The Holistic Beauty Podcast

In today's episode we're revisiting acne, particularly adult acne. Acne affects up to 85% of teenagers but can occur in adults in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. Adult acne (medically referred to as Acne tarda) is more common in women than in men, and can be categorized as either persistent acne or late-onset acne. Persistent adult acne is acne that continues or relapses from adolescence to adulthood, while late-onset acne is acne that develops at age 25 or older with no prior history of acne. Adult acne is more associated with inflammation, changes in pigmentation, and scarring compared to acne that occurs in adolescence. The foods we eat, our lifestyle choices, and what we put onto our skin can all have an effect on our skin. These external factors can contribute to clear skin or the development of acne.

Join us in today's episode as we talk about adult acne and why it occurs, factors that contribute to adult acne, plus lifestyle changes and skincare actives that can help promote clear, glowing skin by targeting the underlying causes of acne.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is adult acne
• Why does adult acne occur
• How diet affects acne
• Lifestyle recommendations for adult acne
• Skincare actives and general skincare routine for clearer skin

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In today's episode we talk about the difference between laser and light therapies. These are non-surgical aesthetic treatments that can help with a variety of aesthetic concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, collagen stimulation, pigmentation, skin laxity, and more. There are many different laser and light therapies available nowadays, but is one treatment better than the other?

Join us in today's episode as we dive into the world of laser and light therapies and discuss when you should consider a laser treatment or light therapy.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What are lasers
• Laser vs light therapies (LED, IPL)
• Ablative vs non-ablative lasers
• Common side effects of laser treatments
• Our experience with laser and light therapies

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In today's episode we had the pleasure of having one of our past guest speakers back on the show — Beth Colombo. Beth is the owner and founder of a premiere holistic medical spa in Seattle, Washington called Lifted Beauty + Wellness. She offers a wide variety of aesthetic services, including treatments for body contouring. Body contouring is a non-surgical treatment that gets rid of unwanted or stubborn body fat, and helps tones and sculpt the body. When combined with a healthy lifestyle, body contouring can be a great adjunctive treatment to help you achieve your body goals.

Join us in today's episode as we talk about what body contouring is, when to consider body contouring, the different body contouring devices available, and how to choose the right one for your body goals.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is body contouring (aka body sculpting)
• When to consider body contouring treatments
• The different body contouring machines available
• How effective are body contouring treatments
• How to combine body contouring treatments with other aesthetic treatments

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In today's episode, we're talking about exfoliants in skincare. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of skin to reveal the smoother, more radiant skin underneath. It can be achieved through physical, chemical, or enzymatic means. Physical exfoliants use physical friction to remove dead skin cells, such as a scrub brush or scrubbing beads in a product. Chemical exfoliants use acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Enzyme exfoliants use enzymes to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, such as papain from papayas or bromelain from pineapples. Each type of exfoliant has its own benefits and limitations, and it is important to choose the right one for your skin type and concerns.

Join us in today's episode as we discuss the different types of exfoliants, what skin concerns exfoliants can help address, and what our favorite exfoliating skincare products are.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What are exfoliants used for
• The different types of exfoliants
• Incorporating an exfoliant into your skincare routine
• Our favorite exfoliators

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In this week’s episode we have a special guest speaker Dr. Fiona McCulloch, ND on the podcast to talk about hormones, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and skin conditions associated with hormonal imbalances such as acne. Dr. McCulloch is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and the founder of White Lotus Integrative Medicine, a busy clinic serving thousands of patients with hormonal conditions in Toronto, Canada. She has a special interest in treating PCOS and has a best selling book, "8 Steps To Reverse Your PCOS", which provides well-researched natural treatment options for this condition. Dr. Fiona also enjoys speaking and teaching. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is a popular speaker for many professional conferences.

