Jesse Q+A - July Edition

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Thank you to everyone who sent in their questions on Instagram — I love hearing from all of you and I wish I could answer every question. Answering five of the most asked below :)

FYI I will be doing this at the end of every month so make sure you’re following my personal account on Instagram @jessegolden and subscribe to my email list HERE so you don't miss your question potentially being answered!

Q1: Common skincare mistakes that wreak havoc on the skin barrier

The top three things that can wreak havoc on the skin barrier are:

1 Using products with irritants: Certain ingredients can irritate the skin and disrupt the barrier function. Common irritants include alcohol, fragrances, certain preservatives as well as too many actives at once. Always read the ingredients on the box; many of these are found even in "natural" skincare.

2 Overwashing with harsh soaps and cleansers: Cleansing the skin is essential, but over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers can strip away the skin's natural oils and disrupt the protective barrier. This can result in dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier.

3 Over-exfoliating: Exfoliation is beneficial for removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthy complexion. However, using harsh or abrasive exfoliants too frequently or aggressively can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to inflammation, sensitivity, and a weakened skin barrier.

The skin was designed to keep more things out than in. The outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis, consists of tightly packed cells that act as a physical barrier. This layer helps prevent the entry of foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals, into the body. When this is disrupted, acne, uneven skin tone, rashes, wrinkles and more can occur.

If you are experiencing a disrupted skin barrier, I recommended going back to the basics and resetting your skin with our Hydrate & Heal Duo. Cleanse with Heal All, tone with Aura, and re-apply Heal All to moisturize. Do this for two weeks before slowly adding other products.

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Q2: How can one minimize the appearance of large pores?

Here are three things that you can start today:

1 Ice plunge for your face. HERE is a video of me doing it. I do this almost every morning. The cold water causes vasoconstriction, which temporarily tightens the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the area. This can help the pores appear smaller, ease inflammation, and give you a natural glow. It is also said that you can receive some of the same benefits as cold plunging your whole body.

2 Aura Beauty Mist to tone the skin. Instead of misting Aura directly onto the skin, apply to a round cotton pad and apply on the t-zone or where you are experiencing large pores. Aura contains anti-inflammatory and astringent properties like Magnolia Bark that can help shrink the appearance of pores over time.

3 Exfoliate and mask: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, making them appear smaller. The Instant Glow Facial Mask exfoliates the skin while reducing pore congestion. Apply the Instant Glow Facial Mask as usual but before removing the mask, get your fingers wet, and begin to massage the t-zone area to gently exfoliate. Do this for about one minute before removing it as usual. You will notice an immediate improvement, which will continue to improve with each use.

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Q3: What do you put on your skin when sunbathing? Any oil?

Yes, of course. Lately, I have been using Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil, which is formulated with incredibly effective, organic, stable oils that safeguard the skin from damage. Perfect for the outdoors, but when I know I am going to be outside for a while, there is nothing better than Heal All Oil. 

Several studies have now been conducted into Tamanu oils' protective abilities, including one published in 2007 that demonstrated that it had a solar protection factor up to 18-22. The researchers were able to show that even in concentrations as low as 1%, Tamanu oil could protect against 85% of the DNA damage inflicted by the sun.

I also love to mix these two together. Heal All Oil can be very thick and when mixed with Womb Wisdom, not only does it make a powerhouse duo, but it's also an easier application.

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Q4: Recommendation for painful hormonal acne? I'm 49 & all the changes are happening.

I always say that our skin is a direct reflection of what is going on internally. So it is not uncommon to experience visible skin changes as your hormones shift and find their new normal. I wrote a blog post HERE that specifically talks about acne and all the things you can do both internally and externally to get glowing, confident skin. I also recommend seeing a naturopath who can help you balance your hormones internally in a holistic way.

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Q5: What is the best routine to go about diminishing cellulite?

Diminishing cellulite can be a multi-faceted approach, and while there is no guaranteed method to completely eliminate it, there are steps you can take to reduce its appearance.

Here are some strategies that may help:

1 Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and drinks. Staying hydrated is also important.

2 Engage in regular exercise: Incorporate both cardiovascular exercises and strength training into your fitness routine. Cardio workouts can help burn calories and improve circulation, while strength training can tone and firm the underlying muscles.

3 Stay active and move frequently: Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing in one position. Take breaks and incorporate movement throughout the day to improve circulation and prevent fluid retention.

4 Dry Brushing: Dry brushing involves gently massaging the skin with a dry brush in circular motions. This practice can help improve circulation, exfoliate dead skin cells, and enhance the appearance of the skin.

5 Body Scraping: Body gua sha can help stimulate circulation, reduce fluid retention, and improve the appearance of cellulite.

6 Goddess Shaping Body Oil: Goddess is a full-body nectar composed to prevent and correct the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. Stimulates circulation to aid in proper metabolic function, detoxifying both the physical & mental body, strengthening the skin, and relieving mental fatigue and emotional stresses caused by lack of self-love. This is best used in combination with dry brushing and body gua sha.

xo jesse