Let’s face on any given day your skin is battling pollution, hormonal breakouts, stress, sweat, and clogged pores. With COVID-19 changing our lives on a daily, there’s a new type of acne that has been added to the list this year, called maskne –(mask acne). As we continue to wear our masks outdoors and indoors, there’s a high chance that the increased moisture-rich environment of bacteria could affect your skin. Meaning you’re most likely to deal with clogged pores now more than ever. It’s not just you, over 56K women on Instagram are using the hashtag #maskne to raise awareness around this skincare concern. Though it’s pretty impossible to banish clogged pores for life, it’s important to make sure they’re clean and free of debris that makes them less visible. Though those with oily skin are most prone to have an increase of clogged pores which lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and unwanted bumps — read ahead, as this applies to all skin types during this current climate. 

In order to achieve smooth and glowing skin, using ingredients with gentle detoxification elements is key. It’s important to note that, when you try to extract at home, it can cause hyperpigmentation, permanent scarring, and additional breakouts. Therefore, I urge you to step away from the mirror and refrain from squeezing away at your t-zone. This causes stress on the skin tremendously. For those with truly congested skin, investing in a deep pore cleansing product will be a major game changer as it reduces blemishes and pore visibility. Try Goldfaden MD Detox Clarifying Foam Wash, $35, to reach deep into pores and target stubborn dirt and oils. The magic in a bottle cleanser consists of two Alpha Hydroxy Acids, which are Latic and Glycolic. Both acids dissolve excess oil and dead skin which builds up insides your pores over time. This helps to achieve a smoother and clear complexion. The daily wash also has a blend of White Horehound, Acai Palm Extract, Date Palm, and Gotu Kola, the Detox Complex which will help aid against environmental stresses. This revolutionary combination of ingredients not only unclogs your pores but also, fights against pollution and texture. Using this cruelty-free product daily will result in slowly eliminating large pores, blackheads, and breakouts. 

Now let’s talk about exfoliation, you’ll have two main options such as a physical exfoliator or chemical exfoliator. Here’s the main difference between the two, a physical exfoliator is usually gritty and polishes away dead cells from the surface of your skin, while the chemical exfoliator usually consists of acids to breakdown debris and provide anti-aging benefits. This all depends on your skin type and sensitivity.   

For those interested in a physical exfoliator, I recommend Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub, $75, which provides hydration while removing dead surface skin revealing brighter, radiant, healthier-looking skin. According to a consumer study with 82 participants over the course of 28 days, ninety-five percent agreed that their skin feels smoother after use. Crafted with hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting hydration and ruby crystals to target unclean pores, this scrub is a must-have for all skin types. If you’re looking for a chemical exfoliation, try Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel, $85, which polishes away dead skin cells while reducing the appearance of lines, pores, and imperfections. The plant-based actives within this peel will result in a more radiant and youthful appearance. Packed with lactic acid and multi-fruit enzymes, the powerful combination will have others asking if you just got a facial.

When it comes to clearing clogged pores consistency will help you achieve the glow of your dreams. Partner these skincare recommendations with a well-balanced healthy meal plan that’ll not only create a flawless canvas but also promote a fruitful lifestyle.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Ashley Jimenez is a multi-media journalist and Co-Founder of LatinaWatch. She oversees LatinaWatch.com and all of the website’s editorial and video content and strategy, as well as social media channels. As the former Beauty Director of HOLA! USA, the Puerto Rican-Dominican reporter, is an expert in identifying trends, highlighting multicultural content, and exploring thoughtful conversations within the influential Latina beauty segment. Her past roles include Senior Beauty Editor at Latina Magazine, where she created beauty, wellness, and lifestyle content specifically for women of color. She explored intersections of vision, Afro-Latina identity within the hair industry, socially conscious skin care, mental health topics. Ashley’s dedication to storytelling has created groundbreaking content that speaks to the duality women face as they navigate the world while honoring traditions and crafting new age customs.

By Kaitlyn McLintock

There are people who use oils and moisturizers interchangeably. If parched skin presents itself, they reach for whichever product is closest to them, either distributing a few drops of a silky oil around the skin or dispensing a dollop of creamy moisturizer. Any moisturizing product is better than none, so by that logic, oils, and moisturizers are kind of the same thing, right? The answer is not quite. Let us explain.

While it’s true that both oils and moisturizers alleviate the look and feel of dehydrated skin, they do so differently, and in order to use these products most effectively, you need to know how and why they work the way that they do. Before we get ahead of ourselves, however, we need to add 2 new words to our skincare vocabulary—humectant and occlusive.

Let’s start with the word humectant first. A humectant is anything that pulls water into the skin, either from the air or a topical product (popular humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera). These ingredients literally increase the amount of water that’s present in our skin cells, thus hydrating our skin. An occlusive, on the other hand, is something that forms a barrier on the skin, preventing the water that’s already in our skin from leaving it.

So, how does that apply to the oil vs. moisturizer debate? Well, to put it simply, oils are occlusives, and moisturizers are humectants. In other words, oils trap water in the skin, preventing trans-epidermal water loss (which is otherwise known as TEWL), but they don’t pull any added water in. Moisturizers, on the other hand, are often formulated with humectants such as glycerin or aloe vera as the primary ingredient, meaning they have the ability to draw new water into our skin cells.

