Tag Archive for: natural

Woman Made: Featuring LEKFit founder, Lauren Kleban

International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, age, economic or political. It’s a celebration where we unite as a global community to celebrate women, their endless drive, passion, impact and tireless effort in making a difference.

This week in celebration of International Women’s Day and our #GoldfadenMDForHercampaign, a movement to celebrate and support some incredible women doing great things and trailblazing leadership in the industry they are passionate about, we are so excited to be highlighting Lauren Kleban.

LEKFit founder and fitness enthusiast, Lauren Kleban, offers her favorite piece of advice for women trying to make an impact on their career. “Be confident in who you are and what you have to offer. Be passionate and resilient. Things will always go unplanned and you will need to reconnect with that passion often. Learn more about her story in our candid interview below.

Tell us the story of how you started your business?

I was a professional dancer prior to having children. I had taught dance-inspired fitness classes throughout my dance career so the transition from dance to fitness was a natural one. 

Which women inspire you the most and why? 

Every single woman who does LEKFIT. They keep me motivated to consistently create effective and efficient workouts.

What’s your advice to women trying to make an impact in their career? Be confident and who you are and what you have to offer. Be passionate and resilient. Things will to always go unplanned and you will need to reconnect with that passion often. 

First thing you do when you wake up, is? 

Check my phone. 

Last thing you do before you go to sleep, is? 

Check my phone. 

What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?

I think the demand of doing and having it all will only increase. With the crucial, but never ending, presence of social media, I can only imagine the pressure that will ensue. 

What are the best decisions that you have made in your career thus far?

Remaining committed and authentic to my vision and brand while not allowing myself to be affected by competition. My second best decision was partnering with my husband and third was bring on Alex, our incredible operations manager. 

What are the worst? 

Hiring out of desperation instead of quality and ability.

What is your self-care routine? Daily LEKFIT sweat session followed by green juice and bone broth. Nightly epsom salt bath, weekly manicure and pedicures plus regular massages and facials. 

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Guided Detox Regimen with Cassandra Cadwell

December’s many indulgences make January an ideal time to detox, both inside and out. Again striving for balance, we put forth our best efforts in January to cleanse both internally and externally (and we know that’s it’s all intertwined), so we asked one of our go-to beauty gals, Cassandra Cadwell, (aka newly appointed head of Customer Relations @ Violet Grey), to capture her journey as she swapped her beauty regime for our Detox Collection for 4 weeks.

Can you describe your skin type (i.e. Is your skin usually oily, dry or normal)?

Combination – I look like an oil slick at the end of the day but my skin is dry and needs moisturizer. At least this is what my esthetician tells me!

What are your skin goals?

Clear skin, of course! No breakouts or dark spots (PIH) mainly. But my number one priority is to clear up this one  trouble spot on my left cheek. Also to stop picking, this is a huge thing for me that I really need to stop.

How do you detox? (tips/rituals)

I drink a green juice every single day and have at least 2 cups of green tea throughout the day. My one tip to detox though, is simply to stay hydrated and eat clean the majority of the time. I also try to take a bath every so often and mask every night.. Yes really, I’m psychotic.

When you need to de-stress, what is your go-to?

Burying my face into my cat, Monet, or going to Moon Juice for a adaptogenic smoothie #soLA. Watching funny videos of cats on Instagram helps too… Did I mention I’m a cat person. If I’m in a situation where none of those things are possible, I just pick one thing to focus on, like a task, and direct my attention on completing that 100%. If my mind is feeling cluttered, I make a list. Typically, I find if I’m stressed it’s because my brain is scattered, if I get it down on paper, my mind is a little clearer.

How did you first hear about Goldfaden MD? What was the first product you used?

I first heard about Goldfaden MD from my friend Sarah in May when I was invited to their lovely brunch. The first product I used was the Skin Balancing Mask, and it’s still one of my all time favorites. It’s not too active but still gives your skin a light exfoliation so it’s a great go to when your skin needs a little love but nothing too dramatic. It’s really the perfect maintenance mask. Soothing, no fuss, and exactly what you want your everyday mask to to.

Tell us about your current regimen before transitioning to the Goldfaden MD “detox” collection?

My regimen prior to the Golfaden MD detox consisted of a double cleanse, a toner, one serum and a lightweight water cream. Also tons of masking, of course. In general, lots of trial and error, I’m always trying something new, it’s part of my job.

