Q+A - February 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!

 

TOP 5 QUESTIONS

 

Q1: What can I do about under-eye bags?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked. Although there are some pre-genetic dispositions, there are things you can do. Stimulate, flush and support. Let’s break it down.

We have two fluid systems in our body: blood, and lymph. Blood has our heart to pump so our blood is in constant circulation. Our lymphatic system doesn't have a pump so we need to manually pump out fluid and toxic build-up from the body- our under eyes are one of its favorite areas of the body to collect this stagnant fluid giving us the appearance of under-eye bags.

My favorite way to help move this buildup of fluid is gua sha. Gua sha with our Sorceress Stone is better than the hands alone. It is designed to get directly under the eye and move the fluid to the closest drop-off point- the inner corner of the nose.

RITUAL: Apply our Heal All Oil underneath your eyes. Be mindful not to get the oil into your eyes. Just put enough so that the stone gently glides on the skin and there is no pulling. Place the Sorceress Stone almost flat on the outer edge of one eye, under your lash line, and begin to slide the stone towards the inner corner of the eye, where there is a lymph node and it has the ability to drain. Do this for about one minute then continuing the circle clockwise you can begin to bring it up and over the brow line and back where you started- making a complete circle. I recommend doing this every morning and you will begin to see that your eye bags will begin to disappear and you will have a much smoother, softer, bright-eyed look.

P.S. I also recommend staying hydrated throughout the day and adding Healthy Salts to your water to help flush and remineralize your body.

Q2: Do you ever use sunscreen and what kind would you recommend?

This is one of my most asked questions. I personally have never really worn sunscreen unless the rare occasion that I was on vacation in a tropical place where the sun was stronger and the ability for shade was minimal. Let me explain more on this before I answer the question. I believe in the sun. I believe it is a vital life force that we need. No matter what, a supplement is not a replacement for sunlight. The amount of sunlight each person needs depends on the melanin in their skin and their solar callus. People with a darker complexion need to get more sunlight to get sufficient Vitamin D for their body. Those with fair skin need less. The coolest thing is, our body gives us a signal when we have received sufficient sun unless of course we are covered in sunscreen and block this innate wisdom. When your body begins to flush, that is your signal and only then should you put sunscreen on, seek shade, or put a hat on. It's when we load our system up with sunscreen and block this signal and go past this point does the damage really happen. Let's be clear, sunscreen, at best, can only prevent sunburn. It cannot and does not prevent the rarest and only true form of skin cancer- malignant melanoma. In fact, studies suggest that people are at greater risk of developing melanomas by the use of sunscreens.

Now let's move on to skin health. I too believe that a little sun each day is not only good for your skin but vital. We have become a sun-phobic society yet all living things- plants, animals and we need the sun to survive and thrive. The sun helps your body absorb calcium by allowing your skin to produce part of the vitamin D complex that strengthens bones. Sun exposure can also help with: acne, eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy rash, stress, immune support, and hormone levels. Now if you are currently using birth control, antibiotics, retinoids, or any internal or external product that can make your skin extra sensitive to UV exposure, your barometer may be off and extra precaution is advised.

As many of you know, at the end of last year, I went through IVF, and this required numerous medications that affected my hormones both internally and externally. This was one of the rare times that I did use sunscreen because my skin was acting in a way I had never experienced before due to the medications. Here’s the thing though, we all know by now that chemical sunscreens are horrific. I have been preaching this for years but now it has been finally validated that many of the most famous brands are being recalled for being carcinogenic and cancer-causing. But that doesn't mean that mineral sunscreens are necessarily better for your skin. Most of the common “healthier” mineral sunscreens are formulated with oils like argan, hemp, grapeseed, red raspberry, and pumpkin seed oils to name a few, that can actually age your skin due to their high oxidation and unstable qualities, especially when exposed to the sun. So I mean MOST people are lathering up these types of sunscreens on their skin thinking they are preventing premature aging, meanwhile they are actually increasing premature aging, rapidly. I talk more about proper oil use internally and externally HERE. When buying sunscreens you want to look for stable oils that have a high antioxidant content, non-nano particles, non-toxic and organic if possible. I have only found two that I like. One I used while going through IVF and the other one my son uses daily as he is a surfer and spends hours a day in the sun.

Shop Tallow Sunscreen HERE

Shop Sun Paste HERE

Q3: How do you prevent oils from transferring from the skin to surfaces?

The best way is to simply allow the oil to fully absorb into the skin prior to going to sleep. If you notice that you are still transferring oil onto your bedding or clothes then put on less and put it on sooner so that your skin can fully absorb the oil prior. The magical thing about oils vs. creams is oils have the ability to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, where it matters most. Essentially hydrating from the inside out. While creams just sit on top of the skin.

This is true for the face and body. If you love creams then just use them as the last step of your ritual to help seal everything in. One more thing to mention, chronically dry skin doesn't know how to hold onto oil so if you feel like your skin isn't fully absorbing oil, try this: Gently exfoliate your skin with an exfoliating towel or a dash of baking soda and Heal All Oil. Then while the skin is still damp mist the face and body with the Aura Beauty Mist and immediately apply your favorite oil. This ritual not only allows for an effortless application but it prevents the moisture you already have on your skin from evaporating and locks in the moisture you just received.

Q4: I love your hair. How do you get it so long and healthy as a blonde?

Less is more. I wash my hair once a week, let it air dry, and do a hair mask with the Heal All Oil Every two weeks or so depending on how my hair feels. Heal All helps with fine, broken hair and helps prevent hair loss for fuller, thicker, lustrous hair.

RITUAL: Saturate hair from root to tip and leave on for a minimum of ten minutes, longer if you are able, or ideally overnight in a head wrap. Then wash as usual. You can find all the other hair products I use HERE

    Q5: Tips for having imposter syndrome and being seen on social?

    1. Everyone has an opinion and you will be judged no matter what you do or don't do so you have to be so solid in your own self (self-love) that you being you, is unwavering.
    2. Know that every single person, including YOU, has a gift that only you can share. It is your job to not play small and share your gifts with the world.
    3. Remember, if someone looks like they have it all together, they are probably way more messed up than you. This is something my Grandma used to say to me.
    4. Share your truth in an authentic way so that your tribe can find you.

    Get my Self-Love Ebook HERE

    xo jesse