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7 tips to get glowing skin: The Goldfaden MD Team Reports

When it comes to getting glowing skin, it’s easy to pile on all the makeup products in the world. But if you don’t treat your skin at its core, you won’t ever achieve a natural radiance that makes you look healthy and flawless.

Properly achieving a glowing complexion is something that we strive for on a daily basis; it’s also the most common question that we get asked by our customers – so we wanted to break it down for you – in the 7 tips that we always abide by.

Here’s to glowing skin for 2020!

Science Shows that Sleep Improves the Appearance of Your Skin:

A good night’s sleep, also known as “beauty sleep” (ideally 8 hours) can lead to overall good skin health because when you’re sleep-deprived, your body makes more of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol can lead to increased stress and inflammation in the body, hurting your skin’s quality, tone and luster – think defined wrinkles, dull + lack-luster looking complexion and dark circles, to name a few.

The restorative power of sleep is vital for rejuvenating and repairing the skin and is controlled by the hormone melatonin. Melatonin production increases and peaks around 2am, so applying a night cream before bed enhances your skin’s ability to rest and reset. During the nighttime hours, the skin springs into action to repair itself back into balance through a restorative and renewal process. Applying products that are packed with anti-aging ingredients such as Retinol, Antioxidants, Peptides, Vitamins, to name a few, at night, are particularly important because the skin is able to absorb the nutrients and ingredients more effectively while being in a relaxed state and out range of UV rays and pollution. 

Superfoods For Glowing Skin:

Growing up we had a sticker on our refrigerator which read, “You Are What You Eat”, so the importance of healthy food was instilled in me from a very young age. Clear and glowing skin starts from the inside. Eating fried foods, processed foods and sugar can wreak havoc on your skin causing puffiness, redness. Blemishes. Blotchiness, and in all cases Glycation. The Glycation process is sugar (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin and speeding up the aging process – think premature wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, avocado and almonds can greatly reduce inflammation, reduce dryness and increase circulation – a key attribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Leafy greens, fermented foods and foods rich in antioxidants all play a part in our internal and external health and provide you with that added glow.

Exercise:

Exercise holds the key to so many health benefits including glowing skin.  Exercise produces endorphins which helps to reduce overall stress, pain, anxiety, inflammation, and create an overall radiant glow. Stress can cause your body to produce excess sebum, which can lead to breakouts, so regular exercise can keep breakouts at bay. Getting a good sweat makes your body feel good and while the liver and kidneys are responsible for detoxing heavy metals and toxins they can only handle so much. Sweating can definitely help rid the body of toxins.  Exercise also Increases circulation which gets the heart pumping and blood flowing allowing for glowing skin all over. And let’s not forget about the calories burned (especially when weight training) which will help keep the body skintight. Lastly exercise creates confidence!  When you excel at something (even if it’s just finishing the bootcamp class) you gain confidence. Confidence is strong, healthy and beautiful!

 Why Clean Beauty Matters:

The skin is the body’s largest organ and research proves it capable of absorbing up to 60% of the ingredients in the products we apply – that is a large number and we’ve become more aware of what ingredients are found in our products for this reason. Many synthetic ingredients have been recognized to cause irritation in some people and may have damaging effects longer-term.

All of Goldfaden MD products couple scientific expertise and nourishing active plant cell extracts to restore and improve the appearance of aging skin and are made without harsh synthetic ingredients. Our commitment is to create safe, yet effective products that utilize the most effective and innovative naturally derived, result driven ingredients from around the globe.

Exfoliate: The best thing that you can do for your skin

Ever wonder why a baby’s skin is so soft? It’s because babies naturally replace their skin cells every few days. As you grow older, however, the rate of skin cell turnover slows down dramatically. Dead cells on your skin’s surface hang around much longer, a fact that tends to accentuate those fine lines and make your complexion look dull and lifeless. By removing these dead skin cells, exfoliation helps make up for the gradual slowing down of your natural skin renewal process, improving the tone and texture of your skin.

The process of exfoliation is a lot like peeling away the dry, outer skin of an onion to reveal the living layers beneath. Whether the exfoliation is done using mechanical abrasion or a controlled chemical reaction, removing dead and damaged skin cells on the surface allows the fresh new skin underneath to become visible. This newly exposed layer of skin feels much softer and smoother. Its surface reflects light better, making fine lines and other small imperfections harder to see. Age spots and other areas of unwanted pigmentation are less noticeable because the dead skin cells containing the pigment have been removed. Exfoliation unplugs clogged pores and allows for the release of natural skin oils. Regular exfoliation also helps to maintain open pores, decreases pore size, and minimizes many types of superficial scarring. In addition, removing the top layer of dead and damaged cells allows other health-promoting agents such as moisturizers, antioxidants, and collagen-boosting ingredients to better penetrate the skin and work more effectively.

Our coveted Doctor’s Scrub, and the first product created in my father’s dermatology practice, is extremely effective due to the Ruby crystals that are used. Ruby Crystals are perfectly round and have no jagged edges, which can cause irritation or broken capillaries. Doctor’s Scrub also contains targeted emollients Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil and Apricot Kernel oil to hydrate and nourish the skin. One of the benefits of Doctor’s Scrub is that it delivers or signature  ‘Goldfaden Glow’.

Facial massage:

‘natural face lift’: Massaging our face promotes oxygen and blood flow in our skin – you can stimulate the lymph nodes that lies just beneath the surface, which can flush out fluids and increase the flow of both oxygenated blood and nutrients.

Not only does this result in reducing puffiness, it also creates a brighter and more even skin tone and appearance overall. The massage will also increase collagen production, which prevents the formation of wrinkles. You can call it the ‘natural face lift’.

Mindfulness + Balanced State = Laughter + Gratitude:

When you are happy or grateful the following magic things happen:

Blood flow is optimal which means a more even complexion.

You produce endorphins, which actually strengthen the skin barrier, have antioxidant properties and may help wounds heal faster.

You produce serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, which has been shown to help promote immune health and feeling blue.

Cortisol levels go down. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can cause excess creation of sebum which can lead to breakouts, high blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, lowered immunity and the inability to burn fat. Cortisol is 23% lower in people who feel gratitude.

Laughing turns off the production of cortisol. Laughing also produces dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the ‘feel-good’ and ‘calming’ hormone. Laughing also relaxes muscles in the body, releases endorphins, decreases stress, increases blood flow and can help with pain reduction.

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Is Gratitude the Fountain of Youth?

With Thanksgiving around the corner, the conversation inevitably turns to “What are you grateful for?”. We all want to feel thankful and be full of gratitude, but in our modern, plugged in, checked out giant world we are constantly striving to find happiness, meaning, and gratitude. The brain controls happiness and a sense of calm and well being with its intricate symphony of hormone balance involving cortisol, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Not only do a balance in these hormones make you feel better — they also make you look better. With just a few small adjustments we can all look better, feel better and truly feel grateful.

When you feel happy or grateful this is what happens

Blood flow is optimal: This can occur due to the fact you’re not stressed out which can bring on sweating, redness or a dull pale complexion. Even blood flow means a clearer and more even-toned complexion.

Production of endorphins: Endorphins strengthen the skin barrier, have antioxidant properties and may help wounds heal faster.

Production of serotonin:  Serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, has been shown to help promote immune health-think getting sick less this winter and not feeling down or depressed.

Lower cortisol levels: Cortisol the ‘stress hormone’ can cause excess creation of sebum which can lead to breakouts, high blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, lowered immunity and the inability to burn fat. Cortisol is 23% lower in people who feel gratitude.

Laughing turns off the production of cortisol. Recently a study found that children laughed an average of 300 times per day, while adults averaged around 20 times per day.  Laughing also produces dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the ‘feel-good’ and ‘calming’ hormone. Laughing also relaxes muscles in the body, releases endorphins, decreases stress, increases blood flow and can help with pain reduction.

Of course, all of this sounds easy but let’s get real, it’s not always so easy.  We are busy, stressed, sleep-deprived, hormonally challenged, sometimes depressed. An easy way to jump-start into practicing gratitude is starting small.  Below are a few ideas we find helpful.

How to create gratitude?

Self-love: take the time to do something nice for yourself, your body and your brain. Be grateful for all the parts of you. This could be taking a bath, working out, stretching, telling yourself something positive in the mirror, taking a walk.

Express gratitude: Express your gratefulness to a friend, work partner, or family member. Do something nice for a stranger on the street, volunteer at a homeless shelter during the holidays or anytime, all these good deeds are considered gratitude.

