Facially Conscious

Can you really judge a skincare product just by reading the ingredient list?

In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast, cosmetic chemist Rebecca Gadberry and licensed esthetician Trina Renea explain why ingredient labels don’t tell the whole story — and what you can’t determine from a skincare ingredient list alone.

With so much focus on “clean beauty,” pore-clogging ingredients, and viral ingredient breakdowns, many consumers believe they can evaluate product quality simply by scanning the INCI list. But cosmetic formulation is far more complex.

We discuss:

• Why ingredient lists don’t reveal ingredient quality or purity

• The difference between technical-grade and cosmetic-grade ingredients

• Why two products with similar ingredient lists can perform very differently

• How concentration levels are hidden (and why that matters)

• What ingredient labels don’t disclose about sourcing and refinement

• Why even cosmetic chemists can’t fully assess a formula from the label alone

• How to shop for skincare products more thoughtfully

You’ll learn how formulation science, raw material standards, manufacturing processes, and regulatory guidelines all influence product performance — even when ingredient lists look nearly identical.

If you’ve ever compared a luxury serum to a drugstore moisturizer and wondered why prices vary so widely… or tried to “decode” skincare products ingredient by ingredient… this episode will give you a more grounded, science-based framework for evaluating skincare.

Instead of trying to memorize every ingredient name, you’ll walk away understanding what truly matters in cosmetic chemistry — and how to make informed skincare decisions without overwhelm.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

Are silicones really bad for your skin? Do they clog pores, cause breakouts, or “suffocate” your skin?

In this episode of Facially Conscious, esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadbury calmly unpack 13 of the most common silicone myths in skincare — separating cosmetic chemistry from internet misinformation.

Silicones are some of the most misunderstood ingredients in skincare and cosmetic formulations. From dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane to claims about acne, skin barrier damage, and product buildup, we examine what silicones actually do in moisturizers, serums, primers, and sunscreens — and why they’re widely used in professional skincare.

You’ll learn:

• Whether silicones clog pores or cause acne

• If silicones block product absorption

• The truth about “breathable” vs. “non-breathable” skincare

• How silicones support skin barrier function

• Why they’re used in primers and makeup

• Whether silicone-free skincare is necessary

• How silicones behave in different formulations

This episode is designed for skincare enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone trying to make sense of ingredient lists without fear-based messaging. If you’ve felt unsure about dimethicone, confused by “clean beauty” claims, or overwhelmed by ingredient misinformation, this conversation offers clear, science-based context you can trust.

No hype. No ingredient shaming. Just thoughtful discussion grounded in esthetics and cosmetic science.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

Is topical estrogen the next breakthrough in skincare — or a trend that requires more caution than excitement?

In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast, esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadbury are joined by OB-GYN Dr. Emily Sikking to explore the growing conversation around topical estrogen in skincare and its projected rise as a 2025 beauty trend.

Estrogen plays a measurable role in skin health. It can support collagen production, improve skin thickness, increase hydration, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines — particularly during perimenopause and menopause, when natural estrogen levels decline. But hormone-based skincare is not the same as using a peptide or moisturizer. It requires medical context, appropriate concentration, and professional supervision.

Together, we break down:

• How estrogen affects collagen, skin elasticity, and moisture retention

• The difference between prescription estrogen creams and over-the-counter products

• Concentration levels and formulation considerations

• Potential risks and contraindications

• Who may benefit from topical estrogen — and who should avoid it

• Why medical oversight is essential with hormone-based skincare

If you’ve seen estrogen creams discussed for anti-aging, menopausal skin changes, or skin thinning, this episode provides evidence-based clarity without hype or fear-based messaging.

Whether you’re a skincare professional, navigating perimenopause, or simply curious about hormone-related skin changes, this conversation offers grounded insight into one of the most talked-about skincare ingredients of 2025 — and why responsible, doctor-guided use matters.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

Are you actually applying enough sunscreen? Is SPF in makeup really protecting your skin? And is there such a thing as a “safe” tan?

In this episode of Facially Conscious, licensed esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic chemist Rebecca Gadberry break down eight of the most common — and potentially harmful — sunscreen myths circulating online.

From misconceptions about how much sunscreen to apply, to confusion around the “two-finger rule,” SPF in foundation, mineral vs. chemical sunscreen safety, and whether sunscreen prevents or causes cancer, this conversation brings clarity to one of the most important steps in any skincare routine: sun protection.

