Tag Archive for: hydration

Let’s face on any given day your skin is battling pollution, hormonal breakouts, stress, sweat, and clogged pores. With COVID-19 changing our lives on a daily, there’s a new type of acne that has been added to the list this year, called maskne –(mask acne). As we continue to wear our masks outdoors and indoors, there’s a high chance that the increased moisture-rich environment of bacteria could affect your skin. Meaning you’re most likely to deal with clogged pores now more than ever. It’s not just you, over 56K women on Instagram are using the hashtag #maskne to raise awareness around this skincare concern. Though it’s pretty impossible to banish clogged pores for life, it’s important to make sure they’re clean and free of debris that makes them less visible. Though those with oily skin are most prone to have an increase of clogged pores which lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and unwanted bumps — read ahead, as this applies to all skin types during this current climate. 

In order to achieve smooth and glowing skin, using ingredients with gentle detoxification elements is key. It’s important to note that, when you try to extract at home, it can cause hyperpigmentation, permanent scarring, and additional breakouts. Therefore, I urge you to step away from the mirror and refrain from squeezing away at your t-zone. This causes stress on the skin tremendously. For those with truly congested skin, investing in a deep pore cleansing product will be a major game changer as it reduces blemishes and pore visibility. Try Goldfaden MD Detox Clarifying Foam Wash, $35, to reach deep into pores and target stubborn dirt and oils. The magic in a bottle cleanser consists of two Alpha Hydroxy Acids, which are Latic and Glycolic. Both acids dissolve excess oil and dead skin which builds up insides your pores over time. This helps to achieve a smoother and clear complexion. The daily wash also has a blend of White Horehound, Acai Palm Extract, Date Palm, and Gotu Kola, the Detox Complex which will help aid against environmental stresses. This revolutionary combination of ingredients not only unclogs your pores but also, fights against pollution and texture. Using this cruelty-free product daily will result in slowly eliminating large pores, blackheads, and breakouts. 

Now let’s talk about exfoliation, you’ll have two main options such as a physical exfoliator or chemical exfoliator. Here’s the main difference between the two, a physical exfoliator is usually gritty and polishes away dead cells from the surface of your skin, while the chemical exfoliator usually consists of acids to breakdown debris and provide anti-aging benefits. This all depends on your skin type and sensitivity.   

For those interested in a physical exfoliator, I recommend Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub, $75, which provides hydration while removing dead surface skin revealing brighter, radiant, healthier-looking skin. According to a consumer study with 82 participants over the course of 28 days, ninety-five percent agreed that their skin feels smoother after use. Crafted with hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting hydration and ruby crystals to target unclean pores, this scrub is a must-have for all skin types. If you’re looking for a chemical exfoliation, try Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel, $85, which polishes away dead skin cells while reducing the appearance of lines, pores, and imperfections. The plant-based actives within this peel will result in a more radiant and youthful appearance. Packed with lactic acid and multi-fruit enzymes, the powerful combination will have others asking if you just got a facial.

When it comes to clearing clogged pores consistency will help you achieve the glow of your dreams. Partner these skincare recommendations with a well-balanced healthy meal plan that’ll not only create a flawless canvas but also promote a fruitful lifestyle.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Ashley Jimenez is a multi-media journalist and Co-Founder of LatinaWatch. She oversees LatinaWatch.com and all of the website’s editorial and video content and strategy, as well as social media channels. As the former Beauty Director of HOLA! USA, the Puerto Rican-Dominican reporter, is an expert in identifying trends, highlighting multicultural content, and exploring thoughtful conversations within the influential Latina beauty segment. Her past roles include Senior Beauty Editor at Latina Magazine, where she created beauty, wellness, and lifestyle content specifically for women of color. She explored intersections of vision, Afro-Latina identity within the hair industry, socially conscious skin care, mental health topics. Ashley’s dedication to storytelling has created groundbreaking content that speaks to the duality women face as they navigate the world while honoring traditions and crafting new age customs.

Name: Cheyenne Adler 

Location: Brooklyn, NYC

Age: 25

 

Tell us a little about yourself…

I’m a curly-haired Capricorn on a mission to make the most out of every day I’m given! I dream of moving to Bali or Tulum (give me all the tropical sanctuary vibes) and love ending the day with a bit of cannabis and a cocktail. 

Can you describe your skin type? 

I have combination skin that tends to react to seasonal and hormonal changes so I do like to switch up my products based on what my skin needs!

What are your skin goals?

I’m all about the glow, baby! My definition of skin goals is clear, hydrated, glowing skin.

What do you look for when creating a skincare routine? 

I’m super low maintenance so I really love it when my routine is streamlined and every step or product is targeted to meeting my skin’s needs! I’ve been making the move to all clean products this year and I’m really excited about that! 

First thoughts when trying the Bodycare Regimen

BEFORE

The first thing I noticed after using Goldfaden MD for a week was how soft and smooth my skin felt. I typically forget about exfoliation in my routine, but after using the Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub, I don’t think I’ll ever stop exfoliating regularly. There’s a noticeable difference in the way my skin feels after cleansing with the Pure Start and mixing that with a bit of the Doctor’s Scrub. My face feels clean and physically lighter (bye bye dead skin!). 

