The mighty midge and other joys of holidaying at home

Like many others this year I am enjoying a short break in Scotland.
Yesterday saw glorious sunshine and 25 degrees! A beautiful day to see the best of Scotland at it's best.
We remembered to apply sunscreen (loving La Roche Posay Anthelios at the moment)

Today was more typical Scottish summer with drizzle and grey skies, but on both days we have been treated to a magnificent display fo wildlife; ducks, peahens, even red squirrels, but most of all......the midge!!
So armed with the best insect repellents on the Market, we decided to see which came out tops.

Jungle formula worked pretty well, but doesn't taste too good.
Avon's skin so soft smells great and is lovely to use
Mossie milk for kids was acceptable to our two year old.

However, we kept forgetting to put it on!!!

In conclusion, insect repellents only work against the mighty midge, if you apply them before going out.....at any time of day!
Then I think it pretty much comes down to what smells nice and what you are prepared to pay. Not very scientific, but then, I am on holiday!

Vichy Liftactiv Derm Source: the facelift in a jar?

You have probably seen it on the telly or in the glossy mags?

New Liftactiv Dermsource. It claims to be a facelift in a jar.

Aimed at women over 35 - gulp, that's me! who are "concerned with wrinkles and a lack of firmness" - yup again!

So I thought I'd give it a try when it came out and I have been using all three products in the range, the serum, the day cream and the night cream for a couple of months now.

"So tell us what you think?" I hear you cry.

Well....it's nice.

The serum goes on straight after cleansing and disappears beautifully into the skin and the two creams go on after. There are even helpful pictures as to how best to apply your cream. For me the effects last all day and all night, with no tightness which I feel with some creams.

Do I feel firmer and less wrinkly?

Maybe I do, but I'm probably not the best judge of that and of course I didn't do the before and after photos!

The best bit for me though is the price! I've spent a small fortune on skincare over the years from the very basic own-brand ranges up to you £70(!) a pot unpronounceable products.

The Vichy range comes in at about £23.00 per pot which lasts a good while so I think it really is value for money.

Add to that the fantastic free gift of a Vichy all in one cleanser available at Barnton Pharmacy if you buy any product from the Liftactiv range and I think you'd be mad not to give it a go!

Pharmacy first....

Hayfever, eczema, sore throats, sticky eyes, period pain...
Just some of the things you or your family may suffer from during an average year.
Where is you first port of call?
You may go straight to the medicine cupboard or call the doctor for an appointment, but you can go straight to your local pharmacy.

The minor ailment service has been running in Scotland for a few years now with the aim of making pharmacies the first place to visit for minor ailments.
Not sure what a minor ailment is? Pop in to your local pharmacy, if they can treat you, they will and if they can't they'll direct you to the most appropriate place.
The best bit is that if you are eligible (over 60, under 16, on various benefits) your treatment will be completely free!!!!

Hello baby

Pregnant? New mum?

SMA kiosk

You are bound to have so many questions about your new arrival.
We think we may be able to help!

Our new interactive touch screen kiosk has loads of really helpful information for new mums and those about to become parents.

There are videos telling you how to wind your baby, recipes to help you with weaning and even money off vouchers on SMA milk!!!

Both our pharmacists, Sally and Leanne, are have toddlers themselves and can help you with real practical advice about all aspects of parenthood from teething to tantrums - particularly tantrums!!!!

The sun has got his hat on....

...Hip! Hip! Hip! Hooray!
The sun has finally come out in Scotland so we thought it was timely to let remind you of how to keep you and your family safe in the sun.Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The higher the SPF, the better. Go for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the product is not past its expiry date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years.

• Don’t spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen. Sunscreen should not be used as an excuse to stay out in the sun.  The summer sun is most damaging to your skin in the middle of the day. Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors.
• Water washes off sunscreen and the cooling effect of the water can make you think you're not getting burned. Water also reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure. Even "waterproof" sunscreens should be reapplied after going in the water.
• Remember to pop on a hat as well.

What should I do if I get sunburn?
Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will ease the pain. Sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing after sun or calamine lotion. If you feel unwell or the skin swells badly or blisters, seek medical help. Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone.

Barnton Pharmacy has some great offers on sun creams at the moment. Come in and stock up for fun in the sun - whether you are staying at home or lucky enough to be going abroad.