Tag Archive for: inflammation

Post Sun Skin Tips, Dr. G reports

Summer weather has arrived and it can be very tempting to get a little sun. Sometimes a little sun can turn into a bad sunburn. Protect yourself by always wearing an appropriate SPF, hat and sunglasses. Below are a few post sun steps to ensure you stay healthy and hydrated all summer long.

PS: Don’t forget to reapply SPF after swimming!

DON’T: take hot showers: Hot showers can be dehydrating to skin in general, especially after a Summer of being in the sun because the effects can be even worse (i.e. premature aging, stronger definition of fine lines, to name a few). The next time you hop in, turn the water temperature down about 10 to 15 degrees, and don’t take more than two showers a day.

 DON’T: Don’t use photosensitizing ingredients on the skin during the day. Certain ingredients in these types of products can react adversely on your skin in sunlight, which makes skin susceptible to burning more easily and causing lasting sun damage. Stay clear of retinoids, acids, fruits acids, topical steroids and differin creams, which can enhance sensitivity. Opt to use these products at night only.

 DO: Thirst Quenching Treatments: In order to effectively get your skin back in tip-top shape, Vitamin C is your answer. Vitamin C visibly brightens the skin and improves the overall look and tone of the skin. Power-packed vitamins including, Vitamin E, Vitamin B and Ferulic Acid also help hydrate, brighten, soothe, and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin.

DO: Double up at night. Skin cell regeneration is slightly higher at night making it a crucial step to apply products with active ingredients in the night as your skin is able to absorb the active ingredients in skincare products better since active ingredients are less effective when exposed to sunlight.  In addition, your skin would not have to compete with the other products you apply like makeup or sunscreen to fight the UV rays, pollution and other harmful environmental elements in the day. Layer up a potent packed repairing treatment (powerful nighttime ingredients to look for include: peptides, retinol, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Don’t forget to layer an extra hydrating moisturizer on top to ensure supple, plump hydrated glowing skin.

 DO: Exfoliate. Exfoliating the face, neck and chest is key after a summer day of sun and sunscreen. The upper layer of skin gets thicker, harder and drier and pores can be clogged by sweat and sunscreen residue. Removing the surface layers of dead skin, oil build up and grease will give a dewier look and helps to produce more collagen, allowing skin to look more plump.

DON’T: Get sunburned. If you do try a few at home soothing steps. Cool compresses and baths are effective for cooling down the skin and inflammation that accompanies sunburn. After a bath make sure to later your body in a hydrating lotion or body oil. Look for soothing, anti-redness and anti-inflammation ingredients such as aloe, red tea, cucumber, oatmeal, chamomile and cornstarch.

Dr. G recipe: Keep cornstarch ice cubes in the fridge this summer to help calm red or sunburned skin. Mix cornstarch with water until dissolved then pour into ice trays and freeze. Pop them out if anyone gets too much sun or heat.

 

 

 

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Beach Climates

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?

Beach Life – The Issues

Life is a beach until you get a sun burn or sun damage. Beach climates call for high humidity and high temperatures. Do not forget that a tan in reality is the body’s reaction to sun damage. That gorgeous glow you’re hoping for is essentially your skin reacting to being attacked by damaging rays. When the skin is exposed to sunlight the melanocytes in the body become activated and produce dark pigment to protect the skin from absorbing more rays. While SPF is a must it is only 1 of 3 lines of defense against the sun.

The Solutions

Try easing up on the heavy moisturizers and protective oils. Heavy hydrating products can cause clogged pores and breakouts. Try transitioning into a hydrating serum that contains lightening agents like Alpha Arbutin or Kojic Acid. Not only will this eliminate one step from your regimen but a treatment serum can also help to protect and reverse sun damage and dark spots. Botanical oils and dry oils can also serve the purpose of a serum, treatment and moisturizer in one. Oils should never contain Dimethicone (which can clog pores) so always read the ingredients.

While exfoliation is still imperative, ditch the acid wipes and pads and try a gentle lactic acid mask once a week like Dr. Goldfaden’s Fresh A Peel. Lactic acid is particularly appropriate for sun damaged skin, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation. Lactic acid molecules are larger than Glycolic molecules so they don’t go as deep as fast, therefore targeting the top layers of the skin (where the darkness appears). Scrubs can take a back seat during beach weather too. Over scrubbing can make skin red and dry especially if skin has been exposed to the sun or sea.  If you lust cant live without your Doctors Scrub, try mixing it a refreshing, rejuvenating cleanser that gets the skin clean. Gel based cleansers that are formulated without harsh chemicals are the best for summertime.

Regardless of skin tone, ALL skin needs sun protection. Although fair skinned individuals will burn quicker, darker/olive skin tones need to be aware too. It is important to keep in mind that sunscreen does not prevent tanning, it does however help protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays. This is important for darker/olive tones to remember, just because the skin is tanning does not mean it is not being damaged.

What happens if you get sunburn?

Sun burned skin can be treated at home. Look for products that contain Organic Red Tea , which is soothing and reduces inflammation and redness. To soothe hot itchy red skin add oatmeal or baking soda to a cool bath. Topical application of aloe or a cool compress always helps. If you are really sore or swollen you can try taking Ibuprofen for inflammation. And because the sun dries the skin out, moisturizing is a must! Body lotions with avocado oil, Shea butter, coconut oil are the best for this.

“On those days you do get too much sun and skin is red, irritated, or inflamed, apply our Radical Difference antioxidant serum. Loaded with soothing organic red tea and cherry extracts to repair, rejuvenate, and reduce redness.”

Dr. Goldfaden

Shop Dr. Goldfaden’s entire collection here. 

 

 

 

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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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