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Guided Detox Regimen with Cassandra Cadwell

December’s many indulgences make January an ideal time to detox, both inside and out. Again striving for balance, we put forth our best efforts in January to cleanse both internally and externally (and we know that’s it’s all intertwined), so we asked one of our go-to beauty gals, Cassandra Cadwell, (aka newly appointed head of Customer Relations @ Violet Grey), to capture her journey as she swapped her beauty regime for our Detox Collection for 4 weeks.

Can you describe your skin type (i.e. Is your skin usually oily, dry or normal)?

Combination – I look like an oil slick at the end of the day but my skin is dry and needs moisturizer. At least this is what my esthetician tells me!

What are your skin goals?

Clear skin, of course! No breakouts or dark spots (PIH) mainly. But my number one priority is to clear up this one  trouble spot on my left cheek. Also to stop picking, this is a huge thing for me that I really need to stop.

How do you detox? (tips/rituals)

I drink a green juice every single day and have at least 2 cups of green tea throughout the day. My one tip to detox though, is simply to stay hydrated and eat clean the majority of the time. I also try to take a bath every so often and mask every night.. Yes really, I’m psychotic.

When you need to de-stress, what is your go-to?

Burying my face into my cat, Monet, or going to Moon Juice for a adaptogenic smoothie #soLA. Watching funny videos of cats on Instagram helps too… Did I mention I’m a cat person. If I’m in a situation where none of those things are possible, I just pick one thing to focus on, like a task, and direct my attention on completing that 100%. If my mind is feeling cluttered, I make a list. Typically, I find if I’m stressed it’s because my brain is scattered, if I get it down on paper, my mind is a little clearer.

How did you first hear about Goldfaden MD? What was the first product you used?

I first heard about Goldfaden MD from my friend Sarah in May when I was invited to their lovely brunch. The first product I used was the Skin Balancing Mask, and it’s still one of my all time favorites. It’s not too active but still gives your skin a light exfoliation so it’s a great go to when your skin needs a little love but nothing too dramatic. It’s really the perfect maintenance mask. Soothing, no fuss, and exactly what you want your everyday mask to to.

Tell us about your current regimen before transitioning to the Goldfaden MD “detox” collection?

My regimen prior to the Golfaden MD detox consisted of a double cleanse, a toner, one serum and a lightweight water cream. Also tons of masking, of course. In general, lots of trial and error, I’m always trying something new, it’s part of my job.

When you integrated Goldfaden MD’s Detox Clarifying Facial Wash, Detox Hydrating Gel and Facial Detox into your regimen, what did you experience after the following timeframes?

1 week: Plumping and looking fresher longer throughout the day. No 3 pm dark circles and dullness.

2 weeks: Skin started to look brighter and extra hydrated.

3 weeks: Reduction of dark spots and PIH on my left cheek. (YES!)

4 weeks: Overall balance of oil and dryness. I also saw a significant improvement on the pesky trouble spot on my left cheek in addition to less random hormonal breakouts. The later was particularly nice because when you are dealing with a trouble spot, it’s nice not to have other little blemishes pop up as well, which just feels like it exacerbates the main issue.

Have you always used or been interested/concerned with ingredients and clean beauty?

Always. I am a firm believer in not putting harsh chemicals on or in your body, but I also put efficacy first. I 100% believe that the body can heal itself and that anything we need to assist that process can come from nature. I also don’t believe in sacrificing inner health for outer beauty. Once I stopped drinking things like soda and started incorporating vegan practices into my lifestyle, I started seriously to look at ways I could cut out chemicals. Beauty is a great place to do so and if you find amazing clean product that work, like Goldfaden MD, then it’s really a no brainer.

Who would you recommend this regimen to in the future?

Everyone! Specifically though I think this line is great for the mindful person who cares what they put on their face (and therefore in their body) but also wants to see results. This regimen in particular I think is great for oily breakout prone skin, especially the Detox Hydrating Gel and,  if you have breakouts, the Facial Detox. If you take one thing away from this interview let it be this: Sulfur is the best natural way to clear breakouts – it’s straight off the periodic table! #Facts.

Since it is October after all… trick or treat?

