Tag Archive for: tips

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Spring Transition: What you need to know, Dr. G Reports

After months of frigid temperatures, dry and cold air, spring is finally on the horizon and warmer, balmy weather is starting to sprinkle in. Winter has left the building (well, almost), taking with it our dreary moods and dry, itchy skin. And while we’ve spent the first part of 2019 layering on anything and everything that can provide hydration, the warmer air, and increased humidity mean our skin is about to be in for a shock. How, then, to prep the face for sunnier days ahead? We sat down with Dr. G to get the 411 on how to transition successfully into the dog days of Summer ahead.

Why does skin need renewed attention come spring?

As Springtime temperatures vary between warm and cold both inside and outdoors, skin can be particularly challenged this time of year by dehydration, lackluster-looking skin, and breakouts. Spring also makes way for sunnier and warmer skies, which can increase sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and congested/polluted skin.

Any tips on how to wake up skin for spring?

“Exfoliate: Cold temperatures and less exfoliation can leave a thick layer of dead skin cells and built up oil post-winter months. Exfoliation whether physical or enzymatic is the best way to jump-start your spring regimen, rid your skin of any excess dry and flaky skin and achieve that  dewy fresh glowing skin.”

Any ingredients we should be looking out for in particular?

“Lighten up and swap out heavy creams for lighter, oil-free moisturizer or serums Look for immune boosting and hydrating ingredients like Vitamin D and Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a miracle ingredient to use this time of year because it binds and locks in moisture to prevent dehydration while being lightweight (has been proven to hold up to 100 x the weight of water). Vitamin D delivers immunity without having to get it from the Sun.”

“Pack on the antioxidants: Load up on power-packed anti-oxidant rich serums to protect skin from free radical damage and pre-mature aging. Look for Vitamin C, Organic Red Tea, Ferulic acid and resveratrol-rich ingredients.”

How often should we change up our skincare routine?

“There is no rule about when or even if you must switch up your regimen. If your products are working and you are seeing results, there is no reason to change. However, be smart about the climate you live in as this can indicate the need for more hydration and or less aggressive products. “

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Dr. G’s tips for relieving dry skin

Winter (or just cooler weather) can wreak havoc on skin, causing dryness, redness and dullness. The three main ways to keep a healthy glow are to hydrate, exfoliate and be gentle to your skin.

The most important part about a healthy winter glow is to stay hydrated. This is achieved in a few different ways. The first is by drinking a lot of water. Dry, cold air dehydrates you inside and out, so drink extra during the winter months.

We sat down with Dr. G to get the 411 on how to mitigate dryness and keep skin glowing, hydrated and supple all year round.

What are the main causes of dry skin?

Skin can be dry for numerous reasons. A few of the main culprits are the weather, the climate (humidity vs. dry), your age (as you age skin becomes drier), dirt, sun damage, bad diet and incorrect product and ingredient use.

The best ways of treating dry skin? Topical, non-topical?

Topical: If you have dry or sensitive skin, be careful with what types of ingredients to use topically. Stay away from astringents, acids, sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol. Staying hydrated from the inside out is also crucial. Drink plenty of fluids. Always apply moisturizer or body oil to damp skin. Post bath or shower; try moisturizing your skin while still damp, this allows the skin to capture and seal in moisture. Take a look at your cleansing regimen, over exfoliation, particularly with physical scrubs, can be taxing and drying to the skin. Try decreasing the frequency and try a lactic acid enzymatic exfoliator as lactic acid pulls moisture to the surface of the skin.Choose a moisturizer or oil appropriate for dry skin. Good ingredients to look for are avocado oil, vitamin E, plant lipids, oils full of omega fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts. Always wear an SPF when in the elements.

Non-topical: Similar to the thought process of what to topically use, what we ingest may help to prevent dryness. Choose foods high in omega 3 fatty fats, such as avocados, salmon, walnuts, eggs, olive oil, sea kelp and vegetables high in silica. Silica helps form collagen in the body. Look for oats, avocados, cucumbers, flax seeds and leafy green vegetables.

Should we ditch exfoliating from our skincare routine? 

Moisturizing is a crucial part of keeping skin hydrated during the winter, but you shouldn’t ignore exfoliating. Look for scrubs that have moisturizing elements to them, such as jojoba oil , avocado oil and apricot seed oil. Oils are also very beneficial during the winter months to keep skin glowing, hydrated and plump.

