In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta sits down with Denise Vasi, founder and creative force behind MAED, for a thoughtful conversation about building beauty with intention, patience, and care. Denise’s path into the industry began early—signed to Ford Models and immersed in on-set artistry long before social media shaped beauty culture. Those formative years, paired with memories of her grandmother’s at-home esthetic rituals, planted the seed for a philosophy rooted in preparation, respect, and craft.

Before MAED ever existed, Denise built something rarer than hype: community. Through years of honest storytelling around wellness, motherhood, and clean living, she created a dialogue with women who trusted her voice. That trust shaped MAED’s slow, deliberate evolution. Rather than chasing trends or speed, Denise chose to listen—developing products only when they solved real, lived problems.

At the heart of the brand is a deceptively complex product: the red lip. Denise unpacks why most formulas fail—dryness, poor undertones, and exclusion baked into development—and how MAED set out to fix that. Comfort came first, followed by rigorous testing across skin tones, lip shapes, ages, and backgrounds. Inclusivity, she explains, isn’t a campaign—it’s formulation, design, and function.

Central to MAED’s ethos is one guiding principle: care before color. Lips lack oil glands and cannot repair themselves without real barrier support. MAED’s formulas focus on hydration, resilience, and wear—so color performs because the foundation is healthy.

Beyond product, the conversation explores beauty as ritual and self-expression. The red lip becomes more than pigment—it’s confidence, protection, and presence.

Listen to the full episode to hear Denise Vasi share the philosophy behind MAED, the science of lip health, and why meaningful beauty innovation starts with care—not trends.

SHOP MAED and learn more on their social media!

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) - Introduction & Welcoming Denise Vasi

(0:59) - Early Career: Modeling, Beauty Sets & Formative Influences

(2:16) - Building Community Through Editorial & Made.co

(4:48) - Slow Beauty, Brand Intention & Resisting Trend Cycles

(7:13) - Reimagining the Modern Red Lip

(8:04) - Formulation, Testing & True Inclusivity

(12:16) - What Inclusivity Really Means in Beauty

(16:30) - Lip Health, Barrier Science & Care-First Formulation

(23:10) - Care Before Color & The Cultural Power of a Red Lip

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Michele Henry, founder and CEO of FACE FOUNDRIÉ, to explore how the facial industry is being quietly—but fundamentally—rewritten. What began as a personal frustration became a scalable solution: professional skincare that’s consistent, accessible, and designed for real life, not just special occasions.

After her third child, Michele found herself stuck between facials that were either overly luxurious, prohibitively expensive, or wildly inconsistent. She wanted results, education, and efficiency—without the intimidation. When that middle ground didn’t exist, she built it. FACE FOUNDRIÉ's facial-bar model challenged long-standing spa norms by focusing exclusively on high-quality facial services delivered quickly, clearly, and consistently.

A central theme of the conversation is accessibility. Michele rejects the idea that skincare should feel exclusive or confusing. Transparent pricing and monthly memberships make frequency possible—and frequency, she explains, is what actually drives results. Prestige may impress, but approachability scales.

Behind the scenes, FACE FOUNDRIÉ's real innovation is operational. Standardized protocols ensure clients receive the same experience across locations, while personalization comes through targeted enhancements layered on top—not improvisation. Technology tracks treatments and progress, reinforcing consistency as a clinical standard.

The episode also tackles a common misconception: that advanced at-home products can replace professional care. Michele makes the case that treatments and products work best together—services like dermaplaning, peels, and extractions create the conditions for skincare to truly perform.

At its core, FACE FOUNDRIÉ is about emotional safety as much as skin health. Clients choose how they want to experience their facial—quiet or educational—in spaces designed to feel welcoming, not intimidating.

Listen to the full episode to hear how Michele Henry is redefining professional skincare—making results-driven facials scalable, sustainable, and built for everyday life.

Learn more about Face Foundarié on their website and social media!