Treat, of course… xx

 

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Mindfulness and Dharma: An intimate talk with Celeste Young

Diving deep into detox requires a holistic effort through the areas of detoxing the mind, body, soul and home to mitigate stress and increase our overall sense of wellbeing. Offering Mindfulness Meditation and Dharma Teachings in Los Angeles, Celeste strongly believes in the power of mindful awareness to heal and reconnect us to our inherent sense of ease and well-being. We had a chance to sit down with her to learn more about meditation and the crucial role it plays in our lives.

Name: Celeste Young

What’s Meditation?

There are many ways to answer this, depending on your form of meditation practice. One way to frame the practice I teach is that mindfulness or Insight meditation is a formal practice of developing the capacity to stay present for our moment to moment experience, with mindfulness, in the service of Insight and awakening.

How do you Detox (tips / rituals)?

I find that I can feel a difference when I let go of caffeine and sugar for awhile. My system and energy tends to stabilize. I also find that detox-ing from technology is important. I have a friend who gifted me with a yellow light bulb recently to down-regulate and counteract all of the blue light we take in each day from our devices. I can feel the impact of using that on my nervous system and circadian rhythms. The other way I detox is spending time in nature, and of course, spending time in silent retreat each year is a huge detox for me, when I practice letting go of unhelpful habits on many levels and surrender to the stillness. I’m also learning to incorporate some Ayurvedic self care rituals into my routine to detox. Julie Bernier and I are teaching a retreat together that I’m really excited about. It marries the practices of Ayurveda, and what I teach- Dharma and mindfulness, for others to learn to bring these tools together for a more balanced life.

What does your typical Beauty Routine look like?

The best beauty tool for me is really getting enough rest so I feel in a balanced state in my body, mind and heart. That’s when I feel most beautiful- when I’m connected to my essence and embodied. I would add also when my sense of humor is intact and I have the right balance between connection and solitude so I feel spacious and available to whatever life brings. That fluidity feels like a beautiful state and keeps us vibrant. Practically, I also love Epsom salt baths and use lip balm every day. I’ve been addicted to lip balm since I was 14 years old! Maybe baths too, actually…

What was the last book you read?

I’m currently reading a number of books! But the most recent book I finished is Happiness by Matthieu Ricard. It’s a wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

Perfect day…is?

I’ll defer to Ghandi- “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” A day where I’ve lived that way is a perfect day for me. It’s not so much about the conditions of my life that day, but how I’m meeting them.

When you need to destress what is your go to?

I have to say it’s definitely meditation. Also, many years ago I trained to be a yin yoga teacher, as this has been a part of my practice. I have recently been finding my way back to it. It’s a very simple, still, and slow practice.

What is your favorite room in your home?

I really like the living room space, when my front door is open and the light pours in in the afternoon, it’s very sweet.

Best advice anyone has given you is…?

You can do it. (Fill in the blank for whatever IT is). I’m grateful to all the people in my life who gave me permission at critical moments to do what I thought I couldn’t- whether that was because I thought it might be too much, I felt afraid, or I didn’t think I could ask for it- whatever it may be. Those moments have changed the course of my life.

First thing you do when you wake up, is?

Check in with my state of being- body, heart, and mind state, and set an intention.

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

I like to write before bed, when I have the space for it. Sitting meditation before bed is also a great way to move consciously into the sleep state.

Any tips/advice for people looking to start their own daily meditation practice?

This topic of establishing a daily practice or sadhana is actually the theme for our Living Wisdom Retreat in Tulum next year, so I’m glad you asked! I talk about this a lot in my work, and so does Julie (Bernier), so we’re looking forward to offering this retreat to support people in establishing a daily practice. What I would say is make the commitment as a gift to yourself, and not as a burden. Give yourself the gift of your own full attention. Practically speaking, it also helps to choose the same time of day, and same place if you can, to begin to incorporate it into your routine as a habit. Find a practice you enjoy and trust that, and trust the ways you begin to benefit and allow that to deepen your commitment to your practice. Let go of self-judgment and open to whatever arises.

Website: Celesteyoung.com

IG account: @celestebyoung

Upcoming Retreat:

A Mindfulness Meditation + Ayurveda Retreat in Bali

Find refuge from the distractions and busyness of daily life and come home to yourself. Monday, May 25 – Sunday, May 31, 2020, with Celeste Young and Ayurvedic practitioner Julie Bernier.

Exclusive to the Goldfaden MD community, receive a $100 discount with code GOLDFADEN from now until March 13th.

 

 

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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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