Tag Archive for: vitamin c

5 reasons to use oil on your face

The Power House Ingredients


Image via Kiara Blanchette

 Kalahari Oil– derived from the seeds of the Kalahari melon. Kalahari melons grow in the Kalahari desert and are a crucial source of water for nomadic people.

  • 70% Omega 6
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Contains high levels of Phytosterols. When applied topically phytosterols encourage collagen production and stop the slow down of collagen loss.
  • Mongongo Oil– derived from the fruit of the mongogo tree, which withstands very harsh + extreme weather
  • High levels of Linoleic Acid (Vitamin F/Omega 3 + 6)
  • Provides environmental protection for skin + hair
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Promotes cellular repair
  • Reconstructing properties
  • Perfect for Redness + Eczema sufferers

Baobab Oil – Derived from the seeds of the fruit of the magical looking Adansonia Tree, also referred to as “The Tree of Life”.

  • High levels of Vitamin A
  • High levels of Vitamin E
  • High levels of Vitamin F
  • Beneficial for stretch marks and scarring

Rosehip Seed Oil– Known as the leader in skin protecting benefits.

  • Known to offer a unique protection from UV rays and environmental pollutants
  • Wonderful protective agent for skin
  • Advanced hydrating properties

 

Oils can be non greasy and can realign even oily complexions

Human skin naturally produces oil, but when the oil is stripped or dried out the skin can go into overdrive producing extra oil and thus causing acne or an oily complexion. For oily skin types or acne prone skin, choose a dry or balancing oil.

What to choose if you’re Oily or Acne prone:

  • Argan oil or Jojoba oil, which are similar to our skin’s sebum, trick the skin to not overproduce oil/sebum and thus warding off breakouts.
  • Hemp Seed Oil eliminates blackheads and is anti-inflammatory.
  • Rose hip seed oil helps to heal repair tissue and brighten skin due to high levels vitamin C, Omega-3 + Omega-6 fatty acids and Retinoic acid. Many people with oily complexion also suffer from acne and scarring.

What to Avoid:

  • Avocado oil and Coconut oil
  • Silicone based oils
  • Artificial fragrances or colors

 

Oils do not clog pores or cause breakouts

If you are using the correct oil for your skin type you should not experience clogged pores or breakouts. Pay attention to ingredients, fragrances, essential oils and the targeted results of the oil. Oils, which are free of silicones, penetrate deeper, deliver more targeted results and do not clog pores. When silicone is applied to the skin it creates a protective barrier. While this may sound like a positive attribute, there are a few major downsides. When silicone is applied to the skin nothing penetrates in and nothing gets released out, thus causing the perfect breeding ground for a clogged pore.

 

Other ingredients to pay attention to are artificial fragrances and colors, as they can to cause breakouts. Essential oils, even natural and organic ones, play a large roll in breakouts, rashes, redness and overall allergic reactions. While many of the oils are beautifully crafted and formulated, they can be too botanical and fragranced for some skin types. If you think you may have an allergy away spot test before using all over the face

Argan oil and Jojoba, which are similar to our skin’s sebum, trick the skin to not overproduce oil/sebum and thus warding off breakouts.

 

The Anti-aging benefits

Oils replenishes hydration, improves skin color, improve skin tone, boosts radiance, reduce pore size, reduce inflammation and help to fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In our Fleuressence oil, the proprietary blend of 100% pure active botanicals, fruit extracts and natural oil delivers powerful vitamins and nutrients deep into the skin to boost moisture levels and skin cell revitalization. Also contains Omega fatty acids and Vitamins A, C & E, while the botanical actives work to diminish the appearance of fine lines, discoloration, inflammation, and pore size.

 

All the wonderful ways to use oils

  • Oils should be used on cleansed skin. If the oil is being used as a serum then it is applied to clean skin before the moisturizer.
  • If the oil is being used as a moisturizer then it is layered on top of the serum and or mixed with a cream moisturizer or night cream.
  • Makeup glow. Some oils, like our Native Botanical Fleuressence oil, can be mixed into foundation for an overall hydrated glow

Whether you desire hydration, brightness or the Goldfaden glow, there is an oil for you.

by

Peel and Eat Fresh Salad

Vitamin C is not only important externally for bright and fresh looking skin but also internally for optimum health. Grapefruit/Lemon/Orange are rich in detoxifying enzymes and high in Vitamin C, which aids in skin Brightening and helps cleanse, purify and detoxify the skin (aka, ultimate radiance booster). Dr. G’s fresh citrus salad can be eaten any time of the day and is a perfect healthy dessert. This salad is said to have inspired our multi-fruit enzymatic peel, Fresh A Peel.

What you need:

In a small bowl mix  lemon, pine nuts, honey and chopped mint leaves. Sliced kiwis in thin discs and section grapefruit and oranges. Pour mixture over the fruit, mix and serve at room temperature.

2 oranges(high in Vitamin C)

1 grapefruit (highest anti-oxidant juice + High in Vitamin C)

2 Kiwis (high in vitamin C, E and K)

1/2 lemon juice (fresh)

¼ cup of pine nuts (anti-oxidant rich)

1 teaspoon of honey (super food)

2 mint leaves-chopped (anti-cancer food and aids in digestion)

by

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!

 

by