Skincare Saviour: The Order You Should Be Applying Your Skincare Products

There’s a lot more involved than just cleaners, toners and moisturisers!

The secret to a great skincare routine isn’t just the products you choose, but also the order in which you apply them!

A regular and consistent skincare routine can have a huge impact on your skin’s appearance in a short amount of time. However, applying your products in the wrong order can sometimes render them completely useless!

Yes, that amazing serum that you treated yourself to may be going to waste if you’re not applying it at the right time in your routine!

So, to help you get the most from your skincare range, here is a step-by-step guide to your daily skincare routine!

1.Exfoliate

Once or twice a week is an ideal amount to exfoliate your skin. If you are, it is best to do this before you do a thorough cleanse.

Be sure to remove your makeup first. Exfoliation will help remove any dirt, dead skin and surface bacteria on the skin, leaving it ready and prepped for a good clean.

2.Cleanser

During your skincare routine cleansing your skin after applying your moisturisers and serums is completely useless.

Make sure your skin is clean, which will help products that follow sink into your skin and do their job!

3.Toner

This is a step a surprising amount of people skip. Toner roves any residual dirt and product left over from cleansing.

Many toners can act as a hydration-boost for your skin also.

4.Acne Treatment

If you apply acne treatments, this is the point where it should be applied. Thee are no layers blocking it from doing its job and it can be deeply absorbed with no barriers.

5.Serum

This is where confusion starts for some people, serum should be applied first as it is lighter in consistency than a moisturiser and therefore can do its job without having to penetrate another layer.

6.Eye Cream

Applying your eye cream at this stage will allow it to penetrate your skin without other products causing its affects to be lessened.

7.Moisturiser

Nearly there!

Applying this on top of your serum helps lock it in. It can also still penetrate the other layers as serums are usually lightweight and very thin.

Apply in circular motions to your skin, which can also help improve circulation in your face.

8.Facial Oil

This step is definitely optional but it is a nice treat for your skin.

At this time of year, a facial oil can help hydrate dry and flaky skin and leave you with glowing skin!

9.SPF

Essential for daily use, even during winter! Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount, even on cloudy days as the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can still damage your skin.

Men… Stay On Top Of Your Health With Our Wide Range Of Vitamins And Supplements!

This week, is annual Men’s Health Week which encourages men of all ages to take time to focus on their health and to take steps to improve not only their health but their quality of life. Whether you need to boost your energy, increase your overall well being or to comfort a health issue you have been avoiding, we can help! To help you take the first steps to boosting your health we’ve put together a list of some of our vitamin and supplement range that can help you improve your quality of life!

1.Wellman

Wellman Original contains a comprehensive formulation of over 29 nutrients. Wellman has been specially developed for men of all ages to help maintain general health and vitality in an otherwise hectic lifestyle. Wellman represents a simple solution, with an advanced one-a-day tablet, which unlike a general multivitamin, has been specifically formulated for the specific needs of men. Wellman is designed to boost various aspects of your health and life, including men’s immune system, energy levels and  reproductive health! Call in store now and save on out Wellman original range!

2.SOS Health – Athletes Magnesium Oil Spray

Made with black pepper, lemon, peppermint and clove essential oils, this Magnesium Oil Spray from SOS Health is specifically made for Athletes. Magnesium is essential to many of our body’s chemical processes. In regards to Athletes, our body’s muscles ability to contract and relax is dependant on how much magnesium they are being given.

Magnesium is an essential supplement to take if you are training for a specific event, e.g. a marathon or you regularly exercise. The SOS Health Athletes Magnesium Oil Spray can prevent cramps, relieve them quickly and helps them warm up to increase their working capacity and avoid injury. Save on this product now in store with 20% off our SOS Health Athletes Magnesium Oil Spray range!

3.Oxylent

Many people often feel fatigue and assume that their they are tired, however did you know that you could feel fatigue because your body is dehydrated? Oxylent is a daily multivitamin supplement that can boost your energy levels and immune system! This daily multivitamin is available in a 7 day and 30 pack in a variety of flavours! Visit your nearest Mulligans Pharmacy to learn more about Oxylent and how it can benefit your life!

4.LubriSyn

LubriSyn is a Hyaluronic Acid Food Supplement with Vitamin D3, Copper, Manganese and Magnesium. This daily supplement can help promote bone health, muscle function, energy and metabolism, immune system and more. LubriSyn can also help reduce arthritic symptoms in just 7 to 10 days.

5.Centrum Men

Backed with over 35 years of nutritional science expertise Centrum Men is a complete multivitamin with 24 essential nutrients tailored for men under 50. Centrum is a tailored multivitamin for men, which has 15 nutrients to support the release of energy, vitamin C to produce immune function, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D for muscle function and iron, which contributes to normal cognitive function. Be sure to call in store for 33% off our entire Centrum range!

If you are hoping to take the next step in improving your health and wellbeing, be sure to chat to a pharmacist or GP for all health concerns.

The Skincare Travel Tip For Your Next Flight

Every skincare lover knows the importance of using SPF on a daily basis to protect skin from the potentially harmful rays of the sun.

Sunlight can prematurely age the skin and by ignoring your daily SPF you’re leaving your skin open to a range of damage.

