Tag Archive for: Clean Living

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Clean Living: An Interview With The Goldfaden Family

Eating healthy is one thing, but a total rehaul of not only your kitchen products but also your cleaning and beauty habits? Now that just seems downright daunting, but we’re here to tell you it’s not as hard as you think. We’re not talking totally life overhaul. That can be overwhelming. We’re talking small steps and simple swaps to set the stage for living clean. Over the course of our lives, we have adapted a clean living effort that poured over into other areas of our lives and we want to share our go-to’s from beauty to cleaning and tell you why it’s important. Ready to come clean?

Why did your family decide to turn to all clean products?

Dr. Goldfaden has been formulating and researching plant based ingredients, natural alternative ingredients of over 25 years. He found that many people are even allergic to chemicals commonly found in conventionally produced products. Natural makeup, skin care products, and body products work with your skin instead of against it. The integrity and purity in plant and botanically-derived ingredients—the high level of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, natural sugars, and more—provide a vital spectrum of benefits for the skin without being compromised by fillers and inactive ingredients which allow for the treatment actives to provide the most abundance.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body and studies have found that the skin can absorb up to about 60% of what we put on to it so it’s important to be familiar with what we are putting on our skin and stay away from harsh, toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances. Chemicals, artificial colors, and fillers in skin care products and makeup can cause redness, irritation, and breakouts. Many people are even allergic to chemicals commonly found in conventionally produced products. Natural makeup, skin care products, and body products work with your skin instead of against it. The integrity and purity in plant and botanically-derived ingredients—the high level of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, natural sugars, and more—provide a vital spectrum of benefits for the skin without being compromised by fillers and inactive ingredients which allow for the treatment actives to provide the most abundant of its treatment benefits within topical formulas.

What benefits have you experienced since turning to clean products?

Overall, the skin is less reactive, appears clearer in tone and texture and is less comprised for fillers, artificial fragrances and silicones which means that the actives are able to penetrate the skin more effectively increasing the overall treatment. We experienced the reduction of redness, rash, irritation and milia.

What are some of your favorite clean products for the home? 

Mrs. Meyes, Kinn Living and Branch Basics. You don’t need harsh chemicals to clean your home! 

How has becoming a clean family affected the food you have at home? 

Being aware of what you put in and on your body is crucial as the skin showcases the nutrients from both an internal and external standpoint so what we put into our bodies is just as important as what we are putting on. Naturally sourced foods (meaning not processed, and free from pesticides or hormones) have the ability to offer a higher percentage of nutrients, vitamins and key antioxidants because there are no unnecessary preservatives, hormones, or antibiotics that can prevent the beneficial ingredients from leaving that specific product and also allows for maximum freshness of foods. Eating a diet of fresh, naturally grown or raised whole foods, is scientifically linked to decreasing risk of disease and increasing life span.  As a family we grew up eating organic food, lots of raw vegetables and good quality animal proteins and fats.

What makes Goldfaden MD products clean?

We do not formulate with silicones, mineral oils, parabens, Petrochemicals, PEGS, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes or alcohol. Learn more about our standards.

Which ingredients should be avoided in skincare?

The top skin irritants including; Silicones, mineral oils, PEGS, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes or alcohol.

Which ingredients should be avoided in food?

High fructose corn syrup, gluten, artificial colors, and dairy in some cases. In general, adding in more healthy, plant-based foods that you actually enjoy eating!

What are some of your favorite clean makeup brands?

Ilia primer, Alima Pure mascara, PYT eye-shadow pallet, RMS

Who are some of your favorite clean beauty retailers to shop? 

Credo Beauty and GOOP.

What is the difference between the terms green, natural, and clean? 

All of these terms are used interchangeably within the beauty industry, which is confusing and at times misleading for some consumers. Our take on these words are as follows:

Green: An eco-friendly brand in packing, sourcing and brand messaging.

Natural: A brand that uses some natural ingredients and is free of certain ingredients (however, there is not a standard list used across the industry, so this is dictated by the brand’s credo).

Clean: Similar to a natural brand, but more likely a brand that doesn’t formulate with certain deemed “dirty” ingredients ie: PEGS, mineral oils, artificial ingredients, petrochemicals Etc.

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Clean Swaps: Simple Changes You Can Make to Live a Cleaner Life

The Beginner’s Guide to Clean Living 

It’s clear that we’re in the midst of a beauty and lifestyle renaissance, and it’s all centered around this idea of “cleanliness”—that is, the cleanliness of our diets, our beauty routines, and our home and lifestyle products. This renaissance is due, at least in part, to research that has been steadily mounting over the past decade, which shows that the human body absorbs chemicals that go in and on it. Scientific studies have shown that the human skin is capable of absorbing a worrying percentage of chemicals on contact (in fact, research suggests the skin absorbs up 60% of the products we apply). Research conducted by a UK-based personal care brand famously made headlines when it concluded that the average women comes into contact with 515 chemicals per day through her beauty and grooming products alone. One Swedish study found that there are even potentially harmful chemicals found in our clothing. It’s all very scary (and overwhelming) stuff, and it’s only made worse by the amount of contradictory information, fear-mongering, and op-eds that are available in a sinlge Google search. So, what are we supposed to do?