Keep a gratitude diary: make a list of all the things you are grateful for, this can be as simple as ‘waking up in the morning’ to as detailed as your family, children, job, etc. Thanks to Oprah this became a worldwide trend.

We are grateful for you, our reader and loyal brand enthusiasts.  The Happiest of Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

 

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LivOn Labs is changing the game in the Vitamin world: An Inside Look

For those of you who are not familiar with LivOn Labs, you’re in for such a treat. LivOn Labs is changing the game in the Vitamin world and we have been fans for a long time (all the Goldfaden MD team members use these!). We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Kaili Carpenter, Executive Director, to learn more about her and her daily rituals. 

Kaili Carpenter, the Executive Director of LivOn Labs, was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. After finishing her undergrad at UGA, she worked in events management at two firms then established her own events business with a focus on continuing education in the medical field.

Kaili always helped with the family business, LivOn Labs, which was founded by her Uncle Les and Aunt Cindy Nachman in Las Vegas. She worked the LivOn booth at trade shows across the country for a few years explaining the science of LivOn products to attendees while continuously sampling product with the uninitiated.

An interest in exercise, health and wellness has been something Kaili has embraced since middle school. From horse back riding to competitive high school cheerleading, Kaili then evolved her interests into yoga, dance and Pilates. Currently Kaili keeps a regimen of exercise along with keeping her food intake healthy. She also has a specific interest in skin care, and skin health after years ago learning the key attributes of LivOn Vitamin C, B and Glutathione (I.e. some of our favorite Vitamins from their collection). 

What does good food mean to you?

Good food is whatever makes you feel good. For me, that’s feeding my body what it needs to run efficiently. You can’t put diesel fuel in an engine that requires gasoline and expect that engine to function. I feel my best when I’m eating real, whole foods: veggies, proteins, healthy fats, and lots of water.  

That being said, there is a place for a yellow cupcake with white buttercream icing on my “feel good food” scale. It’s many of my favorite childhood memories on a plate. It doesn’t fall in with veggies, proteins, or healthy fats, but when I occasionally indulge, I get that sugar-spike, giddy, nostalgic rush (almost always followed by a sugar crash — didn’t say I’d feel “good” for long). No guilt, though. That cupcake is a craving no avocado is going to sate. 

How do you start your mornings? 

First thing: I make my bed. It’s a quick, silent task that gets my brain and body slowly acclimated to the day. I am an ardent bed maker. Even in hotels. 

What’s your go-to am beverage? 

I have an AM beverage line up: Lots of water with a little bit of lemon, a shot of grapefruit juice with my Lypo-Spheric®supplements (VitaminC, Glutathione, and Acetyl L-Carnitine) then, a Fab Four Smoothie with Moon Juice Adaptogenic Protein. I met with holistic nutritionist, Kelly LeVeque (creator of the Fab 4 smoothies) at a goop function, and her smoothie approach reinvigorated my mornings. Also, you can’t beat Moon Juice protein powder.

What are your must use daily beauty products? 

I swear by the Goldfaden eyecream, De Mamiel’s Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar, Dr. Nigma’s Crème No. 1 and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum and lip balm. Between the dry air and intense sun in Vegas, these products have made a world of difference. There’s a theme here: Moisture.

How do you de-stress?

I take a cardio dance class three days a week. The instructor/studio owner is a professional choreographer and former Broadway performer. She’s always coming up with new dances to current songs. I have to leave any stress thoughts at the door of the studio; I need to be completely present if I’m going to get through her choreography!

Favorite mood-boosting meal? 

Avocado with a runny egg, hot sauce, and a side of sliced cucumber. 

What’s a dinner recipe you currently have on repeat? 

It’s summer, and it’s crazy hot here in Vegas. My recipes this time of year involve minimal heat in the kitchen. Lately, I’m making a quinoa /salad bowl combo. I make a large batch of quinoa to keep in the fridge to use throughout the week, chop up various veggies that look good at the moment, then combine. You can also add in some chicken, tuna, an egg, or whatever you have on hand. It’s the perfect no-cook dinner.  I found the recipe in Gwyneth Paltrow’s The Clean Platecookbook and was like, “Why didn’t I think of this meal earlier?”  Her miso ginger dressing is super simple and really makes the dish feel special. 

What is your daily mantra?

Pay attention to intention.

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