In this Wisdom of Women Wednesday episode of Skin Anarchy, host Ekta sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Leah Katz to explore how mindfulness can be a powerful tool for healing anxiety, navigating trauma, and building emotional resilience. Drawing from years of clinical experience, Dr. Katz offers a refreshingly grounded approach to mental health—one rooted in presence, compassion, and curiosity.

Dr. Katz shares her journey into psychology and demystifies what mindfulness really means. It’s not about sitting in silence for hours—it’s about being aware of your inner world without judgment. From simple tools like breath work and body check-ins to reframing your inner dialogue, she shows how small daily shifts can lead to big emotional breakthroughs.

The conversation dives deep into healing the inner child and understanding how past trauma can shape current emotional patterns. Dr. Katz discusses the difference between personality disorders and trauma responses, warning against the growing trend of self-diagnosing online and urging a more compassionate, individualized view of mental health.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of anxiety and how it manifests physically and emotionally—and more importantly, how to manage it with grace. From building a mental hygiene routine to creating moments of connection in a digital world, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone seeking more peace and self-awareness.

If you’re ready to slow down, reconnect, and approach your inner life with greater kindness, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) – Introduction: Dr. Leah Katz on Skin Anarchy

(1:03) – Dr. Katz's Journey into Psychology

(2:31) – Defining Mindfulness and its Role in Mental Health

(4:35) – Healing the Inner Child and Addressing Complex Trauma

(6:28) – Personality Disorders vs. Childhood Trauma

(8:50) – Approaches to Managing Anxiety with Mindfulness

(15:40) – The Role of Self-Talk in Mental Health

(21:08) – Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life

(24:10) – Loneliness in Modern Society and the Role of Technology

To learn more about Dr. Leah Katz, visit her website and social media. Shop her book, Gutsy here.

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Ekta is joined by Alanna Tran, the visionary founder of BiotechBeauty, for a conversation that redefines what beauty products can be. After battling acne and feeling let down by harsh skincare and pore-clogging makeup, Alanna set out to build a new kind of beauty brand—one that merges scientific rigor with skin-first performance. What began as a personal quest turned into a clinical, research-backed mission to create makeup that actively supports skin health.

BiotechBeauty is disrupting the industry by going beyond surface-level claims and buzzwords. Alanna breaks down how the brand conducts clinical trials, tests for microbiome safety, and avoids “science washing”—the all-too-common practice of adding tiny amounts of active ingredients just for marketing. Instead, BiotechBeauty includes meaningful levels of skin-benefiting ingredients that have measurable, proven effects.

Listeners will get an inside look at how BiotechBeauty’s signature products, like the BiomeBlush®, are formulated to support acne-prone and sensitive skin without compromising on wear, pigment, or performance. Alanna also shares how biotech-derived ingredients, like sugarcane squalane and vegan collagen, are helping the brand deliver sustainable beauty solutions with integrity.

If you're tired of choosing between makeup that looks good and skincare that works, this episode is a must-listen. Alanna’s approach is proof that beauty can be clean, effective, microbiome-safe—and gorgeous. Tune in to discover how BiotechBeauty is reshaping the future of beauty with purpose and proof.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) – Introduction: Launch of BiotechBeauty

(1:09) – Alanna's Background and Journey to BiotechBeauty

(3:22) – The Science-Backed Approach

(6:05) – The Importance of Objective Clinical Testing in Beauty

(9:01) – The Dangers of Supplier-Driven Ingredient Claims

(10:20) – Science Washing in the Beauty Industry

(13:04) – BiotechBeauty's Approach to Clean Beauty

(15:30) – The Microbiome and Its Role in Skin Health

(20:15) – Creating Non-Comedogenic Products for Acne-Prone Skin

(23:06) – The Importance of Transparent Ingredient Lists

(25:04) – The Challenges of Creating High-Performance Skincare Makeup

(28:26) – How Biotechnology Supports Sustainability in Beauty

To learn more about BiotechBeauty, visit their website and social media.

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In this thought-provoking episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ben Johnson, founder of Osmosis Skincare, returns to challenge everything you think you know about skincare. From overprescribed medications to the obsession with exfoliation, Dr. Johnson breaks down why the industry’s go-to methods might be doing more harm than good.

He takes us behind the scenes of traditional dermatology, calling out harsh treatments like antibiotics, Accutane, and peels that treat symptoms but ignore root causes. Instead, he promotes a whole-body approach—one that starts with gut health, hormonal balance, and inflammation control.