First, take a deep breath, because no one lives a completely “clean” lifestyle. Even those clean beauty bloggers you follow on Instagram, who wear organic cotton and shop at local pesticide-free farmer’s markets aren’t 100% clean. Do you want to know why? Because the word “clean,” doesn’t even have a set definition. A clean diet can mean one thing to one person and something entirely different to another. Clean beauty is the same way. It generally refers to products made from only non-toxic ingredients. However, seeing as the FDA has only banned 11 chemicals in cosmetics, it’s up to brands (and consumers) to define the word for themselves.

The best thing we can do for ourselves is become conscious of our daily routines and the products that we make part of them. The worst thing we can do is stress out about how we can live a completely clean lifestyle (that won’t help anyone). Keep scrolling to see all of the easy swaps you can make on the journey to a cleaner life.

Diet

Let’s start with food, because there’s a lot of emphasis on so-called clean eating. Most experts agree that organic food is best, so if you can, consider incorporating more organic fruits and vegetables into your diet. Avoid processed foods, because they’re just as bad for your skin as they are for the rest of your body (fresh foods, on the other hand, provide vital nutrients and hydration to our skin). That means swapping out bags of crackers and chips for veggies and hummus or a handful of nuts, choosing wild-caught fish or lean meat instead of red meat, and drinking filtered water instead of flavored drinks that contain added sugar and dyes. Making these simple changes each day is an easy way to start on a cleaner, healthier path, without feeling deprived, overwhelmed, or frustrated.

Skincare

The US has banned 11 potentially harmful ingredients from skincare. The EU has banned over 1300, which is why an easy way to feel more confident in the cleanliness of your skincare products is to make sure they follow EU regulations (most brand will tell you in the FAQ section of the website). Keep in mind, though, there are many American skincare brands that are committed to producing healthy, non-toxic products as well, and all it takes to find them is a little research. Before buying, read up on a brand’s ethos and mission statement. Scroll through a product’s ingredient list. Ask for clean skincare recommendations from friends, family, and acquaintances. In short, a little research can go a long way.

On that note, if you’re unsure about whether or not a product is healthy or not even after doing thorough research, plug it in to EWG’s Skin Deep database. This database is operated by the Environmental Working Group, and it acts as a resource for health-conscious consumers. Thanks to a clear numeric rating system, it’s easy to see how your favorite cosmetics rank in terms of cleanliness.

To avoid overhauling your skincare routine all at once, Dr. Goldfaden recommends swapping out your cleanser and your treatment first, since these are the products that generally have the most impact on your skin. When it comes to cleanser, swap out your old one for Dr. G’s Pure Start Gentle Detoxifying Facial Cleanser, which is full of plant-based actives like rose hip oil, grapefruit, and seaweed. Because what’s left out is just as important as what’s left in, it’s important to note that this cleanser is formulated without any silicone, parabens, mineral oil, or alcohol, all of which can be potentially harmful to the skin.

As for treatment options, there are many. If you’re struggling with dullness and discoloration, try Dr. G’s Brightening Elixir Protect + Hydrate Brightening Serum, which uses ferulic acid and vitamin C to firm and brighten the skin and treat discrepancies in tone. If it’s dullness, dryness, and rough texture that you’re looking to fix, try Dr. G’s Fresh A Peel Multi Acid Resurfacing Peel. Lactic acid, sugar cane, and vitamin C will smooth the skin’s texture, unclog pores, and purify the surface of the skin.

We also want to mention that when it comes to skincare, simplicity is key. After all, your skin really only needs a few effective products to stay healthy and glowing. Don’t overdo it with steps and products you don’t need. Be conscious of what you’re using and listen to your skin. It’s really as simple as that.

Makeup

There are a lot of clean makeup brands that we admire. These include such brands as RMS Beauty, Kosas, tenoverten, W3ll People, and Ilia. To us, they’ve struck the perfect balance between clean beauty and effective beauty, because at the end of the day, we need products that work. If you’re shopping RMS, try the iconic Lip2Cheek, which is a creamy lip and cheek tint that comes in an array of flattering colors. When it comes to Kosas, try the brand’s Weightless Lip Color, which really does feel weightless on the lips. We like tenoverten’s non-toxic nail polish, W3ll People’s Expressionist Volumizing Mascara, and Ilia’s Polka Dots & Moonbeams Illuminator. Like we said, there are a lot of clean makeup products out there, but these are just a few of our personal favorites.

Homecare

We can’t talk about clean living without talking about homecare. This could be anything from cleaning supplies to personal care and beyond. Some of the worst chemicals we keep in our homes fall under this category (just think of how many chemicals you could be keeping in the cabinet under the sink…from bleach to bathroom cleaners and beyond). So, in order to avoid using unnecessarily harsh cleaning products, we like ordering from Grove Collaborative. It’s a site that curates a wide-range of non-toxic homecare and lifestyle products, so you can shop (and swap) with confidence.

