Tag Archive for: breakouts

Is the city ruining your skin?

We all know the common skin culprits when it comes to breakouts what the causes including,  bacteria and oil, hormones, and certain foods or medications. Have you ever thought about where we live to be some of the main contributing factors to some of our skin woe’s?

Big City Skin – The Issues:

Pollution

According to Dr. Goldfaden, pollution and smog in big cities can clog pores, but also lead to dryness in the winter. Additionally, the free radicals in the ozone layer of smog can cause premature aging, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity, and those who live in highly polluted urban areas are at higher risk of developing eczema and rashes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Vitamin D absorption

Atmospheric pollution has been shown to block the absorption of UVB needed by skin to make the Vitamin D so crucial for our overall skin health and proper functioning. “This is where vitamin D comes in: rates of cell division and differentiation are triggered by growth factors and other molecules that are controlled by the presence of vitamin D” say’s Dr. G. If adequate amounts of vitamin D are not available, your epidermal cells won’t differentiate optimally. As a result, the outer layer of your skin may become thinner and more fragile.

The Solutions:

Imagine all the pollution, dirt and bacteria that cover the face after a day outside in a city. Free radicals are attacking form every angle breaking down skin cells causing loss of elastin and collagen in the skin. Detoxifying products are crucial to ward off free-radical damage on the skin and keep skin looking flawless, bright and blemish-free. A detox cleanser is imperative. Look for an acid based cleanser to eradicate surface layer bacteria, dirt and oil. The use of a  bi-weekly pore-clarifying mask can be helpful as well to keep pores free of gunk, dirt, oil and bacteria which lead to breakouts.

Protect + Repair: Dr. Goldfaden’s advanced brightening and antioxidant serum helps to protect against photo-aging and free radical damage, while leaving skin hydrated and radiant.

Smoggy and polluted climates also call for serums and moisturizers that target environmental damage and almost shield the skin. Look for powerhouse Vitamin D as an ingredient! A great option to try is our Vital Boost moisturizer, a daily skin-boosting and antioxidant-infused moisturizer with a powerful dose of Vitamin D.

 

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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.

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Face the facts: Clearing up the myths about clearing up your skin

Image via stylecaster

Sweat

Claim: Sweating eliminates toxins, alcohol and pollution from your pores.

Fact:  Toxins in the body are broken down by the liver buy levitra canada now and excreted in urine. But if you find saunas relaxing, then bake away—just be aware that all you’re sweating out is water, salt, protein, and nontoxic urea.

Claim: Sweating makes you break out.

Fact: Acne happens when sebum glands become clogged with oil, not sweat. The exception is bacne: A damp sports bra worn too long can push bacteria into the sebum glands, causing zits.

*Sweating (aka exercise) stimulates neurochemical pathways in the brain, resulting in the production of endorphins that act as natural painkillers and boosts overall mood. In addition, working up a sweat stimulates and increases circulation in the body resulting in that post-workout glow. Overall, exercise and working up a sweat is key to keeping inflammation low, increased mood and glow, and controls overall health and wellness. 

Diet

Myth: Drinking a lot of water will keep your skin clear.

Fact: While water is very important for a heathy diet and complexion, it sadly will not stop acne. Acne and breakouts can be caused by all sorts of issues, but are most directly related to hormones and bacteria.

*However, drinking lots of water and staying hydrated will help fine lines and wrinkles appear less pronounced. Skin will look less dull and dry as water also helps to flush salt and pollutants out of the body. Consistent water intake also helps the eyes look clearer.

Fact: Glycation is the main enemy when it comes to the skin and the aging process of the body in general.

*The glycation process, which is basically, sugars (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin, which excels the aging process.

Fact: Foods that feed glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, fatty meats and alcohol. Limiting the above mentioned triggers and increasing intake of vegetables and fruits high in anti-oxidants and essential fats will keep skin glowing and clear.

Exfoliation

Myth: Acne prone skin should not exfoliate for fear of spreading the bacteria to other areas of the face.

Fact: Exfoliation not only clears up existing oil and bacteria, it also removes dead and dry skin cells and inhibits future breakouts. Exfoliation helps acne!

 *Regular exfoliation helps treat existing scarring due to Acne. Causing a more even skin surface and smaller pores.

Face Oils

Myth: Face oils are only for dry skin and not acne prone skin.

Fact: Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil, which are similar to our skin’s sebum and trick the skin into thinking enough oil has been produced, so that it does not need to overproduce oil/sebum, thus causing breakouts.

Fact: Hemp Seed Oil eliminates blackheads and is anti-inflammatory.

Fact: People with an oily complexion also suffer from acne and scarring.

Fact: Rose Hip Seed + Baobob Oil help to heal, repair tissue and brighten skin due to high levels Vitamin C, Omega-3 + Omega-6 fatty acids and Retinoic acid.

*Acne prone skin should avoid Avocado oil and Coconut oil as they can be too heavy.

Sunscreen

Myth: All sunscreen can cause Acne + breakouts

Fact: Look for a physical sunscreen that contains Titanium Dioxide or Zinc oxide, as these ingredients sit on top of the skin to protect instead of being absorbed. Also look for oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens that come in a dry mist application.

*Stay clear of ingredients like PABA which can cause clogged pores and allergic reactions.

Ingredients

Myth: All ingredients are safe, because there being sold.

Fact: Ingredients matter, no only for what they do inside your body but topically as well. Certain widely used and popular ingredients can be the cause of acne, breakouts and allergies.

*There is no governing body that says what is natural or not in the beauty industry. So you must be your own advocate. Read labels, google ingredients and know what they do. 

Fact: Look for naturally derived ingredients that do not contain mineral oils, alcohol , sulfates, silicones, parabens or artificial fragrances.

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