One standout topic? The exfoliation myth. Dr. Johnson explains why that post-peel “glow” might actually be trauma, not health. Rather than stripping the skin, he advocates for strengthening it—protecting the barrier, supporting circulation, and embracing intelligent ingredients that nourish rather than inflame.

The conversation also rethinks cleansing, highlighting Osmosis’s Purify Cleanser as a model for how skincare can be both gentle and effective. Plus, Dr. Johnson shares new insights into the gut-skin axis, the post-COVID microbiome shift, and how popular supplements might be contributing to skin issues like SIBO and H. pylori flares.

If you’re tired of the same old skincare advice, this episode offers a refreshing, science-driven alternative. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about helping your skin function as it was meant to. Tune in for a deep, transformative look at what it really means to have healthy skin.

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) – Introduction: Welcoming Dr. Ben Johnson

(1:11) – Realizing the Flaws in Traditional Dermatology

(3:50) – The Obsession with Exfoliation in Skincare

(5:16) – The Truth About Exfoliation and Its Harmful Effects

(7:23) – How Exfoliation Affects the Skin's Natural Barrier

(9:02) – The Concept of "Glow" and Alternative Approaches

(11:01) – The Importance of Proper Cleansing in Skincare

(12:50) – The Right Balance for Cleansing: Lipids and Surfactants

(15:18) – The Microbiome: Keeping It Intact for Healthy Skin

(19:24) – The Connection Between Skin Health and Gut Health

(22:57) – Exploring the Role of Epigenetics in Gut and Skin Health

(25:25) – H. Pylori, SIBO, and Their Impact on Skin Health

(27:48) – Epigenetic Shifts and Their Role in Health Issues

To learn more about Osmosis, visit their website and social media.

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta sits down with Maria DeSantis and Chardae Bowe of Framesi to explore the growing conversation around scalp health and its essential role in hair wellness. As leaders behind the Italian brand’s Morphosis line, Maria and Chardae share how Framesi blends decades of heritage with cutting-edge science to deliver scalp-first haircare that’s both clean and high-performing.

Listeners will get a sneak peek into Framesi’s approach to sustainable innovation—from cold-processed Mediterranean ingredients to their iconic coconut oil-based color systems. The Morphosis line focuses on detoxifying and nourishing the scalp with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, licorice root, and fermented extracts, while supporting the microbiome and maintaining pH balance. It’s clean beauty without compromise—vegan, sulfate-free, and thoughtfully formulated for real results.

Whether you’re dealing with product buildup, looking to boost hair vitality, or simply want a healthier foundation for your strands, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to care for your hair from the root up. Tune in to learn how Framesi is helping redefine modern haircare with intention, integrity, and innovation.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) – Introduction to Morphosis and Hair Health

(1:01) – Overview of Framesi and Its Legacy

(3:09) – Scalp Care and Sustainability in Hair Products

(5:05) – Importance of Scalp Health for Hair Growth

(6:55) – Key Ingredients for Hair and Scalp Health

(10:03) – Targeted Approach in Hair and Scalp Products

(12:18) – Hyaluronic Acid and its Role in Scalp Care

(16:07) – Benefits of Coconut Oil in Hair Care

(17:09) – The Impact of Scalp Exfoliation on Hair Health

(21:29) – Clean Beauty, Sustainability, and Product Effectiveness

To learn more about Morphosis by Framesi, visit their website and social media.

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In this Fragrance Friday episode on Skin Anarchy, we step into the sensual world of niche fragrance with the founders of Liis, Alissa Sullivan and Leslie Hendin. Built on a shared obsession with scent and a decade-long friendship, Liis is a fragrance house that brings a new level of intimacy, artistry, and storytelling to the perfume space. Trained at ISIPCA and Central Saint Martins respectively, Alissa and Leslie fuse science and creativity to craft perfumes that are deeply personal and wearable.

Liis is known for creating scents that feel like a second skin—light, sheer, and long-lasting. Each fragrance is rooted in memory and emotion, designed to evoke feeling rather than overpower. A standout from the collection, Lucienne, captures brightness and clarity with notes of pomelo, lemon zest, magnolia, and marine accords, delivering a salty-citrus glow that feels fresh and luminous.

Clean beauty is a core pillar for the brand. Liis fragrances are formulated without phthalates, preservatives, or unnecessary synthetics. Everything from the recyclable packaging to the sustainably sourced ingredients reflects the founders’ California roots and commitment to conscious beauty.