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) - Introduction & Face Foundrie Overview

(0:59) - Michele’s Personal Journey & The Origin Story

(2:16) - Reimagining the Facial Bar Model

(3:23) - Early Trial, Error & Rapid Pivot

(5:26) - Accessibility, Memberships & Breaking Prestige Barriers

(7:16) - Results-Driven Protocols vs Luxury Spa Experiences

(8:23) - Consistency, Personalization & Scalable Systems

(10:26) - Franchising Face Foundrie & National Growth

(13:35) - Technology, AI & The Future of Skin Care Experiences

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Smitha Rao—biotechnologist, longtime beauty innovator, and founder of Pareva Beauty—for a grounded, science-first conversation on what skin longevity actually means. Part of the Lessons in Longevity series, this episode challenges the tired idea of “anti-aging” and reframes skincare as long-term biological support rather than surface-level correction.

With nearly two decades in biotech and beauty, Smitha brings a rare perspective shaped by molecule development, patents licensed across major brands, and leadership roles behind more than 200 products. That experience revealed a growing disconnect: while consumers want clarity and real science, the industry often defaults to hype, fear-based claims, and trend chasing. Pareva Beauty was born as a response—built on transparency, rigor, and the belief that longevity is about extending skin function and resilience, not reversing time.

At the center of the discussion is Molecur 3™, Pareva’s proprietary, plant-based technology inspired by the Hallmarks of Aging. Smitha explains how targeting inflammation, cellular stress, and age-related decline—rather than isolated “anti-aging” claims—creates a more realistic and sustainable path for skin health. The conversation also dives into plant-derived exosomal signaling, why it differs from human-derived systems, and how it offers a safer, scalable approach for topical longevity skincare.

Together, Dr. Ekta and Smitha unpack why fewer, better-designed products outperform complex routines, why transparency matters more than vague “clean” labels, and how longevity skincare must earn trust through data—not promises.

Listen to the full episode to hear how Smitha Rao is helping redefine the future of skincare—where science, honesty, and long-term skin health come first.

Shop Parëva Beauty and use code SA20 for 20% through 3/17.

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) - Introduction, Lessons in Longevity & Smitha Rao

(1:21) - From Biotech to Beauty Innovation

(2:50) - Why Pareva Was Created & The Longevity Gap

(3:33) - Defining Skin Longevity & Extending Your Prime

(5:38) - Rejecting Anti-Aging & Reframing Aging Quality

(8:51) - Molecure 3™: Hallmarks of Aging Inspiration

(10:27) - Plant Stem Cells, NAD⁺ & Exosome Signaling

(14:00) - Exosomes Explained: Plant vs Human-Derived

(22:51) - Simplifying Skincare: Fewer Steps, Better Results

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Alexes Hazen—board-certified plastic surgeon, microsurgery specialist, and founder of Zen Essentials—for a thoughtful conversation on skin health, ethical aesthetics, and why real results can never be separated from whole-body well-being. With a background that spans public health, global medicine, and some of the most technically demanding surgical training, Dr. Hazen brings a rare depth to how she thinks about beauty, healing, and care.

Her path to medicine was anything but linear. From working with the New York City Department of Health during the AIDS crisis to serving in the Peace Corps in Honduras, Dr. Hazen learned early that medicine isn’t just technical—it’s human. Those experiences shaped a philosophy she carries into every aspect of her work today: outcomes are influenced as much by mental health, sleep, nutrition, and support systems as they are by surgical skill.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hazen challenges the surface-level thinking that dominates skincare culture. Skin, she reminds us, is an organ—and it reflects what’s happening internally. No product can compensate for chronic stress, dehydration, or exhaustion. When those fundamentals are addressed, skincare finally has the space to work as it should.

She also speaks candidly about ethics in aesthetic medicine—why board certification matters, why saying “no” is sometimes the most responsible choice, and how listening to patients should always come before selling solutions.

That same restraint and intention led to the creation of Zen Essentials, born from Dr. Hazen’s own struggles with severe skin sensitivities. Designed to be effective yet calming, the line reflects her belief that skincare should support the body—not fight it.

Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Alexes Hazen unpack holistic healing, ethical aesthetics, and why real skin health starts with caring for the whole person.

SHOP Zen Essentials and learn more on social media!

