We believe that radiant, healthy-looking skin starts from the inside out which is why we are so excited to share this mouthwatering recipe from one of our favorite nutritionists, Elissa Goodman. Renowned for her insanely delicious soup cleanses, Goodman is pioneering the landscape of how we view nutrition as a way to heal our bodies and mind.
Find the full recipe below for Goodman’s immune-boosting Kabocha & Ginger Soup with Creamy Coconut––it’s super easy to make! We promise you won’t be disappointed.
To learn more about Elissa Goodman check out her Detoxing Tips on The Daily Scrub.

Kabocha & Ginger Soup with Creamy Coconut 

 Serves 4-6 

Ingredients:

1 kabocha squash, halved with seeds removed
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small fennel bulb, cored and chopped
4 inches fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 T. organic coconut oil
40 oz organic vegetable broth
1 tsp. Herbamare seasoning (could also use sea salt)
pinch sea salt
1 cup coconut cream
Juice and zest of 1 small, fresh lemon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Rub olive oil all over the squash, then place face down on the baking sheet and place in the oven.  Cook until tender, approx. 45-50 minutes.  Then remove squash and set aside until cooled.  Once cooled, you can scoop meat into a bowl and set aside.

In soup pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat.  Add the onion and fennel with the Herbamare seasoning (option to use sea salt). Saute until onions and fennel are softened, then add the garlic and ginger, stir often and cook another 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add the bay leaves, scooped squash, vegetable broth and stir frequently bringing soup to a simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

Carefully transfer soup, in batches, to your blender.  Add coconut cream and blend until smooth.  Transfer soup back to the pot and keep on low.  Add fresh lemon juice and zest, a generous pinch of black pepper and adjust seasonings as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of coconut cream.

While it’s always a pleasure to get like-minded beauty and wellness brands on our radar, it’s *that* much better when Goldfaden MD has the opportunity to join forces with them. With that said, we couldn’t be more pleased to announce the exclusive Goldfaden Radiance Facial at Ejiro Studio in London. Below, you’ll get to know more about this premiere beauty and wellness destination and its founder, the lovely Ejiro Owusu. See what inspired her to start her business, how she prioritizes sustainability both at home and at work, and why she was driven to collaborate with Goldfaden MD. Plus: the Goldfaden MD products she’s currently obsessed with.

What did you do before creating Ejiro Studio and what inspired you to create this beauty destination?

I am from a science background academically and entrepreneurship. Just before venturing into beauty, I was working in pharmaceutical sales, I was giving myself time to develop a new business idea. It was then that I fell in love with the beauty industry, with sugaring opening the doors for me.  I wanted to create a space that was gender neutral in design, spa-like in terms of atmosphere and like hanging with friends in terms of interaction between therapists and clients. 

Sugaring is at the core of Ejiro Studio. Why do you hold this treatment in such high regard and how is it more beneficial for the skin compared to other hair removal methods?

We have all had or heard a horrendous waxing story however you rarely hear this with sugaring. Sugaring as a method of hair removal is gentle in comparison, it works for all hair types and those with sensitive skin as the paste only adheres to hair and dead skin cells. It is why your skin can feel so smooth afterward without the soreness seen with waxing. It is an ancient technique with origins that can be traced to North Africa and the Middle East, this is what fascinates me.  Many of my clients have had grandmothers, mothers and aunties performing this treatment on them. I think that’s amazing.

What sets Ejiro Studio apart from other beauty clinics and spas in East London?

We are a premium beauty destination that values natural solutions and quality time.  Clients come to get treatment and de-stress from their day-to-day life therefore, it is important that each client is given sufficient time not just for the treatment but to talk about their day, to run a bit late and not feel rushed when they arrive.  We also aim to provide a variety of beauty treatments for everyone whilst doing our bit to look after the planet. 

Why is sustainability so integral to your brand’s DNA and offerings?

Sustainability is important as to me it is about doing whatever you can to look after our planet. We all put pressure on ourselves to be completely sustainable but making one change can make a big difference even if you think it does not. 

What are your favorite sustainable living practices/habits that may inspire others to follow suit?

I am a mother with a one-year-old and I have been using reusable nappies since birth. It was really important for me to have my partner and family onboard with this as I felt disposable nappies were unnecessary waste. The environmental cost of single-use products like nappies is the biggest issue when well-looked-after reusable nappies can be used for more than one child or even passed on to another family. It may sound daunting but cutting your disposable nappies usage to only daytime will make a difference. If we all make small changes it can add up to a greater impact.

I also love going to the charity shop, swap shops and renting clothing. My wardrobe is quite minimal. Believe it or not, I do not purchase new clothing very often and when I do it has to be something I can still use 5 years down the line or pass on to someone else.

