Tag Archive for: Dermatologist

Name: Sacha Strebe

Location: Los Angeles 

Age: 41

Tell us a little about yourself…
I moved here from Australia seven years ago and fell in love with the LA lifestyle. After a few years working in digital media—I held the position of Editorial Director for MyDomaine and then Create & Cultivate—I went out on my own as an editorial consultant helping content creators and media brands with their digital strategy, growth goals, and more. I accomplished so much during that time and felt incredibly fulfilled, but creatively I really felt the pull to return to the design world so I recently accepted the Editorial Director role at EyeSwoon, working closely with interior designer, Athena Calderone. 

While digital media keeps me creatively fulfilled, my other passion is skincare. I have always loved the innovation, technology, and ingredient advancements of the beauty industry, and testing them out on my own skin to achieve that healthy radiance we all crave. After many requests from friends to share my own skincare routine and treatments, I finally launched an Instagram account called @skinlexicon where I could share everything from the products to the lasers, injectables, PDO threads, and at-home tools I love. The response so far has been phenomenal and I love how close the skincare community is, too—it’s always positive, open, and fun! 

What are your skincare goals? 

For me, it’s always been healthy, even, glowy skin which equals hydration! I am 41 so my skin is going through a new iteration. It’s thirstier than it was in my 20s so I definitely find I need hydrating serums, thicker moisturizers, and an occlusive to seal it all in. 

Do you have any specific skincare concerns? 

I developed melasma after having our son 13 years ago so after treating it with three sessions of IPL at the time (I know they don’t recommend that now), my routine has been all about maintenance and prevention ever since, which equates to brightening products, lasers, microdermabrasion with PRP, and a lot of sunscreen! I am also a big fan of exfoliation, which I know has gotten a bad rap in recent years for damaging the skin barrier, but at my age, it’s key to ensuring a steady cell turnover (which, let’s be real, has significantly slowed down). I love chemical exfoliators like peels (I do a chemical peel at least 1-2 times a month) and physical exfoliators at least 2-3 times a week.

First thoughts when incorporating Radiance Repair and Doctor’s Scrub into your routine:

1st week… As a fan of exfoliation, I couldn’t wait to try the Doctor’s Scrub, especially considering almost all of my friends recommended it to me. The difference in my skin was immediate—we’re talking baby smooth, soft, and with that healthy glow from stimulating the blood flow. I also love how receptive my skin is to the serums afterward—it heightens absorption and ultimately, the efficacy. Radiance Repair is almost like a moisturizer/serum hybrid. The texture is incredibly smooth and my skin has a beautiful, glowy sheen afterward. 

2nd week… There is a visible difference in the texture of my skin—smooth, even, and clear. Since the Doctor’s Scrub is so fine, it doesn’t damage the skin or irritate—it really does feel like I’ve just stepped out of a professional microdermabrasion treatment. I have also noticed a reduction in pore size or the appearance of pore size since the scrub helps to clear away dirt and debris thus minimize blackheads in the process. I love the Radiance Repair so much—often I’ll come back into the bathroom during the day if my skin is feeling dry (especially during these colder months) and reapply it because it just feels and looks so good when I do.

Is clean beauty something that you feel passionate about?
I think the term “clean beauty” has caused a lot of confusion with consumers around what it is and what it means for something to be considered “clean.” I don’t think anyone wants to put skincare on their face that could be carcinogenic but I also think there’s a lot of fearmongering around certain ingredients that hasn’t been helpful. It’s important to do your own research and find skincare that works for your concerns and goals. I follow a lot of cosmetic scientists like Michelle Wong from Lab Muffin and Jen from The Eco Well who help to explain a lot of ingredient myths and debunk misinformation.

What else do you feel passionate about?

I love my fashion especially my Aussie designers—Dion Lee and Christopher Esber! I am also obsessed with our French bulldog, Cosmo. And I’m passionate about getting out in nature—I learned how to ski this year and just started mountain biking with my husband and son.

Best advice you’ve ever received in regards to caring for your skin?

Good skin takes time. Consistency is key. And get regular facials by a licensed esthetician to do professional extractions and facial massage. They can also help to get you on a skincare routine that’s suited to your skin and goals—so important. Also, see a dermatologist for annual skin cancer checks! 

How do you stay focused and motivated throughout the day?

I truly love what I do so it’s never hard for me to stay focused and motivated. I love creating, collaborating, and challenging myself to innovate, step up, and push myself to be better every day. But matcha helps too! Lol.

What are some of your favorite foods that keep your skin healthy?

I’m a vegetarian so I eat lots of plant-based meals with healthy fats like avocado and olive oil, plus there is always a ton of leafy greens and seasonal veggies in my meals. We also cook a lot at home so we know what’s going into our meals. I love to do a big grocery shop on the weekend and meal prep for the week ahead. I stopped taking a lot of vitamins and focused on supplementing through diet. I also follow Glucose Goddess because I think glucose is one of the most underrated elements of good health—her hacks to flatten glucose curves have been such a gamechanger for me!

