Skin Anarchy

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Alexes Hazen—board-certified plastic surgeon, microsurgery specialist, and founder of Zen Essentials—for a thoughtful conversation on skin health, ethical aesthetics, and why real results can never be separated from whole-body well-being. With a background that spans public health, global medicine, and some of the most technically demanding surgical training, Dr. Hazen brings a rare depth to how she thinks about beauty, healing, and care.Her path to medicine was anything but linear. From working with the New York City Department of Health during the AIDS crisis to serving in the Peace Corps in Honduras, Dr. Hazen learned early that medicine isn’t just technical—it’s human. Those experiences shaped a philosophy she carries into every aspect of her work today: outcomes are influenced as much by mental health, sleep, nutrition, and support systems as they are by surgical skill.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hazen challenges the surface-level thinking that dominates skincare culture. Skin, she reminds us, is an organ—and it reflects what’s happening internally. No product can compensate for chronic stress, dehydration, or exhaustion. When those fundamentals are addressed, skincare finally has the space to work as it should.She also speaks candidly about ethics in aesthetic medicine—why board certification matters, why saying “no” is sometimes the most responsible choice, and how listening to patients should always come before selling solutions.That same restraint and intention led to the creation of Zen Essentials, born from Dr. Hazen’s own struggles with severe skin sensitivities. Designed to be effective yet calming, the line reflects her belief that skincare should support the body—not fight it.Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Alexes Hazen unpack holistic healing, ethical aesthetics, and why real skin health starts with caring for the whole person.SHOP Zen Essentials and learn more on social media!CHAPTERS:(0:02) - Introduction & Guest Welcome(0:46) - A Nonlinear Path Into Medicine(1:26) - Public Health, AIDS Education & the Peace Corps(2:46) - Falling in Love With Surgery & Plastic Surgery Training(3:01) - Early Burn Injury, Scars & Coming Full Circle(4:12) - Why Holistic Care Matters in Surgical Outcomes(8:40) - Skin as a Reflection of Whole-Body Health(11:22) - Ethics, Training & Responsibility in Aesthetic Surgery(26:21) - The Origins of Zen Essentials & Sensitive Skin SciencePlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!*This is a paid collaboration

In this special episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with supermodel, actress, podcaster, and YSE Beauty founder Molly Sims for an intimate conversation on how beauty evolves, how confidence is built, and how skincare becomes smarter with age. Known for her iconic presence and unfiltered approach on Lipstick on the Rim, Molly opens up about the real experiences that shaped her philosophy — from hormonal acne and melasma to rediscovering balance after years of harsh actives.Molly reflects on her earliest beauty memories, watching her mother turn daily routines into rituals that embodied strength and joy. That foundation, combined with her global modeling career, became its own education: effortless French skincare, British edge, Italian sensuality, and a universal truth — consistency beats extremes.Her journey to creating YSE Beauty began after her skin hit what she calls a “benefit plateau,” when aggressive ingredients stopped delivering results. She shares how shifting toward cushion actives, barrier support, and clinical but sensorial formulations transformed her skin and inspired a brand built on wisdom, simplicity, and results that feel good.For Molly, beauty isn’t about correction or perfection — it’s about alignment. It’s the confidence that comes from choosing what serves you, whether that’s a glow-inducing exfoliating pad, a subtle procedure, or simply giving your skin room to breathe.Listen to the full episode to hear Molly Sims discuss aging with intention, building YSE Beauty from the ground up, and why true luxury isn’t the price tag — it’s how you feel in your own skin.SHOP YSE Beauty and learn more on their social media!CHAPTERS:(0:03) - Introduction & Guest Welcome(1:07) - Early Beauty Memories & “It Girl” Origins(2:44) - Influences From Travel, Fashion & Global Beauty Culture(4:53) - Shifting Aesthetic Trends: From Harsh Treatments to Maintenance(6:59) - Social Media, Filler Culture & Confidence(9:46) - Personal Journeys With Procedures, Aging & Empowerment(12:11) - Why Wise Beauty Was Created(17:05) - Actives, Cushioning Ingredients & the Skin Plateau(21:52) - Luxury vs. Efficacy, Accessibility & Building a Smarter Beauty BrandPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!