The episode explores Liis’ layerable scent structure, its evolution from three original fragrances to a growing library, and what’s next—including an upcoming body care line that expands their signature scent language into new formats. Whether you're a fragrance lover or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the power of scent to tell stories and connect us to ourselves.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) – Introduction to Liis Fragrances

(1:04) – How Alissa and Leslie Met and Started the Brand

(3:03)– The Creative Process Behind Niche Fragrances

(6:06) – The Science and Emotion Behind Scent

(8:01) – The Launch of Liis Fragrances and Initial Offerings

(10:01) – Lucienne: The Story and Notes Behind the Scent

(12:01) – Longevity and Wearability of Liis Fragrances

(14:32) – Consumer Interpretations of the Fragrances

(19:01) – Upcoming Body Care Launch and Brand Future

To learn more about Liis, visit their website and social media.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, renowned aesthetician and skin expert Amy Peterson returns to introduce her new skincare line, Lenox and Sixteenth. Known as the “Skin Savant” and trusted by celebrities and beauty insiders alike as the founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson Clinic, she brings over two decades of clinical experience to this thoughtful, high-performance brand.

Born from years of hands-on treatment and deep understanding of what real skin needs, Lenox and Sixteenth was designed to bring the benefits of in-office care into your daily routine. Amy shares how her Miami Beach-based studio inspired the line and how she spent over two years formulating it alongside a top chemist. The result: simple, intentional skincare that delivers visible results.

The line debuts with two standout serums. The Laser Serum is a gentle but powerful blend of exfoliating acids and soothing ingredients, designed to mimic the glow of professional treatments without irritation. The Preservationist is a vitamin C-rich, peptide-packed serum that doubles as a moisturizer, providing antioxidant protection and hydration in one step.

Amy highlights the brand’s focus on inclusivity, with formulations made for all skin tones and types, including sensitive and melanin-rich skin. She also dives into the textures, packaging, and thoughtful sizing—because skincare should feel as good as it works.

Tune in to hear how Amy translated her clinical expertise into a consumer line made for real results. Whether you’re new to actives or looking to streamline your routine, Lenox and Sixteenth is a fresh take on effective, everyday skincare.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) – Introduction

(1:32) – Amy Peterson’s Background and Career

(2:23) – Launching Lenox and Sixteenth Skincare Line

(4:23) – Crafting the Skincare Line and Product Development

(7:11) – Key Principles of Beautiful Skin

(9:25) – Discussion on the Two New Serums: Laser Serum and Preservationist

(16:05) – The Importance of Product Quality and Packaging

(19:04) – Skincare for Melanin-Rich Skin

(22:38) – Using the Serums with Other Skincare Products

To learn more about Lenox and Sixteenth, visit their website and social media.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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In this powerful episode of Skin Anarchy, Emmy-winning journalist and bestselling author Tamsen Fadal returns to discuss her latest book—a bold and deeply personal look into the realities of menopause and perimenopause. After experiencing her own health scare and receiving a jarring diagnosis through a patient portal message, Tamsen turned her confusion into purpose. Her book offers the honest, accessible resource she wished she had when navigating her own menopause journey.

Far beyond a clinical overview, the book dives into the emotional, mental, and relational shifts that accompany this life stage. Through candid interviews and lived experience, Tamsen explores everything from brain fog and identity changes to sex, productivity, and redefining beauty at midlife. Her mission? To normalize the menopause conversation, push for earlier education starting in our 30s, and create a space where women feel seen and supported.

In this episode, she unpacks the silence that still surrounds perimenopause, how workplaces can better support women, and why aging should be embraced—not feared. Tamsen also shares actionable advice from her book, including lifestyle anchors like strength training, sleep, and finding a doctor who actually listens.

Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or are well into your menopause journey, this conversation is for you. Tamsen’s book is more than a guide—it’s a movement, helping women everywhere step into this new chapter with power, clarity, and confidence. Tune in for a deeply validating and inspiring episode.

