Tag Archive for: clean beauty

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Ask Dr. G – Body Skin Conditions + Why Exfoliation Is The Key to Healthy Skin!  

After 50 years of practicing Dermatology and treating diseases of the skin, Dr. Goldfaden has seen the full spectrum of skin conditions. “The skin on your body is as important as the skin on your face.” Choosing clean body products can target and correct the most common body issue most people are dealing with. Dr. G created our NEW Body Collection to extend healthy skin care from the chest down. Our Doctor’s Body Scrub is a multi-active scrub features micro-fine exfoliating crystals, skin-softening Bamboo Extract, skin-brightening Fruit Enzymes, soothing Probiotic-fermented Extract, and antioxidant-rich Red Algae. After exfoliating, Firm Believer Body Serum offers elasticity enhancing Radish Root Extract and skin softening Marula Oil and Shea Butter. Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate and plump skin while a combination of Brown + Red Algae along with Coffee & Gotu Kola Extracts work to increase microcirculation while helping to firm and tone the skin.

We asked Dr. G to weigh in on common body skin conditions (and some you may not have heard of) and how exfoliation is still the most important and effective part of your skincare regimen. Of course if you think you may be suffering from any of the below, you should see your dermatologist for a formal diagnosis, but in the meantime taking time to care and treat your body at home will not only make your skin glow but also make you feel good.

Keratosis Pilaris

What is it: A very common especially in females and children.  Keratosis Pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, excess skin and oil which blocks the hair follicle causing little bumps (often white) under the skin’s surface. Found on the arms and thighs. Very commonly this is an inherited condition and people may refer to it as ‘chicken skin’.

How to help: Exfoliation won’t cure Keratosis Pilaris but it can help the roughness of the skin and the appearance of the bumps. Physical exfoliants (like a scrub) can assist in smoother, more even-textured skin, while a chemical exfoliant such as Lactic, Glycolic or fruit acids can work in tandem to smooth skin out.  Hydrating the skin is also very important when treating Keratosis Pilaris.

Xerosis

What is it:  The medical term for ‘excess dry skin’, Xerosis is caused by lack of moisture in the skin. This can be caused by dry climates, cold weather, artificial heating and aging.

How to help: Regular exfoliation of the body will remove dead, dry skin allowing active hydrating ingredients to treat the skin. Systemic hydration (drinking water, eating foods high with a high-water content and topical hydration (serums, moisturizers, lotions and creams) are crucial to reverse and treat Xerosis.

Ichthyosis

What is it:  An inherited condition, which can vary in severity. Most commonly found on the legs, however, can be all over the body in more severe cases. Ichthyosis coming from the Greek word for ‘fish’ appears as dry, thickened, scaly skin.

How to help: Exfoliation will help this condition by removing dry, scaly skin. Use of a very hydrating body lotion or cream is preferred.

Teania Versicolor

What is it: Meaning ‘fungus of many colors’, Tinea Versicolor appears as white patchy, flat splotches usually found on the upper arms and face. More noticeable when the skin gets sun or tanned.

How to help: Exfoliation is excellent for the removal of the superficial fungus and dead skin.

Backne, Chest Breakouts and Butt Bumps

What are they:  Little or big bumps/pimples that show up on the back, the chest and the butt. All are considered acne and can be caused by hormones, clothing friction, cosmetic products/SPF that are too heavy or bacteria left behind from sweat and dirt. The overproduction of oil causes hair follicles to get clogged causing inflammation which is the pimple or bump that surfaces. You’re more prone to getting pimples and breakouts on your back vs. the face in general because those areas have high concentrations of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (glands that secrete an oily matter called sebum) which when clogged, cause breakouts. The skin located on the back is also very think and endures a different environment altogether. The back area is typically clothed, so the skin can’t breathe as easily and experiences conditions such as; sweat build-up, wearing tight and restrictive clothing when exercising and not showering after. This can lead to clogged hair follicles, over oil production, and acne.

How to help: Always shower after working out or sweating. Try and not sit around in damp workout clothing. Regular exfoliation unplugs clogged pores and allows for the release of natural skin oils. Regular exfoliation also helps to maintain open pores, decreases pore size, minimizes many types of superficial scarring and ward off bacteria which causes breakouts and rashes. Try switching to a lightweight body serum or oil-free lotion for the warmer months.

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Meet Jack Scott: Co-Founder of Dash Water

“Alex my business partner and I started Dash three years ago now, firstly to give a fresh perspective on soft drinks industry by making a great tasting drink without any sugar, sweetener or calories. And secondly, both us are from farming backgrounds and we wanted to do our bit to fight against food waste, so we use wonky fruit that would otherwise go to waste to infuse our waters.” – Jack Scott, Co-Founder of Dash Water.

Dash is currently stocked in around 6,000 stores mainly in Europe however has just launched in the US. You can buy directly from their website and use code ‘DAILYSCRUB’ for 20% off your order. Thanks, Dash!

How did the idea for Dash Water come about?