In this powerful episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with one of the most influential minds in modern aesthetics, Dr. Steven Dayan — facial plastic surgeon, New York Times bestselling author, educator, and founder of XOMD Skincare. Together, they explore the deeper layers of beauty: the biology, the psychology, and the emotional resonance that shape how we see ourselves and others.Dr. Dayan reflects on his unconventional path from sculptor to surgeon, sharing how art, science, and human emotion converged to form his philosophy of aesthetics. Beauty, he explains, is rooted in evolution — a subconscious signal of wellness and vitality — but attraction is the true driver of human connection. Confidence, authenticity, posture, expression, and energy all play into how attractive we feel, and therefore how we’re perceived.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dayan breaks down the subtle, powerful ways aesthetic treatments can influence mood and behavior. Small changes can boost approachability and positivity — while overtreatment can create emotional dissonance and mistrust. He offers a candid look at how social media has reshaped our aesthetic bias, urging both providers and consumers to recalibrate toward natural proportions and personal identity.Dr. Dayan also gives listeners an inside look at XOMD Skincare, his newest innovation with Dr. Sabrina Fabi, built around the neurochemical link between skin health and confidence.Listen to the full episode to learn how Dr. Dayan is redefining beauty through the lens of neuroscience, culture, and human connection — and why confidence may be the most transformative aesthetic treatment of all.SHOP XOMD and use code SApod for 10% off!CHAPTERS:(0:02) - Introduction & Guest Welcome(1:12) - Early Life, Medicine & the Path to Surgery(3:01) - Writing, Creativity & the Philosophy of Beauty(6:05) - Defining Beauty: Neuroscience, Evolution & Emotion(11:00) - Beauty vs. Attraction & the Role of Confidence(14:50) - Social Media, Trends & Aesthetic Bias(18:40) - Authenticity, Expression & First Impressions(21:03) - Rethinking Training, Safety & Best Practices(24:00) - Global Beauty Standards & Cultural PerspectivesPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Jordan Harper, board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Barefaced, to explore the movement toward simplicity, integrity, and long-term skin health. With nearly a decade in aesthetic medicine, Harper brings a refreshing, clinically grounded perspective to a beauty landscape overwhelmed by trends, noise, and overcomplicated routines.Harper shares how her early career in the ICU shaped her detail-oriented, problem-solving mindset — and how she carried that discipline into aesthetics. What she noticed immediately was a disconnect: patients would invest heavily in treatments but neglect the daily routine that actually sustains results. That realization became the foundation of Barefaced’s “less but better” philosophy, anchored by her Core Four essentials: exfoliant, vitamin C, retinoid, and SPF.Throughout the conversation, Harper reframes skincare as prevention, not correction — a longevity-based approach that prioritizes the barrier, cellular health, and consistency over quick fixes. She also dives into the meaning of true “medical grade”: thoughtful formulations, meaningful concentrations, and uncompromising standards. It’s the reason she once pulled a product at a $200,000 loss — integrity outweighs profit.From the cult-favorite Toning Pads that sparked the brand’s cult following to Barefaced’s commitment to education and honest guidance, Harper emphasizes serving the consumer, not selling to them.Tune in to hear how Jordan Harper is redefining modern skincare through clinical rigor, simplicity, and unwavering authenticity — and why the future of skin health is built on foundations, not fads.SHOP BAREFACED and learn more on social media!CHAPTERS:(0:02) - Introduction & Guest Welcome(0:40) - From ICU to Aesthetics: The Turning Point(2:34) - The 80/20 Rule: At-Home vs In-Office Results(4:39) - Common Routine Mistakes & Barrier Damage(7:16) - “Less, But Better” and The Core Four(9:28) - Longevity vs Anti-Aging(12:12) - What “Medical Grade” Really Means(17:28) - Scaling with Integrity & Brand Discipline(20:35) - Cult Favorites, Toning Pads & Community-Centered CarePlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!*This is a paid collaboration

