The Skincarma® Pod

We tend to think about aging in beauty as a biological process — wrinkles, collagen loss, hormonal change. But what if part of the issue isn’t just what’s happening to the skin but how women are being seen in the first place?

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with beauty industry veteran and founder of Skyn Iceland and All Golden, Sarah Kugelman, for a wide-ranging conversation about aging, identity, stress, menopause — and the evolving relationship between women and the beauty industry.

Drawing from decades of experience in beauty — from her early years at L’Oréal to pioneering the concept of “stressed skin” with Skyn Iceland — Sarah reflects on how internal wellness has increasingly shaped the way we think about skin health. She also shares the personal health crisis that ultimately inspired Skyn Iceland and helped introduce the idea that psychological stress could manifest physiologically in the skin.

The conversation then shifts to All Golden, Sarah’s newest venture focused on the needs of Gen X women navigating hormonal change, thinning skin, collagen loss, and shifting identity during perimenopause and beyond. But rather than centering menopause as a problem to “fix,” Sarah makes the case for a more expansive vision of “well-aging” — one rooted in vitality, relevance, authenticity, and self-perception.

Along the way, Carmine and Sarah unpack the beauty industry’s longstanding blind spot around women over 40, the disconnect between marketing and lived experience, and why today’s consumers are demanding products — and narratives — that better reflect how they actually feel.

Whether you’re interested in longevity, hormonal skin changes, or simply the future of beauty itself, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how the conversation around aging is finally beginning to evolve.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Sarah Kugelman’s personal health crisis led to the creation of Skyn Iceland and the concept of “stressed skin”;• How perceptions of aging — especially for women over 40 — have shifted culturally over the last several decades;• Why many women feel unseen or misrepresented by the modern beauty industry;• How hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause impact skin thickness, barrier function, collagen, and hydration;• Why menopause skincare is about more than dryness — and why the conversation is still evolving;• How All Golden approaches well-aging through both product innovation and cultural positioning;• Why Gen X consumers represent one of the beauty industry’s greatest overlooked opportunities;• And, how the future of beauty may increasingly center on longevity, vitality, and authenticity rather than “anti-aging.”

Key Takeaway

Beauty doesn’t stop mattering as we age — but the way we want to be seen often changes.

As Sarah Kugelman explains, today’s women over 40 aren’t looking to “turn back time” so much as they’re looking for alignment: between how they feel internally and how they’re reflected externally. That shift has implications not just for skincare products, but for the language, imagery, and assumptions that have historically defined beauty marketing.

The result is a broader rethinking of what aging in beauty can look like — less about decline or invisibility, and more about vitality, relevance, and continuing evolution.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn here and on Instagram at @sarahskyn. Explore All Golden on Instagram at @allgoldenbeauty and discover All Golden products and brand ethos at allgolden.com.

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Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product links:

STAMINA INTENTION MOISTURIZER

STAMINA MIST

STAMINA MASK

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

We tend to think of skincare as something topical — ingredients, routines, products. But what if one of the biggest drivers of skin health isn’t what we put on our skin at all?

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with board-certified dermatologist and founder of Stamina Cosmetics Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik (Dr. MBK) to explore the growing concept of “stress skin” — and how chronic psychological stress may be reshaping the way our skin functions, heals, and ages.

Drawing on her clinical experience, Dr. MBK explains how stress signals travel from the brain to the skin through what’s known as the mind–skin axis — triggering inflammation, disrupting the barrier, accelerating collagen breakdown, and even altering how skin responds to treatments.

From the surge in stress-related skin conditions she observed during COVID to the development of her adaptogen-based skincare line, this conversation explores a more integrative view of dermatology — one that connects biology, psychology, and skincare in a way that feels increasingly relevant.

Along the way, Carmine and Dr. MBK unpack the science behind adaptogens, the emerging category of neurocosmetics, and the role of the skin not just as a surface — but as a signaling organ in constant communication with the nervous system.

Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, sensitivity, or simply noticing changes in your skin during stressful periods, this episode offers a deeper look at what might really be going on beneath the surface.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How chronic stress impacts the skin through the mind–skin axis and hormonal signaling;• Why dermatologists are seeing more “stressed skin” — from acne and rosacea to dullness and accelerated aging;• How inflammation, barrier disruption, and collagen breakdown are linked to psychological stress;• What adaptogens are — and how they may help regulate skin responses through multiple biological pathways;• What neurocosmetics are and how they aim to influence both the skin and the nervous system;• How hypochlorous acid functions as a multi-purpose, clinically backed ingredient for stressed or reactive skin;• Why post-procedure skin can serve as a model for understanding stress-induced skin vulnerability;• How skincare rituals — including texture, scent, and repetition — may influence the nervous system;• And, why a more holistic view of dermatology may be necessary to fully understand skin health today.

Key Takeaway

Stress isn’t just something we feel — it’s something the skin responds to in real time.

As Dr. MBK explains, the skin is not an isolated organ, but part of a larger communication network involving the brain, immune system, and hormones. When stress becomes chronic, that signaling loop can drive inflammation, disrupt the barrier, and accelerate visible aging.

The implication is clear: skincare alone isn’t enough — but it can play a role. By focusing on resilience, regulation, and recovery — both topically and systemically — we may be able to support the skin not just in reacting to stress, but in adapting to it.

Connect with Dr. MBK on LinkedIn here and on Instagram at @dermwithstamina. Explore Stamina on Instagram at @staminacosmetics and discover Stamina products and brand ethos at staminacosmetics.com.

—

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product links:

STAMINA INTENTION MOISTURIZER

STAMINA MIST

STAMINA MASK

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

We’ve been taught that skin needs damage to regenerate — that the path to better skin runs through controlled injury. But what if that entire premise is flawed?

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with physician, formulator, and founder of Osmosis Beauty Dr. Ben Johnson to challenge one of the most foundational assumptions in skincare: that inflammation and injury are necessary to stimulate repair.

Drawing on decades of clinical experience and formulation work, Dr. Johnson makes the case for a radically different model — one centered on dermal repair, cellular signaling, and systemic health, rather than exfoliation, resurfacing, and inflammation.

From his critique of retinoids and lasers to his emphasis on vascular supply, fat pad loss, and ingredient delivery, this conversation explores a more holistic — and at times controversial — view of how skin actually ages and regenerates.

Along the way, Carmine and Dr. Johnson unpack the limits of ingredient penetration, the rise of growth factors and exosomes, and the growing conversation around the gut-skin connection.

Whether you agree with all of his conclusions or not, this episode challenges the conventional playbook — and asks a bigger question:

Are we trying to repair skin the wrong way?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Dr. Johnson believes skin does not need controlled damage to regenerate;• His argument that retinoids may deliver short-term benefits with long-term tradeoffs;• Why collagen loss alone doesn’t explain visible aging — and how vascular decline plays a role;• The emerging importance of facial fat pads in structural aging and volume loss;• How GLP-1 medications (“Ozempic face”) may accelerate fat pad depletion;• Where growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes fit into regenerative skincare;• How signaling molecules may work through receptor activation and follicular pathways, not just direct penetration;• Why many popular ingredients — including hyaluronic acid and peptides — may function primarily as “plumpers”;• Dr. Johnson’s perspective on the gut-skin connection, including links between acne, rosacea, and digestion;• Why he believes Candida, toxins, and microbiome imbalance may be driving common skin conditions;• And, where marketing continues to outpace science in skincare — from lasers to longevity claims.

Key Takeaway

The skincare industry has long relied on a “damage-to-repair” model — but Dr. Ben Johnson argues that true skin regeneration may come not from injury, but from supporting the skin’s biology: improving circulation, preserving structural volume, optimizing signaling, and addressing root causes beneath the surface.

Whether or not you agree, one thing is clear:

The future of skincare may depend less on forcing the skin to react — and more on understanding how to help it function.

Connect with Dr. Ben Johnson on LinkedIn here and on Instagram here. Follow Osmosis Beauty on IG at @osmosisbeauty— and explore Osmosis products and brand ethos on their website at osmosisbeauty.com.