(0:00) – Introducing Tamsen Fadal and Her Latest book "How to Menopause"

(2:11) – Tamsen Fadal’s Journey to Writing Her Book

(4:00) – The Importance of In-Depth Conversations About Menopause

(7:03) – Feeling Alone During Menopause

(10:10) – Reframing the Narrative Around Menopause

(13:03) – Overcoming Misconceptions About Menopause

(16:10) – Supporting Women Through Menopause

(22:31) – Empowering Women Approaching Menopause

To learn more about Tamsen Fadal, visit her website and social media.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, we explore the power of simplicity in skincare with Mike Tabiri, founder of Earthen Skincare. What began as a personal journey to solve his own skin struggles quickly evolved into a brand known for its cult-favorite product, Instant Peel. Mike shares how his skincare frustrations led to years of experimentation and ultimately the creation of a gentle exfoliant that delivers spa-like results in minutes—without irritation.

We dive into why exfoliation is often misunderstood and how Instant Peel offers a safe, effective alternative to harsh scrubs or peels. By gently lifting dead skin cells, it improves product absorption and supports a healthy glow for all skin types, especially as natural cell turnover slows with age. Mike also walks us through the science behind Earthen’s peptide-powered moisturizers—CelluMoist and Peptide Moisturizer—which hydrate deeply without leaving residue, creating the perfect follow-up to exfoliation.

What sets Earthen apart is its minimalist, results-driven approach. Rather than flooding the market with endless products, the brand focuses on a few essentials that actually work. Mike hints at what’s next—a hydrating mask in the works, designed with the same intentionality. We also discuss the growing interest in skincare among men and the importance of viewing skincare as part of a broader wellness lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a smarter, simpler way to take care of your skin, this episode offers valuable insight into building a no-fuss, high-impact routine. Tune in to hear more!

To learn more about Earthen Skincare, visit their website and social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, we sit down with Dr. Jérémie Soeur, Chief Scientific Officer, and Jennifer Hessel, General Manager of North America at Cellcosmet, to explore how cutting-edge research is redefining skincare. With a science-first approach, Cellcosmet is setting new standards in microbiome support, peptide technology, and cellular rejuvenation.

Dr. Soeur explains how Cellcosmet’s CytoPEP™ technology harnesses over 5,000 peptides, proteins, amino acids, and enzymes to target multiple skin-aging pathways. Unlike brands that rely on isolated ingredients, Cellcosmet’s approach activates a network of biological functions to restore skin vitality. Their CellControl™ method ensures the peptides retain their structure and effectiveness throughout formulation, a step often overlooked in traditional skincare.

Jennifer Hessel highlights the importance of microbiome research, explaining how Cellcosmet sequences bacteria before and after product use to measure its real impact on skin health. Their formulations not only nourish the microbiome but also protect against environmental stressors, making them a true game-changer in skincare.

What sets Swiss skincare apart? Stringent quality control. Cellcosmet follows some of the world’s strictest regulations, maintaining 100 times lower microbial contamination levels than standard beauty products, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade purity.

As skincare personalization continues to evolve, Cellcosmet is pioneering the future—using microbiome sequencing and epigenetic research to develop tailored solutions for individual skin needs.

Tune in to hear how science is driving the next era of beauty and why Cellcosmet is revolutionizing the way we think about skincare.

SHOP Cellcosmet and use code SAcellcosmet15 for 15% off your first purchase!

To learn more about Cellcosmet, visit their website and social media.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, we dive into the science of hair health with Dr. Isabelle Raymond, Senior VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Nutrafol. With a PhD in biomedical science and expertise in dermatology and pharmaceutical research, Dr. Raymond breaks down the science-backed approach Nutrafol takes to hair growth, scalp health, and supplementation.

For years, the supplement industry has lacked regulation, leaving many consumers skeptical. Dr. Raymond shares how Nutrafol is changing the game with rigorous clinical trials, using macro photography, hair count analysis, and physician evaluations to ensure real, measurable results. Unlike products that focus solely on biotin, Nutrafol’s formulas target stress, hormonal imbalances, gut health, and oxidative stress, recognizing that hair wellness starts from within.

Women’s hair health is often overlooked, especially when it comes to postpartum recovery and menopause. Dr. Raymond shares how Nutrafol’s tailored formulations provide support through hormonal shifts and why addressing inflammation and nutrient absorption is key to maintaining strong, healthy hair at any age.

Looking ahead, Nutrafol is at the forefront of new research into autoimmune-related hair loss, gut health, and inflammation, proving that supplements can be both safe and effective when backed by science.

If you're curious about how to improve hair growth and scalp health with clinically proven solutions, tune in to this insightful episode of Skin Anarchy!

To learn more about Nutrafol, visit their website and social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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*Sponsored by Nutrafol

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