I am an obsessive consumer of skincare, but CityPharma has become the embodiment of the old remark (Groucho Marx? Casey Stengel?), "It's too crowded, nobody goes there anymore." And it's absolutely correct that you can get most of what they sell in a neighborhood pharmacy (or in Paris in the Pharmacie Les Halles or La Défense) or even Monoprix. But let's not tell the skincare girlies or they will ruin those stores too...
It's really interesting to read about the differences in pharmacies between the U.S. and France. As a person who is highly allergic to methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, I appreciate that the EU banned those substances - yet, the U.S. allows them in many products, from shampoos to skin care products along with lotions, cleaning products, and more.
The FDA approves all kinds of drugs to "treat" skin conditions, rather than doing simple patch tests to find the offending ingredients that should be avoided by an individual. Over time, the contraindications of some of those approved drugs can be far worse than the original offending ingredients. But it's good for the pharmaceutical companies who make big profits from those incomplete diagnoses.
I remember when we were in Paris and I got a cold. We went to a pharmacy and I was surprised by the number of questions the person behind the counter asked before offering me 2 medications with verbal instructions on dosages, possible side effects, when I should start feeling better, and what to do if I didn’t.
Oh that sounds like such a better way for a pharmacy to function then how we do things in North America. I was just walking around a pharmacy in Mexico yesterday, and marvelling at the fact that 3/4 of it was filled with junk food that actually does the opposite of what the medications behind the small counter at the back would have to later be used to fix. It's definitely a broken system.
So glad to hear that France has got it right. Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely be visiting some French pharmacies once I get settled into Spain towards the end of the year!
French pharmacies are such a treasure! I'm like you, for most ailments I go to the pharmacy first, buy the first-line treatments, and take their advice about when and if to see a doctor. I actually find it hard to imagine life without one.
Theresa! Remember me from decades/worlds ago? Ginny Smith turned me on to your posts, which I just love. Always spotted you as a great writer, and what fun to see you thriving. Pls bring some of those miracle creams and sleep aids with you if you venture back across the pond, where a hefty cheesesteak awaits you! Kit
Loved this post. My US friends are always asking me to bring them French sunscreens when I visit and anything by Nuxe and La Roche Posay mâles a great gift for them. I'm also asked to bring over tubs of blue (European) Nivea? Apparently the formulation is different here.
I love this column. I have visited London several times over the years because my college roommate lives there. I have always liked going into a pharmacy there which has just the kinds of products a pharmacy should have, and nothing more. Pharmacists were always knowledgeable and able to recommend things to me. Similarly, we have a neighborhood pharmacy, not part of a chain, staffed by 3 people who know me, put together that Mas is my husband and Michi and Kenzo are our kids. They are helpful, smart and totally responsive. And I can't buy Christmas cards, toys, huge bags of candy, etc. there. Just drugs. But no lovely French skin care products.
I couldn't agree more--French pharmacies are wonderful! CityPharma is bonkers, though. I much prefer seeking out smaller pharmacies for essentials rather than fighting the hordes of "influencers."
Great piece. Not sure they are completely equivalent, but I have had similar service in pharmacies in Italy. By the way, what is the French reaction to Trump's latest on Ukraine, Putin, NATO et al?
I am an obsessive consumer of skincare, but CityPharma has become the embodiment of the old remark (Groucho Marx? Casey Stengel?), "It's too crowded, nobody goes there anymore." And it's absolutely correct that you can get most of what they sell in a neighborhood pharmacy (or in Paris in the Pharmacie Les Halles or La Défense) or even Monoprix. But let's not tell the skincare girlies or they will ruin those stores too...
The secret is safe with me!
It's really interesting to read about the differences in pharmacies between the U.S. and France. As a person who is highly allergic to methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, I appreciate that the EU banned those substances - yet, the U.S. allows them in many products, from shampoos to skin care products along with lotions, cleaning products, and more.
It must be difficult to shop if it's in so many products.
The FDA approves all kinds of drugs to "treat" skin conditions, rather than doing simple patch tests to find the offending ingredients that should be avoided by an individual. Over time, the contraindications of some of those approved drugs can be far worse than the original offending ingredients. But it's good for the pharmaceutical companies who make big profits from those incomplete diagnoses.
I remember when we were in Paris and I got a cold. We went to a pharmacy and I was surprised by the number of questions the person behind the counter asked before offering me 2 medications with verbal instructions on dosages, possible side effects, when I should start feeling better, and what to do if I didn’t.
Yes, they have a wonderful pharmacy system in France, a set-up as it is meant to be - health care! Another wonderful aspect of French culture. 🇫🇷 💕
Ha! Just got the "Dunno shrug" at CVS yesterday.
Amazing!!
Oh that sounds like such a better way for a pharmacy to function then how we do things in North America. I was just walking around a pharmacy in Mexico yesterday, and marvelling at the fact that 3/4 of it was filled with junk food that actually does the opposite of what the medications behind the small counter at the back would have to later be used to fix. It's definitely a broken system.
So glad to hear that France has got it right. Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely be visiting some French pharmacies once I get settled into Spain towards the end of the year!
You’ll love it. Good luck with the move.
French pharmacies are such a treasure! I'm like you, for most ailments I go to the pharmacy first, buy the first-line treatments, and take their advice about when and if to see a doctor. I actually find it hard to imagine life without one.
My dermatologist got me hooked on La Roche Posay products. Now I'm curious about other French brands.
There are so many good ones!
Theresa! Remember me from decades/worlds ago? Ginny Smith turned me on to your posts, which I just love. Always spotted you as a great writer, and what fun to see you thriving. Pls bring some of those miracle creams and sleep aids with you if you venture back across the pond, where a hefty cheesesteak awaits you! Kit
Remember you??! How could I forget a great editor? It’s so good to hear from you !
Loved this post. My US friends are always asking me to bring them French sunscreens when I visit and anything by Nuxe and La Roche Posay mâles a great gift for them. I'm also asked to bring over tubs of blue (European) Nivea? Apparently the formulation is different here.
I love this column. I have visited London several times over the years because my college roommate lives there. I have always liked going into a pharmacy there which has just the kinds of products a pharmacy should have, and nothing more. Pharmacists were always knowledgeable and able to recommend things to me. Similarly, we have a neighborhood pharmacy, not part of a chain, staffed by 3 people who know me, put together that Mas is my husband and Michi and Kenzo are our kids. They are helpful, smart and totally responsive. And I can't buy Christmas cards, toys, huge bags of candy, etc. there. Just drugs. But no lovely French skin care products.
That sounds amazing!!
I couldn't agree more--French pharmacies are wonderful! CityPharma is bonkers, though. I much prefer seeking out smaller pharmacies for essentials rather than fighting the hordes of "influencers."
Great piece. Not sure they are completely equivalent, but I have had similar service in pharmacies in Italy. By the way, what is the French reaction to Trump's latest on Ukraine, Putin, NATO et al?
The French are horrified and betrayed. Everyone I’ve spoke to, though, has been kind and supportive to Mr.