2nd week… We’re seeing magic happen! I’ve always been pretty insecure about my dark circles and any small discoloration that comes from blemishes in the past so I am so excited to see how well the Wake Up Call and Bright Eyes have worked with my skin. After applying the two products at night, I wake up not only feeling refreshed but looking like I got a full night’s beauty sleep. My eyes are less dark and puffy and the discoloration on my skin has definitely brightened up. It makes me so happy to have products that really do the work! 

AFTER

3rd week… It’s like night and day from when I began this skincare routine! My skin texture is smooth and hydrated with my pores tighter than they’ve ever been! Hallelujah! What I love most about the results of the Bodycare Regimen is that I can see AND feel a difference in my skin. My skin tone has evened out and is brighter than ever. I’m feeling more confident with the appearance of my under eyes and I’m so excited that I’ve found clean products that really work. 

Is clean beauty something that you feel passionate about?

Definitely. I think you can really tell a difference in how your skin feels and responds to clean products. In these past few years (my post-college years lol), I’ve started caring more about what it means to be “healthy” and have good overall “wellness” and ultimately, it all comes down to caring about what you’re putting into AND onto your body. Your skin is the largest organ in your body so we’ve got to give it only the best of the best and when it comes to skincare, that’s clean beauty. 

What else do you feel passionate about?

I’m extremely passionate about mental wellness and destigmatizing the occurrence of mental illness in black women. As a recovering work-a-holic who lives with daily anxiety and depression, I know what it feels like to not understand what’s happening in your brain and wish more than anything that there was someone who looked like you to hold your hand and say everything is going to be OK. I’d really like to be that person for other people. 

How do you stay focused and motivated throughout the day?

I try to schedule my day in productivity blocks so that I know when I need to focus on certain things, but also have time to decompress and let my mind rest between switching projects. As someone who mentally switches between multiple projects and type of work daily, I’ve learned rest is crucial to staying motivated without burnout. 

What are some of your favorite foods that keep your skin healthy?

I love avocados in all contexts: guacamole, smoothies, salads – if it has avo in it, i love it. 

What’s on your WFH playlist?

Currently, I have ‘WAP’ by Cardi B and Meg Thee Stallion on repeat! 

Fill in the blank:     Living life without a plan     is underrated.

 

By Kaitlyn McLintock

Here’s a fun (read: frightening) activity. Sit back and add up the amount of time you spend working on your computer on any given day. Take that number and add the amount of time you spend on your phone. Add any remaining screen time, including but not limited to Netflix binges, online shopping, and time spent scrolling through news sites. The number you end up represents how long your skin is being exposed to potentially damaging light emitted from digital devices. This high energy visible light (HEV light), otherwise referred to as blue light, could be affecting the health of your skin in more ways than one.

Research tells us that blue light can cause skin damage. More specifically, it can cause hyperpigmentation and premature signs of aging. It causes the former by inducing inconsistent melanin production in the skin. It causes the latter by exposing your cells to oxidative stress, or free radicals, which damage the collagen in your skin, leading to such signs of aging as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

That’s the bad news, but there’s good news, too. There are steps you can take to minimize the effect of blue light. From keeping an eye on your screen time to using antioxidant-rich skincare products, keep reading to learn more about how to care for your skin in the digital age.

Reduce Screen Time (If You Can)

The first and most obvious step in protecting your skin from an exorbitant amount of blue light exposure is to minimize your screen time. Even though that’s not always feasible when it comes to professional life (especially if, due to recent events, your laptop has become your office), there are ways to stay conscious of the time you’re spending on screens for other reasons. For example, limit time spent scrolling through social media to a few minutes each day. Track your screen time on your phone. Schedule screen-free time in your calendar, so you feel the freedom to walk away from your computer for a specific amount of time. At the very least, switch your phone display to night shift, which minimizes the amount of blue light it emanates.

Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep

Because there’s evidence that blue light disrupts our natural circadian rhythm (aka our sleep-wake cycle), it’s important to prioritize sleep, especially if you’re spending most of your day staring at a screen. After all, research links sleep deprivation with acceleration in physical signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Sleep deprivation could also harm our skin’s natural reparative processes, meaning damage and inflammation could ensue from not getting enough shut-eye.

Load Up on Antioxidant Protection

We’ve already discussed how blue light exposes your skin to oxidative stress, or free radicals, which can damage collagen and lead to physical signs of aging. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the skin, which is the reason antioxidant-rich ingredients are so prevalent in blue light skincare products.

The efficacy of antioxidant-rich skincare is exactly why Dr. Goldfaden formulated the Mist Rx Daily Nutrient Face Mist with aloe vera, kale sprout water, Kakadu plum, and plant & fruit stem cells—all of which have antioxidant properties to fight free radical damage, thus mitigating the harmful effects of blue light on our skin.

While these blue-light-blocking tactics are all worth practicing, it’s important to note that our main source of blue light exposure is from the sun (and no, sunscreen won’t necessarily protect your skin. Remember that sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, not HEV…). This is something to keep in mind, lest we panic and blame our ceaseless Zoom meetings for damaging our skin beyond repair. It’s likely that our skin is happy and healthy if we remain conscious of our health and lifestyle habits, focus on getting good, quality sleep, nourish our skin with the right protective skincare products, and schedule regular check-ins with a dermatologist.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Kaitlyn McLintock is a beauty and wellness writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in such publications as Popsugar, Byrdie, Hello Giggles, Who What Wear, and more. When she’s not writing, researching, and editing, or testing out the latest skincare and makeup products, she’s drinking coffee and spritzing Goldfaden’s Mist RX all over her skin.