Tag Archive for: dr. goldfaden

As wonderful as summer can be (thanks to longer days, trips to the beach and pool, and lighter brighter vibes in general), it’s not necessarily ideal as far as our skin is concerned. After all, exposure to UV rays is the leading cause of visible signs of aging—not to mention it can lead to some pretty serious hazards for skin and overall health. In search of intel and solutions to save our skin all summer long and 365 days a year, we tapped celebrity esthetician and Goldfaden MD’s Educational Advisor Gina Mari. Heed her advice on all things sun safety and skin repair. Plus: helpful FYIs on the ingredients you’ll want in your skincare routine, ASAP.

What is the biggest misconception people have about sun safety?

That you only have to apply sunscreen once in the morning and then you’re good for the rest of the day. We have been educating people on the proper use and application of sunscreen for years now and it still amazes me when a client comes in literally fried and says, “But I put it on this morning!”

What skincare ingredients can heighten photosensitivity and what are your tips for using them in the summer months?

Products that contain ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide will definitely make your skin much more sensitive to sun exposure. As opposed to discontinuing the use of these ingredients, simply lower the percentages that you’re using creating an overall milder formula for your skin. And, I would suggest only using your actives at night.

What skincare ingredients can help minimize sun damage, whether immediately or more long term?

Several ingredients listed above are extremely effective. Additionally, niacinamide, kojic acid, azelic acid and hydroquinone have proven great results. Consistency with the use of whichever combination or stand-alone ingredient your product/products contain is key. As all of these ingredients work to exfoliate and resurface (even if it’s the slightest amount) so applying a hydrating product with ingredients such as alpha lipid acids, hyaluronic acid and ceramides will really help speed the healing process as well as help you maintain results.

Direct sun exposure aside, what are the surprising culprits that can wreak havoc on your skin in the warmer months?

Skin, hair and nails are really affected by basically sun, salt and sand! We all need to enjoy our lives and a little vitamin D is good for you. Protect your skin during the daytime and focus on repairing and restoring in the evening.

What is one thing you wish everyone would do (or not do) in terms of sun exposure and skin health?

Using and reapplying sunscreen as suggested is great and there are some really cool sun-protecting clothing items such as hats, swim shirts, etc. that really assist with additional protection. Essentially we want to protect and renew our skin every day and that will lead to healthy-looking skin.

Do you have a go-to hack to reduce post-sun skin sensitivity?

Really take extra care with cool baths and soothing products that contain ingredients like aloe vera. Please, please, please, don’t scratch or peel the burnt areas…that will extend your healing time.

ABOUT GINA MARI

Gina Marí is a skincare expert with a unique approach to skin renewal and preservation. She was named “Top Celebrity Facialist in Los Angeles” by Allure Magazine and works with a list of high-profile, A-list clientele who know her as meticulous, compassionate and forward-thinking. Gina curates skincare programs for her clients, designed for both immediate results and long-term maintenance to improve the health and vitality of the skin “Seeing my clients happy, glowing and confident is a gift that constantly inspires and motivates me,” she says. Immersed in the developing science of skincare, Gina conducts advanced research and utilizes cutting-edge technologies in her skincare programs, constantly discovering new treatments to help her clients with their individual skincare concerns and goals.

 

Goldfaden MD understands the power of women. So in honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting some of the strongest women we know and sharing their advice and insights into how they find their own version of success. 

 

Rene Macdonald, Founder and Creative Director of Lisou

“My mother always told me you can achieve anything if you’re willing to work hard, and as a black woman, you’ll have to work harder than most. The most useful thing I do is meditate—it calms my racy mind and hopefully makes me a better person for others.”

Her go-to Goldfaden MD product: “When it comes to self-care, I look for skincare that’s effective, easy and quick, with great results. Doctor’s Scrub is an amazing product that leaves my skin glowing without being abrasive.”