Alternatively, grab your peels:

“Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA’s (which are Lactic acid, Glcolic acid and Fruit acids) are used as facial exfoliators. AHA’s are excellent options for people with sun damaged skin, aging skin, oily skin and normal to dry skin types. AHA’s do not cause sun sensitivity and come in numerous forms. AHA’s come in the form of lactic acid which is derived from milk, glycolic acid which is derived from sugarcane and fruit acids which are derived from fruits (citrus and apples/malic acid) and are gentle exfoliating agents that break apart the dead skin cells and pull hydration to the surface of your complexion which increases hydration and promotes a supple texture.” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden

Do certain foods help with dry skin? 

Choose foods high in omega 3 fatty fats, such as avocados, salmon, walnuts, eggs, olive oil, sea kelp and vegetables high in silica. Silica helps form collagen in the body. Look for oats, avocados, cucumbers, flax seeds and leafy green vegetables.

Is dry skin dependent on our skin type? Yes and no.Skin can be dry for numerous reasons. A few of the main culprits are the weather, the climate (humidity vs. dry), your age (as you age skin becomes drier), dirt, sun damage, bad diet and incorrect product and ingredient use.

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Detox Design: Elizabeth Law Interview

Better decor, better life? We talk a lot about Detox and Balance and we know that everything is intertwined in our lives. Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior  to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. As humans, we spend a tremendous amount of time in our homes, so we turned to one of our favorite LA-based interior designers, Elizabeth Law, for her tips on how to achieve that balanced style and some of her detox tips.

How do you define you home/design style?

My design style changes somewhat with every place because each house or location tells its own story. I tend to mix elements as much as I can. I find it important to have a space that has wood + glass + stone + iron + fabric. That to me feels well rounded and grounded. I like to mix old and new, rough and smooth, worn and polished all together to create a lived-in, curated but comfortable space. When it’s mine I keep it neutral, when it’s for a client I like for it to reflect them as much as possible.

How do you Detox (tips / rituals)?

I detox with Daily Harvest smoothies, hikes and acupuncture, writing and baths. I’m definitely a bath brat! I think mental detox is as important if not more than physical detox.

What does your typical Beauty Routine look like?

My beauty routine is ever changing, but I really enjoy face masks, face oils and scrubs. Goldfaden MD Doctors Scrub is my favorite exfoliant and I love Luzern Hydra-Enzyme Masque Nuit. As for make up, I only use Suntegrity (a natural moisturizing sunscreen), a little highlighter and curl my eye lashes! I like to keep it simple and natural. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pop on a light lip color.

What was the last book you read?

I’ve been on a book binge lately, so there are many. The one I last finished was Gabby Bernstein’s, The Universe Has Your Back. It was happiness in a hardcover.

Perfect day…is?

I feel like a broken record because I’ve been saying it so much lately, probably because I am just excited by witnessing how much of a difference it has made in my life! My perfect day is a good balance of work and self-care. I wake up and go for a hike in Franklin Canyon, its the best way to start my day in the nature that LA has to offer, while listening to a podcast or two. I spend a few hours at my desk, a few hours in my car running around from job site to shops, and sprinkle in what I can through the day to keep me grounded… Acupuncture, catch up with a friend, etc.

When you need to destress what is your go to?

Hike, bath, book, pilates… or something that can give me a good laugh.

What is your favorite room in your home?

My living room. Its comfortable and also beautiful with tons of natural light. I’m happy every time I step into it.

Best advice anyone has given you is…?

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

First thing you do when you wake up, is?

I check my email to make sure everything is as it should be, or close… and I go straight for a hike.

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

I meditate for at least 10 minutes and I journal. This has been a newish thing in the past six months, but its been transforming, so I think I’ll keep it.

Any/Tips on detoxing your home / office / personal space?

I like to keep palo santo or sage around. I always have so many candles it looks like I’m constantly on the verge of hosting a seance. I love to keep the windows and doors open and have plants and fresh flowers on as many surfaces as possible. This creates such a nice clean space both energetically and visually.

Elizabeth Law is an interior designer who specializes in spaces where her clients entertain. Her designs incorporate a warm and natural aesthetic with texture, colors and sophistication.

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