Tag Archive for: Skincare

As wonderful as summer can be (thanks to longer days, trips to the beach and pool, and lighter brighter vibes in general), it’s not necessarily ideal as far as our skin is concerned. After all, exposure to UV rays is the leading cause of visible signs of aging—not to mention it can lead to some pretty serious hazards for skin and overall health. In search of intel and solutions to save our skin all summer long and 365 days a year, we tapped celebrity esthetician and Goldfaden MD’s Educational Advisor Gina Mari. Heed her advice on all things sun safety and skin repair. Plus: helpful FYIs on the ingredients you’ll want in your skincare routine, ASAP.

What is the biggest misconception people have about sun safety?

That you only have to apply sunscreen once in the morning and then you’re good for the rest of the day. We have been educating people on the proper use and application of sunscreen for years now and it still amazes me when a client comes in literally fried and says, “But I put it on this morning!”

What skincare ingredients can heighten photosensitivity and what are your tips for using them in the summer months?

Products that contain ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide will definitely make your skin much more sensitive to sun exposure. As opposed to discontinuing the use of these ingredients, simply lower the percentages that you’re using creating an overall milder formula for your skin. And, I would suggest only using your actives at night.

What skincare ingredients can help minimize sun damage, whether immediately or more long term?

Several ingredients listed above are extremely effective. Additionally, niacinamide, kojic acid, azelic acid and hydroquinone have proven great results. Consistency with the use of whichever combination or stand-alone ingredient your product/products contain is key. As all of these ingredients work to exfoliate and resurface (even if it’s the slightest amount) so applying a hydrating product with ingredients such as alpha lipid acids, hyaluronic acid and ceramides will really help speed the healing process as well as help you maintain results.

Direct sun exposure aside, what are the surprising culprits that can wreak havoc on your skin in the warmer months?

Skin, hair and nails are really affected by basically sun, salt and sand! We all need to enjoy our lives and a little vitamin D is good for you. Protect your skin during the daytime and focus on repairing and restoring in the evening.

What is one thing you wish everyone would do (or not do) in terms of sun exposure and skin health?

Using and reapplying sunscreen as suggested is great and there are some really cool sun-protecting clothing items such as hats, swim shirts, etc. that really assist with additional protection. Essentially we want to protect and renew our skin every day and that will lead to healthy-looking skin.

Do you have a go-to hack to reduce post-sun skin sensitivity?

Really take extra care with cool baths and soothing products that contain ingredients like aloe vera. Please, please, please, don’t scratch or peel the burnt areas…that will extend your healing time.

ABOUT GINA MARI

Gina Marí is a skincare expert with a unique approach to skin renewal and preservation. She was named “Top Celebrity Facialist in Los Angeles” by Allure Magazine and works with a list of high-profile, A-list clientele who know her as meticulous, compassionate and forward-thinking. Gina curates skincare programs for her clients, designed for both immediate results and long-term maintenance to improve the health and vitality of the skin “Seeing my clients happy, glowing and confident is a gift that constantly inspires and motivates me,” she says. Immersed in the developing science of skincare, Gina conducts advanced research and utilizes cutting-edge technologies in her skincare programs, constantly discovering new treatments to help her clients with their individual skincare concerns and goals.

 

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.

 

Goldfaden MD understands the power of women. So in honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting some of the strongest women we know and sharing their advice and insights into how they find their own version of success. 

 

Rene Macdonald, Founder and Creative Director of Lisou

“My mother always told me you can achieve anything if you’re willing to work hard, and as a black woman, you’ll have to work harder than most. The most useful thing I do is meditate—it calms my racy mind and hopefully makes me a better person for others.”

Her go-to Goldfaden MD product: “When it comes to self-care, I look for skincare that’s effective, easy and quick, with great results. Doctor’s Scrub is an amazing product that leaves my skin glowing without being abrasive.”

Christine Bullock, Founder of KAYO Bodycare and Creator of Evolution 20

“As a mother of three little girls and CEO of a global company, it’s becoming harder and harder to

manage it all. A friend told me to imagine I’m a juggler. Some of the balls are glass and some are plastic. We can’t juggle it all, all the time, so we have to figure out what responsibilities or tasks in life are ‘made of glass’—they are vital to our health and happiness—so they can’t be dropped. Then, figure out what is made of plastic and can be dropped.”

Her go-to Goldfaden MD product: “I love the Doctor’s Scrub because it always leaves my skin so refreshed, soft and smooth. Plus, my skincare seems to work much better after a mini-exfoliation.”

Claire Le Marquand and Kirstie Beecroft, Co-Founders of Kirstie Le Marque

“As co-founders, the best advice we both received (and took) was just that—to have a co- founder. Many people start businesses by themselves and succeed brilliantly, but we always discuss whether Kirstie Le Marque would be where it is today had we not done this together. Having one another to bounce off, brainstorm with, cry to and, most importantly, laugh and celebrate with has been invaluable. It isn’t for everyone, but for us it has been everything.”

Their go-to Goldfaden MD products: 

“A good eye cream should be in every 40-something woman’s beauty arsenal. Bright Eyes brightens my under eye-darkness, reduces puffiness and smoothes fine lines. And, for me, the biggest selling point is the natural, clean, plant-derived ingredients—I want to know what I’m putting on my skin.” – Kristie

“I use Doctor’s Scrub everyday. I love the combination of exfoliation and hydration. And if it’s good enough for Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba, it’s good enough for me!” – Claire 

Shira Barlow, MS, RD, registered dietitian, nutrition expert and author of THE FOOD THERAPIST

“There’s still a lot to be done in terms of supporting mothers with young children in the workplace. I think so many great companies and institutions and industries lose out on contributions from really smart, capable, talented women because there’s just not enough flexibility and support. But I do know so many amazing women coming up in the next generation and I’m totally inspired by them and how they ask for what they need unapologetically, and I have a lot of hope for the future.”

Her go-to Goldfaden MD product: “Doctor’s scrub!! But I use it off-label on the back of my arms because that’s where I need it the most.”