Join us in today's episode as we talk about the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, underlying causes of PCOS, how PCOS is linked to our skin, and naturopathic modalities that can help address this condition.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• What causes PCOS
• The connection between PCOS and our skin
• How is PCOS addressed with naturopathic medicine
• Diet and lifestyle options for PCOS and acne

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Happy New Year holistic beauties! In today’s episode we share how to build a general skincare routine for optimal skin health naturopathically. With a naturopathic approach we’re not only looking at what we put onto our skin, but what we’re putting into our body as well to support healthy, radiant skin. Topical skincare products are only as effective as the foundation they sit on. And the foundations of skin health start with diet and lifestyle.

Join us in today's episode to learn about the best diet and lifestyle for optimal skin health, skincare products and active ingredients to incorporate into your skincare regimen, and which supplements may be beneficial for radiant skin.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• How Naturopathic Doctors view skin health
• Skincare actives and products for a general skincare routine
• Diet and key nutrients for skin health
• Lifestyle for healthy skin
• Foundational nutrients and supplements for skin health

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In today's episode we're reminiscing on the past year and taking a peak into the future of the Holistic Beauty podcast. We touch upon our top accomplishments of 2022 and top goals for 2023. We also chat about our favorite episodes and moments on the podcast this year. Lastly, we talk about our goals for this podcast in 2023, and what our awesome listeners can expect from the Holistic Beauty podcast in the new year.

Join us in today's episode as we take a look back to the start of the podcast earlier this year and a look forward to the future of the Holistic Beauty Podcast.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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In today's episode we're chatting about the best skincare products and ingredients to start incorporating into your skincare routine this winter. As the seasons change, our skincare routines need to as well. It's best to look for ingredients that are soothing, hydrating, and support the health of our skin barrier. Winter is also a great time to do certain aesthetic procedures as well for glowing, youthful-looking skin.

Join us in today's episode as we talk about how our skin changes during winter, what active ingredients to incorporate into your skincare routine, and what aesthetic procedures can help support your skin this winter.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Skin changes that can happen in the winter time
• Active skincare ingredients to consider to address these skin changes
• Aesthetic procedures to consider in the winter time
• Aesthetic procedures to avoid during winter

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In today's episode we had the opportunity to interview Larry Weiss, MD who is the founder and CEO of Symbiome and Weiss Bioscience, Inc., a San Francisco-based microbiome research and development company. Prior to this he was the Founding Chief Medical Officer at AOBiome, and before that he was the founder and CSO of CleanWell Company. Dr. Weiss has an MD from Stanford University and a BS in Biochemistry from Cornell University. He has an extensive background in natural products chemistry, microbiology, clinical medicine, biophysics, pharmaceutical, and skin care product development.

Join us in today's episode as we talk about the skin microbiome, postbiotics in skincare, a unique postbiotic skincare company called Symbiome, and what the future of skincare looks like.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is the skin microbiome
• How does an imbalanced skin microbiome affect our skin
• What are postbiotics
• How does Symbiome differ from other postbiotic skincare companies
• What the future of skincare looks like

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In today's episode, we're doing a deep dive into the world of dermal fillers. There are many FDA-approved dermal fillers available at medical spas, including the Juvederm family, Restylane family, RHA collection, and more. Not all dermal fillers are created the same. There are fillers made with hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, Belotero, Revanesse Versa), calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse), poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (Bellafill), and autologous fat (Renuva). They all have different characteristics and have been created to restore volume, balance the face, and provide a more natural and rested look.

Join us in today's episode as we talk about the science behind dermal fillers, the difference between the FDA-approved dermal fillers currently available, and how we feel about them as licensed naturopathic doctors.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What are dermal fillers
• What areas of the face can be treated with dermal filler
• How dermal fillers are categorized
• Hyaluronic acid fillers
• Permanent and biostimulant (aka collagen stimulating) fillers
• Dermal fillers vs biofiller (PRF/PRFM)
• Dr. Merola's favorite dermal fillers

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This week we had the opportunity to chat with Beth Colombo, the owner and founder of Lifted Beauty + Wellness. Lifted is a premiere holistic medical spa in Seattle, WA. They offer non-invasive cosmetic procedures along with natural aesthetic products to help you look and feel your best. We also dive into medical grade skincare including what it is and why you should choose medical-grade skincare products instead of over the counter (OTC) skincare products. 

