “reboot” the skin’s immune response. You are aiding it to boost collagen production – which keeps the skin supple and youthful– protect against moisture loss, and reduce sebum production! Introduction of retinol is the perfect solution to a lot of common skin concerns. However, it's not enough to know the answer to What is retinol? There are some precautions that should be noted when making the decision to integrate it to your skincare routine.
1) Retinol should only be used at night.
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to light, so it is important to only integrate it before bed time and use a minimum of SPF 30 during the day, re-applying every 2 hours.
2) Retinol is not suitable for thin or sensitive skin.
If you are prone to skin sensitivity or have skin allergies, it is important to note that retinol may not be suitable for you!
3) You have to take it slow.
When integrating retinol into your skincare routine, it is essential to start with a patch test. If all goes well, you may continue and apply your full face once every few days until you can gradually increase to once a day.With all things considered, I hope you might try to supplement retinol into your skincare regime to reap the benefits!
]]>Your aesthetician will explain the the benefits and differences of the products to you and guide you in your selection. This will ensure you reap all the advantages the products have to offer. For optimal results ask your aesthetician about services that are available to optimize the benefits of the products you are interested in. A professional facial treatment is the best place to start when it comes to men's skincare.
An experienced aestheticians can help reduce acne breakouts, minimize dark spots, shrink pores, and remove excess oil. Professional facials can also target wrinkles and fine lines that come with aging skin. A facial for men involves several different steps that work together to provide deep-cleaning and hydration of the skin. Your facial will follow steps tailored specifically to your needs, like cleansing and exfoliation to remove any dirt or debris that could be blocking your pores. An aesthetician may also include an acid peel or mask to help soften the skin and make it appear more radiant. Next the aesthetician may perform extractions, using sterile professional tools to remove blackheads and whiteheads, without damaging the skin. Your facial treatment will leave you with a smooth, clear complexion. Facials for men will often use products specifically designed for male skin care needs. These may include masks and serums to treat ingrown hairs, enrich and condition facial hair or improve anti-aging benefits.
Absolutely! Men with facial hair can benefit from professional facials just as much as those without. Facial treatments start by cleansing the face, followed by applying layers of products designed to address any specific issues or problems. For men with facial hair product selection is directed toward treating the facial hair and the skin beneath the hair. For men that do not normally have facial hair your aesthetician may suggest shaving before the treatment in order to get the most out of it.
At the end of a good facial treatment, you will feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the day. A professional facial treatment will leave you with renewed confidence in your appearance. Depending on the nature of the treatment you received, you may also feel some discomfort or dryness in your skin. This is normal and should subside within a few days. To ensure that your skin stays healthy and fresh, it is important to follow the instructions given by your esthetician or dermatologist.
Maintaining your skin after a professional facial treatment is essential to ensure you reap the full benefits of the procedure. It's important to know that men and women have different needs when it comes to homecare. When selecting products it's best to follow the advice of your aesthetics expert.
Caring for your skin at home involves more than just cleansing and moisturizing. Exfoliating dead skin cells is also key in order to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. Consider using products specifically designed for men as they are formulated differently from those made for women.
When selecting products, make sure to choose ones that address any specific concerns you may have such as dryness or sensitivity. If you're not sure what product is right for you, don't hesitate to review with your aesthetician.
Having a beard or moustache is an important part of many men's personal style, but maintaining facial hair may seem time consuming. However, it's well worth the effort and it can offer plenty of advantages. Proper care and maintenance, can ensure you reap these benefits and have facial hair that looks great and is healthy too!
If you're new to caring for your facial hair, it is importand to understand the differences in products such as beard oil, beard balm and beard butter. Each one serves its own purpose, so be sure to pick the right product for your needs. Beard oil is ideal for dryness, while beard balm and butter are better suited for styling. With regular use, you'll never have to worry about dealing with dirt or having a dull-looking face again; these products will help keep your facial hair looking fresh and attractive!
Facial treatments are no longer just for women; men can also benefit from professional facial services! Facials for men are becoming increasingly popular as men begin to recognize the importance of skin care in improving their overall health and well-being. A facial treatment helps keep your skin looking and feeling its best by cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and toning. Additionally, facials can help reduce signs of aging and acne breakouts. By visiting a spa regularly, you can reap the benefits of pampering yourself while addressing any skin concerns you may have.
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Soy wax is a natural wax that is sensitive to changes in temperature. On occasion, you may notice what looks like an air bubble between the wax and the glass – this can occur when soy wax shrinks due to a change in temperature. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect the quality or burning
]]>Candle Care from 100 Years of Love
PRE-BURN
Always trim wick to ¼”, removing any carbon build up from previous burn. This helps prevent smoking and allows for a cleaner burn.
BURN
Always burn candle on a stable, heat resistant surface, away from drafts and flammable materials, and out of the reach of children and pets.
POST-BURN
Take care to prevent wax splatter when extinguishing flame, and allow wax to completely cool before handling candle.
A NOTE ABOUT SOY WAX
Soy wax is a natural wax that is sensitive to changes in temperature. On occasion, you may notice what looks like an air bubble between the wax and the glass – this can occur when soy wax shrinks due to a change in temperature. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect the quality or burning of your 100 Years of Love candle.
Up to 25% of women in the 19th century died in childbirth from childbed fever (peurperal sepsis), a disease subsequently found to be caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, which was inadvertently transmitted to the mothers on the hands of the doctors attending them. When hand washing was instituted in the delivery room, the rate of death dropped to less than 1%.
Washing your hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper is of utmost importance, as the ingestion of even the smallest amount of fecal matter can cause serious illness from deadly pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, giardiasis and hepatitis A, among others.
Viruses can also be spread via the hands when they come into contact with infectious respiratory secretions, such as after coughing, sneezing, shaking hands with someone or touching an object that has been in the proximity of someone who is ill, then touching the face, particularly the nose, eyes or mouth. This is one of the primary ways of transmitting the virus that causes the common cold.
Those who handle food should routinely wash their hands, not only after using the toilet, but also after touching raw meat, fish or poultry, as the microbes present on uncooked food can cause gastrointestinal infections that can range anywhere from mild to severe.
Other instances in which you should wash your hands are after handling garbage, handling animals or animal waste, visiting or caring for an ill person, or if the hands show visible dirt.
To wash your hands properly you need only two things: soap and clean, running water. If these two are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has a minimum 60% alcohol content.
Before washing your hands, remove all rings and other jewelry. Using warm, running water, wet your hands thoroughly, then apply enough soap to work up a nice lather. Keeping your hands out of the water, rub them together, being sure to scrub both the front and backs of your hands, including your wrists, and also washing between the fingers and under the nails. Do this for 20 seconds, then rinse completely under the running water. Turn off the taps with a paper towel and dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer.
]]>Were you aware that the cosmetics industry in North America is big business with over $35-40 billion in sales each year? But do you really know what the ingredients are in these products? Even if listed on the product label…do you understand for example what sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, mineral oil mean? It would seem only a chemist would understand their purpose. Further the "flowery" and often misleading language of cosmetics advertising tells you very little about the actual effectiveness. It seems that a large percentage of the population is suffering adverse consequences when using cosmetic products containing many harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients.
The purpose of this article is to offer alternative methods of caring for your hair and skin. I am actively involved in the manufacture of truly natural herbal creams, lotions, shampoos and sprays with premium quality botanical herbal extracts which are certified organic, organic, or wild-crafted without synthetics, artificial colour, scents or preservatives. I will inform you of the various chemicals by name, where they come from, and what they can do to your skin and hair. Be aware that there are over 12,000 chemicals available for use in cosmetics, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health many are toxic and are dangerous to your health and well-being.
"This spells delight for the company and disaster for you!"
Large corporations in the personal-care industry are interested in the promotion and profit potential of their products, not your health. They are selling an image, not necessarily a safe and effective product. The consumer is overwhelmed by all the claims made promoting their products as "New & Improved" or "All Natural." Many of the so-called new and improved products are old formulas in flashy new packaging designed to appeal to today's consumer, and natural may refer to one small part of the ingredient list. All these claims do is increase the price, not the quality.
Companies selling personal care products hide controversial or dangerous ingredients under the label of "trade secrets". Because of intense competition in the industry, if a company believes it uses an ingredient that is relatively new to the industry or makes their product unique, it can petition in Canada the HPB (Health Protection Branch) or in the U.S. the FDA to prevent disclosure of that ingredient by granting trade secret status. This spells delight for the company and disaster for you!
Brand name cosmetics companies have developed a large profitable industry selling products that imply non-existing and impossible virtues and cures! Every cosmetic product on the market is formulated for a shelf life of over three years; therefore it contains a large amount of preservatives (usually four synthetic parabens) to prevent spoilage. These preservatives are cellular toxins; this is how they kill microbes. They penetrate the skin and have been shown to cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. Over 90% of all ingredients in commercially available cosmetic products are of synthetic origin many with associated health risks.
In North America literally, thousands of people suffer from adverse effects when using cosmetic products and most people don't associate the burning, reddening, pimples or rashes with a cosmetic product they are using. If a person does identify a problem he/she simply discontinues its use, but seldom reports it to the HPB (Health Protection Branch – Canada) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration – the USA). Moreover, some chemicals used in cosmetics may not cause signs of toxicity on the skin, but rather contain potent systemic toxins that may have serious internal complications.