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Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product links:

Osmosis STEMFACTOR

Osmosis RESCUE

Osmosis PURIFY

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

We’ve been taught to trust SPF as the gold standard of sun protection—but what if that number isn’t as precise, or as reliable, as we think?

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with BeautyMatter journalist Janna Mandell to unpack one of the most unsettling questions in skincare today: can we actually trust SPF claims?

Following her deeply reported investigation into sunscreen testing, Janna reveals a system shaped by human variability, lab inconsistencies, commercial pressure—and in some cases, outright manipulation. At the center of it all is a surprising truth: there is no such thing as a perfectly precise SPF number.

From labs being given “target” results to brands unknowingly relying on flawed testing, this conversation explores the structural issues behind one of the beauty industry’s most trusted categories—and why accountability is far more complicated than it seems.

This is not an anti-sunscreen conversation. It’s a reality check on how sunscreen works—and what it can (and can’t) promise.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why SPF is an estimate—not an exact number;

How in vivo testing introduces variability—and opportunity for manipulation;

What “too perfect” results reveal about faulty data;

How brands, manufacturers, and labs share (and blur) responsibility;

Why many brands and founders may not fully understand their own testing reports;

Why lawsuits—not regulators—may be the real enforcement mechanism;

Why SPF 30 vs. 50 differences are often less meaningful than consumers think;

And, what actually matters: application, reapplication, and behavior—not just the number.

Key takeaway:

SPF isn’t a lie—but it’s far less precise, far more variable, and far more vulnerable to manipulation than most people realize. And while the system behind sunscreen may be flawed, the answer isn’t to stop using it—it’s to use it smarter.

Connect with Janna on LinkedIn here and on Instagram at @janna_mandell_writer. Explore her deeply sourced and insightful journalism for BeautyMatter here.

Publications in BeautyMatter by Janna Mandell:

Is Everyone Lying About Their Spf Claims? It’s Complicated (Published April 7, 2026)

The Real Sunscreen Scandal Isn’t In Australia. It’s In The Lab (Published October 3, 2025)

“Big Sunscreen”: When Misinformation Fuels Extremist Conspiracy Theories (Published June 22, 2025)

—

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

Everyone is talking about boosting NAD⁺.Almost no one is measuring it.

In the world of longevity, NAD⁺ has become one of the most talked-about — and most aggressively marketed — molecules.

From supplements to IV drips, the focus is on increasing NAD levels in the body. But there’s a fundamental question that rarely gets asked:

How do you know if your NAD actually needs to be boosted in the first place?

In this episode, Carmine sits down with Jari Närhi, CEO of NADMED, a Finnish health technology company developing one of the first clinical blood tests designed to measure NAD levels accurately and at scale.

Together, they explore the science behind NAD — what it is, what it does in the body, and why it has become central to the longevity conversation. But more importantly, they unpack the measurement gap that has shaped the entire category.

For decades, NAD has been notoriously difficult to measure due to its instability outside of cells — meaning much of the conversation around boosting NAD has been built on assumptions, not data.

That’s where NADMED comes in.

By developing a laboratory assay capable of measuring multiple forms of NAD in whole blood, they’re opening the door to something that has long been missing in the space: objective insight.

This episode reframes the NAD conversation — not as something to blindly optimize, but as something to first understand.

You’ll learn:

• What NAD⁺ is and why it’s essential for cellular energy and metabolic function;• Why NAD exists in multiple forms — and why that matters for measurement;• The role NAD plays in processes like DNA repair, cell signaling, and aging;• Why NAD has been historically difficult to measure in blood;• How instability and degradation have limited real-world testing;• What NADMED’s breakthrough assay does differently;• How and when NAD testing is being introduced into clinical settings and the U.S. market;• And, what it could mean to finally bring data and accountability to the longevity space.

Key takeaway:

The conversation around NAD has been driven by the desire to optimize — but without measurement, optimization is just guesswork.

Before you try to boost your biology, it may be worth asking a simpler question:

What are you actually working with to begin with?

Connect with Jari Närhi, Co-founder and CEO of NADMED, on LinkedIn here. Learn more about NADMED and their breakthrough NAD+ testing protocols and where to get tested at nadmed.com.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

Acne is often treated as a surface-level problem — something to be managed with cleansers, serums, and spot treatments.

But what if acne isn’t primarily a skincare issue at all?

What if it’s a signal of deeper imbalances happening inside the body?

In this episode, Carmine sits down with returning guest Dr. Katie Varman, a board-certified dermatologist who combines conventional dermatology with a functional, root-cause approach to skin health.

Together, they explore the gut–skin connection — and how diet, the microbiome, inflammation, hormones, and even environmental exposures can influence the development and persistence of acne.

At the center of the conversation is Dr. Varman’s new program, Clear Skin From Within — a three-month course designed to guide participants through elimination, reintroduction, and optimization phases to better understand what’s driving their breakouts.

Rather than focusing on topical solutions, this episode reframes acne as a systemic condition — and offers a more comprehensive, inside-out approach to healing.

You’ll learn:

• Why acne is more complex than oil, bacteria, and clogged pores;• How diet and high-glycemic foods influence inflammation and hormone pathways;• The role of the gut microbiome — and how “good” bacteria support skin health;• What chronic, low-grade inflammation is — and how it shows up on the skin;• Why eliminating dairy, sugar, and processed foods can make a measurable difference;• How environmental factors like plastics, BPA, and artificial fragrance may contribute to acne;• The importance of fiber, spices, and fermented foods in restoring gut balance;• Why skincare alone often isn’t enough — especially for deeper, more persistent breakouts;• And, how estheticians can play a critical role in bridging internal and external care.

Key takeaway:

Acne isn’t just a product problem — it’s a systems problem.And while topical skincare has its place, lasting change often requires looking inward — at the gut, the diet, the environment, and the underlying drivers that the skin is trying to reveal.

Connect with Dr. Katie Varman on LinkedIn at Shine Skin Academy and on Instagram and TikTok. Explore the Clear Skin From Within program here and enjoy a complimentary Gut-Skin Lesson here.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

Superoxide dismutase — or SOD — is one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body, yet it’s rarely discussed in modern skincare.

Often referred to as the “enzyme of life,” SOD plays a critical role as the body’s first line of defense against oxidative stress — a key driver of skin aging, inflammation, and cellular damage.

For decades, however, SOD has been considered ineffective as an oral supplement due to its instability in the digestive system.

So what happens when that problem is solved?

In this episode, Carmine sits down with François Vix, former L’Oréal executive and CEO of IsoCell, to explore the science behind GliSODin — a stabilized, orally bioavailable form of SOD supported by more than 40 published studies.

Together, they go beyond topical skincare to unpack how oxidative stress impacts the skin at a biological level — and why the future of beauty may lie in combining internal and external approaches.

You’ll learn:

• What superoxide dismutase (SOD) actually does in the body;• Why oxidative stress is central to skin aging and inflammation;• The difference between antioxidant enzymes and traditional antioxidants like vitamin C;• Why SOD has historically been considered non-bioavailable — and what changed;• Clinical insights on UV resistance, recovery, and skin health;• How combining oral supplements with retinoids and procedures may enhance results;• And, the growing shift toward “inside-out” beauty and skin longevity.

Key takeaway:

Topical skincare can only go so far. Supporting the body’s internal antioxidant systems may be the missing layer in how we approach skin aging — and skin longevity more broadly.

Connect with François Vix on LinkedIn at @François Vix. Explore GliSODin on Instagram at @glisodin_skin and discovery GliSODin products and science at glisodin.com. You can browse the research studies and publications at glisodin.org.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product links:

Glisodin V-SOD

Glisodin Anti-Aging / Dermal

Glisodin Skin Brightening

Glisodin The Antioxidant Enzyme

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Publications and research:

A review of the science and health benefits for GliSODin

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of an orally bioavailable sod-gliadin complex

Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with GliSODin on Parameters of Muscle Damages, Metabolic, and Work Performance at International Level Rowers after Specific Maximal Effort

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down once again with cosmetic chemist and regulatory expert Mark Broussard to revisit one of the most significant shifts in the beauty industry: the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) — and why it’s only the beginning.