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) - Introduction & Guest Welcome

(0:46) - A Nonlinear Path Into Medicine

(1:26) - Public Health, AIDS Education & the Peace Corps

(2:46) - Falling in Love With Surgery & Plastic Surgery Training

(3:01) - Early Burn Injury, Scars & Coming Full Circle

(4:12) - Why Holistic Care Matters in Surgical Outcomes

(8:40) - Skin as a Reflection of Whole-Body Health

(11:22) - Ethics, Training & Responsibility in Aesthetic Surgery

(26:21) - The Origins of Zen Essentials & Sensitive Skin Science

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In this special episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with supermodel, actress, podcaster, and YSE Beauty founder Molly Sims for an intimate conversation on how beauty evolves, how confidence is built, and how skincare becomes smarter with age. Known for her iconic presence and unfiltered approach on Lipstick on the Rim, Molly opens up about the real experiences that shaped her philosophy — from hormonal acne and melasma to rediscovering balance after years of harsh actives.

Molly reflects on her earliest beauty memories, watching her mother turn daily routines into rituals that embodied strength and joy. That foundation, combined with her global modeling career, became its own education: effortless French skincare, British edge, Italian sensuality, and a universal truth — consistency beats extremes.

Her journey to creating YSE Beauty began after her skin hit what she calls a “benefit plateau,” when aggressive ingredients stopped delivering results. She shares how shifting toward cushion actives, barrier support, and clinical but sensorial formulations transformed her skin and inspired a brand built on wisdom, simplicity, and results that feel good.

For Molly, beauty isn’t about correction or perfection — it’s about alignment. It’s the confidence that comes from choosing what serves you, whether that’s a glow-inducing exfoliating pad, a subtle procedure, or simply giving your skin room to breathe.

Listen to the full episode to hear Molly Sims discuss aging with intention, building YSE Beauty from the ground up, and why true luxury isn’t the price tag — it’s how you feel in your own skin.

SHOP YSE Beauty and learn more on their social media!

CHAPTERS:

(0:03) - Introduction & Guest Welcome

(1:07) - Early Beauty Memories & “It Girl” Origins

(2:44) - Influences From Travel, Fashion & Global Beauty Culture

(4:53) - Shifting Aesthetic Trends: From Harsh Treatments to Maintenance

(6:59) - Social Media, Filler Culture & Confidence

(9:46) - Personal Journeys With Procedures, Aging & Empowerment

(12:11) - Why Wise Beauty Was Created

(17:05) - Actives, Cushioning Ingredients & the Skin Plateau

(21:52) - Luxury vs. Efficacy, Accessibility & Building a Smarter Beauty Brand

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In this powerful episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with one of the most influential minds in modern aesthetics, Dr. Steven Dayan — facial plastic surgeon, New York Times bestselling author, educator, and founder of XOMD Skincare. Together, they explore the deeper layers of beauty: the biology, the psychology, and the emotional resonance that shape how we see ourselves and others.

Dr. Dayan reflects on his unconventional path from sculptor to surgeon, sharing how art, science, and human emotion converged to form his philosophy of aesthetics. Beauty, he explains, is rooted in evolution — a subconscious signal of wellness and vitality — but attraction is the true driver of human connection. Confidence, authenticity, posture, expression, and energy all play into how attractive we feel, and therefore how we’re perceived.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dayan breaks down the subtle, powerful ways aesthetic treatments can influence mood and behavior. Small changes can boost approachability and positivity — while overtreatment can create emotional dissonance and mistrust. He offers a candid look at how social media has reshaped our aesthetic bias, urging both providers and consumers to recalibrate toward natural proportions and personal identity.

Dr. Dayan also gives listeners an inside look at XOMD Skincare, his newest innovation with Dr. Sabrina Fabi, built around the neurochemical link between skin health and confidence.

Listen to the full episode to learn how Dr. Dayan is redefining beauty through the lens of neuroscience, culture, and human connection — and why confidence may be the most transformative aesthetic treatment of all.

SHOP XOMD and use code SApod for 10% off!

