Tag Archive for: Dermatologist

In preparation for our journey to Australia, (aka, the coffee capital of the world), the website Good Food in Australia has just published an insightful critique into Melbourne Coffee Culture and has discovered that it’s part of the city’s fabric and DNA. Good Food proposes that quite simply, Melbourne has the world’s best coffee culture! To say that we are excited is simply an understatement.

Screen Shot 2016-02-02 at 3.24.48 PMImage via Thrive Market

Fact: Americans consume more than 580 million cups of coffee each day as part of their daily ritual. Studies have shown that daily consumption of caffein has been shown to have a slew of health benefits including, improving muscle performance and stamina, aids in eye-health, contains anti-cancer properties, promotes weight loss, improves overall cardiovascular health, sharpens your brain, and reduces the risk of diabetes to name a few.

Research is emerging that unroasted coffee beans provide numerous skin-related benefits when applied topically.This is especially true of one of the most commonly grown species of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica.

Coffea arabica seed oil is extracted by cold pressing green coffee beans. Its high concentration of essential fatty acids, sterols, and vitamin E make it a potent antioxidant that can offer protection against skin damage such as sunburn cell formation and DNA degradation. It can also assist in the prevention of the development of photoaging and inflammatory skin disorders. Caffeine’s ability to constrict small blood vessels and reduce inflammation is an asset in a number of creams designed to minimize dark circles and sagging skin under the eyes (our favorite eye treatment which contains caffein).

In a placebo-controlled clinical study of 40 female participants, a topical mixture containing Coffea arabica was applied twice daily as a facial wash and once per day as a lotion and night cream. After 12 weeks, treated subjects experienced significant improvements in the appearance of wrinkles,firmness, redness, and texture, compared to the control group.

These impressive results were due to Coffea arabica’s ability to increase production of collagen and elastin and to protect against the loss of moisture.

When Brazilian scientists tested Coffea arabica seed oil on human skin, they found a 1.5-fold increase in elastin production and a nearly 2-fold increase in collagen production compared to the controls. These two proteins are essential for smoothing wrinkles and preserving the firmness and flexibility of facial skin.

In addition, treated skin cells had nearly 7-fold higher expression of aquaglycerolporins-3 (AQP-3) and a 2-fold increase in the amount of glycosaminoglycans. These proteins act as a tag-team to halt moisture loss and improve skin hydration. First, glycosaminoglycans behave like a sponge to bind and trap water molecules in a water reservoir, then AQP-3 transports them to the upper layers of the skin where they reduce excessive facial dryness and fine lines.

Bottom line, we’re telling you that caffein is not only beneficial from a health standpoint, but also promotes ample anti-aging infusions topically. So….get your coffee on!

References: 

  1. Velazquez PMC, Dieamant GC, Eberlin S, et al. Effect of green Coffea arabica L. seed oil on extracellular matrix components and water-channelexpression in vitro and ex vivo human skin models. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Mar;8(1):56-62.
  2. Kitagawa S, Yoshii K, Morita SY, Teraoka R. Efficient topical delivery of chlorogenic acid by an oil-in-water microemulsion to protect skin againstUV-induced damage. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2011;59(6):793-6.
  3. Koo SW, Hirakawa S, Fujii S, Kawasumi M, Nghiem P. Protection from photodamage by topical application of caffeine after ultraviolet irradiation. Br J Dermatol. 2007 May;156(5):957-64.
  4. Palmer DM, Kitchin JS. A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and tolerance of a novel phenolic antioxidant skincare system containing Coffea arabica and concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Dec; 9(12):1480-7.
  5. Available at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/04/09/coffee-mania/2069335/. Accessed August 2, 2013.
  6. Available at: http://www.ico.org/botanical.asp. Accessed August 2, 2013.
  7. Product monograph: Lipactive Green Coffee. Green TechNaturally. January 2008.
  8. Product monograph: Crodarom Green Coffee. Crodarom.
  9. Kaczvinsky JR, Griffiths CE, Schnicker MS, Li J. Efficacy of anti-aging products for perioribtal wrinkles as measured by 3-D imaging. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Sep;8(3):228-33.

We all know that adopting a healthy diet and skincare regimen is essential for youthful, glowing and a hydrated complexion, but practicing good habits on a daily basis, away from our diet and regimen is essential to keeping our skin breakout-free and youthful-looking. Highlighted below are some of the top leading daily causes of bad skin habits.

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Photo via HealthMix 

Talking on the Phone: All those minutes spent talking on the phone (and built up bacteria) attaches to your skin and can lead to breakouts on the chin and jawline. Make sure to keep antibacterial wipes with you and clean your phone frequently. Or better yet, use a hands-free ear piece when speaking on the phone.

