Tag Archive for: diet

Sweat your way to radiance: detoxify, rejuvenate, and glow with nature’s finest skincare

Sweating is a natural bodily function that is often associated with physical exertion and exercise, rather than its true key role in keeping our skin youthful, dewy and firm. 

In fact, there are many skin health and whole body benefits to sweating beyond the cooling of the body and regulation of temperature that it gets its reputation for. 

We asked Goldfaden MD’s Wellness Expert Alyssa Switzer, a dancer, yoga teacher and endurance trainer, why sweating is so good for skin health and the mechanisms that make it so.

Unclog Pores

One of the most noticeable ways in which sweating benefits the skin is by helping to unclog pores. Our skin is exposed to a variety of pollutants (such as dirt, oil and bacteria), which can accumulate in the pores and cause inflammation and breakouts. When we sweat, our pores open up, allowing these impurities to be released from the skin. This cleansing process is an effective way to keep the skin clean and prevent acne and other skin issues.

Hydration

Sweating can also help hydrate the skin. Sweat is made up of water, salt and other minerals that help moisturize and nourish the skin. This is particularly beneficial for people with dry skin or conditions such as eczema, which can cause the skin to become rough and flaky. By sweating, we are providing our skin with a natural source of hydration, which can help to make it look and feel healthier.

Removed Toxins

Furthermore, sweating can aid in removing toxins from the body that can damage the skin and cause premature aging. When toxins build up in the skin, they can cause inflammation, dullness and other signs of aging. By sweating, our body can eliminate these toxins and promote healthy skin cell turnover, which can help to keep our skin looking younger and more vibrant.

Circulate Blood Flow

In addition to these benefits, sweating can also help circulate blood flow to the skin. When we sweat, our blood vessels dilate, allowing more blood to flow to the skin’s surface. This increased blood flow can deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, which can help to support collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, and its production naturally declines as we age. By boosting collagen production, sweating can help promote firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

However, it is important to note that excessive sweating can have negative effects on the skin if left unmanaged. Excessive sweating without cleansing can lead to skin irritation, rashes and breakouts. It’s essential to maintain proper hygiene and a good skincare routine to prevent skin problems. Following your workouts, it’s key to remove the impurities you’ve just sweated out from your skin as soon as possible. Wash your face and body using a gentle cleanser such as Goldfaden’s Pure Start. You can skip exfoliating after a workout to avoid potential irritation.

In conclusion, sweating is an excellent way to promote healthy, radiant and youthful-looking skin. By unclogging pores, hydrating the skin, removing toxins and boosting blood flow, sweating can have numerous positive effects on our skin health. Just remember to give your skin a nice, refreshing cleanse afterward.

About Alyssa

Alyssa is a dancer, yoga teacher and high performance and endurance trainer, which is why she believes understanding and healing the body is of the utmost importance. Her passion for movement, nourishing foods, performance, and physical & mental health are constantly growing and evolving. Whether through her yoga teaching or training, Alyssa will bring you to places within yourself where deep change and healing can occur.

 

We believe that radiant, healthy-looking skin starts from the inside out which is why we are so excited to share this mouthwatering recipe from one of our favorite nutritionists, Elissa Goodman. Renowned for her insanely delicious soup cleanses, Goodman is pioneering the landscape of how we view nutrition as a way to heal our bodies and mind.
Find the full recipe below for Goodman’s immune-boosting Kabocha & Ginger Soup with Creamy Coconut––it’s super easy to make! We promise you won’t be disappointed.
To learn more about Elissa Goodman check out her Detoxing Tips on The Daily Scrub.

Kabocha & Ginger Soup with Creamy Coconut 

 Serves 4-6 

Ingredients:

1 kabocha squash, halved with seeds removed
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small fennel bulb, cored and chopped
4 inches fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 T. organic coconut oil
40 oz organic vegetable broth
1 tsp. Herbamare seasoning (could also use sea salt)
pinch sea salt
1 cup coconut cream
Juice and zest of 1 small, fresh lemon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Rub olive oil all over the squash, then place face down on the baking sheet and place in the oven.  Cook until tender, approx. 45-50 minutes.  Then remove squash and set aside until cooled.  Once cooled, you can scoop meat into a bowl and set aside.

In soup pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat.  Add the onion and fennel with the Herbamare seasoning (option to use sea salt). Saute until onions and fennel are softened, then add the garlic and ginger, stir often and cook another 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add the bay leaves, scooped squash, vegetable broth and stir frequently bringing soup to a simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

Carefully transfer soup, in batches, to your blender.  Add coconut cream and blend until smooth.  Transfer soup back to the pot and keep on low.  Add fresh lemon juice and zest, a generous pinch of black pepper and adjust seasonings as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of coconut cream.

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.