Mark, founder and Managing Director of Desert In Bloom Cosmetics Lab, works directly with brands to formulate, test, and bring products to market — giving him a front-row view into how cosmetic regulation actually functions in practice. In this conversation, he breaks down what MoCRA truly changed, and where critical gaps still exist when it comes to product safety, transparency, and enforcement.

Together, Carmine and Mark explore the real-world implications of modern beauty regulation — from microbial contamination risks to misleading ingredient labels — and why retailers, not just regulators, may hold the key to protecting consumers.

You’ll learn:

• What MoCRA actually changed for brands, labs, and the FDA;• Why “safety substantiation” remains one of the biggest unresolved issues in the law;• The three essential tests that should define product safety — and why they matter;• How small, unregistered brands can still bypass key regulatory oversight;• Why Amazon and other retailers could play a critical role in preventing unsafe or counterfeit products;• The truth about microbial contamination in water-based skincare;• Why fragrance allergens are one of the most common causes of skin reactions;• How the “1% rule” in ingredient labeling can mislead consumers;• And, what most people misunderstand about how cosmetics are actually regulated in the U.S.

The episode also explores the growing gap between consumer perception and regulatory reality — and why many people assume the beauty industry is far more tightly controlled than it actually is.

This is a conversation about science, safety, transparency, and accountability — and a reminder that when it comes to skincare, what’s not regulated can matter just as much as what is.

Follow Mark and Desert in Bloom Cosmetics Lab on Instagram here and on Linkedin here. Are you a brand founder wading through the complexity of MoCRA compliance? Learn more about Mark’s regulatory expertise at desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com/#MoCRA.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

On this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with Angela Jia Kim, founder of Savor Beauty, to explore the deeper philosophy behind K-beauty – beyond the trends, sheet masks, and viral routines.

Angela shares the piece of skincare wisdom passed down from her mother that shaped her entire approach to skin health: “Treat your skin like the most expensive silk on Earth.” Together, Carmine and Angela unpack what that metaphor really means in practice – and how a gentler, barrier-respecting approach to skincare contrasts with the more aggressive, results-driven mindset often seen in Western beauty.

The conversation dives into the real meaning of glass skin, the historical roots of Korean beauty rituals, and the influence of hanbang herbal ingredients in traditional Korean skincare. Angela also shares insights from years spent working directly with clients, revealing why consistency, ritual, and respect for the skin barrier may be the true secret to healthy, luminous skin.

If you’re curious about the philosophy behind K-beauty – or wondering what “glass skin” actually means – this episode offers a thoughtful look at how ancient beauty traditions continue to shape modern skincare.

Connect with Angela on Instagram at @angelajiakim and on LinkedIn here. Explore Savor Beauty on Instagram at @savorbeauty and learn more about the products and brand ethos at savorbeauty.com.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

Product links:

Coconut Jasmine Cleansing Oil

Toning Mist

Caviar Collagen Eye Cream

Truffle Face Cream

Pumpkin Seed Serum

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

The beauty industry sells aspiration, transformation, and perfection. But what does that culture do to the people building it from the inside?

On this episode of The Skincarma Pod, host Carmine Montalto sits down with executive coach and former beauty industry leader Elyse Conroy, founder of Soul Makeup and creator of Beauty Career Lab. After more than a decade working inside the corporate beauty world, Elyse now helps high-performing women navigate leadership, burnout, and reinvention.

Together, Carmine and Elyse unpack the emotional architecture of the beauty industry — and why so many successful professionals quietly struggle behind the scenes.

They explore how perfectionism shapes corporate culture in beauty, the growing conversation around executive burnout, and the difficult reality of ageism and salary compression facing women in mid-career leadership roles. Elyse also shares insights from her coaching practice, including the psychological patterns she sees in founders, executives, and high achievers who feel trapped between success and exhaustion.

This candid conversation looks at the human side of an industry built on image — and what it really takes to reclaim identity, confidence, and purpose after stepping away from corporate life.

If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of beauty leadership, this episode offers an honest and deeply relatable perspective.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram at @elyseconroyxo and on LinkedIn here. Catch her podcast The Confidence Lounge with Elyse Conroy on Apple Podcasts here and explore her executive coaching programs and events at soulmakeup.com.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.

—

Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™