Tag Archive for: clean beauty

Non-Toxic Beauty: Our Quality Guarantee

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. Many synthetic ingredients have been recognized to cause skin irritation and may lead to damaging effects longer-term.

We hold very high standards in terms of choosing ingredients and formulations that are not harmful to our health and that are known to cause skin irritants. And most importantly, we are completely transparent about our formulations.

Our 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.

“All of our products are made without harsh synthetic ingredients; we are committed to create safe, yet effective products that utilize the most effective and innovative naturally-derived, result driven ingredients. Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden”

Created to deliver glowing results for all skin types, these potent-packed products work to reveal a refreshed, youthful and radiant complexion. Each Goldfaden MD product is developed naturally in the US with a quality guarantee: powered by plants,  dermatologist tested, organic and natural ingredients, paraben-, petrochemical-, mineral oil-, alcohol-, silicone- and gluten-free, no animal testing, 100% vegetarian, hypoallergenic and free of artificial colors and fragrances.

Here is a breakdown of some key ingredients where we substitute natural alternatives:

Natural alternatives to commonly-used chemicals

Vitamin A /Retinoids: found in and derived from animal based foods or chemically reproduced.

Goldfaden MD alternative: Carotenoids which are found in plant based foods. We use carrots. Pluses about Carotenoids are the stabilization of the product is better and they aren’t as harsh, which is better for sensitive skin.

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a chemical, also called “benzene-1,4-diol.” (Benzene is a known carcinogen). It’s a type of phenol, which is just a fancy name for a certain class of chemical compounds that are similar to alcohols. Illegal for over the counter sale in many countries.

Goldfaden MD Alternative: Alpha Arbutin. Alpha arbutin is derived from the bearberry plant, specifically from the leaves. Alpha arbutin suppresses the pigment in the pigment producing cells as opposed to killing the cells, as hydroquinone does.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid can be derived from rooster combs, made synthetically in a lab or from a vegan source.

Goldfaden MD vegan alternative: We extract our Hyaluronic acid from sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have the additional advantage of having high levels of magnesium. The mineral magnesium is essential for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body. Many people struggle to get adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet; this is largely because the typical Western diet has low levels of magnesium.

Artificial Fragrances + Dyes

Chemical dyes: Link directly to skin allergies. Studies have found a breast cancer link to red 04 dye.

Goldfaden MD alternative: NO dyes whatsoever, we allow our products to be the color nature intended them to be. As for fragrance, we use only natural fruit extract when it is present in an ingredient.

Silicones + Mineral Oil

Dimethicone: A manmade toxic synthetic pigment and silicone-based polymer. Dimethicone sits on the surface of the skin and doesn’t allow it to breathe, causing irritation. Using Silicone-based skincare products also inhibit the actives from penetrating into the skin, which reduces the treatment amount in the actives.

Mineral oil: Petroleum-derived oil that suffocates the skin and is considered “comedogenic,”which means it can clog the pores and increase the risk of acne and blackheads.

Goldfaden MD alternative : Squalane from olives (vegan) form. Not to be confused with Squalene which is usually derived from shark liver oil but may also come from plant sources such as olives. The main reason Squalane is used is because it has a much longer shelf life and more stable in formulating.

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Defining a natural product, Dr. Goldfaden weighs in

What constitutes a “natural” beauty product? There’s still no universally accepted standard, even though the market is growing at a rapid rate. 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.

Each Goldfaden MD product is developed naturally in the US with a quality guarantee: organic and natural ingredients, paraben-, petrochemical-, mineral oil-, alcohol-, silicone- and gluten-free, no animal testing, 100% vegetarian, hypoallergenic and free of artificial colors and fragrances.

Here is a breakdown of some key ingredients where we substitute natural alternatives:

Natural alternatives to chemicals

Vitamin A /Retinoids: found in and derived from animal based foods or chemically reproduced.