What made you want to collaborate with Goldfaden MD for Ejiro’s exclusive Goldfaden Glow Facial? 

Meeting Lauren and Lisa at the founders event they arranged I was captivated by how much passion they had when speaking about their business. This instantly caught my attention, a family-run business with products everyone was raving about, I was excited to try it. What sealed my decision was when I started using the products, the results were amazing. My skin was glowing and super hydrated – even my husband commented and if he notices a difference in my skin then it is definitely a plus for me. My clients have always been early adopters and I knew adding the Goldfaden facial to the treatment menu would be warmly welcomed. 

What is your holy grail Goldfaden MD product and why do you love it?

Okay perfect, easy peasy. Can I choose more than one?  The Radiance Repair Serum oh my goodness!  My skin was as dry as sandpaper but this product boosted my skin barrier, it left my skin feeling firm and radiant.  Lip Therapy now I use this first thing in the morning to prep my lips before doing my makeup and applying my lipstick and then I use it again at night. Absolutely love this product. It works wonders but my lips remain soft and it really does feel like my lips are going through their own overnight treatment whilst I sleep. Lastly and by no means my least favourite.  The Doctors Scrub – now my skin needed exfoliation and I think this is where this product combined with the Radiance Repair Serum worked well together. The scrub prepped my skin by removing the dead skin cells and any unevenness, creating a great foundation for the serum to be applied to the skin. 

Did you know there is a difference between a sensitive skin type and a sensitized skin condition? Sensitive skin type is usually found in persons diagnosed with rosacea, eczema/dermatitis, asthma and/or seasonal allergies. However, if you have not been diagnosed with any of those diseases but experience sensitive skin symptoms like; tightness, stinging, burning, dry patches and/or redness, your skin barrier has probably been compromised. Thankfully barrier repair can be on the horizon with a proper product detox and an intentional hydration-based routine.

What is your skin barrier?

The skin barrier is a protective layer that helps retain water and nutrients and keep pathogens and harmful stressors such as bacteria and viruses out! When your barrier is weakened the skin is more susceptible to more irritation and inflammation.

How does one identify if they have sensitized skin?

Observe your homecare routine – your regular skincare routine starts to irritate your skin, your skin feels tight after cleansing and introducing new products to your routine burns/stings.

Observe your skin appearance – skin presents consistent redness, inflammation, dryness, patches, stinging or hot to touch.

Observe your timeline – is the irritation immediately during or after product use, do you notice more redness/irritation around stressful life events or menstrual cycles?

How does one develop sensitized skin?

Improper product usage – this can include using the wrong products for your skin type, using AHA/BHA actives without following up with SPF protection, or even using expired products.

Over exfoliation – using AHA/BHA’s daily, using a physical exfoliant with too much pressure, or leaving on an exfoliant for more than the recommended usage time.

Receiving too many treatments too quickly – scheduling chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and/or laser treatments with less than two weeks in between each service.

External factors – overexposure to pollution, sun, or environmental factors.

How does one treat sensitized skin?

Product detox – drop any complicated routine and double down on the basics; cleansing, hydration and protection. Hold off on any active ingredients and/or professional treatments for at least 4-6 weeks as your skin needs time to heal.

Moisturizing is vital – your skin barrier is synonymous with a moisture barrier. Maintaining moisture is imperative for healing. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, probiotics, squalane, etc.

Book a facial with a professional – working with a professional to properly access the status of your skin and slowly integrate new products is essential to avoid sensitized skin conditions in the future.

Goldfaden MD products that can be used to soothe/treat sensitized skin:

Mist RX – Daily Nutrient Facial Mist uses ultra-fine mist to saturate the skin with Stem Cells, Aloe, and Kale water, to not only restore the skin’s pH but providing hydration

Radiance Repair – Daily Renewal Serum is rich in Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Omega-3 Fatty Acid to boost the skin’s natural barrier repair.

Vital Boost – Even Skintone Daily Moisturizer is packed with Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane and Jojoba Seed Oil to rejuvenate and nourish the skin.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelaine Springer is a Licensed Esthetician based in Los Angeles, CA. She prides herself on providing corrective facials for those dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, and other skin conditions. She thoroughly enjoys performing services and using products that are accessible and affordable, to help bridge the financial gap for such an elective amenity as facials. Shelaine works hard to provide adequate education and empowerment through her facials, hopefully, while building confidence, self-esteem, and a gateway for unapologetic self-care. Shelaine has coined herself the “extraction whisperer” as that is her favorite part of each service, and you are able to view a few of her results-driven before and after photos on her Instagram account @sknessntls.