Fill in the blank:  ________ is/are underrated.

Poetry. I always seek it out in times of need whether that be for creative inspiration, motivation, or just when I need to feel uplifted. I just bought a book of Pablo Neruda but I also love Mary Oliver. 

I also think rest is underrated. This year I have allowed myself to resist the urge on the weekend to “do” and instead just to “be” and not feel guilty if I haven’t accomplished anything or fulfilled a to-do list. Rest is just as if not more productive. We need it. 

 

The results are in on our NEW Lip Therapy Treatment! Formulated to boost, hydrate and condition your lips! Dr. Goldfaden’s antioxidant-rich, concentrated treatment nourishes and revitalizes with an enriched blend of powerful moisturizers and a multi-active peptide complex.

The lips have multiple issues stacked against them, such as having no sebaceous glands and zero sweat glands, which means no self hydration ability and therefore very prone to dehydration. Dr. G always handpicks the innovative ingredients in our products and Lip Therapy Treatment is no exception. The five ingredients below provide everything your lips need to stay hydrated, smooth and plump.

  • Fruit Berry Wax: This soft wax derived from the Rhus Vernucuflua Tree, which is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Peptide Complex: Tribehenin and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 work together to moisturize the lips, increase firmness and create a smoother, more defined pout.
  • Vitamin E: This antioxidant nourishes, hydrates and protects skin from harmful free radicals.
  • Borage Oil: Full of antioxidants, naturally occurring Vitamins and Linoleic Acid, this oil acts as an ultra-anti-inflammatory ingredient and helps to restore hydration.
  • Sea Buckthorn Oil: This oil promotes skin hydration, elasticity and skin regeneration.

The Results

We not only test products within Dr. G’s dermatology practice, but also on everyday consumers to make sure we are on the mark when it comes to product efficiency. The below data was collected from 53 participants who used Lip Therapy for 14 days straight.

  • 94% agreed that their lips were instantly hydrated
  • 89% agreed that their lips looked smoother
  • 85% agreed that lips feel baby soft
  • 83% agreed that lips look healthier

Available now on goldfadenmd.com – Pucker Up!

Your skin’s barrier is at its strongest and most effective when it has an ideal pH of 5.5—that’s when it’s perfectly balanced. But how can you know if your skin’s pH is off? Dr. G says, “If your pH is too alkaline, your skin will appear flaky and red. If it’s too acidic, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne tend to flare.”

The struggle to balance skin no matter your age can be daunting. The goal is to improve tone and texture while keep the complexion clear and hydrated.  The best way to balance your skin is to put a healthy regimen into place. Follow these steps and you’ll skin will feel happy and balanced in no time.

Exfoliation + Cleansing

Cleansing or washing the face should happen twice a day. Upon waking, washing the face will remove the residue from applied night treatments and moisturizers. Remember to choose a cleanser that won’t strip or dry the skin, as this is imperative to keep the pH balanced. Look for a cleanser that does not contain harsh chemicals, dyes or artificial fragrances.

Cleansing the skin at night is crucial- no exceptions. The skin is exposed to many pollutants from just stepping foot outside. Soot, car exhaust, sun, secondhand smoke and many other pollutants wreak havoc on the skin leaving a layer of dirt and free radicals. Makeup also needs to be removed no matter what. Sleeping in makeup is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Clogged pores will lead to break outs and or rashes. By cleansing at night the skin is ready to receive and absorb any applied serums and creams.

When we talk about ‘cleansing’ we need to include exfoliation. Everyone should exfoliate their skin two to three times a week, unless you suffer from rosacea or eczema, in which case use an enzymatic exfoliator instead of a physical one. Depending on the season and climate, exfoliation can be increased or decreased. Both manual and chemical exfoliation is recommended and dependent on results desired.

Listen to your skin

Over cleansing is never recommended as it strips the skin of natural oils which can cause an over production of oil/sebum and thus a breakout. However, this is highly dependent on what type of cleanser (ingredients) being used and skin type. If you are oily and using a gentle gel based natural cleanser, like our ‘Pure Start cleanser’, you can’t really over cleanse. If you are typically dry or have sensitive skin you have to be especially careful with which types of ingredients you choose. Stay away from astringents, acids, sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol. If your skin starts to feel dry or stripped, gets irritated or flaky, listen to the signs. Over cleansing and under cleansing can both cause-unbalanced skin.

Climate + Environment

Balanced skin can also be a result of the climate and environment you live in. For example if you live in a cold climate, exfoliation should decrease during cold, dry months. Likewise, cleansing and antioxidant protection should increase in urban settings to battle pollution and free radicals.

The best rule of thumb is to listen to your skin, as less is usually more when it comes to products.