It’s often said that “we are what we eat” and with countless studies to substantiate these claims, we are now more than ever, aware of all the consequences to our daily diet. We’re breaking down for you the most potent food culprits that leave pure skin anything but glowing. There are easy ways substitute these foods with healthier skin-friendly alternatives, as featured below.

Alcohol: All in moderation and if possible try to stick to red wine. Alcohol contains a ton of sugar which can cause glycation (the breakdown of the proteins in skin (collagen and elastin), ultimately causing skin to sag and age. Glucose also causes cells to be malformed and irregular thus creating free radicals.

Substitution: Drink 1 – 2 X per week!

– White Sugar: Leading the cause glycation breakdown, this is a big one to stay clear of. Try adding non-processed sugars or fruits into your diet.

Substitution: Cinnamon can also be substituted and it helps with inflammation! Honey and/or Cacao are great alternatives to actual sugar and they are both super foods.

– White bread: Contain extremely high glycemic levels. Foods that have a high glycemic level raise blood sugar and can cause inflammation. This can cause a puffy look to the skin and face.

Substitution: Look for breads listed as low glycemic. Our favorite is Ezekiel bread!

Fried foods: Fried foods also have high glycemic levels and can be full of preservatives which can cause bloating.

Substitution: If you are cooking with oil, try and use olive oil or coconut.

Soda: Whether it is the sugar or the artificial sweetener, stay away from drinking soda. Soda causes bloating and can dehydrate the skin.

Substitution: Kombucha or Sparkling Water

Preservatives:  can cause inflammation. Inflammation inside the body is a very bad thing and looks pretty bad our your skin too. Preservatives are in many foods. Stay clear of deli meats, pre-packaged snack foods and try cooking from scratch instead of reaching for the chines food.

Substitution: When cooking at home use natural ingredients buying processed food. Use ingredients to season food like garlic, tumeric and ginger. All three are extremely healthy and aid with inflammation.

Meat: All meat if not organic will contain hormones that the animal has been fed. Hormones can need to eat organic in order to not ingest hormones the animal has been fed.

Substitution: Aim for fish instead. Salmon, arguably the most healthy food, is the best because of omegas.

Dairy: Does nothing but cause inflammation.

Substitution: There are so many dairy alternatives including almond and coconut derived non-dairy products. For a complete listing see here: Non-Dairy.

Our “IT” List: Water, oily fish such as salmon and sardines, avocado, berries, citrus fruit, nuts, seeds, green vegetables, red wine in moderation, green tea, rooibos tea, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and plain yogurt.

 

Screenshot 2014-01-14 22.21.41The uphill battle towards a clear and even complexion (hyper-pigmentation FREE) is now achievable with GOLDFADEN MD’s new product launches hitting their lineup this month. We had a chance to sit down with Dr. Goldfaden to get his thoughts, inspirations and inside motivations behind the development of these two new products.

Just in time for the Spring, these two NEW supercharged anti-aging products from GOLDFADEN MD aimed at brightening the complexion deliver glowing results.

Fresh A Peel. The non-irritating multi-acid resurfacing peel is designed to rejuvenate the skin by reducing the appearance of imperfections, including hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores, revealing a fresh and radiant milky complexion.

Promoting a tighter, smoother, younger-looking complexion, the all-natural Fresh A Peel features GOLDFADEN MD’s signature antioxidant-rich Multi-Fruit Enzyme Complex, a blend of Lemon, Orange and Bilberry Extracts that naturally and effectively brighten the skin while reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Multi-faceted Lactic Acid improves the skin’s overall texture by moisturizing and sloughing off dead surface skin cells to prevent acne, impurities and future breakouts, while promoting collagen growth to prevent the signs of aging. Rounding out the powerful ingredient combinations Sugar Cane Extract, a natural exfoliator that helps to eliminate blemishes and restore balance to oily skin.

Fresh A Peel offers all the benefits of an in-office peel without any of the harsh side effects and no down time. Everyone should be able to have a peel to reveal glowing skin—even the most sensitive of skin types,” says Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden.

Formulated for even the most sensitive skin, simply dispense a small amount of gel to your fingertips and smooth over entire face, neck and décolleté. Leave on for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on tolerance, and rinse off with cool water once skin starts to tingle. Fresh A Peel can be used 2-3 times per week, resulting in skin that becomes softer, smoother, firmer and more even toned. Make sure to use a daily sunscreen, like GOLDFADEN MD’s Sun Visor, as skin is more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays.

Say goodbye to those hyper pigmentation spots for good. This triple-threat wonder benefits even the most sensitive skin, Dr. Goldfaden’s potent Light Treatment is formulated with natural skin-lightener, Alpha Arbutin, to effectively fade discoloration from hyperpigmented spots caused by sun damage, blemishes and scarring. Organic Red Tea Extract and Oil of Grapefruit synergistically work to resurface, protect and brighten providing an even overall skin tone, while Hyaluronic Acid hydrates from within for a softer, plumper appearance.

Light Treatment has been formulated to safely use every day to help correct dark spots and uneven skin tone due to hyperpigmentation. Apply a liberal amount on cleansed skin to targeted problem areas under your daily moisturizer. Visible results can be seen in 2-3 weeks.

Flawless skin IS attainable!

cukesMost of the country is experiencing an arctic chill right now, which never helps with already dry winter skin. Covering your face if you have to go outdoors is a must, as skin can freeze within 5 minutes of exposure. But what about other ways to keep skin hydrated all thru the winter? This is an ongoing struggle for me because I tend to be naturally dry. This winter I have been very diligent about keeping my skin hydrated, here are a few tips that work for me.

Blow Cool Air

Sleeping with a humidifier on has been a big help. Cold temperatures, low humidity and indoor heat are killers when it comes to sucking skin dry. By using a humidifier you are adding water/cool steam/basically humidity back into the air. If you work from home or spend a lot of time at home, run it as much as possible. Bed Bath and Beyond has the best selection of humidifiers varying in sizes and prices.

Switch Up Your Skincare

As loyal as I am to certain brands (wink wink), I have to switch it up during the winter. Gone are the warm days of Vitamin C serums and retinoids-my skin cannot handle them during the winter months. This season I decided to alter the beginning of my regimen instead of the serum/moisturizer step for hydration. I added a creamy cleanser, kept my serum and moisturizer and added an oil for that extra glow. I’ve also been using a hydrating mask that I’ve noticed a difference from when I wake up in the morning.

Eat Your Water

Drinking more water is a new years resolution of mine. Drinking water and liquids will keep you hydrated internally. During the winter I never crave cold water so I have been drinking a lot of Red Tea (Rooibos) and eating veggies and juices with high water content. Cucumbers and celery are full of water as well as vitamins. Some of my other favorite water filled yummies are radishes, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and green peppers (which are 92% water)!!

The good news is these are easy steps to take and the better news is Spring is only a few months away!

Stay warm and hydrated!