When you integrated Goldfaden MD’s Detox Clarifying Facial Wash, Detox Hydrating Gel and Facial Detox into your regimen, what did you experience after the following timeframes?

1 week: Plumping and looking fresher longer throughout the day. No 3 pm dark circles and dullness.

2 weeks: Skin started to look brighter and extra hydrated.

3 weeks: Reduction of dark spots and PIH on my left cheek. (YES!)

4 weeks: Overall balance of oil and dryness. I also saw a significant improvement on the pesky trouble spot on my left cheek in addition to less random hormonal breakouts. The later was particularly nice because when you are dealing with a trouble spot, it’s nice not to have other little blemishes pop up as well, which just feels like it exacerbates the main issue.

Have you always used or been interested/concerned with ingredients and clean beauty?

Always. I am a firm believer in not putting harsh chemicals on or in your body, but I also put efficacy first. I 100% believe that the body can heal itself and that anything we need to assist that process can come from nature. I also don’t believe in sacrificing inner health for outer beauty. Once I stopped drinking things like soda and started incorporating vegan practices into my lifestyle, I started seriously to look at ways I could cut out chemicals. Beauty is a great place to do so and if you find amazing clean product that work, like Goldfaden MD, then it’s really a no brainer.

Who would you recommend this regimen to in the future?

Everyone! Specifically though I think this line is great for the mindful person who cares what they put on their face (and therefore in their body) but also wants to see results. This regimen in particular I think is great for oily breakout prone skin, especially the Detox Hydrating Gel and,  if you have breakouts, the Facial Detox. If you take one thing away from this interview let it be this: Sulfur is the best natural way to clear breakouts – it’s straight off the periodic table! #Facts.

Since it is October after all… trick or treat?

Treat, of course… xx

 

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Antioxidants 101: What & Where, Dr. G Reports

Environmental aggressors are one of the main (if not the main) causes of aging skin damage and cancer. Daily aggressors like the sun, the air, pollution, exhaust, smoking, second hand smoke, radiation, the ozone, unclean skincare products ( ingredients ie: phalates, mineral oil) and processed, fried foods ingested all contribute to the demise of our healthy skin cells. Environmental aggressors deliver free radicals to the skin, which in turn cause the breakdown of collagen, onset of wrinkles, cell mutation, aging, dark spots, dehydration, inflammation, immune function damage and in some instances cancer.

Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke, pollution, smoke and radiation. … Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids, may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Anti-oxidants can be found in topical skincare products, vitamins and healthy super foods. Below are my list of anti-oxidants everyone should be ingesting and applying and also ingesting to maximize on the skin’s best natural defense system.

Vitamin C is arguably the most important vitamin of all due to all it’s capabilities internally and externally. While it is hard to choose 1-2 of the most crucial jobs this vitamin has, it is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and supports the immune system and helps make collagen in the body.

Riboflavin is Vitamin B2. Usually B2 is combined with another type of Vitamin B, such as Niacinimide (B3), when formulated in skincare products. Foods and ingredients that are high in Vitamin B2 are almonds, oily fish, cheese, spinach, mushrooms, sesame seed and chia seeds. *Niacinimide, a Vitamin B derivative, is found in our Wake Up Call!

White Birds of Paradise. Strelitzia Nicolaior ‘Giant White Bird of Paradise’ seed extract increases skin luminosity while improving hydration and smoothness. A native South African plant, it belongs to the plant family Sterilitzia. In South Africa it is commonly called the crane flower and is featured on the back of the 50 cent coin. White Birds of Paradise are found in all of our Plant Profusion collection, as it is one of the main ingredients in our proprietary complex, PURFLORA. White birds of paradise is a multifunctional ingredient which works to restore the appearance of the skin’s youth by reducing the appearance of uneven skin pigmentation, dull, lack-luster complexion resulting in an increased illuminated glow.

Superior antioxidants Raspberry Leaf, Comfrey Leaf stem cell actives, White Tea Leaf, Garden Cress Sprout and Birds of Paradise extracts, all offer the exceptional ability to enhance the skin’s appearance and can be are found in Dr. G’s proprietary Plant Profusion collection.

Consuming foods rich in antioxidants may be good for your heart health and may also help to lower your risk of infections and some forms of cancer. Increase your antioxidant intake by eating more nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables – your body will thank you!

 

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