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about anti-aging, non-surgical aesthetic procedures for face and body, and medical-grade skincare to slow down signs of aging and help protect your "skinvestments."

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Aesthetic procedures offered at Lifted Beauty + Wellness
• What is “medical-grade skincare”?
• Why choose medical-grade skincare over OTC skincare products?
• How medical-grade skincare can enhance the longevity of aesthetic procedures

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In today’s episode we’re talking about regenerative skin procedures that may serve as a natural alternative to plastic surgery. Regenerative aesthetics is an up and coming field of regenerative medicine and includes minimally invasive procedures, which are gaining popularity. Such procedures include microneedling or injections with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, platelet-rich fibrin matrix and platelet-rich fibrin procedures, and PDO threads.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about minimally invasive regenerative skin procedures, what they’re used for, and how effective they really are.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is regenerative medicine and regenerative aesthetics
• Microneedling uses, benefits, and effectiveness
• Platelet-rich plasma uses, benefits, and effectiveness
• Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) uses, benefits, and effectiveness
• Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) uses, benefits, and effectiveness
• PDO threads uses, benefits, and effectiveness
• Our favorite regenerative aesthetic procedures

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In today’s episode we had the opportunity to interview Dahlia Devkota who is the founder and CEO of a microbiome focused luxury brand called Editrix. Her beautifully curated line of products use postbiotics from human bacteria in addition to a nutrient dense yeast called Galactomyces (a sake fermentation byproduct) and powerful Ayurvedic botanicals. This revolutionary skincare system from Editrix will make you change the way you view skincare and skin health.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk with Dahlia about postbiotics, her luxury brand Editrix, challenges that she faced along the way, and advice she has for other skincare brand curators and entrepreneurs.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• About Dahlia Devkota and Editrix
• What are postbiotics
• How can our skin benefit from postbiotics
• Challenges that Dahlia faced as a skincare brand owner
• Dahlia’s advice to other skincare brand owners and entrepreneurs

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Have you heard of fungal acne before? This week we’re diving in and talking about what this skin condition is and how it differs from “regular” acne. The signs and symptoms of fungal acne can be very similar to acne vulgaris, but there are key features that help differentiate the two conditions from each other. Treating fungal acne requires different medications than acne vulgaris. In some cases failure to respond to conventional acne medications can be a clue that it might not be acne after all and is something else instead, such as fungal acne.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about what fungal acne is, what causes fungal acne, how it differs from “regular” acne, and how conventional doctors treat fungal acne versus naturopathic doctors.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is fungal acne
• How does fungal acne (Malessezia folliculiits) differ from "regular" acne (Acne vulgaris)
• What causes fungal acne
• How is it tested for and how is it treated from a conventional perspective
• How is it treated from a naturopathic perspective

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In today’s episode we chat about the best skincare ingredients to look for and use during fall. With the transition of seasons comes cooler, drier weather. This is a great time to revamp your skincare routine to include active ingredients that are more hydrating, moisturizing, and rejuvenating. Certain aesthetic procedures are better to get done during this time of year as well to help with skin rejuvenation and anti-aging.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about the skin barrier, skincare ingredients, and aesthetic procedures to get during the fall.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Skin changes that happen during fall
• Review of the skin barrier
• The best skincare ingredients for fall
• The best aesthetic procedures to get during fall
• Aesthetic procedures to avoid during fall

