Tag Archive for: Exfoliation

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Real Clinical, Radiant Results with Heather Lilleston

Name: Heather Lilleston
Location: Venice, California
Age: 38

Tell us a little about yourself…
Spent half my life in New York City and half my life in California. I have been teaching yoga since 2003, run a travel yoga company called YOGA FOR BAD PEOPLE (www.yogaforbadpeople.com) leading yoga retreats and trainings around the world, and am in my second year pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. To learn more: heatherlilleston.com.

What are your bodycare goals?  
My body care goals are to feel good in my skin – this means staying hydrated and moisturized, spending time exercising in nature (circulation is so key to happiness, health and being able to think clearly and feel good in your body), to have a good balance of fun and discipline, and to be able to spend a lot of time in the sun without totally destroying my skin. I want to make sure that the products I use on my body are made with – and sold in – environmentally considerate products and packaging, and don’t contribute to the burden of chemicals and toxins eating away at the harmony of our planet. I also want to spend the least amount of time possible on skincare and what I “look like”; it’s so important for me to have an efficient and realistic daily routine.

Do you have any specific body skin concerns? I have very dry skin and have to monitor my beauty marks with all the time I spend in the sun, but other than that, my skin situation is pretty simple. I take daily showers and moisturize at least twice daily, but really don’t encounter much difficulty besides sun damage.

What do you look for when creating a bodycare routine? Something environmentally conscious, smells good (not too perfumey) and fast and easy. I don’t like to worry about too many steps. I like products that smell good and are healing and made from natural ingredients – I can’t stand products that have such a strong scent they take over the room.

First thoughts when trying the Bodycare Regimen
1st week …I love the products so far. They are essentially unscented and feel gentle on the body. I love how small the scrubs are and nothing is too thick or oily, even though it is moisturizing. So far, so good!
2nd week… I am enjoying getting into the routine of scrubbing. Especially during the California fires where the air has been so thick and intense, it’s been key to come home and scrub and then moisturize and firm.
3rd week… My skin feels really soft after the scrub and the firming lotion has gotten me into a routine of making sure to rub lotion into the skin using an upwards motion. I never considered that before, but I think it’s making a difference. I am happy I have chosen to collaborate with Goldfadden and really respect this trial period with the product. I definitely would recommend it to friends. I have never really committed to scrubs before but I look forward to using the lightness of the Goldfadden scrubs.

Is clean beauty something that you feel passionate about? Absolutely! The beauty industry needs much improvement in terms of environmental standards and accessibility to all people regardless of economic status. Making organic, non toxic products available and standard, removing chemicals and toxins lotions, sunscreens, and makeup and anything that isn’t of medical-grade – everyday products – should be environmentally sound and affordable. FDA regulations can set the standards for that, but also individual companies can change their ingredients – as well as evolve packaging from plastics – this is vital and necessary. I love how proud I can be when products are 100% environmentally sound.

What else do you feel passionate about?
Social justice, a radical shift in America away from corporate-run governments and back to a truer democracy, environmental issues, revamping the entire education system in our country, the importance of taking many of the funds used for policing and reverting them to other programs that better reflect the actual help that is needed for the majority of police calls, and ending homelessness. It is time for massive change in the United States – our entire country needs healing. COVID made all our issues obvious. Now we have to deal with them. I think our generation got apathetic about justice issues and politics and now we are realizing politics aren’t just for politicians. We have a massive amount of catch up to do – especially white people regarding facing and being honest about the reality of racism in America – and I feel a sense of urgency in our catch up. Especially with the election not that far away. I am passionate about being fearless about this. The time is now.

Best advice you’ve ever received in regards to caring for your body? Rest is just as important as effort in working out and doing a lot. Chewing your food and drinking more water than you think you need. Getting yourself into nature and spending time alone too. Your body is a reflection of your emotional and psychological states, so this comes into play as well. You have to take care of your heart, and sometimes this means solo time and sometimes this means making more effort to connect to your community and support systems, playing and dancing, and leaving some space to be spontaneous – all of these are so key.

How do you stay focused and motivated throughout the day? I make sure that anything I am involved in I believe in – reflects my values and passions – and is never just for money. Also, balance. Taking a moment to walk around the block or lay down with your legs up the wall, standing up and listening to a song and walking into the other room – all of this is important to go back to the drawing board and meet the task at hand. Oh, and odd elixirs – like homemade hibiscus iced tea mixed with sparkling water and a dash of apple cider vinegar  – with ice – this gets me going.

