Tag Archive for: pollution

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Balancing Act: How to achieve a balanced complexion

Peel, exfoliate, treat, hydrate, control, pH balanced. Does this sound like your brain when dealing with your skin? The struggle to balance skin no matter your age can be daunting. The goal is to improve tone, texture, firmness, softness and hydration. So, what is pH balanced skin and why is it so important?

The skin has a very thin protective layer on the surface called the acid mantel. This layer is comprised of sebum from sebaceous glands and lactic acid and amino acids (from our body’s sweat). The ideal ‘balanced’ level is around 5.5, slightly on the acidic side. So how do we ensure proper balance? Correct products and ingredients, paying attention to your climate and listening to your skin’s signals.

Exfoliation + Cleansing

Cleansing or washing the face should happen at least once a day if not twice. Upon waking, washing the face will remove the residue from applied night treatments and regimen. If you choose to cleanse in the AM, make sure to use a cleanser that won’t strip or dry the skin. Cleansing the skin at night is crucial! No exceptions. The skin is exposed to many pollutants from just stepping foot outside your home. Soot, car exhaust, sun, second hand 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 they suffer from rosacea or eczema, in which case use an enzymatic exfoliator. 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 sensitive you have to be careful what 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 lived 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.

Dr. G tip:

Pollution releases microscopic particles or free radicals that can go deep into the skin and cause damage to otherwise healthy cells. The outcome is loss of elasticity (wrinkles and sagging) and Hyperpigmentation (dark spots).

The Balancing Ingredients

Balancing the skin is a dance between the right amounts of exfoliation/cleansing as mentioned above and the ingredients, which deliver the soothing, nourishing hydration and softness back to the skin. Dr. G has created an all in one mask, The Skin Balancing Mask for this exact reason. A botanical-rich treatment mask which features a multi-peptide and enzyme blend that refines pores and helps to improve skin elasticity and increase collagen production. Ginseng, Honey, Flower Extracts, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E infuse moisture, vitality and nourishment back into the skin.

 

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Holiday Travel Essentials

 

BEACH VACAY

While tropical humid climates keep skin hydrated and glowing, high temperatures and intense sun can cause redness, premature aging, sun damage and wrinkles. Humidity causes skin to sweat, purge and may increase redness, irritation and possible breakouts along with clogged pores. Sun protection is imperative.

 In tropical or humid climates, pack lightweight, oil free serums, moisturizers, SPF’s and exfoliation products. Still not sure what to throw in your cosmetic bag-we got you covered this year-check out our NEW Travel friendly items!

What to wear:

Sun Visor * Radical Difference * Vital Boost* Doctor’s Scrub* Sunglasses * Hat * Caftan

 

 

Bright Lights Big City

Pollution can cause uneven skin tone, dehydration, dryness, dark spots, expedited aging, wrinkles, sagging and a deterioration of collagen. Pollution releases microscopic particles or free radicals that can go deep into the skin and cause damage to otherwise healthy cells. Visiting a city this holiday season, don’t forget to detox, clean and protect your face with anti-pollution serums and SPF!

 

What to wear:

Detox Wash* Brightening Elixir* Bright Eyes* Wake up Call *Faux fur coat

 

Hitting The Slopes

Dry, cold and high altitude climates dehydrate skin and can invite early onset of wrinkles not to mention severe sunburns. With intense sun, low temperatures, and harsh winds, the skin has nowhere to hide. Replenishing hydration, protect the skin with SPF and don’t use unnecessary aggressive products.

 

What to Wear:

Pure Start* Plant Profusion Regenerative Night Cream* Fleuressence Native Botanical Oil* Sun Visor* Goggles * Scarf

 

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Dr. G reports: how pollution causes premature aging + what you can do to stop it

Pollution is a daily reality for most of us. Whether from external or internal sources, we must protect ourselves. A 360 degree approach to overall health includes pollution protectio9n and repair.

Pollution + your skin + and aging

Pollution releases microscopic particles or free radicals that can go deep into the skin and cause damage to otherwise healthy cells. The outcome is loss of elasticity (wrinkles and sagging) and Hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Pollution can cause uneven skin tone, dehydration, dryness, dark spots, expedited aging, wrinkles, sagging and a deterioration of collagen

Protect + Shield with Lifestyle choices

First and foremost always wear an SPF! Look for anti-oxidant ingredients as they fight free radicals. A few of the most studied and effective anti-oxidants are Red Tea, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Japonica flowers, Water Cress Sprouts, Retinol and Resveratrol. We have a serum launching very soon that incorporates Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin B- specifically for polluted skin protection! Lucky for us Dr.G recently introduced Brightening Elixir– an anti-pollution serum that contains Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B and Vitamin E!

The Sun is the number one environmental damage for skin. Both UVA/UVB rays are harmful. Protect yourself by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Shielding your skin, head and eyes can help with sun damage and pollution-based aging. Always wash you face to remove the residue and makeup from the day. Remember all the pollution from car exhaust, factories and the weak ozone layer sits on the skin!

Eating healthy can also reduce pollution effects on the skin and the body. Eat a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods such as leafy greens and berries and foods high in essential fatty acids (salmon and almonds). Stay away form foods that can encourage and cause Glycation. The Glycation process, which is basically, sugars (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin and therefore speeding up the aging process. Foods that feed Glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, fatty meats and alcohol.

Repair the damage

The best way to repair environmentally damaged skin is to introduce an anti-pollution based skin care regimen- Exfoliate (remove the dead and polluted skin cells), cleanse, treat (serum), seal (moisturizer) and protect (SPF).

Exfoliation is the best method for ridding pores of pollutants. Scrubs can get into the pores and clean them while also removing dead skin cells, bacteria and prior damage. Chemical peels are also a terrific way to exfoliate and remove damaged skin cells.

The most potent and highest regarded pollution fighting ingredients are: Red Tea, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Retinol and Resveratrol. Look for these in serums and moisturizers.

A few healthy choices can save you skin and keep you looking youthful and healthy for years to come!

 

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