Tag Archive for: Lactic Acid

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. 

 

 

 

Dry and arid desert climates consistently get ranked amongst the worst to live in for the condition of one’s skin. In addition to lifestyle choices like, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sun protective clothing, proper skincare regimen is highly effective in protecting against the issues that arise from this type of environment.

The Issues:

Dry climates dehydrate skin and can invite early onset of wrinkles. With intense sun and high heat, the skin has nowhere to hide. The more sun exposure you have, the more damage you’re doing to your skin. Replenishing hydration and sun protection is extremely important in this type of climate.

The Solutions:

Chose an exfoliation product that targets dead skin cell removal, sun damage and hyper pigmentation. Chemical exfoliators and enzymatic peels target all. Look for Lactic acid (found in Fresh A Peel) as the main active as it actually draws moisture to the surface of the skin, thus preventing additional dehydration and dryness.

Because skin is so prone to dryness in these types of environments, Dr. Goldfaden recommends using anti-aging serums and super hydrating moisturizer. Ingredients such as CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Retinol keep skin tone tight and toned, while African botanic oils, Baobob, Kalahari and Mongongo deliver Omega fatty acids for extreme hydration.

Always protect the face and body with sunscreen 30 SPF or higher. The sun can be very intense in these types of climate, so sun protection is imperative.

 



Internal

The Bummer: Breakouts + Irritation

Say goodbye to sugar, it is NOT your friend. Sugar is addictive and present in almost everything! Pay attention to your daily sugar intake. Even that ‘healthy’ green juice you’re drinking may have extra sugar.

Idea!

Dairy intake not only affects the digestive system but also the skin. Try quitting dairy for a month and see how your skin glows brighter.

The Bummer: Dehydration

Watch alcohol intake. Alcohol has dreadful and hazardous effects on the body and skin. Alcohol dehydrates eyes, skin and inside of the body. Alcohol has a bad effect on Vitamin A, B3 and Vitamin C, which are all imperative antioxidants for healthy skin and organ function. Alcohol also affects blood sugar levels and can raise blood pressure.

Good eats:

  • Leafy greens
  • All berries
  • Lettuce
  • Raw spinach
  • Tomato sauce
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Pineapple

The bummers: fine lines, dullness + loss of elasticity

Eating healthy can also reduce pollution effects on the skin and the body. Eating a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods such as leafy greens and berries and foods high in essential fatty acids (salmon, avocado, almonds) shows on your face as well as internally.

Steer clear of foods that encourage and cause Glycation. The Glycation process, which is basically, sugars (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin and therefore speeding up the aging process. Glycation equals loss of elasticity and collagen, which equals sagging skin. Foods that feed Glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, fatty meats and alcohol.

External

The Bummer: Breakouts

  • Everyday pollution from industrial soot, car exhaust, the ozone layer, second hand smoke
  • Not washing your face after the gym
  • Not taking off your makeup at night
  • Bad ingredients (Say NO to: PEGS, mineral oil, alcohol, silicone)

Idea:

Exfoliate and detoxify those pores and follow with treating skin with an anti-pollution, anti-oxidant serum. Try our Brightening Elixir!

The bummer: Fine Lines

  • Chronological age- you can help DNA by using targeted skincare products and protecting skin from sun and pollution with SPF and an anti-pollution, anti-oxidant rich serum.
  • Sun damage- Exfoliate, treat with a serum (think Vitamin C, Vitamin B and Ferulic acid) and protect with an SPF.
  • Smoking- just don’t do it! And if you did then follow the steps above to erase the signs. Smoker’s skin is usually dull, gray and showing signs of loss of collagen and elasticity.  Exfoliation followed with a treatment serum can help reverse the damage.

The bummer: Dullness

  • Not exfoliating
  • Dehydration

Idea:

Try our Doctor’s Scrub or Fresh-A-Peel (lactic acid)!

The Bummer: Irritation

  • Overuse of acids and Retinol
  • Incorrect choice of moisturizers

Idea:

Ease up on aggressive acids and treatments. Try a nourishing oil that has brightening effects. Think cold pressed oils full of Omegas fatty acids.