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This week we’re diving into the world of neuromodulators. There’s still a stigma that exists with botox along with many misconceptions. Neuromodulators (aka neurotoxins or BoTox) are an anti-wrinkle treatment that help soften fine lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin was first used medically and cosmetically in the late-1980s. Since then, several versions of botulinum toxin have been developed and FDA approved for use. These include Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about how neuromodulators work, who should avoid neuromodulators, what are some common side effects that can occur, and what are some misconceptions and evidence-based facts regarding neuromodulator treatment.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What are neuromodulators?
• How do neuromodulators work
• The different FDA-approved neuromodulators available
• Who should not get treated with neuromodulators
• Potential adverse reactions with neuromodulator treatment
• Myths vs facts about neuromodulators
• How we feel about neuromodulators as naturopathic doctors

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In today’s episode we’re talking about skincare for acne during pregnancy. Skin can undergo so many changes during pregnancy, ranging from increased sensitivity to dryness, stretch marks, unwanted hair growth, and acne. There are certain active ingredients in skincare that can be really helpful for acne-prone skin, but some of these are not safe to use while pregnant. The Pregnancy Category Rating System is a five letter grading system  (A, B, C, D, and X) used to indicate the potential risk of a drug to cause birth defects if it were to be used during pregnancy. Cosmetic ingredients that fall under Category A and B are deemed safe to use during pregnancy, whereas anything that falls under Categories C, D, or X should be avoided.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about skincare ingredients to avoid and safer alternatives to use for acne-prone skin during pregnancy.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Skin changes that occur during pregnancy
• Pregnancy Category rating system
• Skincare and beauty active ingredients that are not safe to use during pregnancy
• Safer skincare and beauty ingredients to use during pregnancy

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This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Patrick Fox, a licensed naturopathic doctor and medical director of Lifted Beauty + Wellness in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Fox specializes in chronic complex conditions including Lyme disease, mold biotoxin illness, CIRS, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and autoimmune conditions, in addition to hormone replacement therapy and advanced IV therapy. Today he shares his knowledge and clinical expertise on the connection between chronic complex conditions and the skin, and the importance of digging deeper to correctly identify and address the underlying causes of skin issues.

Join us in today’s episode as we discuss the link between chronic conditions such as Lyme disease, mold biotoxin illness, CIRS, and MCAS, and our skin.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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We’re back for Season 2 of the Holistic Beauty Podcast! In today’s episode we’re talking about a highly requested topic – uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is excess melanin (a substance that gives our skin color) being produced. It’s typically a harmless condition but can cause significant distress and embarrassment in some individuals. The most common hyperpigmentation disorders include melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and solar lentigines.

Join us in today’s episode as we dive into hyperpigmentation and discuss helpful skincare active ingredients as well as aesthetic procedures to look into to help address uneven skin tone.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is hyperpigmentation
• What causes hyperpigmentation to occur
• The most common hyperpigmentation disorders
• Research-backed skincare active ingredients for hyperpigmentation
• Our favorite products with these skincare active ingredients
• Research-backed aesthetic procedures for hyperpigmentation
• Our favorite aesthetic procedures that can help with hyperpigmentation

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This week in our final episode of season 1 we’ll be talking about hair loss and a naturopathic approach to supporting hair growth. Our hair follicles undergo a repeated cycle consisting of three phases - anagen (growth), catagen (shed), and telogen (shed). It’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs every day, but if more than 200 hairs are falling out every day or you notice large clumps of hair falling out then this would be considered excessive. There are several types of hair loss than one can experience, with androgenic alopecia being the most common.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk abou the different phases of hair growth cycle, what causes hair loss, the different types of hair loss, and how hair loss is diagnosed. We’ll also tlak about different natural therapies that may support hair growth and reduce hair loss/thinning according to the latest research.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• The three phases of the hair growth cycle
• What causes hair loss
• What are the different types of hair loss
• Clinical work-up and diagnosis of hair loss
• Nutrients that support hair health and growth
• Botanicals that support hair health and growth
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair thinning and loss

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In today’s episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Elysse Crabtree, the founder of Wabisabi Botanicals. Clean skincare is becoming more popular and increasingly sought out these days. However, clean skincare is an umbrella term and not all clean skincare products are created the same. Wabisabi Botanicals was created out of a need for truly green and holistic skincare.

