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Environmental Stress + What It Means For Your Skin

Environmental factors have rapidly become a major threat to the health and appearance of your skin. Every day our skin is bombarded by blue light, dust, soot, pollen, pollution, UVA/UVB rays, and smoke in the air from various sources, despite our best efforts to avoid them. These particles—collectively referred to as particulate matter—are small enough to penetrate the skin, where they start to generate a storm of free radicals. The ensuing oxidative stress creates an unfavorable environment of inflammation, lipid peroxidation, uneven skin tone, dehydration, dryness, dark spots, accelerated aging, and wrinkles.

We had a chance to sit down with Dr. G to understand more about how all of these external factors and what we can do to protect against the harmful damage.

How does pollution lead to free radicals in the skin?

Pollution releases microscopic particles or free radicals that can go deep into the skin and cause damage to otherwise healthy cells. The outcome is loss of elasticity (wrinkles and sagging) and Hyperpigmentation (dark spots).

Can you explain blue light for me – e.g. we get this sort of light from the sun early in the AM, but it’s now threaded through our days thanks to computers/ phones etc?

HEV is primarily emitted from the Sun but also from computers + smart phones + fluorescent lights. All our screens emit High-energy visible (HEV) light and Infrared (IR) light. In some studies HEV and IR light have been shown to penetrate the skin more deeply than the traditionally marketed UVA, UVB and UVC rays.

Can blue light can be damaging for our skin? If so, what are the potential affects (e.g. ageing/ loss of elasticity…).

Blue Light coming from screen time has been proven to breakdown our skin cells which simply just leads to accelerated aging. The affects are similar to those caused by the sun. HEV (high-energy visible light (HEV light) is high-frequency, high-energy light in the violet/blue band from 400 to 450 nm in the visible spectrum. Despite a lack of concurring scientific evidence, HEV light has sometimes been claimed to be a cause of age-related macular degeneration) is emitted from the sun too, just like it is within Blue Lights. Some studies have shown the breakdown of collagen and other similar aging issues such as hyperpigmentation/color changes, inflammation and dehydration.

Does the amount of time that we spend close to blue light (e.g. someone that reads email on the bus/ spends 9 hours at a computer/ looks at a phone on the sofa whilst watching TV, versus someone who works as a teacher and spends less time in front of a screen) come into it? 

Absolutely. Try taking a screen break and always wear protective skincare.

Is there anything a person can do to mitigate the effects? E.g. phone covers for blue light?

Blue blocker glasses and phone and screen covers may help.

Is there anything a person can do, product-wise, to mitigate the effects? 

Environmental aggressors deliver free radicals to the skin, which in turn cause the breakdown of collagen, onset of wrinkles, cell mutation, aging, dark spots, dehydration, inflammation, immune function damage and in some instances cancer.

Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke, pollution, smoke and radiation. … Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids, may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Anti-oxidants can be found in topical skincare products, vitamins and healthy super foods. Below are my list of anti-oxidants everyone should be ingesting and applying and also ingesting to maximize on the skin’s best natural defense system.

The best way to protect against and repair environmentally or digitally damaged skin is to use an anti-pollution based skin care regimen. Exfoliation + cleanse to remove the dead and polluted skin cells. Then treat the skin by using anti-pollution, anti-aging or brightening serum, then seal the skin with a moisturizer and last but not least protect (SPF 30 or higher). The most potent and highest regarded pollution fighting ingredients are Red Tea/Roobois, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Retinol, Resveratrol, White Horehound and the powerful Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, found in our new anti-pollution Mist RX – that can be applied throughout the day to keep your skin properly protected.

 

How about lifestyle-wise? E.g. screen time breaks, no double screening at home… 

Investing in blue blocker eyeglasses may help the strain and effects to the delicate skin around the eye area.  Try to limit screen time and always remember to wear protective and restorative skincare and sunscreen.

The Sun is the number one environmental damage for skin.  Both UVA/UVB rays are harmful. Protect yourself by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Shielding your skin, head and eyes can help with sun damage and pollution-based aging. Always wash you face to remove the residue and makeup from the day. Remember all the pollution from car exhaust, factories and the weak ozone layer sits on the skin!

Eating healthy can also reduce pollution effects on the skin and the body. Eat a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods such as leafy greens and berries and foods high in essential fatty acids (salmon and almonds). Stay away form foods that can encourage and cause Glycation. The Glycation process, which is basically, sugars (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin and therefore speeding up the aging process. Foods that feed Glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, processed fatty meats and alcohol.

A healthy skincare regimen will work to fight against outside pollutants.

 

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The 3-in-1 Mask Everyone Should Have In Their Regimen

Balancing the skin is a delicate dance between the right amount of exfoliation, treatment, hydration and nourishment. Dr. G created The Skin Balancing Mask  for this exact reason. Inspired by one of Dr. Goldfaden’s professional balancing treatments, which includes a combination of microdermabrasion, vitamin/enzyme infusion and oxygen. This multidimensional treatment works to reduce the appearance of facial lines and uneven skin tone, all while providing skin with a plumping effect that results in a firmer, smoother glowing complexion.

Formulated to utilize powerful anti-aging peptides and the efficient but gentle effects of malic acid, the Skin Balancing Mask provides anti-aging and nourishing benefits. This lightweight gel mask utilizes the next generation of hydrators, as it balances, soothes and calms skin while streamlining the process of intense exfoliation an in-office procedure would require. Other key ingredients include ginseng, honey, flower extracts, and vitamin E to improve skin elasticity and increase collagen production. Ginseng, Honey, Jojoba Oil, floral peptides and Vitamin E infuse moisture, vitality and nourishment back into the skin. 