A list of cosmetic chemicals that have caused adverse effects was first published for the general public in the book "Health Risks in Today's Cosmetics". This book contains the surprising results of a survey of an estimated 20,000 different off-the-shelf cosmetic products for sale in the U.S. Over 80% of the products surveyed contained one or more ingredients that have caused documented adverse reactions in humans and animals. The book advises carefully reading the ingredient label of all products, comparing them against a list of reportedly harmful ingredients or contaminants. Only if consumers do just that, will products that contain harmful substances eventually disappear from the marketplace.
"Products that your children use every day may contain ingredients that studies have linked to cancer, blindness, and even death."
As parents we put a lot of effort into protecting our children from the dangers outside, what you may not realize is the dangers in your home are just as likely to harm your children as anything outside. Products that your children use every day may contain ingredients that studies have linked to cancer, blindness, and even death. One of the most widespread of these chemicals is SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) used as a thickener or to create a rich lather. Manufacturers primarily use it because it is inexpensive and readily available. Some products that can contain SLS are shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and lotions. SLS has been shown to irritate the skin of the face with prolonged and constant exposure and was found to cause a significantly high frequency of aphthous ulcers (canker sores).
You are probably aware that your children's toothpaste contains FLUORIDE because that's what dentists have recommended for years to prevent cavities. However, most toothpaste contains enough fluoride in four ounces to kill a small child! Why do we need fluoride anyway? In 1990 a study stated that fluoride has been shown to NOT reduce cavities and now scientists are linking fluoride to dental deformity, arthritis, allergic reactions and about 10,000 unnecessary deaths each year from cancer. Fluoride can corrode the tooth enamel and research indicates that it can lead to Crohn's disease when toothpaste is swallowed.
Some women experience rashes, eczema, and/or acne from using cosmetics loaded with synthetic ingredients. To make matters worse the same irritating ingredient is in the product they use to try to alleviate the problem but they are actually making it worse! When young women start using makeup - many really overdo it and the synthetics in the products are absorbed into their skin drying the skin and changing the pH level. This sets them up for a lifetime of problems. Certain preservatives, artificial fragrances, colours and mineral oils have been linked to itchy rashes, skin damage, and asthma-like symptoms. The origin of a significant portion of dermatological complaints can be traced back to a chemical or non-natural substance applied to the skin.
Most of us use shampoo on our hair anywhere from a weekly to daily basis. Complaints about irritation from shampoo are among the most frequent made to the HPB/FDA and to manufacturers. Complaints often include scalp irritation, hair loss, eye irritation, and severe hair damage. The vast majority of commercially available shampoos are loaded with chemicals that are hazardous to your skin and health! Scientific studies have proven that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) damages protein formation in the eyes and retards the healing process. Kenneth Gree, PH.D., D.Sc. of the Medical College of Georgia warns that eyes affected by SLS take five times as long to heal. SLS can lead to cataract formation and eventually blindness, not only from direct eye contact but also long-term skin absorption. It is interesting to note that many varieties of shampoo designed to treat dandruff and flaky scalp conditions contain COAL TAR. However, you won't find it on the label, it is listed as FD&C or D&C colour.
Recently I checked some of the large chain and drug stores and was amazed that approximately 60-70% of the lotions, creams, shampoos and conditioners had no ingredients listing. The remaining products which did have an ingredient list contained many synthetics and chemicals.
There are alternatives available! Consumers can purchase toxin free natural herbal products. There is a wealth of information and practical knowledge available about NATURAL products which have been used for thousands of years starting with aboriginal and native peoples.
References:
This article is based on the research from books, the internet, studies, Material Safety Data sheets (MSDS), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), www.cdc.gov, Environmental Protection Agency *EPA), Environmental Working Group (EWG), Natural Toxicology Program, Dept. Health and Human Services, www.ntp.niehs.nih.gov/, Health Care without harm, Natural Skincare Authority, www.safecosmetics.org,www.lesstoxicguide.ca, www.alkalizeforhealth.net.
Disclaimer: This information is summarized for its educational value and should not be used for the cure, diagnoses, treatment or prevention of disease, please contact your health care practitioner.
Klaus Ferlow, author, HMH, HA, innovator, lecturer, researcher, writer, founder of Ferlow Botanicals, Vancouver, B.C. and NEEM RESEARCH, Mission, B.C., board member of Health Action Network Society, member of National Health Federation, Neem Foundation, Mumbai, India, co-author of the book “7stepstodentalhealth” and author of the book “Neem – Nature's Healing Gift to Humanity.”
HMH – Honorary Master Herbalist, Dominion Herbal College
HA = Professional Herbal Advocate, Canadian Herbalist's Association of B.C.
Copyright@1999, all rights reserved
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