Join us in today’s episode as we chat with Elysse about her own skin struggles, why she created Wabisabi Botanicals, how Wabisabi is different from other clean skincare companies, and what the future of clean skincare looks like.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Elysse’s story and her reason for developing Wabisabi Botanicals
• What sets Wabisabi Botanicals apart from other clean/green skincare companies
• Why you shouldn’t be afraid to use oils, especially if you’re acne-prone
• What Elysse sees for the future of skincare

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This week we’re continuing our deep dive into rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition of the face that primarily affects men and women between 30 to 50 years old. Lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the development of rosacea and recurring flare-ups. While the exact cause is unknown, there are many known triggers of rosacea including certain foods and beverages such as capsaicin-related and cinnamaldehyde-containing foods, heated beverages, alcohol, and possibly foods high in histamine. Current research also supports a link between the gut microbiome, skin microbiome, and rosacea development. Studies show that avoiding known triggers while focusing on reducing inflammation and supporting skin health with nutrients like probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the severity of rosacea. A gentle skincare regimen with non-irritating products is also important to help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about a naturopathic approach to addressing rosacea, the latest literature on rosacea and diet, nutraceuticals and botanicals that may help with rosacea, and what type of skincare products to consider for rosacea.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Naturopathic approach to rosacea
• Diet and rosacea
• The gut-skin axis and rosacea
• Supplements for rosacea
• Topical and oral botanicals for rosacea
• Additional therapies for rosacea

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In today’s episode, we’re jumping into another two-part series for a skin condition known as rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory facial skin condition that commonly affects the central face with episodic or constant redness, papules, pustules on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. It can affect people of all ages, but most often affects men and women between 30 and 50 years of age. Rosacea is a skin condition that is often confused for acne, especially papulopustular rosacea, which is one of the four rosacea subtypes. But rosacea is quite different from acne and can be diagnosed clinically. There are several therapies that can be used to improve rosacea symptoms and ultimately quality of life.

Join us in today’s episode to learn more about rosacea and its common triggers, the different subtypes, how rosacea is diagnosed, and what treatments are commonly prescribed or recommended.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is rosacea
• How is the skin affected by rosacea
• The subtypes of rosacea
• Causes and common triggers of rosacea
• How is rosacea diagnosed
• Conventional treatments for rosacea

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This week we had the pleasure of having Josh Rosebrook as a guest speaker on our show. Josh is the founder of Josh Rosebrook, a clean skincare and haircare company based in Southern California. Josh believes that the foundation of healthy skin, scalp, and hair starts with a vital, healthy body. We’ve learned from Josh that not only can skincare and haircare products be created with cleaner ingredients, but they can also be just as efficacious as conventional skincare products.

Join us in today’s episode as we learn more about Josh’s journey to creating an eponymous clean beauty brand.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Josh’s background as a hair stylist and entrepreneur
• Why Josh decided to start his own skincare company
• Why Josh chose to create and offer clean skincare and haircare products
• Synthetic vs natural ingredients in clean skincare
• Challenges that Josh faced while building his brand and creating products
• What the future of skincare looks like

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This week we’re continuing our summer skincare series by talking about the various methods for sun and ultraviolet (UV) protection. Chronic unprotected sun exposure can result in sunburns, photoaging, uneven skin tone, and an increased risk for skin cancer. The importance of sun protection is clear and should be incorporated into any skincare routine. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial during the summer months. Certain nutrients, like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, can be used in conjunction with sunscreen to help protect against sun damage and photoaging, and support overall skin health.

Join us today as we expand upon our summer skincare conversation and talk about a holistic approach to protecting your skin from sun damage.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Strategies to protect your skin from the sun
• The benefits of supplemental and topical antioxidants with sunscreen use
• Other supplements for skin support during the summer months (and beyond)
• Dr. Bryant and Dr. Merola’s favorite sunscreens

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In today’s episode, we’re talking about the importance of sun protection in the summer. Skin cancer is the most common skin cancer in the United States and worldwide. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. The two main causes of skin cancer are UV rays from the sun and UV tanning beds. This is why sun protection is so important! Luckily, there are things we can do topically and internally to protect our skin and support skin health.

