Tag Archive for: Treatment

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Guided Detox Regimen with Cassandra Cadwell

December’s many indulgences make January an ideal time to detox, both inside and out. Again striving for balance, we put forth our best efforts in January to cleanse both internally and externally (and we know that’s it’s all intertwined), so we asked one of our go-to beauty gals, Cassandra Cadwell, (aka newly appointed head of Customer Relations @ Violet Grey), to capture her journey as she swapped her beauty regime for our Detox Collection for 4 weeks.

Can you describe your skin type (i.e. Is your skin usually oily, dry or normal)?

Combination – I look like an oil slick at the end of the day but my skin is dry and needs moisturizer. At least this is what my esthetician tells me!

What are your skin goals?

Clear skin, of course! No breakouts or dark spots (PIH) mainly. But my number one priority is to clear up this one  trouble spot on my left cheek. Also to stop picking, this is a huge thing for me that I really need to stop.

How do you detox? (tips/rituals)

I drink a green juice every single day and have at least 2 cups of green tea throughout the day. My one tip to detox though, is simply to stay hydrated and eat clean the majority of the time. I also try to take a bath every so often and mask every night.. Yes really, I’m psychotic.

When you need to de-stress, what is your go-to?

Burying my face into my cat, Monet, or going to Moon Juice for a adaptogenic smoothie #soLA. Watching funny videos of cats on Instagram helps too… Did I mention I’m a cat person. If I’m in a situation where none of those things are possible, I just pick one thing to focus on, like a task, and direct my attention on completing that 100%. If my mind is feeling cluttered, I make a list. Typically, I find if I’m stressed it’s because my brain is scattered, if I get it down on paper, my mind is a little clearer.

How did you first hear about Goldfaden MD? What was the first product you used?

I first heard about Goldfaden MD from my friend Sarah in May when I was invited to their lovely brunch. The first product I used was the Skin Balancing Mask, and it’s still one of my all time favorites. It’s not too active but still gives your skin a light exfoliation so it’s a great go to when your skin needs a little love but nothing too dramatic. It’s really the perfect maintenance mask. Soothing, no fuss, and exactly what you want your everyday mask to to.

Tell us about your current regimen before transitioning to the Goldfaden MD “detox” collection?

My regimen prior to the Golfaden MD detox consisted of a double cleanse, a toner, one serum and a lightweight water cream. Also tons of masking, of course. In general, lots of trial and error, I’m always trying something new, it’s part of my job.

When you integrated Goldfaden MD’s Detox Clarifying Facial Wash, Detox Hydrating Gel and Facial Detox into your regimen, what did you experience after the following timeframes?

1 week: Plumping and looking fresher longer throughout the day. No 3 pm dark circles and dullness.

2 weeks: Skin started to look brighter and extra hydrated.

3 weeks: Reduction of dark spots and PIH on my left cheek. (YES!)

4 weeks: Overall balance of oil and dryness. I also saw a significant improvement on the pesky trouble spot on my left cheek in addition to less random hormonal breakouts. The later was particularly nice because when you are dealing with a trouble spot, it’s nice not to have other little blemishes pop up as well, which just feels like it exacerbates the main issue.

Have you always used or been interested/concerned with ingredients and clean beauty?

Always. I am a firm believer in not putting harsh chemicals on or in your body, but I also put efficacy first. I 100% believe that the body can heal itself and that anything we need to assist that process can come from nature. I also don’t believe in sacrificing inner health for outer beauty. Once I stopped drinking things like soda and started incorporating vegan practices into my lifestyle, I started seriously to look at ways I could cut out chemicals. Beauty is a great place to do so and if you find amazing clean product that work, like Goldfaden MD, then it’s really a no brainer.

Who would you recommend this regimen to in the future?

Everyone! Specifically though I think this line is great for the mindful person who cares what they put on their face (and therefore in their body) but also wants to see results. This regimen in particular I think is great for oily breakout prone skin, especially the Detox Hydrating Gel and,  if you have breakouts, the Facial Detox. If you take one thing away from this interview let it be this: Sulfur is the best natural way to clear breakouts – it’s straight off the periodic table! #Facts.

Since it is October after all… trick or treat?

Treat, of course… xx

 

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Dr. G’s tips for relieving dry skin

Winter (or just cooler weather) can wreak havoc on skin, causing dryness, redness and dullness. The three main ways to keep a healthy glow are to hydrate, exfoliate and be gentle to your skin.

The most important part about a healthy winter glow is to stay hydrated. This is achieved in a few different ways. The first is by drinking a lot of water. Dry, cold air dehydrates you inside and out, so drink extra during the winter months.

We sat down with Dr. G to get the 411 on how to mitigate dryness and keep skin glowing, hydrated and supple all year round.

What are the main causes of dry skin?

Skin can be dry for numerous reasons. A few of the main culprits are the weather, the climate (humidity vs. dry), your age (as you age skin becomes drier), dirt, sun damage, bad diet and incorrect product and ingredient use.

The best ways of treating dry skin? Topical, non-topical?

