The Switch Podcast with Andrea from Switch Natural

Discussing the dangers of dry shampoo including aerosol propellants, benzene contamination, and the use of talc that can contain asbestos (which we are seeing less of thankfully!). I'm calling out the popular ones to avoid (the conventional and the clean washed), and sharing my personal favorite. I also share tips on how to get the best results using clean dry shampoo.Here's a link to my favorite dry shampoo, Captain Blankenship and you can save with discount code SWITCHNATURAL20. https://go.shopmy.us/p-5841193

Want to know exactly how much toxins are in your body? Jenna Hua created a company to do just that. In this episode Jenna shares her story from being a frustrated dietitian to exploring the impact of environmental chemicals on health, including her own personal fertility journey -- all of which lead led to the founding of Million Marker. We discuss the pervasive issue of harmful chemicals in everyday products, particularly focusing on BPA, parabens, and phthalates and their implications hormone disruption, fertility, and health. Jenna is focused on behavioral changes (which is paramount in reducing toxic exposures) and gives us actionable tips you can implement right away to promote healthier living. A must listen!

https://millionmarker.com

“Before my daughter became ill, I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on skincare products—never once looking at the label.”

In this episode, I’m joined by Andrea, the founder of my favorite skincare line, OY-L. She shares her journey from the fashion industry to creating a clean beauty brand and launching Orange Rose Apothecary. Andrea discusses how her daughter’s health issues led her to question the ingredients in the products she was using. We talk about why I love OY-L, the care that goes into each formula, and Andrea’s approach to choosing safe, natural ingredients—everything from glass packaging to the healing properties and efficacy of the formulas. This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what truly makes clean, high-quality products. I can’t wait for you to listen!

Save on OY-L skincare with code SN20.

Good nontoxic body lotions are hard to come but I break it all down in this short episode. I explain the composition of lotions, the importance of safe preservatives, and why I quit body lotions altogether for a number of years. Learn what body lotions to avoid at all costs and which one is my favorite!

When fashion designer Alexandra Ulmer discovered that baby blankets were made from plastic, she was inspired to create a healthy alternative. In this compelling conversation, she opens up about her personal health journey, including her struggles with chronic digestive issues, and reflects on her experiences working in knitwear for brands like Opening Ceremony and Nike. She discusses how she combined these insights to develop the ultimate baby blanket. Throughout the conversation, you'll gain valuable knowledge about the importance of natural fibers, the health risks associated with synthetic materials, and what it was like to pitch her product on Shark Tank. Plus, you'll leave with actionable tips on how to choose safer fabrics for your own life. This conversation is both informative and inspiring!

Shop Au Baby and save with discount code SWITCH10.

Chapters

00:00 Alexandra's Health Journey

06:30 The Hidden Dangers of Fabric Dyeing

16:55 The Need for Non-Toxic Baby Products

23:57 Creating a Non-Toxic Baby Blanket

26:25 Conscious and Sustainable Supply Chains

27:52 The Unique Properties of Merino Wool

31:36 Avoiding Synthetic Fibers for Better Skin and Environmental Health

37:55 Pitching a Sustainable and High-Performance Product on Shark Tank

Highlighting the dangers of conventional mascaras, insights into identifying the toxic ones, as well as my top clean mascara picks. I call out the popular mascaras that are toxic along with those who call themselves clean but are not. With an emphasis on making informed choices for health and wellness, this short series will encourage you to switch to clean the easy way, one product at a time.

Check out my favorite mascara here.

Download the Switch Natural App to scan products for toxins.

Follow me @switch.natural on Instagram.

Dr. Sandy Skotnicki is a leading expert and one of a handful of dermatologists in Canada with a subspecialty in allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing. We discuss allergens vs irritants, natural vs synthetic, the rise of sensitive skin issues, ingredient transparency, and the regulatory challenges within the beauty industry, particularly concerning fragrance and highlighting the need for better consumer education and safer product formulations. You'll walk away with valuable knowledge and practical skin hygiene tips for both yourself and your children. This is a must listen if you are experiencing skin issues or want to avoid them in the future!

Follow Sandy on Instagram @drsandyskotnicki and check out her bestselling book "Beyond Soap." (Amazon affiliate link).

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Everyday Product Usage

07:32 Understanding Ingredients and Allergies

21:23 Hair Care and Eyelid Rash

25:37 Challenges and Scams in the Beauty Industry

29:05 Product Elimination and Finding Solutions

29:59 Simplifying Skincare and Identifying Triggers

31:20 Balancing General Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology

34:02 Skincare Tips for Young Children

35:36 Understanding the Difference Between Cleanliness and Hygiene

38:01 The Impact of Excessive Cleanliness on the Immune System

41:30 The Relationship Between the Immune System and the Skin Microbiome

43:40 The Problems with Fragrance and Essential Oils in Skincare

56:12 The Need for Transparency and Options in Skincare Regulations

After a life changing parasite cleanse during COVID, Brianna did a complete health overhaul including switching out every last toxic beauty product. I've followed Brianna since she started as a clean beauty influencer, and she graces her community always with authenticity and kindness. Brianna shares her experience, including her health struggles and the transformative impact of adopting a clean lifestyle. The discussion covers the challenges of building an authentic influencer brand, navigating partnerships, and how having the trust of her community is of utmost importance her. Don't miss the end where Brianna spills her favorite clean beauty products and her amazing makeup application tips as a makeup artist!

Follow Brianna @blessholisticlife on Instagram.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Clean Beauty

06:14 The Impact of Clean Products

12:46 Building an Authentic Influencer Brand

20:03 Navigating Brand Partnerships

28:31 Engaging with the Clean Beauty Community

36:07 Judging Clean Beauty Awards

40:42 Favorite Clean Beauty Products

53:36 Tips for Transitioning to Clean Beauty

When several of my favorite clean product brands said how high the standards were to become Made Safe Certified, I knew I had to speak with the founder. Amy shares what prompted her to take a deeper look into product ingredients, and what led her to start Made Safe. We chat about what exactly makes our everyday products toxic, and how Made Safe is making a difference. Amy and I share similar values when it comes to the importance of nontoxic products, and you'll find this conversation eye-opening.

To learn more about Made Safe and browse certified products, tap here.

"It's joyful, and it's true, and it's quite beautiful to follow your heart and your instincts and change, and create the path that's just yours.” - Garance Dore

OG blogger and influencer Garance Dore understands beauty needs to be clean. She takes us through her career journey from photographer to founder offering a behind the scenes look (as well as her personal take on) "influencing", writing, podcasting, newsletters and how to be authentic without burdening your audience. At the urging of her long time business partner, Garance founded Dore Beauty, a simple french pharmacy take on clean beauty that is true to Garance's perspective. For her, making products free of toxins and harsh actives was a non-negotiable. Talking to Dore was intriguing and inspiring—you are going to love it.

Garance's substack

Dore Beauty, use promo code podcast10 for 10% off one item.