Join us today as we talk about the different types of skin cancer, why sun protection is crucial for healthy skin, and the different types of sunscreens available to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Main types of skin cancer
• Signs and symptoms of chronic, unprotected sun exposure
• Complications of chronic, unprotected sun exposure
• Importance of sunscreen and the two main types (chemical vs mechanical)

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In today’s episode, we interview world-renowned medical aesthetic provider Vanessa Lee, RN. She’s the founder of a beauty concept bar in Los Angeles called The Things We Do and is sought after for her dedication to Natural Intention Beauty Guidance. As a well-respected leader in injectables and facial balancing, she also trains other medical providers and empowers them with her experience and artistic injecting techniques. Today, Vanessa shares her journey into medicine and why she became an aesthetic injector. She also talks about her philosophy around injecting and skincare, and touches upon her favorite aesthetic treatments and the most popular treatments at the Things We Do.

Join us today as we learn more about Vanessa and her approach to injectables for facial balancing, the amazing treatments offered at The Things We Do, and what the future of aesthetic medicine looks like.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Vanessa’s journey into medicine and why she became an aesthetic injector
• Vanessa’s philosophy and approach to injecting and skincare
• The most popular treatments and skincare products at The Things We Do
• Vanessa’s take on the latest aesthetic treatments and trends to look forward to in the future

Guest Info:

This week we’re continuing our deep dive into atopic dermatitis (aka eczema). Eczema is a chronic skin condition where people experience dry, itchy skin that is prone to infection. It’s the most common form of dermatitis. Today we talk about the naturopathic causes of eczema. We know there’s a gut-skin connection that plays a role in the development of eczema. We also know that chronic stress and nutrient deficiencies are associated with eczema. Treatment is similar to the conventional approach where the focus is on supporting skin barrier function and moisturizing with emollients. However, naturopathic doctors also work on addressing the underlying causes and using other modalities including botanicals and nutraceuticals. Depending on the severity of eczema and complications, pharmaceuticals may also be recommended.

Join us today as we talk about the naturopathic causes of eczema and naturopathic treatment options for this common skin condition!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Naturopathic causes of eczema
• Naturopathic approach to treating eczema

Guest Info:

In today’s episode we’ll be diving atopic dermatitis (aka eczema).  Eczema is most commonly seen in children, but can also affect roughly 10% of adults. We’ll talk about what eczema is, common causes and triggers of eczema, and how it’s clinically diagnosed. We’ll also touch upon the main goals for managing eczema conventionally, which includes addressing skin hydration, preventing infections and other complications, and treating flare-ups with anti-inflammatory medications.

Join us today as we start our deep dive into eczema and how it’s commonly treated!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is eczema?
• What causes and triggers eczema?
• How is eczema diagnosed?
• Conventional approach to treating eczema

Guest Info

Today we’re talking about the skin barrier and the significant role it plays in the health of our skin. The skin barrier consists of several layers and each one functions to protect our skin from outside invaders and stressors, and to help keep our skin hydrated. When the skin barrier becomes damaged it can lead to various skin conditions such as xerosis (dry skin), eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. There are both internal and external causes of a damaged skin barrier. We go over skincare products and key ingredients that can help strengthen the skin barrier, as well as internal support for optimal skin barrier function.

Join us in today’s episode and learn about what the skin barrier is, how to know if your skin barrier is damaged, and how you can support it holistically from the inside-out and outside-in!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is the skin barrier and why is it important?
• What are the causes and triggers of skin barrier disruption?
• What are some skin conditions that are connected to a disrupted skin barrier?
• How do we support a healthy skin barrier holistically with skincare and internal support?