Topical: If you have dry or sensitive skin, be careful with what types of ingredients to use topically. Stay away from astringents, acids, sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol. Staying hydrated from the inside out is also crucial. Drink plenty of fluids. Always apply moisturizer or body oil to damp skin. Post bath or shower; try moisturizing your skin while still damp, this allows the skin to capture and seal in moisture. Take a look at your cleansing regimen, over exfoliation, particularly with physical scrubs, can be taxing and drying to the skin. Try decreasing the frequency and try a lactic acid enzymatic exfoliator as lactic acid pulls moisture to the surface of the skin.Choose a moisturizer or oil appropriate for dry skin. Good ingredients to look for are avocado oil, vitamin E, plant lipids, oils full of omega fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts. Always wear an SPF when in the elements.

Non-topical: Similar to the thought process of what to topically use, what we ingest may help to prevent dryness. Choose foods high in omega 3 fatty fats, such as avocados, salmon, walnuts, eggs, olive oil, sea kelp and vegetables high in silica. Silica helps form collagen in the body. Look for oats, avocados, cucumbers, flax seeds and leafy green vegetables.

Should we ditch exfoliating from our skincare routine? 

Moisturizing is a crucial part of keeping skin hydrated during the winter, but you shouldn’t ignore exfoliating. Look for scrubs that have moisturizing elements to them, such as jojoba oil , avocado oil and apricot seed oil. Oils are also very beneficial during the winter months to keep skin glowing, hydrated and plump.

Alternatively, grab your peels:

“Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA’s (which are Lactic acid, Glcolic acid and Fruit acids) are used as facial exfoliators. AHA’s are excellent options for people with sun damaged skin, aging skin, oily skin and normal to dry skin types. AHA’s do not cause sun sensitivity and come in numerous forms. AHA’s come in the form of lactic acid which is derived from milk, glycolic acid which is derived from sugarcane and fruit acids which are derived from fruits (citrus and apples/malic acid) and are gentle exfoliating agents that break apart the dead skin cells and pull hydration to the surface of your complexion which increases hydration and promotes a supple texture.” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden

Do certain foods help with dry skin? 

Choose foods high in omega 3 fatty fats, such as avocados, salmon, walnuts, eggs, olive oil, sea kelp and vegetables high in silica. Silica helps form collagen in the body. Look for oats, avocados, cucumbers, flax seeds and leafy green vegetables.

Is dry skin dependent on our skin type? Yes and no.Skin can be dry for numerous reasons. A few of the main culprits are the weather, the climate (humidity vs. dry), your age (as you age skin becomes drier), dirt, sun damage, bad diet and incorrect product and ingredient use.

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Your Summer to Fall Skincare Transition

 

The dog days of summer are wrapping up—and coincides with when skin has decided it can no longer take the heat, grime and sweat it’s been enduring for the past few months, going haywire. Just some of what you might be seeing in the mirror? Photo-damaged skin, discoloration, dehydration, dull or lackluster complexion, congestion. “It’s the sun, sand, beach, warm/humid climate,” explains Dr. Goldfaden. “Added with the fact that consumers are putting on loads of sunscreen to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays, which can lead to skin congestion and breakouts.”

So what do we do about the new constellation of pimples that has suddenly appeared on our left cheek, and refuses to budge? The changes in weather, as summer transitions to fall, is already enough to shock your skin. So make sure any changes to your skincare regimen are subtle, rather than completely abandoning your previous routine just because it’s getting a little cooler outside. “Subtle changes to your regimen can do wonders for your skin and give it what it really needs. Polish and plump: this is the key. Exfoliation (either in the form of a physical exfoliator or enzyme/chemical)–ridding your complexion of dead, dry, dull cells and revealing brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin underneath is the beginning of revealing a more healthy-looking complexion followed by a corrective moisturizer/hydrating treatment, like oils and moisturizers.”

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One subtle change? Swapping out just your cleanser. Goldfaden MD has developed a new cleanser that foams, the Detox Clarifying Facial Wash. Currently the original cleanser in the line, Pure Start, is a gentle wash that helps realign the skin’s natural pH balance. Detox Wash—thanks to a hardworking combo of AHA acids—takes it a step further by fighting bacteria, clarifying pores clogged up by sunscreen, and really addressing congested skin. If your current cleanser works great—check by swiping a pad with micellar water after a wash to see there’s no grime or residue left behind—keep using it!

To treat discoloration, photodamaged skin, or a dull complexion, think about slipping a few brightening ingredients into your regimen. Vitamin C (found in Goldfaden MD’s Brightening Elixir), alpha arbutin (found in Light Treatment, specifically for dark spots) and lactic acid (found in Fresh a Peel) are all power players that can help brighten skin tone and increase radiance.

It’s not just enough to apply product to the face—aka, treating merely the visible symptoms—to treat your skin well. It’s important to balance an effective skincare routine with good choices in diet and a supportive environment. “We holistically believe that healthy-looking skin is a 360-degree approach to wellness,” says Dr. Goldfaden. He recommends eating a diet rich in fatty acids (a “hydration punch”): think avocados, salmon, leafy greens, which will “keep congestion and inflammation at bay while infusing nutrient rich vitamins and nutrients back into your system.” It also means staying clear of alcohol, white carbs and refined sugar—all of which can trigger the inflammation we’re trying to avoid.

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