One more thing. There’s also a consumer database for homecare products. It’s called GoodGuide, and it gives personal care items, homecare products, and even childcare products a simple health rating, which is very useful when you’re shopping for a product or brand that you’re unfamiliar with. We recommend looking up new products on the database to make an educated decision. After all, a swap is only as good as the product you’re incorporating into your routine.

If there’s one thing we want to leave you with, it’s this: don’t beat yourself up about being perfectly clean in all of its definitions. Simply stay cognizant of the products you’re using each day and make simple swaps in favor of healthier products. Your body and your skin will be all the better for it.

Written by, Kaitlyn McLintock

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.

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Feed Your Skin: How a healthy diet is key to a glowing complexion

Stress doesn’t just make a person feel older. In a very real sense, it can speed up aging. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that stress can add years to the age of individual immune system cells. Chronic stress accelerates premature aging by shortening DNA telomeres. A wide range of studies has shown that the stress caused by things like untreated depression, social isolation, long-term unemployment, and anxiety attacks can speed-up the aging process by shortening the length of each DNA strand. 

Given the added stress of the Coronavirus, we wanted to share our tips to help mitigate stress that is attainable for all of us. 

You Are What You Eat

Eating a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods such as leafy greens, berries and foods high in essential fatty acids (salmon, avocado, almonds) shows on your face as well as internally. So what really happens when you eat one too many onion rings or chicken fingers? The dreaded G word… Glycation. 

The Glycation process is sugar (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin and speeding up the aging process. Glycation equals loss of elasticity and collagen, which equals sagging and dull skin. Foods that feed Glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar and alcohol. 

So where do can you start? Say goodbye to sugar, it is NOT your friend. Sugar is addictive and in almost everything! Pay attention to your daily sugar intake. Even that ‘healthy’ green juice you’re drinking has sugar. Read labels thoroughly- salad dressings, cooking marinades, pastas, breads, most fruits, cocktail mixers, nut butters, protein shakes, and coffee creamers (even the nondairy types) can be loaded with sugar. 

Once you know what to avoid, you need to reverse Glycation. Te most effective ways to do that is to limit the intake of the ‘bad’ foods, exercise daily, eat a healthy diet of vegetables, antioxidant rich foods and healthy fats. Developing a healthy skin care regimen, massaging your face, drinking lots of water and getting ample sleep will also help. 

Stop drinking

Watch alcohol intake. This is particularly relevant during the holiday season. Alcohol has dreadful and hazardous effects on the body and skin. Alcohol dehydrates the eyes, the skin and the inside of the body. Alcohol also makes the liver fat. Alcohol has a bad effect on Vitamin A, B3 and Vitamin C, which are all imperative antioxidants for healthy skin and organ function. Alcohol also affects blood sugar levels and can raise blood pressure. 

Signs you’re over drinking

  1. Frequent urination during the night
  2. Dry eyes upon waking in the AM
  3. Stomach issues + bloating
  4. Facial puffiness 
  5. Breakouts
  6. Fuzzy mind 
  7. Overall dehydration

Change Your Makeup + Skincare

If you’re suffering form clogged pores, milia or bums take a look at the ingredients in your makeup. Foundations, CC cream, powders, highlighter can all contain silicone, artificial dyes, and fillers. A good way to test if you were able to remove all the product is to see how much residue is left on the skin after cleansing by wiping with a wash cloth. If the cloth is clean then most likely you’re ok, but if the cloth has residue its time to find a new product. Our clean pick is Suntegrity.

Even the good things need a change. Ease up on the acid; Retinol, Glycolic and even Vitamin C can start to wreak havoc with overuse or when the weather starts to change. Look for more nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and grapeseed oil. Transition into a multi functional oil that delivers both brightness and hydration.

Movement + Meditation 

In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone of us is in a hurry to achieve goals and meet the deadlines, we seldom find time to slow down and enjoy the process. People are caught up in their own thoughts and fail to give enough attention to their health, which can turn out to be really counter-productive in the long run.

Just like we “work out” our brain, working out our body is equally important. Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline, improve your sex life, and even add years to your life. But that’s not what motivates most people to stay active.

People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. And it’s also powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges. Endorphins are only one of many neurotransmitters released when you exercise. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an important part in regulating your mood! Check out our go-to’s for working out our bodies and mind. 

At Home Workouts: 

Mediation/Spirituality:

The Ugly Habits

Three of the worst things you can do to your skin are pick, smoke and neglect. Picking invites bacteria, germs and scaring. Smoking dehydrates the skin and body inside and out, enhances premature aging and causes wrinkles first showing signs around the mouth. Last but not least always wash your makeup off before bed.  Hitting the sheets in a full face will encourage bacteria, trap dirt and germs in the pores, cause breakouts and dehydrate skin. 

Healthy clear skin is only a few steps away! 

 

Sources:

Epel, E.S. Accelerated telomere shortening in response to life stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 101(49): 17312-17315.

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