Guest Info

In today’s episode, we’re talking about a group of all star skincare ingredients known as retinoids! Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that can help address various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and so much more. There are several forms of retinoids that can be used topically. The more gentle forms like retinyl ester and retinol can be found in skin care products available over the counter. The most potent form of retinoid called retinoic acid is only available as a prescription from your doctor. There are also plants that have similar benefits to retinol, such as bakuchiol and moth bean extract, that can be a more gentle alternative to retinoids. Lastly, we discuss our favorite retinoid products and briefly touch upon the “retinol sandwich” tiktok trend.

Join us in today’s episode as we talk about retinoids, their many benefits for the skin, phytoretinols, and our favorite retinoid products!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What are retinoids and how do they benefit the skin?
• What are the different types of retinoids?
• Phytoretinols (plant alternatives to retinol)
• Favorite products with retinoids & why we love them
• “Retinoid sandwich” TikTok Trend

Guest Info

This week we’re back and continuing our deep dive into polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In today’s episode we talk about how a conventional doctor may treat PCOS, including lifestyle modifications like exercising and eating better, and prescribing medications that help with hormones, hirsutism, acne, and more. We also compare this approach to how a naturopathic doctor might treat someone with PCOS and address the underlying causes in addition to providing symptom relief with natural modalities. This goes beyond lifestyle and can include specific nutrients like inositol and berberine, and therapeutic diets like the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diet, ketogenic diet, and DASH diet.

Join us today as we discuss conventional treatment options for PCOS and how a naturopathic doctor approaches this condition in women!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Conventional treatment for PCOS
• Therapeutic diets for PCOS
• Key nutrients and herbs for PCOS
• Additional natural therapies for women with PCOS

Guest Info

Today’s episode is one of a two-part series diving into polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an endocrine condition that affects up to 21% of reproductive-aged women. Today you’ll learn about what PCOS is, the history behind this condition, common risk factors, the pathophysiology of PCOS, and co-morbidities to watch out for and address. We also go over lab work and imaging, similar conditions that need to be ruled out, and the various diagnostic criteria used for PCOS, including the Rotterdam criteria. When using the Rotterdam criteria we are able to determine the subtype of PCOS a woman might have as well.

Join us in today’s episode as we take a deep dive into the most common endocrine condition in reproductive-aged women!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Brief history of PCOS
• What is PCOS?
• Diagnostic criteria for PCOS
• The 4 PCOS subtypes

Guest Info:

In this week’s episode, we have our first guest speaker on the show Dr. Saman Faramarzi (aka Dr. Sam)! Dr. Sam is a licensed naturopathic doctor in the state of California and has a concierge practice in Los Angeles. She also lives in Miami and offers virtual wellness consulting there. She is the co-founder of an online wellness store called The Swell Score, where everyone can have access to professional-grade supplements that are backed by science with clean ingredients. Today Dr. Sam shares her expertise with us on gut health and the gut microbiome, what the latest research says about the gut, and how gut health is connected to our skin. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. Dr. Sam talks about the mind-body connection, how our mind affects our gut and skin, and the many benefits of qigong for mental health.

Join us in today’s episode as we chat with Dr. Sam about gut health, the gut microbiome, how gut health reflects skin health, and how the mind affects our body, gut, and skin.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What gut health means
• Latest research on the gut microbiome
• Connection between gut health and our skin
• Mind-body connection and benefits of Qigong

Guest Info

In this episode, we will be talking about hormones and their relationship to acne. Acne vulgaris has an underlying hormonal component where androgens such as testosterone are increased in the body. This ultimately results in an overproduction of sebum (aka oil) production and skin cells that clog pores. Today you’ll learn about what hormones are, how they contribute to the development of acne in adults, and how certain foods such as whey protein and simple carbohydrates lead to acne by increasing certain hormones in the body. We’ll also go over some medications beyond testosterone that can lead to the formation of acne, in addition to hormonal conditions associated with acne vulgaris such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Join us in today’s episode as we discuss hormones and how an imbalance can contribute to acne in adults.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What are hormones and how do they relate to acne
• Science-backed causes of high testosterone leading to the formation of acne
• Hormones associated with stress and how they contribute to acne development
• Hormonal conditions (e.g., PCOS) that are associated with acne