Christine Bullock, Founder of KAYO Bodycare and Creator of Evolution 20

“As a mother of three little girls and CEO of a global company, it’s becoming harder and harder to

manage it all. A friend told me to imagine I’m a juggler. Some of the balls are glass and some are plastic. We can’t juggle it all, all the time, so we have to figure out what responsibilities or tasks in life are ‘made of glass’—they are vital to our health and happiness—so they can’t be dropped. Then, figure out what is made of plastic and can be dropped.”

Her go-to Goldfaden MD product: “I love the Doctor’s Scrub because it always leaves my skin so refreshed, soft and smooth. Plus, my skincare seems to work much better after a mini-exfoliation.”

Claire Le Marquand and Kirstie Beecroft, Co-Founders of Kirstie Le Marque

“As co-founders, the best advice we both received (and took) was just that—to have a co- founder. Many people start businesses by themselves and succeed brilliantly, but we always discuss whether Kirstie Le Marque would be where it is today had we not done this together. Having one another to bounce off, brainstorm with, cry to and, most importantly, laugh and celebrate with has been invaluable. It isn’t for everyone, but for us it has been everything.”

Their go-to Goldfaden MD products: 

“A good eye cream should be in every 40-something woman’s beauty arsenal. Bright Eyes brightens my under eye-darkness, reduces puffiness and smoothes fine lines. And, for me, the biggest selling point is the natural, clean, plant-derived ingredients—I want to know what I’m putting on my skin.” – Kristie

“I use Doctor’s Scrub everyday. I love the combination of exfoliation and hydration. And if it’s good enough for Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba, it’s good enough for me!” – Claire 

Shira Barlow, MS, RD, registered dietitian, nutrition expert and author of THE FOOD THERAPIST

“There’s still a lot to be done in terms of supporting mothers with young children in the workplace. I think so many great companies and institutions and industries lose out on contributions from really smart, capable, talented women because there’s just not enough flexibility and support. But I do know so many amazing women coming up in the next generation and I’m totally inspired by them and how they ask for what they need unapologetically, and I have a lot of hope for the future.”

Her go-to Goldfaden MD product: “Doctor’s scrub!! But I use it off-label on the back of my arms because that’s where I need it the most.”

To say that Tati Brailova went through the wringer while launching and scaling demi-fine jewelry brand POCHÉ with Co-founder Nadya Syomik would be an understatement. From COVID complications to fleeing war-torn Ukraine, she had to pivot more than most entrepreneurs—but kept her goals and values in mind to not only stay afloat, but grow and learn in the process. Learn more about her story, brand, and self-care tips below.

What makes POCHÉ appealing to people of all genders, cultures, and backgrounds?

We support all people in being themselves – whatever that looks like, whoever they are. POCHE is a judgement-free, diversity-forward, inclusive brand that is open to all. You do you, we are just along for the ride. I think people feel that.

What does POCHÉ do to stay vegan and sustainable, and why are these aspects so important to your brand identity?

POCHE believes jewellery should make a statement about your values. We want our products to have an impact on vibes, not our environment. That is why we are improving our sustainability across production, packaging and the pieces themselves. We are committed to being fully transparent in the interim.

Our packaging uses cardboard boxes that are recyclable, and we are transitioning towards FSC-certified paper to eliminate the deforestation of ancient and endangered forests as well as integrate more recycled content.

We are a vegan company, with our jewellery pouches made from a cruelty-free alternative to animal leather. This does not contribute to the 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture, as estimated by the FAO. We are exploring natural alternatives to our pouches to avoid using virgin plastics.

What was the biggest challenge getting your brand off the ground?

Well I think this is what we are going through now. As a brand we are on the journey to establish stronger brand identity and connect with an audience in meaningful ways in Europe, UK and US. It’s not easy to be an independent company without having huge capital and trying to grow in the most competitive cities in the world where modern consumers have access to an unprecedented amount of choices.

How did you pivot strategies once COVID hit, followed by the war in Ukraine?

