Tag Archive for: Derm tips

Before summer begins, there are a few tips that we always recommend going into a season with arguably the most potential for skin damage. We spoke to our co-founders Lauren and Lisa Goldfaden to get their must-do practices to keep skin looking fresh, youthful and sun-damage-free.

DO:

Invest in a Vitamin C serum. This must-have vitamin brightens skin by reducing the appearance of brown spots (especially prominent in the Summer months due to increased sun exposure), boosting healthy collagen production, calming inflammation and neutralizing free radicals with its antioxidant benefits. My favorite is our Brightening Elixir – an advanced brightening and antioxidant serum that aids against free radical damage while leaving skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant.

Add exfoliation into your regimen: Exfoliation in the Summertime is particularly important to slough off dead skin cells and prevent oil build-up – which results in congestion. AHA acids (my favorite is Lactic!) are perfect for Summertime because they are a more gentle form of exfoliation which essentially softens the dead skin away which increased overall brightening. Lactic acid has an added benefit that helps improve the skin’s natural moisture factor or the way the skin keeps itself hydrated (it’s the base of our Fresh A Peel product!).

Do moisturize. I like to lighten up my moisturizer in the Summertime so that I don’t neglect this important step. With higher temperatures, the skin gets parched and can lead to dryness so it’s important to lock in hydration and create a barrier of protection with your moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation. Try our Vital Boost which hydrates and nourishes skin complexion.

Don’t:

Don’t underestimate the importance of SPF! This is a “don’t-leave-home-without” for me and in the Summertime it is even more important as the days are longer and we’re in the sun more. I always carry an SPF mist with me so that I can easily reapply throughout the day too. A favorite is Soleil Toujours Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30.

Avoid heavy makeup. Humidity and heat (along with a heavy layer of makeup) impact the ability of your skin/pores to breathe which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Consider lightening up (at least in the daytime!).

Don’t forget about your BODY (and LIPS): Oftentimes, we are so concentrated on just our face, but it’s equally important to care for your lips and body too. Check out our Bodycare Collection and NEW Lip Therapy Restoring Lip Treatment.

Winter (or just cooler weather) can wreak havoc on skin, causing dryness, redness and dullness. The three main ways to keep a healthy glow are to hydrate, exfoliate and be gentle to your skin.

The most important part about a healthy winter glow is to stay hydrated. This is achieved in a few different ways. The first is by drinking a lot of water. Dry, cold air dehydrates you inside and out, so drink extra during the winter months.

We sat down with Dr. G to get the 411 on how to mitigate dryness and keep skin glowing, hydrated and supple all year round.

What are the main causes of dry skin?

Skin can be dry for numerous reasons. A few of the main culprits are the weather, the climate (humidity vs. dry), your age (as you age skin becomes drier), dirt, sun damage, bad diet and incorrect product and ingredient use.

The best ways of treating dry skin? Topical, non-topical?

Topical: If you have dry or sensitive skin, be careful with what types of ingredients to use topically. Stay away from astringents, acids, sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol. Staying hydrated from the inside out is also crucial. Drink plenty of fluids. Always apply moisturizer or body oil to damp skin. Post bath or shower; try moisturizing your skin while still damp, this allows the skin to capture and seal in moisture. Take a look at your cleansing regimen, over exfoliation, particularly with physical scrubs, can be taxing and drying to the skin. Try decreasing the frequency and try a lactic acid enzymatic exfoliator as lactic acid pulls moisture to the surface of the skin.Choose a moisturizer or oil appropriate for dry skin. Good ingredients to look for are avocado oil, vitamin E, plant lipids, oils full of omega fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts. Always wear an SPF when in the elements.

Non-topical: Similar to the thought process of what to topically use, what we ingest may help to prevent dryness. Choose foods high in omega 3 fatty fats, such as avocados, salmon, walnuts, eggs, olive oil, sea kelp and vegetables high in silica. Silica helps form collagen in the body. Look for oats, avocados, cucumbers, flax seeds and leafy green vegetables.

Should we ditch exfoliating from our skincare routine? 

Moisturizing is a crucial part of keeping skin hydrated during the winter, but you shouldn’t ignore exfoliating. Look for scrubs that have moisturizing elements to them, such as jojoba oil , avocado oil and apricot seed oil. Oils are also very beneficial during the winter months to keep skin glowing, hydrated and plump.

Alternatively, grab your peels:

“Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA’s (which are Lactic acid, Glcolic acid and Fruit acids) are used as facial exfoliators. AHA’s are excellent options for people with sun damaged skin, aging skin, oily skin and normal to dry skin types. AHA’s do not cause sun sensitivity and come in numerous forms. AHA’s come in the form of lactic acid which is derived from milk, glycolic acid which is derived from sugarcane and fruit acids which are derived from fruits (citrus and apples/malic acid) and are gentle exfoliating agents that break apart the dead skin cells and pull hydration to the surface of your complexion which increases hydration and promotes a supple texture.” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden

Do certain foods help with dry skin? 

Choose foods high in omega 3 fatty fats, such as avocados, salmon, walnuts, eggs, olive oil, sea kelp and vegetables high in silica. Silica helps form collagen in the body. Look for oats, avocados, cucumbers, flax seeds and leafy green vegetables.

Is dry skin dependent on our skin type? Yes and no.Skin can be dry for numerous reasons. A few of the main culprits are the weather, the climate (humidity vs. dry), your age (as you age skin becomes drier), dirt, sun damage, bad diet and incorrect product and ingredient use.