Goldfaden MD alternative: Carotenoids which are found in plant based foods. We use carrots. Pluses about Carotenoids are the stabilization of the product is better and they aren’t as harsh, which is better for sensitive skin.

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a chemical, also called “benzene-1,4-diol.” (Benzene is a known carcinogen). It’s a type of phenol, which is just a fancy name for a certain class of chemical compounds that are similar to alcohols. Illegal for over the counter sale in many countries.

Goldfaden MD Alternative: Alpha Arbutin. Alpha arbutin is derived from the bearberry plant, specifically from the leaves. Alpha arbutin suppresses the pigment in the pigment producing cells as opposed to killing the cells, as hydroquinone does.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid can be derived from rooster combs, made synthetically in a lab or from a vegan source.

Goldfaden MD vegan alternative: We extract our Hyaluronic acid from sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have the additional advantage of having high levels of magnesium. The mineral magnesium is essential for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body. Many people struggle to get adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet; this is largely because the typical Western diet has low levels of magnesium.

Artificial Fragrances + Dyes

Chemical dyes: Link directly to skin allergies. Studies have found a breast cancer link to red 04 dye.

Goldfaden MD alternative: NO dyes whatsoever, we allow our products to be the color nature intended them to be. As for fragrance, we use only natural fruit extract when it is present in an ingredient.

Silicones + Mineral Oil

Dimethicone: A manmade toxic synthetic pigment and silicone-based polymer. Dimethicone sits on the surface of the skin and doesn’t allow it to breathe, causing irritation. Using Silicone-based skincare products also inhibit the actives from penetrating into the skin, which reduces the treatment amount in the actives.

Mineral oil: Petroleum-derived oil that suffocates the skin and is considered “comedogenic,”which means it can clog the pores and increase the risk of acne and blackheads.

Goldfaden MD alternative : Squalane from olives (vegan) form. Not to be confused with Squalene which is usually derived from shark liver oil but may also come from plant sources such as olives. The main reason Squalane is used is because it has a much longer shelf life and more stable in formulating.

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Why your pores get larger as you age (and how to take control)

Pore refinement is one of the most sought after outcomes in Dr. Goldfaden’s practice. During the month of August we will embark on a full examination of how to achieve smaller pores, which products to choose and how to maintain.

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What are pores?

Pores are the tiny little openings in the skin where the body’s natural oil (called sebum) is produced in the sebaceous glands and are also the opening at the top of our hair follicles.

Why do we have them?

Pores allow oil to travel up to skin’s surface and lubricate it. Pores are also our hair follicles and are there for the hair to grow from.

Why can they appear large?

Large pores are genetic so you have your parents to thank, however abusing the skin can cause them to appear larger. Over time, especially if you’ve incurred a lot of sun exposure in the past—you start to lose the collagen and elastin that support the pores. Sun damage and aging also cause the skin to thicken that causes a thick rim around pores making them appear larger. This is where exfoliation comes into play and is crucial in shrinking the appearance of pore size.

Oily skin types tend to have larger pores and thus produce more oil in those pores. While this may be an annoyance during adolescence and young adulthood (due to breakouts and Acne), excess oil is beneficial as we age in keeping wrinkles and dry skin at bay.

A common question Dr. G is asked is ‘Can certain foods playing into the effect of large pores and oily skin?’. As mentioned earlier large pores are genetic but yes food can play a part in large pores. Glycation is the main enemy when it comes to the skin and the aging process of the body in general. 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, fatty meats and alcohol.

Steps to refine pores?

Exfoliation will help pore size, by removing dead dry skin cells and signs of sun damage the skin will appear smoother and less wrinkled.

Use Hyaluronic acid based products, which help to bind moisture to the skin and fill fine lines and wrinkles, making pores appear smaller.

Use products rich in Vitamin C and/or retinol, these stimulate cell renewal and collagen production, which will firm up the connective tissue around the pores.

Eat a clean diet of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and stay clear of fried foods, sugar and alcohol, which all cause glycation.

 

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