We both worked at a larger soft drinks company in the UK, and it was there we saw there was a massive gap in the market for a great tasting drink without any of the Sugar or Sweetener. We then went about infusing fruit in water and carbonating it with a soda stream in our kitchen and taste it out with people in London parks. When we went to source our fruit we realized there was a lot of fruit going to waste due to the way it looked, so all our drinks are made from fruit that would otherwise go to waste. 

What do you think about, creatively, when you’re creating a new flavor?

We now have x5 flavors, every time we want to make the best seller. We do a lot of research into flavors through various data channels. Then we get tasting, it normally around x6 others including people who have lots of experience in making drinks and have very good taste/pallets. Once we honed in on a flavor we will then make a larger batch to try on a bigger audience and tweak until we are happy. 
Where do you find inspiration?
 
I find my inspiration from other brands and our customers. Ultimately we need to create something that people like, its very important to never forget that.

How do you practice sustainability?

We’re very proud to be B-corp certified, where we balance purpose and profit. One way in which we do this at Dash is we go the extra mile to use fruit that would otherwise go to waste. See a short video here which talks more about how we source our blackcurrants. 

What cities are on your travel bucket list?

I would love to spend more time in Brazil. I’ve been to Rio, but would like to venture north to Salvador it looks like a beautiful city with fantastic beaches and Caribbean waters. 

How do you de-stress?

I am very lucky I live next to Hyde Park in London, so to de-stress I like to go for a jog/stroll and listen to my favorite podcast! Hyde Park is a must-visit to anyone visiting London, its stunning in the summer and has of hidden area’s makes you feel like you have escaped London for a short while. 

Favorite mood-boosting meal?

We have a Vietnamese noodle place opposite our office in Soho that is so comforting! I get the Mytho noodles, broth and noodles always very mood-boosting! The restaurant is called Keu if anyone is in Soho looking for a quick lunch.

What is your daily mantra?

I try and be very mindful of how I treat people, important to treat everyone with the same amount of respect. However this can be very challenging as we still have our phone numbers on the site, so I’m not very patient with people selling me the next trade show, I’m working on though! 

Any advice for people wanting to make the switch towards a more mindful existence but are not sure where to start?

Being around people that make you feel good would be my main piece of advice! Positive energy. When I’m commuting into work, I try and take 10 mins to concentrate on things around me — trees, sky, birds, I suppose a sort of meditation. 

The best piece of advice you’ve received?

I got told by a previous boss when leaving to start Dash to pack your small tent with the best quality people and magic will happen. It’s so important to work with the best possible people, it lifts the energy when your around talented people who care about what they do. We have a fantastic team of people that really care and are determined to inspire millions of dash drinkers.
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Clean Beauty and More: Q & A with Petit Vour Founder, Madeline Alcott

Madeline Alcott is the founder of Petit Vour, a luxury vegan beauty box subscription and … It’s made with clean ingredients of course, and it never disappoints. A pioneer in clean beauty, Madeline expertly curates brands a products for Petit Vour and her community at large. We had the intimate pleasure of sitting down with Madeline to learn more about herself, her lifestyle and more.

What does clean beauty mean to you?

In a nutshell, it means safe and free of harmful ingredients. That leaves a lot up to interpretation, so it’s important that we are doing our utmost to carefully select the ingredients in our products. Transparency is essential in this process. At Petit Vour, our ingredient standard is very selective and we list our banned ingredients on our website for all to see.

How do you start your mornings?

I put on some cheery jazz and sip coffee on the balcony, catching up on the news, but also just relaxing before the day kicks into high gear.

What’s your go-to am beverage?

Pour over coffee, black.

What are your go-to daily beauty products and why?

I like to keep things simple and light, because I’m pretty active all day long. Moisturizer with SPF and eye cream are a must. For makeup, I typically just wear tinted lip balm and brow pomade.

How do you de-stress?

Daily hikes with my love and my dog-child, Maya

Favorite beauty trick?

Find reasons to be joyful every day. When you’re happy, your eyes and skin will look so bright and awake. Also, keep your eye cream in the fridge!

Favorite mood-boosting meal?

Vegan tacos and jalapeno margs on the balcony

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

Tacos, for sure! We roast sweet potatoes, stir fry peppers and onions, and pile on the pinto beans, homemade guacamole, vegan sour cream and hot sauce.

What is your daily mantra?

To be bold and be kind. It’s a reminder to speak my mind and live a life that’s authentic, while also being considerate of my impact on the world around me.

How do you practice sustainability?

So many ways! My partner and I share a Prius Prime, which fortunately means we almost never have to fill up the tank. We use all of our own bags when we shop. We even bring our own cloth produce bags and glass jars for shopping the bulk aisle at the grocery. We also have committed to only using zero waste home-cleaning products.

Any advice for people wanting to make the switch towards a more mindful existence (increased wellness) but who are not sure where to start?

I think a great way to start is with what you put on our plate. Try out wholesome, feel-good recipes (I love Oh She Glows and Minimalist Baker), savor every bite, and make little goals to inch your evolution along. Look around your home and identify where the waste is and pay attention to future purchases. I try to keep my purchases low, so that when I do make a purchase I am more inclined to spend a little more to support a company that has really sound ethics.

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