Tag Archive for: vitamin c

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.

 

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.”

 

SHOP LAUREN’S PICKS

The Kids’ Gift Guide

Mini Bloom: If you love your Goldfaden MD products, I guarantee that you’ll enjoy Mini Bloom for the kiddos in your life as well… and I’m not just saying that as a founder of both brands! Rooted in nature, formulated to nurture (even for the most sensitive skin), Mini Bloom’s bath, body, and baby care products are wonderful staples in any and every holistic-minded household. After all, we all want the safest and most efficacious products for our little ones!

Yumi: Truth be told, conventional baby food products can be a bit too suspect for my liking, which is why I highly recommended the Clean Label Project certified eats by Yumi. Nutrient-dense whole foods minus the junk? The kiddos in your life will truly eat it up—and their parents will be ever so grateful.

Maison Rue: I didn’t know that kitchenware for kids could be calming—that is, until I discovered the Nordic designs from Maison Rue. Aesthetically pleasing and made from non-toxic materials, the plates, cups, and toys from this brand make for a happy, healthy and functional home.

SunnyLife: If your kids are going to be playing around, they might as well do it in style, which is where the colorful and wonderfully whimsical lucite and timber game sets and puzzles from SunnyLife come in.

Super Smalls: My kids love the fun and playful accessories by Super Smalls, which encourage imagination and creativity.

BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush: The bright colors and easy-grip handle of this electric toothbrush will make twice-daily brushing a breeze for kiddos and their parents alike. Better yet, Burst simplifies things thanks to their refill plan, with which you’ll get a new brush head replacement every 12 weeks.

The Hosts’ Gift Guide

The Culinistas: Private chefs will come to your kitchen and get to work on weekly meal prep, whip up a feast, and/or work with your dietary restrictions and goals. Need I say more? It’s genius.

Heather Taylor Home: The quaint “cottagecore” handwoven linens from LA–based brand Heather Taylor Home make for a terrific gift for any hostess with the mostest.

Goldfaden MD Let It Glow Candle: If you ask me, candles are always a welcome gift to add warmth and aroma to any home—and I can’t wait to share Goldfaden MD’s own Let It Glow Candle with everyone in my inner circle.

Brightland Olive Oil Duo: I’ve been a fan of Brightland’s since they came out with their EVOOs a few years back. The home chefs in your life will love this set, which includes AWAKE for cooking and ALIVE for salads and baking. Even the packaging is utterly delightful.

The Sill: A green home is a happy home, which is why I highly recommend gifting The Sill’s houseplants, planters, planting supplies, and more.

The Wellness Gift Guide

Ghia: Ghia makes it all too easy to get you in the holiday spirit… minus the alcoholic spirits. The elevated beverage flavors are free of alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, and artificial flavors—and their products are vegan-friendly to boot.

Remedy Place: If your wellness-obsessed loved ones are based in LA, gifting a membership to West Hollywood’s Remedy Place is a no-brainer. Temptation- and toxin-free, this exclusive social wellness club facilitates a deeper connection to oneself as well as their health-minded community.

Goldfaden MD The Body Glow Set: Winter or not, dullness is never in season—and Goldfaden MD’s Body Glow Set will help you combat dry and lackluster skin from the neck down day after day.

Perelel: As a mother of two little ones and an entrepreneur in the mommy and wellness spaces, I’ve done my due diligence on the best products for mamas and kiddos. The prenatals and postnatals from OB/GYN-founded brand Perelel get my full seal of approval, which I don’t dole out easily. I’ll be sure to gift their supplements to the expectant and new mamas in my circle, and I suggest you do the same.

Bandier: For the ladies in your life who love fashion as much as they love fitness, Bandier is always a safe bet. Whether you personalize your wellness gift haul with sneakers, sets, or accessories or opt for a choose-your-own-adventure gift card, you really can’t go wrong by looking to this always-on-trend retailer. Of course, I recommend browsing their sustainability edit!