We launched our brand almost at the beginning of Covid, things were pretty tricky, but we were so obsessed with what we were creating that even Covid wasn’t able to stop us. In fact we learned along the way.

Russian invasion in Ukraine was much more difficult as we had to run from bombing in Kyiv, leave everything we built, relocate to new places and start over not only our business but our lives from scratch.

Frankly speaking we were oriented towards Europe and the US from the beginning of our business, but doing it at your pace from a safe hometown and being thrown into a new reality feels very different. Despite the horrible obstacles and challenges that we are facing and embracing we feel very grateful to have an opportunity to grow the brand in a conscious and responsible environment.

To what do you credit POCHÉ’s successes in such a short amount of time?

I believe that our mutual devotion, clear vision, strong background, sensitive intuition, quick learning, deep inspiration by what we create and strong belief in our brand. We are driven, ambitious people inspired by creativity. We speak with purpose and passion about the things we feel strongly about, whether it be our designs, craftsmanship, community or sustainability.

What is your best piece of advice for budding female entrepreneurs who are nervous to take a big leap, or are facing major obstacles in their work?

I think one of the most important things is to be honest with yourself about what do you really enjoy doing or creating. To be driven to keep learning, to meet people and you should own your decision and own who you are but without apology. Being a leader takes a lot of strength and courage, things you choose to do have to be something extremely valuable and important to you.

What are your skincare and self-care non-negotiables?

Sleep is one thing I can’t deprive myself of. I need to sleep a certain amount of hours and walk a lot in the fresh air, even though I live in London and it rains a lot, I would still go for a walk as part of my mental self-care.

Doctor’s Scrub from Goldfaden MD became my absolute must exfoliator, I just love the feeling of fresh and radiant skin.

I use for ages P50 Lotion from Biologique Recherge, it includes a high concentration of acids, the chemical exfoliation works to regenerate and maintain skin pH.

I’m also absolutely in love with Lip Therapy from Goldfaden MD. It instantly hydrates and plump lips!

Skincare routine really helps me to reduce stress and feel more connected to myself.

POCHE STORY

POCHE was founded in Ukraine in 2019 by Tati Brailova and Nadya Syomik. Much like the confident pieces they create, they celebrate their story’s unconventionality — two friends turned forever soulmates from opposite professional backgrounds, who launched a luxury jewellery line months before a global pandemic. Then a war.

It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t supposed to work. But it did.

Tati studied luxury fashion branding in London, going on to work at industry leaders like VAARA sportswear brand, Roja Dove and David Morris Jewelry, while Nadya managed global teams in the worlds of business and data science. While successful in their ambitions, both knew they wanted to live their lives on their own terms. This passion and energy ignited a creative spark around their shared love for jewellery.

Tired of the millennial minimalism that has homogenised mainstream style, Tati and Nadya became obsessed with the powerful ways a small piece of metal can have a massive impact on a person’s mood. Realising their opposite skill sets in branding and business were actually complementary, they used the resources available and took action. POCHE was born.

By embracing their differences instead of apologising for them, Tati and Nadya have realised a brand that speaks to a global community of creators, change-makers and fellow action-takers who define themselves by their differences. And want to make a difference in this world. 

That is why POCHE is an entirely vegan brand, with sustainable and circular ambitions. Jewellery should impact style, not the planet. 

POCHE pieces are designed to provoke thought and attract attention. Each mindfully enhances the style, personality and vibe of their wearers through playful combinations of colour and shape. Never subtle, always with a strong point of view. Just like their wearers, they are not for everybody — and that is what makes them exceptional.

Today the POCHE community is growing, from Dua Lipa to Joey King & Jasmine Savoy Brown. Some live in the east, others in the west; many are women, others are men. All are driven. They are the visionaries, artists, thinkers, innovators and boundary-breakers who are not just part of the conversation, but are starting it. 

Join them. Join us. Be POCHE.