Guest Info

Today we will be discussing conventional and root-cause options for treating adult acne. We also cover the topics of hormonal imbalances, options for topical and oral treatments for acne, and more naturopathic modalities. Holistically, we want to address the underlying causes, so we begin with the foundations of health (lifestyle, diet, exercise, etc.) and support detoxification pathways. Afterward, this might be supplemented by non-invasive treatments to help heal acne-prone skin and breakouts.

There is more to acne than what we see on the surface. Acne develops because of an overproduction of skin cells and sebum, which causes bacteria associated with acne vulgaris to overgrow and trigger an inflammatory response. The gut is also a key player in this inflammatory response and may result in a skin microbiome that is more prone to developing acne.

Join us as we discuss these topics and much more, including how food can be used as medicine to improve skin health, and how we use the Therapeutic Order in our practice to help us determine which naturopathic therapies to use to address the root cause of acne!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• We discuss options for topical and oral treatments for acne
• How we use the Therapeutic Order in naturopathic practice
• Gut microbiome, healing the gut, and how that plays a role in hormonal imbalance
• How food can serve as medicine to improve health
• Both holistic and conventional options for treatment

Guest Info

In today’s episode, we will be discussing skincare routines, lifestyle, and acne. We will begin by providing an overview of what is happening at the surface level, including how acne develops. This can be the result of a larger set of issues, such as stress, diet, exercise, and sleep. For example, an imbalance between our gut-skin connection can lead to a leaky gut, which allows pesky bacteria to enter the bloodstream, and create more problems.

We will also explore what may be potential triggers for acne and how we can counter our breakouts with skincare routines and lifestyle changes. It is recommended by dermatologists to rinse our skin with warm water to prevent acne, especially as tight clothing, sweating and infrequent washing lead to breakouts. Most importantly, we want to make sure that we use gentle products on the skin that are alcohol-free. While these methods work as preventative measures, it is also important to consider lifestyle changes and skincare routines in order to get the best results.

Based on our own personal clinical experiences, we share some of our best skincare routines and advice on clearing your acne. Interested in learning more? Join us on today’s episode as we provide our best secrets on skincare routines, how to improve skin barrier support and skin microbiome, as well as how our diet, sleep and exercise impact acne.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is acne and how does it manifest on our skin?
• Skincare routines based on our personal clinical experiences
• How to improve skin barrier support and skin microbiome
• How our diet, including the types of foods we eat, trigger hormones that increase acne
• How sleep and stress can act as a psychological stressor that impacts acne

Guest Info

Welcome to our first episode of Holistic Beauty Podcast where we discuss holistic skincare and beauty! This podcast is meant to empower and educate anyone who is looking to improve their skin health with a more natural approach. As licensed naturopathic doctors, we will address chronic skin issues by providing a deeper, root-cause approach to healing. After all, this is one of the main reasons why we decided to start this podcast.

Dr. Marilyn Merola has always had a passion for beauty and skincare. She graduated with her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California. Prior to that, she was pre-med at SUNY Buffalo State College where she received a Bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness. Dr. Bryant Esquejo received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University and his naturopathic medical degree from the National University of Natural Medicine. He provides adjunctive, integrative care for gastrointestinal conditions, endocrine imbalance, wellness optimization, and preventative medicine.

Join us on today’s episode as we provide a more in-depth look at naturopathic medicine, how it guides individuals in their treatments towards more holistic solutions, as well as what you can expect to hear on this podcast. We are excited to have you join us on this journey.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• What is naturopathic medicine?
• Learn more about Dr. Marilyn Merola and Dr. Bryant Esquejo
• What you can expect to hear and learn from on this podcast
• Why we decided to create a podcast on skincare and beauty

Guest Info