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) - Introduction & Guest Welcome

(1:12) - Early Life, Medicine & the Path to Surgery

(3:01) - Writing, Creativity & the Philosophy of Beauty

(6:05) - Defining Beauty: Neuroscience, Evolution & Emotion

(11:00) - Beauty vs. Attraction & the Role of Confidence

(14:50) - Social Media, Trends & Aesthetic Bias

(18:40) - Authenticity, Expression & First Impressions

(21:03) - Rethinking Training, Safety & Best Practices

(24:00) - Global Beauty Standards & Cultural Perspectives

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Jordan Harper, board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Barefaced, to explore the movement toward simplicity, integrity, and long-term skin health. With nearly a decade in aesthetic medicine, Harper brings a refreshing, clinically grounded perspective to a beauty landscape overwhelmed by trends, noise, and overcomplicated routines.

Harper shares how her early career in the ICU shaped her detail-oriented, problem-solving mindset — and how she carried that discipline into aesthetics. What she noticed immediately was a disconnect: patients would invest heavily in treatments but neglect the daily routine that actually sustains results. That realization became the foundation of Barefaced’s “less but better” philosophy, anchored by her Core Four essentials: exfoliant, vitamin C, retinoid, and SPF.

Throughout the conversation, Harper reframes skincare as prevention, not correction — a longevity-based approach that prioritizes the barrier, cellular health, and consistency over quick fixes. She also dives into the meaning of true “medical grade”: thoughtful formulations, meaningful concentrations, and uncompromising standards. It’s the reason she once pulled a product at a $200,000 loss — integrity outweighs profit.

From the cult-favorite Toning Pads that sparked the brand’s cult following to Barefaced’s commitment to education and honest guidance, Harper emphasizes serving the consumer, not selling to them.

Tune in to hear how Jordan Harper is redefining modern skincare through clinical rigor, simplicity, and unwavering authenticity — and why the future of skin health is built on foundations, not fads.

SHOP BAREFACED and learn more on social media!

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) - Introduction & Guest Welcome

(0:40) - From ICU to Aesthetics: The Turning Point

(2:34) - The 80/20 Rule: At-Home vs In-Office Results

(4:39) - Common Routine Mistakes & Barrier Damage

(7:16) - “Less, But Better” and The Core Four

(9:28) - Longevity vs Anti-Aging

(12:12) - What “Medical Grade” Really Means

(17:28) - Scaling with Integrity & Brand Discipline

(20:35) - Cult Favorites, Toning Pads & Community-Centered Care

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie, for the launch of our new Lessons In Longevity series. This is a powerful conversation about what longevity truly means today—and why it’s no longer about “anti-aging,” but about living better, longer, and with intention. For nearly a century, the Swiss institution has been a leader in preventative medicine, and under Gibertoni’s guidance, it has evolved into a global ecosystem built on personalized diagnostics, science-backed interventions, and deeply human care.

Gibertoni shares how the rise of epigenetics has transformed our understanding of health, revealing that up to 80% of our outcomes are shaped not by genetics, but by lifestyle. At Clinique La Prairie, advanced testing—spanning epigenetics, metabolomics, and glycan mapping—guides individualized programs designed to shift habits, improve resilience, and create measurable change. But data, he insists, is only the beginning. “Information is not transformation,” he says. Real longevity comes from routines, structure, and the human relationships that support long-term growth.

The clinic’s Four Pillars approach—medicine, nutrition, movement, and well-being—reflects his belief that aging is multi-dimensional. Stress reduction, emotional vitality, and purpose are as essential as biomarkers. This philosophy extends into Holistic Health™, the clinic’s line of precision supplements, including Epinone, formulated to support gene expression and cellular repair through structured, cyclical use.

This episode reframes longevity as a mindset grounded in science, culture, and connection. Tune in to hear how Simone Gibertoni envisions a future where living well isn’t a luxury—but a lifelong, human-centered practice.

Learn more and shop Clinique La Prairie Holistic Health.