What are some of your favorite foods that keep your skin healthy?
Spirulina, Avocado, Passion Fruit, Apple Cider vinegar mixed with sparkling water and an iced tea or fruit juice, dandelion greens, chlorella tablets, lemon water, and let’s not forget the most important – STRAIGHT UP WATER!

What’s on your WFH playlist?
The albums I can listen to and still get work done are:
The Ethiopiques, vol. 21 and vol. 4 collection
All Melody by Nils Frahm
Sous la direction de Traore Keletigui, vol. 1 by Orchestre Paillote
Angel’s Rest by East Forest
Devi Prayer by Craig Pruess
Talking Timbuktu by Al Farka Toure with Ry Cooder
The Best of Caetano Veloso
Horizon Unlimited by Lijadu Sisters

Fill in the blank:     Spending time alone     is underrated.
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Real Clinical, Radiant Results with Hélène Heath

Name: Hélène Heath

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Age: over 30 🙃

 

Tell us a little about yourself…

I’m a freelance content creator and writer with a penchant for all things style, beauty, food, and travel. I’m originally from Canada but have lived in NYC for almost 10 years with my sidekick, Wally, a mini Australian Shepherd, and my husband. You can find me on Instagram at @heleneisfor, where I share my daily musings on all things aesthetic.

What are your bodycare goals? 

To keep my skin hydrated, first and foremost. This becomes all the more important as we age! Hydrated skin is healthy skin, both in terms of feeling and appearance. 

Do you have any specific body skin concerns? 

There are areas on my skin that could use a whole lot of extra love: roughness, granular appearance, clogged pores, creasing, loss of elasticity… Mostly around my ankles/top of my feet, around my knees, on my stomach, and decolleté. 

What do you look for when creating a bodycare routine? 

For me, it’s more about function than anything. I’m always trying to find the most effective products for my concerns so that I can remedy them, versus making every shower a spa moment. I sadly don’t have time for that!

First thoughts when trying the Bodycare Regimen:

1st week…

The appearance of my skin hadn’t really changed after the first week, but it felt a hundred times softer to the touch. While I can’t SEE the difference yet, I can certainly FEEL it.

2nd week… 

After only two weeks, my skin’s texture had noticeably improved and felt so much softer on the areas where I’ve been applying the products. My skin is especially baby smooth after using the scrub in the shower. It feels really great.

3rd week…

My decolleté and stomach are smoother in appearance, but even more so to the touch. My pores are also looking much cleaner on my chest, which doesn’t feel bumpy at all anymore, and my other body parts are more hydrated overall (something I can both see and feel). While the folds on my skin around the feet and ankles are a little tougher to treat, I can only imagine the positive progression over time, beyond three weeks of usage.

Is clean beauty something that you feel passionate about?

Yes, it absolutely is. My overall approach to beauty is very holistic, and that unequivocally includes the products that I use. I also believe that whatever is found in nature is what’s best for us humans–it’s part of our ecosystem. I don’t believe in cutting corners with known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors to make products cheaper.

What else do you feel passionate about?

To elaborate a little on my holistic philosophy: I very much believe that whatever goes into our bodies, along with our lifestyle habits, has a direct impact on how we feel on the inside and how we look on the outside. I’m a big proponent for balance and for people living their truth. By that, I mean that imposing ourselves too many boundaries or restrictions is a set-up for failure, and also that everyone’s system and body chemistry is different. Whatever may work for you won’t necessarily work for someone else. We have to listen to our bodies and figure out what we respond best to as individuals. 

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

Moisturize every day. Every single day. Never miss a day. DO NOT MISS A DAY!

How do you stay focused and motivated throughout the day?

Oof, lots of coffee?! Lol. All joking aside, I go through phases where I’m on top of things and feeling incredibly inspired and focused, while there are periods where I just can’t get it together and struggle to get things done. My solution to this has been to understand the times of day when my brain works best and try to take advantage of that. I’m a huge list person, so I write daily to-do lists of what I need to accomplish. I also have overarching bigger picture to-do lists that are weekly and monthly. Without them I’d be lost. 

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

Not a food, but water is a big one! I drink a lot of water and when I slack on my h20 intake, I can actually physically see it. I look and feel healthier when I eat fresh, unprocessed foods, as well as less dairy and meat. Everything in moderation!

What’s on your WFH playlist?