This might sound a little over the top, but this is advice that skincare experts agree on.

One scenario that you might think about going without SPF is on an airplane, mainly because you’re not under direct sunlight.

However, flying without SPF can negatively impact your skin as you’re much closer to the sun and its harmful rays.

This is most important for people who regularly fly, a point noted by dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer in an interview with Marie Claire.

“If you fly 20,000+ miles in a year, it is an absolute must to wear sunscreen when you fly because of the UV radiation caused by elevation.

“If you don’t, your skin will age prematurely and fine lines and wrinkles will be much more visible earlier on.”

Dr. Lancer says that it’s advisable to wear at least SPF15 and if possible, SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection and to regularly reapply to your face, neck and chest.

Green Tea May Treat Acne

A helpful tip for anyone suffering from acne!

Acne can be an issue for people of all ages and although you may feel like you can escape it when your teenage years are over, this isn’t always the case.

However, there are any ways to deal with this, with many studies now suggesting that green tea might help treat adult acne!

How did it work?

One of the most likely reasons is that green team contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help to calm down red blemishes.

Drinking a cup or two of green team might not sound a lot, but it can make a huge difference if you are struggling with your skin.

NaturesPharm Green Tea blend is a green tea range stocked in many of our stores. This Irish brand is a natural blend of green tea in powdered form that can boost your health and energy levels!

Five Reasons You Should Be Taking A Probiotic

By now you have probably heard of microbiomes, if you haven’t they are the community of trillions of microorganisms that live inside and on your body.

Our microbiome are full of all kinds of microbes, both good and bad. When our microbiome are balanced the good bacteria work hard to keep us healthy.

The good news is that it is possible to swing the balance of microbes in your favour by using a probiotic. Probiotics are are filled with good bacteria, that work to replenish good bacteria in your body.

Although there are many positive reasons why you should be taking a probiotic, but here are our top five!

1.Promotes Healthy Microbiomes

Many modern diets consist of too much sugar and additives, and many people have taken antibiotics as medication, although antibiotics are often necessary to help your body overcome an illness, your body may need to replenish its positive bacteria.

2.Enhance Nutrient Absorption

No matter how many superfoods you eat on a daily basis, your body won’t be able to benefit from them fully if your gut environment isn’t filled with healthy bacteria. Enzymes and digestive bacteria break down the food you eat into molecules which are then absorbed by your body. If your body doesn’t have adequate levels of microbial then you may not fully absorb all nutrients.

3.Boost Your Mood

Your ‘gut feeling’ isn’t just a phrase! The good bacterial in your intestinal tract produce hundreds of nervous system chemicals that regulate our moods. Did you know that 95% of your body’s serotonin (the happiness chemical also found in the brain is manufactured by your gut bacteria). This is why it is important to replenish them regularly!

4.Reduce Fatigue

Have you ever felt tired after getting more than enough rest? This could be related to a lack in good bacteria. Regularly taking a probiotic can encourage your body to digest more nutrients and increasing your energy levels.

5.Improve Your Skin

Your skin is your largest organ and it protects your body fro a variety of external threats, but, what many people don’t realise is that your skin is an important reflection of your internal health. Skin problems can be a results of a variety of internal factors, such as nutritional and hormonal imbalances, as well as problems with your immune system.

By helping your body to absorb the nutrients from your foods, you are also supporting your immune system and reducing temporary inflammation which can help you achieve healthier looking skin.

To learn more about probiotics and how they can improve your health call in and chat to any of our expert team members!

Protect Your Skin From The Cold Weather With These Skincare Tips

The changing season and the recent cold weather can have an impact on your skin, especially going from sunny days to cold, wet and windy ones! This transition can make your skin appear dull and older. In cold weather, dry skin can become cracked and irritated,  while lips may become chapped and sore.

Avoid the cold weather taking a toll on your skin with some of our top tips on caring for your skin!

1.Have A Warm But Not A Hot Shower

Although a long hot shower feels fantastic on a cold morning, however this isn’t the best for your skin. A hot shower strips away protective the protective oils and moisture from your skin.

You may also want to consider switching from your usual cleanser to a much more gentle option. Our Vichy Aqualia Thermal range is perfect for skin all year round, but especially during colder months!

2.Add A Layer To Protect Your Skin

Protect your skin from the cold air and wind by rapping up warm! Protect your hands by wearing gloves and your hair with a hat! Sunscreen is also important! You may think that just because you can’t feel the warmth of the sun that it can’t damage your skin, sunscreen should be worn all year round to protect your skin from the potentially harmful ray of the sun.

3.Stay Hydrated

Your body will try its best to keep itself naturally hydrated, you will quickly feel  and see the affects of dehydration, especially on your skin! Cold weather often encourages us to race for tea or coffee, which sometimes can have a diuretic affect which can leave us more dehydrated! Try to get into the habit of drinking water throughout the day, keeping a bottle of water on your work desk is a great way to encourage yourself to drink more of it!

4.Hand Cream

During days of cold weather, give your hands an extra bit of TLC in cold weather by using hand cream! This will help keep them soft and help avoid them cracking and becoming sore! La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Hands, is paragon free, has no perfumes, non-comedogenic and has a high concentration of selected ingredients, including Thermal Spring Water, it’s also perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin!