The Holistic Beauty Podcast

The Holistic Beauty Podcast

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The Holistic Beauty Podcast episodes

  • Revisiting adult acne and how to address it with diet, lifestyle changes, and skincare

    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

    • Connect With Us:

      Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

      Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

      Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


      Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

      Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

      Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

      Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com


      Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

      Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].


      35 min
    • A deep dive into laser and light therapies for skin concerns

      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
      • Connect With Us:

        Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

        Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!
        Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


        Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

        Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!
        Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!
        Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com 


        Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

        Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].


        19 min
      • Interview with Beth Colombo on body contouring

        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
        • Connect With Us:

          Check out Beth’s medical spa Lifted Beauty + Wellness in Seattle, WA

          Connect with Beth on Instagram


          Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

          Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!
          Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


          Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

          Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!


          Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

          Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

          30 min
        • Skincare ingredient highlight: Exfoliants (physical vs chemical vs enzyme)

          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

          • Connect With Us:

            Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

            Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

            Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


            Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

            Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

            Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

            Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com


            Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

            Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

            20 min
          • Interview with Dr. Fiona McCulloch, ND on hormones, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and acne vulgaris

            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
            • Connect With Us:

              Connect with Dr. Fiona McCulloch on Instagram

              Visit out her clinic White Lotus Integrative Medicine and services here

              Grab a copy of her book “8 Steps To Reverse Your PCOS” on Amazon


              Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

              Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

              Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


              Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

              Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

              Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

              Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com


              Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

              Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

              27 min
            • Creating a holistic skincare routine with skincare products, diet, lifestyle, and supplements

              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
              • Connect With Us:

                Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

                Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

                Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


                Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

                Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

                Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

                Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com


                Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

                Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

                35 min
              • A 2022 Wrap Up with Dr. Bryant Esquejo, ND and Dr. Marilyn Merola, ND

                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.


                Connect With Us:

                Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

                Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

                Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


                Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

                Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

                Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

                Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com


                Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

                Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

                24 min
              • How to sleigh your skincare routine this winter

                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

                • Connect With Us:

                  Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

                  Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

                  Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


                  Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

                  Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

                  Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

                  Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com


                  Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

                  Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

                  22 min
                • Interview with Larry Weiss, MD founder and CEO of Symbiome

                  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
                  • Connect With Us:

                    Check out the Symbiome collection here (we’re loving The Renewal daily cleanser and The Answer reparative serum)

                    Connect with Dr. Weiss on LinkedIn and Instagram

                    Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

                    Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

                    Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com

                    Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

                    Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

                    Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

                    Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com

                    Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

                    Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].


                    29 min
                  • Everything you need to know about dermal fillers

                    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

                    • Connect With Us:

                      Connect with Dr. Bryant Esquejo on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok

                      Interested in becoming a patient in Los Angeles? Schedule an appointment online here!

                      Visit Dr. Bryant’s website: http://www.drbryantesquejo.com


                      Connect with Dr. Marilyn Merola on Instagram and TikTok

                      Interested in an aesthetic treatment in San Diego? Schedule a free 15-min phone consultation online here!

                      Struggling with adult acne? Check out Dr. Merola’s holistic acne course Glow From Within here. Use code “HOLISTICBEAUTY10” for 10% off!

                      Visit Dr. Merola’s website: https://lucerenaturalmedicine.com


                      Follow the Holistic Beauty Podcast on Instagram.

                      Questions or topic requests for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected].

                      33 min

                    About The Holistic Beauty Podcast

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Holistic Beauty is a podcast created by two naturopathic doctors, Dr. Marilyn Merola and Dr. Bryant Esquejo, who currently practice in Southern California. Every week you can expect a new episode…