CHAPTERS:

0:02 – Introduction & Guest Welcome

1:04 – The Origins of Longevity at Clinique La Prairie

2:30 – From Anti-Aging to Longevity Philosophy

3:31 – Genes, Epigenetics & Lifestyle Impact

6:51 – The Longevity Process: Diagnostics, Intervention, Follow-Up

9:26 – From Information to Transformation

11:27 – The Four Pillars of Longevity

13:26 – Closing the Gap Between Lifespan & Healthspan

20:02 – Supplements, Science & The Future of Longevity

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Estella Benz, founder and CEO of Inference Beauty, to explore how data intelligence, ingredient transparency, and AI personalization are reshaping the future of skincare. What began as Estella’s frustration with confusing ingredient lists and overwhelming product choices evolved into a powerful technology platform designed to decode beauty — not through trends, but through truth.

Estella shares how Inference Beauty translates complex INCI labels into language consumers can understand, offering not just definitions but context: why an ingredient is used, what it does, and how it behaves on real skin. In an era dominated by fear-based “clean beauty” rhetoric, her mission is to bring clarity back to the consumer. “People don’t need scare tactics,” she says. “They need understanding.”

Through structured data, AI, and environmental analytics, Inference Beauty creates intelligent, personalized product recommendations based on climate, sensitivities, ethical preferences, and biological needs — shifting beauty away from one-size-fits-all marketing into a world built “for each.”

As e-commerce grows, Estella envisions dynamic digital experiences where product pages adapt to each user, bridging the long-standing gap between what brands believe they’re communicating and what consumers actually understand. Yet even as she champions AI, she emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human expertise — especially for active, medical-grade, or prescriptive products.

Tune in to hear how Estella Benz is building the next generation of beauty intelligence — where transparency, personalization, and smart data come together to redefine how we discover and trust skincare.

Learn more about Inference Beauty on their website and social media!

CHAPTERS:

0:27 – Introduction & Guest Welcome

1:27 – Estella’s Background & Early Inspiration

2:31 – The Birth of Inference Beauty

4:06 – Market Misconceptions & The Female Consumer Gap

5:45 – How Personalization Transforms Shopping

6:56 – Ingredient Data, Ethics & Environmental Impact

10:05 – Transparency, Clean Beauty & Consumer Education

16:36 – The Role of AI in Personalized Beauty

23:06 – The Future of Tech, Data & Human Touch in Beauty

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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Jessica Weiser, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Weiser Skin MD, to shed light on one of the most overlooked yet vital parts of dermatology — the scalp. Often forgotten in the broader conversation about skin health, the scalp is one of the body’s most complex ecosystems, driving everything from follicle vitality to inflammation control. “It’s not just where your hair grows,” Dr. Weiser explains. “It’s living, breathing skin with its own microbiome and metabolism.”

Dr. Weiser takes us through the evolution of scalp science, from traditional PRP injections to the groundbreaking KeraFactor® system, a peptide- and growth-factor-based approach that precisely reactivates dormant follicles and promotes angiogenesis. She also dives into the power of red-light therapy, breaking down how dual-wavelength photobiomodulation reawakens cellular energy and circulation to fuel stronger, thicker hair.

Beyond technology, Dr. Weiser emphasizes a holistic blueprint for hair longevity — addressing hormones, nutrition, stress, and scalp inflammation as interconnected variables rather than isolated issues. “The goal isn’t overnight regrowth,” she says. “It’s rebuilding the entire scalp ecosystem for long-term strength and balance.”

This conversation reframes hair care as true skin science, not surface-level maintenance. Tune in to hear how Dr. Jessica Weiser and KeraFactor are ushering in a new era of biologically intelligent scalp therapy — where light, peptides, and precision meet to redefine the future of hair health.

Learn more about KeraFactor on their website and social media!

CHAPTERS:

0:02 – Introduction & Guest Welcome

1:08 – Dr. Weiser’s Background & Path to Dermatology

3:01 – The Scalp: Skin’s Forgotten Ecosystem

5:24 – Early Signs of Scalp Imbalance

6:33 – Why Scalp Care Is Overlooked

8:10 – Growth Factors, Peptides & Hair Regeneration

9:38 – The Science & Evolution of KeraFactor™

13:04 – How Peptides Reactivate Hair Follicles

17:34 – KeraFlex Duo & The Future of At-Home Hair Wellness

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