Dehydration: Not drinking enough water (recommended 8 full glasses per day) can lead to build up within your body as your toxins have a harder time flushing out your lymph system. Dehydration also accentuates the wrinkles in your skin (think of a raisin), so make sure to stay hydrated to keep that youthful and glowing complexion.

Hot Showers: We know that this feels so good sometimes (especially in the colder months) but hot water actually strips away all the essential oils and much-needed skin hydration at the top layers of the skin which can lead to extreme dryness, flaky and cracked skin. Turn the temperature down and limit your shower use to avoid extreme dryness.

Sleep: Making sure that you get the recommended 8 hours of sleep not only helps to keep you looking fresh and vibrant (goodbye dark circles), but it also encourages proper replenishment and rehydration of the skin; it’s like one big machine moving things out and keeping nutrients in.

Too Much Salt: Consuming too much sodium in your diet can literally suck your skin dry of all the hydrating nutrients and much-needed oils not to mention it can lead to health problems. Cut back your sodium intake and make sure your using a hydrating moisturizer or oil to replenish all hydration back into your skin.

Exercise: Are you getting enough? Regular exercise (30 min per day), increases your bodies blood flow, encourages the flushing of toxins and prevents fat build up all leading to that youthful glow and positive mood-boosting results.

*Tip: try walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or walking home from work instead of opting for a taxi.

Glasses: Oil and bacteria get built up on the rim of your glasses which can lead to clogged pores and blackheads on the brim of your nose. Make sure to keep a cleaning wipe with you and swipe your glasses daily to prevent breakouts.

Alcohol: We all love to celebrate from time to time, but drinking too much alcohol leads to glycation breakdown in your skins collagen – think sagging, wrinkled and dehydrated looking skin. Make sure to drink one glass of water for each alcoholic drink to outweigh the harmful sugar build up in your adult beverage.

Makeup: Try and avoid the daily heavy makeup as it leads to clogged pores and your skin can’t breath properly. It’s best to practice at least one day per week of makeup-free skin to allow for proper oxygen flow to your skin cells.

Cleansing/Exfoliation: Falling asleep at night without properly washing your skin is one of the leading causes of breakouts and dull, lackluster looking skin. Make sure to double cleanse and exfoliate regularly (2-3 times per week) to ensure that you are going to bed with a squeaky clean complexion.

The skin around the eyes is naturally thin and is constantly exposed to oxidative stress from environmental stressors such as sunlight, smoking, and air pollution. This constant assault gradually breaks down the fibrous network composed of proteins, elastin, and collagen, resulting in thinner skin in the eye region as you age. Facial expressions like laughing and frowning further contribute to the destruction of the skin proteins and stimulate the formation of wrinkles (crow’s feet), dark circles, and bags under the eyes. We sat down with Dr. G to find out what we can do to banish those unwanted dark circles for good. 

Screen Shot 2015-03-02 at 9.49.13 AMPhoto via Byrdie

Retinoid’s: “Using an eye product that contains Vitamin A (Retinol) is so beneficial for many anti-aging purposes (brightening, fine lines), but because Vitamin A increases collagen production, it creates an increased plump appearance to the eye area which helps to fade the visual appearance of dark circles.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

Brightening Ingredients: “Skin brightening ingredients are so important to use when working to eliminate dark circles. The most powerful naturally-based brightening ingredients include skin brightening Vitamin K, Arnica and Soy and Rice Bran Peptides. These heavy treatment oriented ingredients work together to break up the dried blood trapped within the bags underneath the eye area while simultaneously working to increase circulation to move the excess colored fluid out. Using treatment-based products are most beneficial for long-term benefits vs. using a concealer and calling it a day.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

Cool Water and compress: “Always rinse off with cool water as warm water will add to increased inflammation and darkness. Keep a tea bag in the freezer, add cool water, and apply onto the eye area for a quick spa treatment – you’ll be amazed how fast-acting this trick is for reducing puffiness and darkness and brightening the overall eye area.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Makeup Remover: “Aggressive rubbing of the eye area can lead to inflammation and even broken capillaries that will only add to the issues underneath the eye area. Selecting a gentle non-toxic makeup remover is key (try Tatcha’s Camellia Oil Cleanser) and work to pat the eye area free of any and all makeup vs. rubbing.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Sunscreen: “The thin skin just underneath the eye area is especially prone to increased hyper pigmentation as a result of over sun exposure, so be sure to extend your sun blocking agent underneath the eye area too. Using a lightweight, oil-free and fragrance-free formula is highly recommended so that it won’t cause heightened irritation to the eye are. Look for SPF based products that contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as a safe option.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD