Tag Archive for: dr. goldfaden

Dr. G is firm believer in the concept ‘You are what you eat’. If your diet is subpar, one of the first places it can show is on the skin (skin health often acts as a major indicator to what is happening internally). Being the largest organ of the body, the skin not only reflects internal state of health, but is also the first line of defense between the internal and external environment. In this recipe, the key ingredient is quinoa. Quinoa contains high levels of riboflavin which provides elasticity to the skin to give it the required softness and resiliency. It also works to tone the skin and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

What you need: 

The Energetic SaladInspired by plant profusion energetic eye cream

2 cups quinoa (high in riboflavin and protein)

1 cup raspberries (high levels of the anti-oxidant Resveratrol)

1/2 orange (Vitamin C)

2 teaspoons olive oil (Omega fatty acids)

2 basil leaves chopped (high in Vitamin K + Iron)

Cook Quinoa until soft and then let cool at room temperature. In separate bowl mix raspberries, orange,oil oil and chopped basil leaves. Mix together and serve at room temperature. This salad will fill you up and give you all the energy you need to finish your day!

As spring approaches we are teased by up and down temperatures. Every season we discuss how to adjust your skincare regimen and spring can be particularly tricky due to the unstableness of the weather. Hydration is still a major concern during the spring but sunnier, clearer skies lead to more sun damage and pollution.

When discovering how to change your regimen it is important to know your skin type. Below are the most common skin types and a few seasonal changes to try.

Combination Skin

Combination skin simply means there are two or more skin issues occurring at the same time. Combination skin is usually oily in the T-zone (forehead and nose and chin), while other areas are dry and/or flaky. This is a very common skin type. Signs that you have combination skin would be large looking pores, shiny skin and blackheads. The term ‘combination skin’ can also be used when referring to the presence of wrinkles, rosacea, dryness or breakouts that are present in certain areas of the face.

Dr. G says:

“Remember the most important step in a combination skin regimen is exfoliation. Exfoliation helps fight the build up of dead skin cells and bacteria and will help ward off breakouts, excessive oil and large pores.”

Changes to try:

  • Flip-flop your exfoliation products. If you usually use a physical scrub, try an acid peel or wipes and vice versa
  • Use anti-oxidant serums to spot treat the different problem areas of the face. Warmer weather means the skin can withstand more aggressive treatments.

 

Oily Skin

Oily skin types usually display dull or shiny skin, a thick complexion, blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes. Oily skin types are very prone to acne.

Dr. G says

“The good news for oily skin types is that they tend to develop fewer wrinkles as they age.”

 

The best way to take care of oily skin is to exfoliate frequently. Look for AHA cleansers (lactic, glycolic or fruit acids) or a BHA or Salicylic acid (would be most appropriate for acne sufferers). Clay masks can also be very helpful in controlling oil production. There is a misconception that oily skin doesn’t need to moisturize. If the skin is very oily an oil free moisturizer will help keep the sheen of the skin down. However facial oils, especially silicone free and dry oils can also be beneficial.

Tips to try:

  • Invest in an oil free SPF
  • Reintroduce an oil free moisturizer during warmer months (especially if you live in humid climate)
  • Try a clarifying mask-look for soothing ad detoxifying ingredients Camphor and Sulfur

 

Dry Skin

Dry skin types can be defined as skin that itches, has scaling, redness or dry patches. Dry skin types may also just feel tight, itchy and lacking in hydration. During the spring, dry skin can still feel in need of extra hydration. Introducing a multi-tasking oil to your daily regimen can be beneficial. Look for oils that hydrate and brighten, which are good for coming out of the dead of winter and targeting dull skin.

Dr. G says:

“Eating a diet high in omega fatty acids and hydrating fruits will help internally to battle dry skin.”

Tips to try

  • Place a small humidifier near the bed while sleeping
  • Only exfoliate 1-2 times per week
  • Try a creamy cleanser

 

What constitutes a “natural” beauty product? There’s still no universally accepted standard, even though the market is growing at a rapid rate. The skin is the body’s largest organ and research proves it capable of absorbing up to 60% of the ingredients in the products we apply – that is a large number and we’ve become more aware of what ingredients are found in our products for this reason. Many synthetic ingredients have been recognized to cause irritation in some people and may have damaging effects longer-term.

All of Goldfaden MD products couple scientific expertise and nourishing active plant cell extracts to restore and improve the appearance of aging skin and are made without harsh synthetic ingredients. Our commitment is to create safe, yet effective products that utilize the most effective and innovative naturally-derived, result driven ingredients from around the globe.

Each Goldfaden MD product is developed naturally in the US with a quality guarantee: organic and natural ingredients, paraben-, petrochemical-, mineral oil-, alcohol-, silicone- and gluten-free, no animal testing, 100% vegetarian, hypoallergenic and free of artificial colors and fragrances.

Here is a breakdown of some key ingredients where we substitute natural alternatives:

Natural alternatives to chemicals

Vitamin A /Retinoids: found in and derived from animal based foods or chemically reproduced.

Goldfaden MD alternative: Carotenoids which are found in plant based foods. We use carrots. Pluses about Carotenoids are the stabilization of the product is better and they aren’t as harsh, which is better for sensitive skin.

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a chemical, also called “benzene-1,4-diol.” (Benzene is a known carcinogen). It’s a type of phenol, which is just a fancy name for a certain class of chemical compounds that are similar to alcohols. Illegal for over the counter sale in many countries.

Goldfaden MD Alternative: Alpha Arbutin. Alpha arbutin is derived from the bearberry plant, specifically from the leaves. Alpha arbutin suppresses the pigment in the pigment producing cells as opposed to killing the cells, as hydroquinone does.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid can be derived from rooster combs, made synthetically in a lab or from a vegan source.

Goldfaden MD vegan alternative: We extract our Hyaluronic acid from sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes have the additional advantage of having high levels of magnesium. The mineral magnesium is essential for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body. Many people struggle to get adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet; this is largely because the typical Western diet has low levels of magnesium.

Artificial Fragrances + Dyes

Chemical dyes: Link directly to skin allergies. Studies have found a breast cancer link to red 04 dye.

Goldfaden MD alternative: NO dyes whatsoever, we allow our products to be the color nature intended them to be. As for fragrance, we use only natural fruit extract when it is present in an ingredient.

Silicones + Mineral Oil

Dimethicone: A manmade toxic synthetic pigment and silicone-based polymer. Dimethicone sits on the surface of the skin and doesn’t allow it to breathe, causing irritation. Using Silicone-based skincare products also inhibit the actives from penetrating into the skin, which reduces the treatment amount in the actives.

Mineral oil: Petroleum-derived oil that suffocates the skin and is considered “comedogenic,”which means it can clog the pores and increase the risk of acne and blackheads.

Goldfaden MD alternative : Squalane from olives (vegan) form. Not to be confused with Squalene which is usually derived from shark liver oil but may also come from plant sources such as olives. The main reason Squalane is used is because it has a much longer shelf life and more stable in formulating.