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie, for the launch of our new Lessons In Longevity series. This is a powerful conversation about what longevity truly means today—and why it’s no longer about “anti-aging,” but about living better, longer, and with intention. For nearly a century, the Swiss institution has been a leader in preventative medicine, and under Gibertoni’s guidance, it has evolved into a global ecosystem built on personalized diagnostics, science-backed interventions, and deeply human care.Gibertoni shares how the rise of epigenetics has transformed our understanding of health, revealing that up to 80% of our outcomes are shaped not by genetics, but by lifestyle. At Clinique La Prairie, advanced testing—spanning epigenetics, metabolomics, and glycan mapping—guides individualized programs designed to shift habits, improve resilience, and create measurable change. But data, he insists, is only the beginning. “Information is not transformation,” he says. Real longevity comes from routines, structure, and the human relationships that support long-term growth.The clinic’s Four Pillars approach—medicine, nutrition, movement, and well-being—reflects his belief that aging is multi-dimensional. Stress reduction, emotional vitality, and purpose are as essential as biomarkers. This philosophy extends into Holistic Health™, the clinic’s line of precision supplements, including Epinone, formulated to support gene expression and cellular repair through structured, cyclical use.This episode reframes longevity as a mindset grounded in science, culture, and connection. Tune in to hear how Simone Gibertoni envisions a future where living well isn’t a luxury—but a lifelong, human-centered practice.Learn more and shop Clinique La Prairie Holistic Health.CHAPTERS:0:02 – Introduction & Guest Welcome1:04 – The Origins of Longevity at Clinique La Prairie2:30 – From Anti-Aging to Longevity Philosophy3:31 – Genes, Epigenetics & Lifestyle Impact6:51 – The Longevity Process: Diagnostics, Intervention, Follow-Up9:26 – From Information to Transformation11:27 – The Four Pillars of Longevity13:26 – Closing the Gap Between Lifespan & Healthspan20:02 – Supplements, Science & The Future of LongevityPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Estella Benz, founder and CEO of Inference Beauty, to explore how data intelligence, ingredient transparency, and AI personalization are reshaping the future of skincare. What began as Estella’s frustration with confusing ingredient lists and overwhelming product choices evolved into a powerful technology platform designed to decode beauty — not through trends, but through truth.Estella shares how Inference Beauty translates complex INCI labels into language consumers can understand, offering not just definitions but context: why an ingredient is used, what it does, and how it behaves on real skin. In an era dominated by fear-based “clean beauty” rhetoric, her mission is to bring clarity back to the consumer. “People don’t need scare tactics,” she says. “They need understanding.”Through structured data, AI, and environmental analytics, Inference Beauty creates intelligent, personalized product recommendations based on climate, sensitivities, ethical preferences, and biological needs — shifting beauty away from one-size-fits-all marketing into a world built “for each.”As e-commerce grows, Estella envisions dynamic digital experiences where product pages adapt to each user, bridging the long-standing gap between what brands believe they’re communicating and what consumers actually understand. Yet even as she champions AI, she emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human expertise — especially for active, medical-grade, or prescriptive products.Tune in to hear how Estella Benz is building the next generation of beauty intelligence — where transparency, personalization, and smart data come together to redefine how we discover and trust skincare.Learn more about Inference Beauty on their website and social media!CHAPTERS:0:27 – Introduction & Guest Welcome1:27 – Estella’s Background & Early Inspiration2:31 – The Birth of Inference Beauty4:06 – Market Misconceptions & The Female Consumer Gap5:45 – How Personalization Transforms Shopping6:56 – Ingredient Data, Ethics & Environmental Impact10:05 – Transparency, Clean Beauty & Consumer Education16:36 – The Role of AI in Personalized Beauty23:06 – The Future of Tech, Data & Human Touch in BeautyPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!*This is a paid collaboration

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Jessica Weiser, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Weiser Skin MD, to shed light on one of the most overlooked yet vital parts of dermatology — the scalp. Often forgotten in the broader conversation about skin health, the scalp is one of the body’s most complex ecosystems, driving everything from follicle vitality to inflammation control. “It’s not just where your hair grows,” Dr. Weiser explains. “It’s living, breathing skin with its own microbiome and metabolism.”Dr. Weiser takes us through the evolution of scalp science, from traditional PRP injections to the groundbreaking KeraFactor® system, a peptide- and growth-factor-based approach that precisely reactivates dormant follicles and promotes angiogenesis. She also dives into the power of red-light therapy, breaking down how dual-wavelength photobiomodulation reawakens cellular energy and circulation to fuel stronger, thicker hair.Beyond technology, Dr. Weiser emphasizes a holistic blueprint for hair longevity — addressing hormones, nutrition, stress, and scalp inflammation as interconnected variables rather than isolated issues. “The goal isn’t overnight regrowth,” she says. “It’s rebuilding the entire scalp ecosystem for long-term strength and balance.”This conversation reframes hair care as true skin science, not surface-level maintenance. Tune in to hear how Dr. Jessica Weiser and KeraFactor are ushering in a new era of biologically intelligent scalp therapy — where light, peptides, and precision meet to redefine the future of hair health.Learn more about KeraFactor on their website and social media!CHAPTERS:0:02 – Introduction & Guest Welcome1:08 – Dr. Weiser’s Background & Path to Dermatology3:01 – The Scalp: Skin’s Forgotten Ecosystem5:24 – Early Signs of Scalp Imbalance6:33 – Why Scalp Care Is Overlooked8:10 – Growth Factors, Peptides & Hair Regeneration9:38 – The Science & Evolution of KeraFactor™13:04 – How Peptides Reactivate Hair Follicles17:34 – KeraFlex Duo & The Future of At-Home Hair WellnessPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!*This is a paid collaboration*