You’ll learn:

• How much sunscreen you actually need for proper SPF protection

• Why there’s no such thing as a safe tan

• The truth about SPF in makeup and moisturizers

• How sunscreen protects against skin cancer and premature aging

• Common sunscreen application mistakes

• The difference between marketing claims and cosmetic science

• How to choose a sunscreen that supports long-term skin health

Backed by decades of experience in professional esthetics and cosmetic chemistry, this episode cuts through social media misinformation and trending fear-based narratives. Instead, it offers evidence-based guidance on daily sun protection, UVA and UVB exposure, skin cancer prevention, and protecting your skin barrier.

Sunscreen isn’t just a cosmetic product — it’s a critical part of preventive skincare and overall skin health. If you’ve ever felt confused about SPF labels, application rules, or conflicting online advice, this episode will help you build a sunscreen routine grounded in science, not trends.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

Beef tallow skincare is trending — but is it actually good for your skin?

If you’ve seen claims that beef tallow “heals the skin barrier,” replaces moisturizer, or works as a natural acne remedy, you’re not alone. Social media is filled with promises about this ancestral skincare ingredient. But what are professionals seeing in real treatment rooms?

In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast, licensed esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic chemist Rebecca James Gadberry break down the science behind beef tallow skincare and explain why the results often don’t match the hype.

They discuss what happens when animal fat is applied to facial skin, including increased clogged pores, congestion, altered skin barrier function, and the unexpected musky odor many clients develop over time. You’ll also learn why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean skin-compatible, how occlusive ingredients affect acne-prone and sensitive skin, and why there’s currently no peer-reviewed research supporting beef tallow as an evidence-based skincare solution.

This conversation explores:

• Beef tallow for acne and clogged pores

• Skin barrier function and lipid balance

• Occlusive ingredients in skincare

• Why trends spread faster than research

• Skin dependence and over-occlusion

• Evidence-based alternatives to animal fat moisturizers

• How to evaluate viral skincare trends

If you’re considering beef tallow moisturizer — or you’re already using it — this episode will help you understand how it interacts with your skin’s biology so you can make an informed, thoughtful decision about your skincare routine.

No fear. No shaming. Just cosmetic chemistry, esthetician insight, and practical guidance grounded in skin science.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

How is social media influencing the way we see our skin — and ourselves?
And what happens to self-esteem when beauty standards are shaped by filters, algorithms, and comparison culture?

In this thoughtful episode of Facially Conscious, esthetician Trina Renea is joined by Dr. Vicki Rapaport, Julie Falls, and psychologist Dr. Sarah Dihmes to explore the psychological impact of social media on beauty standards, skincare behaviors, and self-image.

From the growing trend of pre-teens adopting adult skincare routines to the vulnerability many people experience during late-night scrolling, this conversation examines how digital beauty culture affects confidence, self-worth, and body image across generations.

Dr. Dihmes shares her five components of healthy self-esteem and offers practical, research-informed strategies for building confidence beyond appearance. Together, the panel discusses:

• Social media and self-esteem

• Beauty standards and mental health

• The psychology behind comparison culture

• Skincare trends among teens and pre-teens

• How filters and curated content shape self-image

• Healthy confidence vs. appearance-based validation

• Parenting guidance around social media exposure

This episode offers grounded, evidence-based insight for parents, skincare professionals, and anyone seeking clarity in a highly filtered digital world. If you’ve ever questioned how Instagram, TikTok, or beauty influencers affect your perception of your skin, aging, or attractiveness, this conversation provides thoughtful perspective without judgment or fear-based messaging.

A calm, science-informed discussion on maintaining authentic self-worth in modern beauty culture.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

What does “pregnancy-safe skincare” actually mean — and who gets to decide?

In this episode of Facially Conscious, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of skincare during pregnancy and breastfeeding with expert Holly Moore. If you’ve ever searched “Is retinol safe during pregnancy?” or felt confused by conflicting advice from brands, blogs, and even healthcare providers, this conversation offers grounded clarity.

We discuss the reality of ingredient safety research in pregnancy, why so little data exists, and how the precautionary principle shapes recommendations around common skincare ingredients. Holly explains which ingredients are widely considered safe during pregnancy, which are typically avoided (like retinoids and high-dose salicylic acid), and why some brands use “pregnancy-safe” as a marketing term without regulatory oversight.

You’ll learn how topical skincare interacts with the skin barrier, what we know about absorption into the bloodstream, and how to thoughtfully evaluate product labels if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. We also unpack why even doctors may struggle to give definitive answers — and how to make informed, balanced decisions without fear.

This episode is designed for expectant mothers, skincare professionals, and anyone seeking evidence-based guidance on:

• Pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients

• Retinol alternatives during pregnancy

• Salicylic acid and pregnancy

• Breastfeeding-safe skincare

• Ingredient absorption and systemic exposure

• The precautionary principle in cosmetic science

• How to read skincare labels while pregnant

• Marketing claims vs. scientific evidence

If you’re looking for calm, research-informed skincare education during pregnancy — without hype or alarm — this conversation will help you approach your routine with greater clarity and confidence.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

What are plant exosomes — and do they truly improve skin health?