Keep in mind that this isn’t necessarily a hard and fast rule, because there are many products on the market that include both humectants and occlusives as ingredients. Take Goldfaden’s Vital Boost Moisturizer, for instance. This antioxidant-rich moisturizer is formulated with a combination of glycerin and hyaluronic acid (humectants), and jojoba and grapefruit oil (occlusives). This fusion of ingredients hydrates the skin instantly and keeps that hydration there long-term.

Because oils and moisturizers work differently, one isn’t necessarily better, or more effective, than the other. In fact, many people use moisturizers and oils in tandem (this is our favorite tip, especially for those of us who live in cold climates or are prone to dry skin). After cleansing, toning, and treating the skin, apply a moisturizer. After the moisturizer is applied, follow up with an oil. Why the back-to-back application, you ask? It’s simple. The oil will seal in the moisturizer, keeping the skin hydrated for longer and warding off the dreaded tenants of dry skin such as redness, flakiness, and itchiness. (We like using the Fleuressence Native Botanical Cell Oil, which is formulated with a mix of omega fatty acid-rich oils—including baobab, Kalahari, rosehip, and jojoba oils).

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Kaitlyn McLintock is a beauty and wellness writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in such publications as Popsugar, Byrdie, Hello Giggles, Who What Wear, and more. When she’s not writing, researching, and editing, or testing out the latest skincare and makeup products, she’s drinking coffee and spritzing Goldfaden’s Mist RX all over her skin.

As fall approaches, our beauty regimen and routine might involve some changes. Whether you have spent your summer days under the beaming sun tanning or packing your skin with Vitamin-C infused serums, your glowing complexion can transition into the fall season. Sometimes adopting a minimalist approach toward skincare can reap more benefits than adding a load of beauty products. But also, you need to change your lifestyle to reclaim your skin’s natural health. Many beauty specialists swear by the “less is more” motto and embracing a sustainable skincare regimen leads to lasting results.

Colder temperatures call for a switch in our beauty habits. From the things we consume to the time we go to sleep, our daily habits influence our health. A natural beauty routine is the right solution for treating long-term skin issues. Here are the best tips to refresh your skincare in 2020.

Win at sleep

Put a halt to sleep deprivation and set up a bed schedule. Your body has a natural sleep cycle and a regular sleep schedule can help your skin restore its natural beauty. To get you in a sleeping mode, ban electronics two hours before bed and avoid fatty foods before hitting the sack. Instead, eat almonds which help boost sleep quality and use a silk mask to help you fall asleep faster.

Moisturize and protect your skin from sun damage

We recommend using a heavier cream like ​Goldfaden’s Wake Up Call​ for a night treatment while resting. This cream targets dry and aging skin while smoothing fine lines. Dermatologist and skin expert, Dr. Alicia Barba says “If you suffer from dry skin, avoid hot showers and choose a lurk warm temperature which prevents stripping away our skin’s natural moisture.” Also, always use sunscreen even if it’s cloudy outside. UV rays can still harm your skin during colder months.

Freshen up your skincare routine

Tailor your skincare regimen according to your lifestyle. When it comes to skin detoxing, more is not always better. A mistake most people make is over-exfoliating their skin. Too much exfoliation can strip the skin from its natural oil. ​Goldfaden’s Fresh A Peel​ contains lactic acid and multi-fruit enzymes to balance your skin tone and reduce the appearance of lines and pores. A monthly hydration treatment can also help boost your skin glow. In addition, choose a water-based cleanser like gel or foam, which help remove dead skin cells.

Apply hyaluronic acid

A hyaluronic acid serum helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier while providing more glow. Is important to always layer your serum with a water-based moisturizer to protect the skin’s microbiome.

Use probiotic-based formulas

Probiotics are the answer to target skin issues such as eczema, breakouts and psoriasis. These microorganisms serve as a shield to environmental factors while protecting your skin from bad bacteria.

Try a supergreen diet

A healthier diet is key to battling acne, reduce inflammation and boost your immunity for healthy skin. Reclaim your skin health with power foods such as tomatoes, pumpkin and broccoli. After all, you are what you eat and your meal’s composition can be the solution for cleaner skin. Research conducted by the ​American Journal of Clinical Dermatology​ has proven how diet plays a role in our lives and concluded a correlation between acne and dairy. Choose milk alternatives such as oat milk or soy, and replace cheese for a free-lactose option.

Invest in a blue light device

The FDA has proven blue light therapy to be effective for acne treatment. Blue light devices help target acne-causing bacteria by drying the oil that causes the germs. This is a non-invasive treatment you can try at home while saving money on the dermatologist.

Movement is key

Aside from exercising daily, it is important we move our facial muscles too. Imagine working out your face muscles every day? It boosts your collagen production and your muscles will get more toned. To improve your skin’s sculpture, massage your face with circular motions or use a lymphatic massage roller to boost skin cells.

 

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Jannely Espinal is a curious writer and editor demystifying beauty myths. She has a penchant for fashion history and cultural beauty practices. Recently, she conducted interviews with skincare specialists and celebrities for HOLA! USA, as well as spearheading the lifestyle vertical. Throughout her career, she has attended Milan and New York Fashion Week while unveiling several celebrities’ beauty tips, including Romee Strijd and Patrick Ta. Her mission is to change the narrative on skincare issues and help her readers understand health, wellness and beauty as a whole.