The Skincarma® Pod

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Stephanie DePisa, founder of Solara Suncare, to discuss her journey in creating a clean, mineral-based sunscreen brand designed for sensitive skin. Stephanie shares her personal story as a mother whose children had adverse reactions to existing sunscreens, leading her to develop her own products. The conversation explores the challenges of building a brand from scratch, the importance and difficulties of innovation in the sunscreen industry, and the significance of listening to customer feedback.

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

Follow Solara Suncare on Instagram at @solarasuncare and discover your new favorite sunscreen at solarasuncare.com.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Solara Suncare Good Karma Energizing Body Oil Sunscreen SPF 30

Solara Suncare Time Traveler Peptide Face Moisturizer SPF 30

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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 Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

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.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine engages with Dr. Katie Varman, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in photoimmunology. They explore the complex relationship between sunlight and skin health, emphasizing the importance of antioxidants, particularly niacinamide, in skincare. Dr. Varman discusses the benefits and risks of sun exposure, the science behind UVA and UVB light, and the role of diet and supplements in maintaining skin health. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to skincare that considers both external products and internal health.

Follow Dr. Katie Varman on Instagram at @shine_dermatology. Learn more about her brilliant work at Shine Functional Dermatology here.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Carmine’s picks for really good Niacinamide serums and creams:

Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 

The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum

The INKEY List 20% Niacinamide Excess Oil Solution

StriVectin SD Advanced PLUS Intensive Moisturizer

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Carmine’s picks for really good facial sunscreens with PLE / Iron Oxides:

toty Ilumina Mineral Glow SPF 50+

toty Solaria Mineral SPF 50

toty Solaria Body SPF 50

Lion Pose Ghost-Buster Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42

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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 Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine Montalto and Dr. Jen Haley delve into the fascinating world of exosomes, a cutting-edge ingredient trend in skincare. Dr. Haley, a board-certified dermatologist and host of the Radiance Revealed podcast, explains the science behind exosomes, their applications in dermatology, and their benefits for skin health. The conversation covers the practical use of exosomes in medical treatments, their introduction into consumer products, and the importance of understanding the risks and benefits associated with this groundbreaking innovation.

Follow Dr. Jen Haley on Instagram at @drjenhaley. And be sure to catch Radiance Revealed in your favorite podcast app.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog.

Product links:

Skinfix Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume

Osmosis StemFactor Growth Factor Serum

Plated DAILY 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 Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine shares insights on skincare routines, focusing on the best order for applying products and the importance of creating good skincare habits. He discusses the evolution of skincare routines, the role of serums, and the significance of understanding ingredient penetration using the 500 Dalton rule – a measure of molecular weight. Carmine emphasizes the need for tailored AM and PM routines to optimize your skin health and protect against environmental damage and correct signs of aging.

Follow @skincarma on Instagram here and on TikTok here. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog here.

Product links:

Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum

The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster

The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

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Great moisturizers for very dry skin: 

Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream 

The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer

Great moisturizer for normal / dry skins: 

Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer 

Great moisturizers for oily skin: 

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan

Skinfix Barrier Restoring Gel Cream

Great moisturizer for sensitive skin: 

Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream 

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Great beginner Retinol:  

Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 

Great mid-strength Retinols: 

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum

Remedy for Dark Spots Nightly All in One Treatment 

Great advanced Retinol: 

Paula's Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment 

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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 Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine dives deep into the complexities of peptides, exploring their significance in skincare and their role in boosting skin’s vital collagen. He discusses the various types of peptides, their benefits, and how they contribute to youthful skin. The conversation also covers the importance of consistency in skincare routines, debunks common myths about collagen in products, and highlights effective ingredients like Retinol and Vitamin C for maintaining skin health. Carmine shares insights on innovative collagen-boosting products, particularly the Paula's Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Moisturizer – one of his favorite new gel-cream moisturizers that he declares is “a gel-cream on steroids!”.

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Product links:

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster

Kiehl’s Better Screen™ UV Serum Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide

One Skin OS-01 FACE Topical Supplement

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer product review here.

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster product review here.

Kiehl’s Better Screen™ UV Serum Sunscreen product review here.

One Skin OS-01 FACE Topical Supplement product review here.

Explore the Best Paula’s Choice products here.

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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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Product links:

The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + Ceramides

Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Serum

Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

The INKEY List’s Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer

Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream with B-L3 Complex product review here.

Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Serum product review here.

The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer product review here.

Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream product review here.

Explore the Best Dry Skin Moisturizers and Serums here.

Explore the Best Products from the INKEY List here.

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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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Product links:

Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum

Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Vitamin C Serum

Paula's Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 45

Remedy for Dark Spots Nightly All in One Treatment 

Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:

2024 | Skincarma Product Of The Year: Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum

Product Review: Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Vitamin C Serum

Product Review: Paula's Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

Product Review: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 45

Product Review: Remedy for Dark Spots Nightly All in One Treatment

Product Review: Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

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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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Product links:

A really good cleanser: The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

A really good toner: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

A really good corrector for imperfections: Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum

A really good peptide serum: Schaf Restore

A really good beginner Retinol: Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Serum

A really good advanced Retinol: Paula’s Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

A really good moisturizer (for all skin): Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

A really good moisturizer (for oily skin): Skinfix Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream

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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Product links:

A really good cleanser: Untoxicated Clean Start Facial Cleanser

A really good toner: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

A really good Niacinamide serum: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

A really good Vitamin C serum: Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright

A really good eye cream for dark circles: The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream / The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

A really good moisturizer: Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

A really good eye SPF: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 45

A really good facial sunscreen: The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen

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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Product links:

Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum

Paula’s Choice Triple Active Total Repair Serum

Cocokind beginner retinol gel 0.1%

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

Peace Out Acne Healing Dots

The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

The Skincarma Blog: the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums

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 now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

The Skincarma Blog® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.