In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast, we explore the science behind plant exosomes in skincare and why they are gaining attention in professional esthetics and cosmetic chemistry. If you’ve been hearing about exosome serums, regenerative skincare, or advanced ingredient delivery systems but aren’t sure what’s credible, this conversation offers clarity without hype.

Plant exosomes are microscopic cellular messengers derived from plants that may help enhance ingredient penetration, support skin rejuvenation, and improve overall skin function. But how do they actually work? And how are they different from stem cells, growth factors, or traditional active ingredients like peptides and antioxidants?

We break down:

• What exosomes are and how they function in skincare

• How plant-derived exosomes deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin

• The role of exosomes in professional treatments

• How exosome serums are used in home care routines

• What current cosmetic science says about their potential benefits

• How to evaluate advanced skincare technology thoughtfully

Whether you’re a skincare professional, ingredient-focused enthusiast, or someone trying to understand the next evolution in skincare innovation, this episode provides an evidence-informed discussion rooted in cosmetic science and practical esthetics.

If you’re looking for balanced guidance on advanced skincare ingredients — without marketing claims or exaggerated promises — this episode will help you make informed decisions about whether plant exosomes belong in your routine.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

Is castor oil really a skincare miracle? Are expired products quietly irritating your skin? And is that trending CO2Lift Carboxy Mask actually worth it?

In this episode of Facially Conscious, our expert panel breaks down some of today’s most talked-about skincare trends using cosmetic science, professional esthetics, and practical real-world insight.

We examine the viral rise of castor oil for skin, separating documented benefits from exaggerated claims. You’ll learn when it may support skin health — and when it may simply be another social media trend.

We also discuss an often-overlooked topic: skincare expiration dates. Using expired products can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of irritation, breakouts, and barrier disruption. Understanding shelf life and product stability is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Next, we review the CO2Lift Carboxy Mask, a trending oxygenating treatment marketed for brightening and rejuvenation. What does the science say about carboxy therapy? Is it worth the investment? We offer a balanced, evidence-based perspective.

Finally, we address a growing concern in skincare: multi-step routines for children driven by social media trends. When does early skincare education make sense — and when does it cross into unnecessary or potentially harmful territory?

If you feel overwhelmed by viral skincare advice, trending ingredients, and conflicting information, this episode provides calm, expert guidance rooted in skin physiology and long-term skin health.

You’ll walk away with clarity on:

• Castor oil benefits and limitations

• How to check skincare expiration dates

• Product stability and shelf life basics

• CO2Lift Carboxy Mask and carboxy therapy explained

• The risks of unnecessary multi-step routines

• How to evaluate skincare trends responsibly

This is skincare education without hype — designed to help you make informed, confident decisions about your routine.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com

Are you washing your face too much — or not enough?
Do you really need a toner? Why do your skincare products pill? And are makeup wipes actually harming your skin?

In this episode, licensed esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadbury answer the most common skincare questions with clarity, science, and real-world experience. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting skincare advice on social media, this conversation brings you back to fundamentals — without hype or fear-based messaging.

We break down how often you should wash your face based on skin type, the truth about double cleansing, how to layer skincare products correctly, and why serums sometimes pill under sunscreen or makeup. You’ll also learn when makeup wipes are appropriate (and when they’re not), how product absorption actually works, and the small routine adjustments that can make a noticeable difference in skin health.

This episode is designed to help you build a thoughtful, effective skincare routine rooted in cosmetic science and professional esthetics — not trends.

Whether you're a skincare beginner, a seasoned enthusiast, or a professional looking for a practical refresher, you'll walk away with clear guidance on:

• Proper face washing frequency

• Correct skincare layering order

• How to prevent product pilling

• Serum application tips

• Cleansing best practices

• Makeup wipe pros and cons

• Building a balanced skincare routine

If you’re looking for straightforward, expert-backed skincare education that prioritizes long-term skin health, this episode will help you simplify and optimize your routine with confidence.

Have a question? Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LIKE, FOLLOW & REVIEW US ON ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & WHERE YOU LISTEN TO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.faciallyconscious.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Facially Conscious⁠⁠⁠

Join our new Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more content from Facially Conscious

Follow Our Hosts On Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon

⁠⁠⁠Linktree | Trina Renea⁠⁠⁠, @trinareneaskincare, ⁠⁠⁠trinarenea.com⁠⁠⁠ and Substack

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Falls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom

Dr. Vicki Rapaport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rapdermbh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rebecca Gadberry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients

Credits

Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio

⁠thefieldaudio.com