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Antony Nakhla, board-certified dermatologic surgeon and founder of Eighth Day, to explore how regenerative medicine is reshaping modern skincare. Known for bringing reconstructive precision to beauty, Dr. Nakhla shares how his background in Mohs micrographic surgery inspired a mission to apply real wound-healing science to everyday skincare — helping people look like the best version of themselves, not someone else.At the heart of Eighth Day is its groundbreaking Peptide-Rich Plasma® technology — a clinically engineered blend of bioidentical peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that mimic the body’s natural healing processes. “We speak the language of skin,” says Nakhla, describing how the brand’s formulas communicate directly with skin cells to restore balance, resilience, and structure from within.Dr. Nakhla also breaks down why delivery systems — not just ingredients — are the future of skincare. With advanced multi-weight hyaluronic acids and actives like L-ornithine that preserve fat cells and dermal architecture, Eighth Day targets true regeneration at the cellular level.Rejecting beauty buzzwords, Dr. Nakhla calls for a return to data-driven, biologically intelligent skincare, grounded in clinical validation, prevention, and precision. “Luxury isn’t packaging,” he says. “It’s proof.”Tune in to hear how Eighth Day is redefining what anti-aging means — merging medicine, science, and artistry to create a new era of bio-intelligent beauty.Learn more and shop Eighth Day on their website and social media!CHAPTERS:0:02 – Introduction & Guest Welcome0:56 – From Mohs Surgery to Regenerative Beauty2:02 – The Philosophy: Restoration Over Alteration4:02 – Fundamentals of Wound Healing & Regeneration7:00 – The Science Behind Peptide-Rich Plasma™10:37 – Delivery Systems & Dermal Penetration13:32 – Multi-Layer Skin Health & Fat Cell Longevity16:00 – Ingredient Synergy & Clinical Formulation23:37 – Prevention, Retinoids & The Future of Skin HealthPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!*This is a paid collaboration*

In this deeply soulful episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with May Lindstrom, founder of May Lindstrom Skin, to explore the intimate connection between sensitivity, ritual, and true nourishment. Known for her artisanal, plant-based formulations and sensory-rich approach to beauty, May shares how her lifelong struggle with eczema led her to create skincare that heals rather than hides — born from necessity, curiosity, and love.Raised in the natural stillness of northern Minnesota, May found refuge in the earth’s elements — clays, oils, honey, and herbs — long before “clean beauty” became a movement. “It’s not that skincare is bad,” she reflects. “It’s just not made for me.” That realization sparked a philosophy rooted in respect for the skin as a living organ, not a canvas for correction. Her formulations — minimal, potent, and entirely natural — focus on feeding the skin what it recognizes, not overwhelming it with synthetics.Her cult-favorite creation, The Blue Cocoon, captures that essence — a calming blue balm made with blue tansy, designed to soothe inflammation, heal sensitivity, and offer a moment of self-grounding. “It’s like a hug for your skin,” May says. “A reminder to slow down and care.”This episode is a meditation on slowing down in a world obsessed with surface perfection. Tune in as May Lindstrom and Dr. Ekta explore how skincare can be both science and soul — an act of self-connection that begins and ends with care.Shop May Lindstrom SkinCHAPTERS:0:02 – Introduction & Guest Welcome0:38 – Defining Sensitive Skin & Root Causes2:22 – Early Experiences & Family Influence5:05 – Discovering Natural Healing Through Clay & Plants7:30 – The Unspoken Truth About Sensitive Skin & Industry Gaps8:12 – Treating Skin as an Organ, Not a Surface12:13 – Ingredients to Avoid & The Power of Simplicity17:47 – Creating with Intention: Ritual Over Trend21:39 – The Blue Cocoon: A Symbol of Healing & Ritual25:02 – Nourishment, Longevity & Final ReflectionsPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!