Discover the benefits of Malic Acid

Derived from apples, this gentle alpha hydroxy helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, tighten pores, minimize the appearance of skin pigmentation, moisturizes and exfoliates skin ridding it of dead skin cells. 

The result: improved skin texture and appearance, leaving it softer and smoother.

Why you should be wearing a mask with Ginseng

Ginseng has been promoted as an anti-ageing treatment since probably forever. It contains a large amount of phytonutrients, which can stimulate and activate the skin’s metabolism. It rids skin of the free radicals, which get accumulated when your skin is regularly exposed to sunlight and environmental pollution. Ginseng also contains certain ingredients that can increase the production of collagen in the middle layer of the skin known as dermis, making the skin firmer. Collagen is responsible for making the skin more elastic and toned, thereby diminishing wrinkles or fine lines on the face and other body parts.

Ginseng roots and leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for overall skin health. The roots and leaves metabolize skin cells and facilitate the elimination of dead skin cells to produce healthy new skin. Ginseng tea is particularly great for refining and rehydrating your skin, by regenerating skin cells by increasing oxygenation. It also improves blood circulation and is a great blood detoxifier. All these factors contribute to a healthier and brighter complexion. Topical use of ginseng leaves can keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Why you need the Flower Power

The flower extracts really set this mask apart. The beautiful and dainty elderflower promotes blood flow and is loaded with vitamins A, B, C and E. Bright orange Calendula (pot marigold) is responsible for moisturizing, soothing skin, pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits. Beautiful red and fuchsia Geranium extract is calming, anti-bacterial and serves as an astringent. 

Amino Acid Powerhouse

Trying to acheiveskin firmness? Dr. G’s Peptide Blend – (tetrapeptide-3 + rh-Oligopeptide-1) provides a unique combinnationof amino acids & plant proteins that aid in stimulating cells so that they produce collagen and provide an enhanced plumping + firmness effect.                          

The Skin Balancing Mask saves time by combining all the necessary steps to a flawless, bright, balanced and hydrated complexion. Shop yours today!

 

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How To Stay Hydrated: Tips on Internal & External Hydration, Dr. G Reports

The summer sun is hot and temperatures are high. Dehydration can occur quickly and be very dangerous both internally and externally. Dehydration occurs when the body loses water and electrolytes and cannot function properly. Many regular outdoor activities (running, golf, even hanging by the pool) can lead to dehydration during the summer months. Stay hydrated internally by drinking enough fluids, especially water, and eating foods with high water content. Your skin also needs hydration; look for products high in hyaluronic acid as this miracle ingredient holds up to 100x it’s own weight in water (which will keep skin plump, hydrated and youthful-looking). Skin is left supple and hydrated.

What to Eat to Stay Hydrated

  • Leafy greens
  • Watermelon
  • All berries
  • Lettuce
  • Raw spinach
  • Tomato sauce
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Pineapple
  • Coconut water-potassium, electrolytes
  • Bananas-potassium
  • Avocado
  • Salmon

“Dr. G’s tip: “Add a pinch of Himalayan rock salt to your water. Himalayan salt contains over 80 essential nutrients our bodies crave. This water will keep you hydrated longer as the minerals will hold water in the body longer.”

What to Wear to Stay Hydrated by Skin Type

Whether you are oily, normal, dry, combination or sensitive moisturizing should be a regular part of your daily skin care regimen.

If You’re Oily

If you have oily skin, instead of avoiding moisturizers altogether, you should select one that’s “water-based”. Water-based moisturizing formulas are the most common type found on the market today. These moisturizers list water as their chief ingredient and often include such active constituents as hyaluronic acid to help improve their water-binding properties.

Hyaluronic acid is a large, sugar-like molecule that’s found in virtually every tissue of your body. As a key ingredient in your skin’s extracellular matrix, it plays a significant role in maintaining moisture and softness. Hyaluronic acid is an ideal moisturizer because it can attract and retain 1000 times its own weight in water (a feat unmatched by any other substance in nature). Skin will appear and feel fuller, more voluminous and show lessened signs of facial wrinkles. This type of moisturizer often comes in lightweight gels, serums, or oil free moisturizers and may be labeled “non-pore clogging”, “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic”. If you’re oily try our Radical Difference Serum. If you’re more acne-prone try our Detox Hydrating Gel.

If You’re Normal or Combination

A dry oil is a good option if you want an easy treatment plus hydration. Just remember to steer clear of products that use mineral waxes, mineral oils or other ingredients that can clog pores and trap perspiration. This makes a fertile breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Fleuressence Native Botanical Cell Oil.

If You’re Sensitive

Sensitive skin types should be very careful when choosing a moisturizer as many products on the market contain synthetic ingredients. Although these moisturizers generally don’t cause an adverse reaction in the majority of people, they can be very irritating to sensitive skin. If your skin is easily irritated, you should look carefully for a moisturizer that’s labeled hypoallergenic. These moisturizers are free of all dyes, preservatives, and artificial fragrance. Simple is better when dealing with sensitive skin. Products which contain the fewest ingredient are best, especially when they include natural oils and other nutrients like vitamins and minerals that nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Try our Vital Boost Moisturizer.

If You’re Dry

The most important thing to consider when picking a good moisturizer for dry skin is the degree of dryness. The heavier and denser a moisturizer is, the more moisturizing/hydrating elements it contains. Gel is the lightest preparation, followed by lotion, oil, and then a rich cream, providing the heaviest dose of moisture. Try our Plant Profusion Night Cream for an ultra boot of hydration.

Wishing everyone a very happy and hydrated summer!

 

 

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