Lots of Robyn, Sharon Van Etten, and Tei Shi. But recently I’ve been listening to a lot of French Canadian music classics cause I’ve been homesick.

Fill in the blank:      Nighttime showers      are underrated.

 

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Ask Dr. G – Body Skin Conditions + Why Exfoliation Is The Key to Healthy Skin!  

After 50 years of practicing Dermatology and treating diseases of the skin, Dr. Goldfaden has seen the full spectrum of skin conditions. “The skin on your body is as important as the skin on your face.” Choosing clean body products can target and correct the most common body issue most people are dealing with. Dr. G created our NEW Body Collection to extend healthy skin care from the chest down. Our Doctor’s Body Scrub is a multi-active scrub features micro-fine exfoliating crystals, skin-softening Bamboo Extract, skin-brightening Fruit Enzymes, soothing Probiotic-fermented Extract, and antioxidant-rich Red Algae. After exfoliating, Firm Believer Body Serum offers elasticity enhancing Radish Root Extract and skin softening Marula Oil and Shea Butter. Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate and plump skin while a combination of Brown + Red Algae along with Coffee & Gotu Kola Extracts work to increase microcirculation while helping to firm and tone the skin.

We asked Dr. G to weigh in on common body skin conditions (and some you may not have heard of) and how exfoliation is still the most important and effective part of your skincare regimen. Of course if you think you may be suffering from any of the below, you should see your dermatologist for a formal diagnosis, but in the meantime taking time to care and treat your body at home will not only make your skin glow but also make you feel good.

Keratosis Pilaris

What is it: A very common especially in females and children.  Keratosis Pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, excess skin and oil which blocks the hair follicle causing little bumps (often white) under the skin’s surface. Found on the arms and thighs. Very commonly this is an inherited condition and people may refer to it as ‘chicken skin’.

How to help: Exfoliation won’t cure Keratosis Pilaris but it can help the roughness of the skin and the appearance of the bumps. Physical exfoliants (like a scrub) can assist in smoother, more even-textured skin, while a chemical exfoliant such as Lactic, Glycolic or fruit acids can work in tandem to smooth skin out.  Hydrating the skin is also very important when treating Keratosis Pilaris.

Xerosis

What is it:  The medical term for ‘excess dry skin’, Xerosis is caused by lack of moisture in the skin. This can be caused by dry climates, cold weather, artificial heating and aging.

How to help: Regular exfoliation of the body will remove dead, dry skin allowing active hydrating ingredients to treat the skin. Systemic hydration (drinking water, eating foods high with a high-water content and topical hydration (serums, moisturizers, lotions and creams) are crucial to reverse and treat Xerosis.

Ichthyosis

What is it:  An inherited condition, which can vary in severity. Most commonly found on the legs, however, can be all over the body in more severe cases. Ichthyosis coming from the Greek word for ‘fish’ appears as dry, thickened, scaly skin.

How to help: Exfoliation will help this condition by removing dry, scaly skin. Use of a very hydrating body lotion or cream is preferred.

Teania Versicolor

What is it: Meaning ‘fungus of many colors’, Tinea Versicolor appears as white patchy, flat splotches usually found on the upper arms and face. More noticeable when the skin gets sun or tanned.

How to help: Exfoliation is excellent for the removal of the superficial fungus and dead skin.

Backne, Chest Breakouts and Butt Bumps

What are they:  Little or big bumps/pimples that show up on the back, the chest and the butt. All are considered acne and can be caused by hormones, clothing friction, cosmetic products/SPF that are too heavy or bacteria left behind from sweat and dirt. The overproduction of oil causes hair follicles to get clogged causing inflammation which is the pimple or bump that surfaces. You’re more prone to getting pimples and breakouts on your back vs. the face in general because those areas have high concentrations of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (glands that secrete an oily matter called sebum) which when clogged, cause breakouts. The skin located on the back is also very think and endures a different environment altogether. The back area is typically clothed, so the skin can’t breathe as easily and experiences conditions such as; sweat build-up, wearing tight and restrictive clothing when exercising and not showering after. This can lead to clogged hair follicles, over oil production, and acne.

How to help: Always shower after working out or sweating. Try and not sit around in damp workout clothing. Regular exfoliation unplugs clogged pores and allows for the release of natural skin oils. Regular exfoliation also helps to maintain open pores, decreases pore size, minimizes many types of superficial scarring and ward off bacteria which causes breakouts and rashes. Try switching to a lightweight body serum or oil-free lotion for the warmer months.

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