Skin Anarchy

In this special episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta sits down with beauty industry legend Rea Ann Silva—the woman behind the iconic Beautyblender. Before the teardrop sponge became a global staple, Rea Ann was transforming faces behind the scenes on the set of Girlfriends, one of the first shows shot in high-definition. Faced with the need for flawless, undetectable makeup in this new visual era, she improvised a tool that would go on to change the beauty world.What started as a hand-cut sponge born from necessity soon evolved into a cult-favorite product that democratized makeup application. Rea Ann shares how Beautyblender took the intimidation out of brushes and empowered everyday consumers to master their base. But the sponge is just the beginning—her brand also pioneered products like the Blendercleanser and Surface palette, all designed through the lens of a working artist solving real-world problems.The conversation dives into deeper themes, too—from the rise (and downside) of dupe culture to why innovation still matters. Rea Ann also reflects on launching the Bounce foundation line, noting how inclusivity was always embedded in her brand’s DNA long before it became industry standard.This episode is a celebration of creativity, function, and resilience in the face of a copycat culture. Tune in to hear the story of how one makeup artist’s “I wish I had” moment became a category-defining brand with a legacy that’s still evolvingCHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to Rea Ann Silva and Beautblender(1:01) Rea Ann’s Background as a Makeup Artist(3:04) The Birth of Beautyblender on Set(5:00) The Development of Blender Cleanser(7:11) Realizing Beautyblender’s Potential for the Mass Market(10:03) Beautyblender as a Game Changer in Makeup Application(13:30) The Impact of Beautyblender on Consumers and Retailers(16:03) The Creation of Foundation to Complement Beautyblender(21:16) Innovation and Product Design PhilosophyTo learn more about Beautyblender, visit their website and social media.Please 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, host Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Jenny McCarthy to talk about the personal journey that led her to launch Formless Beauty—a cosmetics brand redefining what “clean beauty” really means. What began as a health transformation for Jenny, prompted by autoimmune struggles and a genetic mutation diagnosis, quickly evolved into a deeper frustration with the lack of transparency in the beauty industry.Formless Beauty was born out of necessity, not trend-chasing. Jenny reveals how she went from frustrated consumer to full-time founder and CEO, dedicating herself to creating products that exclude over 900 questionable ingredients—phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and more. This isn’t a white-labeled celebrity brand; it’s a mission-driven line that has earned trust from immunocompromised users, including cancer and lupus patients.Throughout the episode, Jenny breaks down the problems with the current “clean beauty” landscape, including misleading marketing tactics, unregulated terms, and self-appointed certifications. She also calls attention to the alarming rise in young children using full-face cosmetics, urging parents to get educated about ingredients that could disrupt hormonal development.Jenny’s passion and leadership are undeniable—from formulating a water-resistant, toxin-free mascara to hosting weekly TikToks to educate her audience. Her story is about advocacy, integrity, and building something she couldn’t find on the shelves. Tune in to hear how Formless Beauty is changing the clean beauty narrative—and why it’s not about hype, but health.CHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to Jenny McCarthy and Her Journey(1:01) Jenny’s Health Journey and the Birth of Formless Beauty(3:27) The Challenges of Creating Clean Beauty Products(6:12) Building a Brand with EWG Guidelines(9:40) Overcoming Obstacles in Clean Beauty Innovation(12:38) The Importance of Transparency in Beauty Products(15:36) Addressing the Misconception of Celebrity Brands(17:41) The Impact of Social Media and Influencers on Young Consumers(21:15) The Need for Role Models in Beauty and ConfidenceTo learn more about Jenny McCarthy, visit her social media. To learn more about Formless Beauty, visit their website and social media.Please 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, host Dr. Ekta Yadav is joined by Dr. Stacie Stephenson, a leading voice in functional and integrative medicine, for a powerful conversation that reframes how we think about skin health. Rather than isolating skin concerns from the rest of the body, Dr. Stacie emphasizes a systems-based approach that connects the dots between stress, inflammation, gut health, and chronic conditions like acne and autoimmune disease.Dr. Stacie shares her remarkable journey from Olympic-level figure skating to becoming a disruptor in modern medicine—after personal health challenges led her to seek deeper answers beyond traditional care. Together, she and Dr. Ekta unpack the philosophy of functional medicine, spotlighting its focus on root causes, not just symptoms.They explore acne as a case study in how conventional treatments often overlook gut dysfunction, food sensitivities, and long-term microbiome damage. Dr. Stacie also weighs in on the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—highlighting their promise, their risks, and the psychological dimensions of weight and wellness.This episode is both a masterclass and a mindset shift. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to partner with their body—and their practitioner—to personalize their path to better health. Whether you’re managing a stubborn skin condition or exploring holistic healing, this conversation may offer the insight you’ve been searching for.CHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to Dr. Stacie Stephenson(1:16) Dr. Stacie’s Journey into Functional and Integrative Medicine(4:31) The Influence of Athletic Experience on Dr. Stacie’s Career(7:25) Discovering Functional Medicine and Early Career Challenges(9:26) Key Pillars of Functional Medicine and Its Application(12:12) The Role of Gut Health and Detoxification in Functional Medicine(16:04) Understanding Preventative Medicine and the Importance of Personal Health Awareness(19:43) Dr. Stacie's Thoughts on Acne and Its Root Causes(27:01) The GLP-1 Drugs: Benefits and Concerns on Long-Term UseTo learn more about Dr. Stacie Stephenson, visit her website and social media.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 legendary esthetician Joanna Czech to challenge everything we think we know about skincare. With over 40 years of experience and more than 13,000 hours of clinical training, Joanna brings a rare depth of insight that cuts through beauty marketing and focuses on real skin health.From her scientific roots in Poland to her philosophy that skin should be treated as the vital organ it is, Joanna shares why trends—from salmon semen creams to collagen powders—often do more harm than good. She unpacks the myths behind “clean beauty,” the mislabeling of skin types, and the misuse of trendy ingredients like exosomes and stem cells. For Joanna, true skincare is not about chasing fads—it’s about understanding biology, consistency, and common sense.Listeners will walk away with practical insights, including the importance of nighttime routines, the difference between dehydration and dryness, and how lifestyle—down to hydration timing and sleep—directly impacts the skin. Joanna’s refreshingly honest perspective emphasizes education over obsession and science over sales.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of the skincare industry, this episode will ground you. Tune in for a reality check that’s equal parts inspiring and enlightening—and discover why Joanna Czech’s approach is trusted by everyone from celebrities to fellow professionals.CHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to Joanna Czech(1:19) Joanna’s Background and Journey into Aesthetics(4:37) From Manicurist to Recognized Expert in Skincare(6:07) Understanding Skin Health Beyond Surface Treatments(9:30) The Connection Between Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Skin Health(12:00) Debunking Skin Care Trends: Collagen, Tallow, and More(16:31) The Importance of Proper Skin Care Rituals(19:45) Recommendations for Starting a Skin Care Routine in Your 30s(26:42) The Science of Skin: pH Balance, Retinol, and DehydrationTo learn more about Joanna Czech, visit their website and social media.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 is joined by renowned trichologist Bridgette Hill to uncover why scalp health is the true foundation of haircare. From inflammation and hormonal shifts to misdiagnosed flaking and product overload, Bridgette breaks down the science behind follicular wellness—and why healthy hair starts long before it reaches the surface.A key part of that conversation? Water quality. Bridgette explains how hard water, filled with minerals like calcium and chlorine, can disrupt the scalp’s microbiome and block the absorption of even the best products. That’s where Culligan comes in. Their advanced water softening systems help remove those hidden barriers so your scalp—and your hair—can actually benefit from your routine.Bridgette also shares her personal journey from editorial colorist to scalp care expert, revealing the turning points that led her to focus on what's happening beneath the strands. She unpacks the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, the growing importance of scalp serums, and how collaboration between dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists could shift the entire haircare industry.Whether you’re struggling with hair loss, irritation, or simply want better results from your routine, this episode challenges traditional thinking—and shows how the future of haircare starts at the root, with science, intention, and cleaner water.CHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to Scalp Health(1:01) Bridget's Background in Trichology(3:12) Defining Scalp Health and the Importance of the Scalp(5:43) The Impact of Hair Manipulation and the Role of Scalp Health(6:59) The Pandemic's Influence on Hair Health Awareness(9:01) Factors Impacting Scalp Health: Genetics, Illness, and Environment(11:01) Hard Water and Its Effect on Scalp and Hair(13:56) The Role of Ingredients and Product Formulation in Scalp Health(25:01) Collaborative Approach to Scalp and Hair Care: The Role of Trichologists, Dermatologists, and Hair Care ProfessionalsTo learn more about Culligan, visit their website and social media.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 special episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav is joined by Alicia Lindner, third-generation co-CEO of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND, to explore how a family-founded skincare brand from Germany’s Black Forest became a global benchmark for science-backed natural beauty. Alicia shares the origin story of her grandmother’s bold philosophy—"If I can’t eat it, I won’t put it on my skin"—and how that ethos continues to define the brand nearly seven decades later.Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND blends traditional botanical knowledge with third-party clinical testing, delivering powerful results without compromising on sustainability. From sourcing pure deep spring water to refusing outside investors, the brand does everything with intention—including product development, which starts with a 15-woman R&D team and global inspiration.Discover the surprising success of their biodegradable hyaluronic acid eye patches, their cult-favorite overnight cream that changes texture through body heat, and why a complete skincare ritual still matters. Alicia also shares her views on financial sustainability, slow growth, and what it means to protect a legacy brand while innovating with purpose.Whether you're a skincare minimalist or a beauty deep-diver, this episode offers a powerful reminder that clean beauty doesn’t have to choose between efficacy and integrity.Tune in to hear how ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND is setting a new standard for legacy beauty—one rooted in nature, backed by science, and built to last.CHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to AANNEMARIE BÖRLIND Skincare(1:06) The History of the Brand: From Grandmother to Third Generation(2:24) Keeping the Brand Relevant: Modernizing Legacy and Sustainability(4:03) Sustainability and Ingredient Sourcing(6:57) Brand Challenges: Maintaining Focus and Growth(8:21) The Importance of Product Development and Innovation(11:00) The Role of Science and Efficacy in Natural Skincare(13:02) Addressing Trends: The Rise of Eye Patches and Mask Products(26:24) Future Product Innovations and Closing ThoughtsTo learn more about ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND, visit their website and social media.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 Kristen Chase, General Manager of Nutrire, a trailblazing new brand changing the way we think about hair care. Rather than focusing only on the strands, Nutrire turns attention to the scalp—the true foundation of healthy hair—and introduces a science-backed, salon-informed approach to long-term hair wellness.Kristen shares her transition from legacy beauty brands to co-creating Nutrire in collaboration with the experts at Tricoci Salon & Spa. The result? A dual-diagnosis system that looks at both scalp type and hair type, bringing dermatological precision into the haircare space.Listeners will get a first look at Nutrire’s hero ingredients and technologies—including Complex8™, a natural DHT-blocking blend, and the T1 and T2 Serums, developed with clinically validated, trichologist-approved formulas. The line also introduces a fresh way to shop haircare—by identifying your scalp type the same way you'd assess skin.From personalized routines to the future of hair loss solutions, this episode explores how Nutrire is merging skin science and hair expertise to transform everyday routines into targeted treatment plans.Whether you're dealing with thinning, dryness, or simply curious about a more intelligent way to care for your scalp, this conversation opens the door to the next era in hair wellness.Listen now to discover how Nutrire is making scalp care the new skincare—and why it’s time to rethink your entire hair routine.CHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to Nutrire and Scalp Health(1:05) Kristen’s Background in Beauty Brands and Transition to Nutrire(2:07) Nutrire’s Vision and Focus on Scalp Health(4:14) The Importance of Scalp Care in Hair Health(7:08) Product Range and Focus on Simplicity(9:02) Formulating Nutrire’s Day and Night Serums(10:31) Addressing Scalp Type and Skin Type for Effective Hair Care(13:12) The Importance of Clinical Proof and Gentle Efficacy(27:13) Future Innovations and Nutrire’s Ongoing MissionTo learn more about Nutrire, visit their website and social media.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 special episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta Yadav celebrates a milestone moment—her latest mini review, Inflammation and Aging: The Skin Inflammasome in the Context of Longevity Science, has been published in the Journal of Cellular Immunology. This episode offers listeners a deep but accessible dive into the mechanisms that link chronic inflammation, skin health, and the biology of aging.Dr. Yadav unpacks the concept of “inflammaging,” explaining how low-grade, persistent inflammation accelerates skin aging and predisposes us to a host of conditions—from acne and psoriasis to pigmentation disorders. Central to this is the NLRP3 inflammasome, a cellular sensor that responds to both internal stress and external insults. But the conversation doesn’t stop at surface-level inflammation—it zooms out to show how NAD+ depletion, mTOR signaling, sirtuin activity, and cellular senescence all play a role in the skin’s aging clock.Listeners will get a taste of the therapeutic landscape too—from the promise of repurposed drugs like metformin and rapamycin to the caution needed around immune modulation. Dr. Yadav also weaves in emerging research on gut-skin interactions and psychoneuroendocrine links, emphasizing the systemic nature of skin health in the context of longevity.If you’re curious about the future of aging, biohacking, or the real science behind graceful skin longevity, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn what’s next in skin biology—and why inflammation is more than just skin deep.Read the full article HERE.To learn more about Dr. Ekta, visit her social media. 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.

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta dives into the future of fragrance with the founders of iRomaScents, Avner Gal and Erin Berry, and celebrated perfumer Veronique Gabai. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we discover and connect with scent—bringing personalization and clarity to an industry long defined by overwhelm and subjectivity.Avner and Erin share the origin story of iRomaScents, a platform designed to make fragrance discovery intuitive, accessible, and data-driven. What began as a dream to integrate scent into immersive experiences evolved into a cutting-edge solution to one of beauty’s most frustrating problems: finding your perfect perfume. The result is an AI-powered “wizard” that uses lifestyle cues and emotional patterns—like your favorite colors or songs—to guide users to scent profiles they’ll actually love.Veronique Gabai lends her industry insight to explain how this technology enhances, rather than replaces, the emotional artistry of perfumery. With scent linked so deeply to our reptilian brain, she explains, it's no wonder we struggle to articulate preferences—iRomaScents helps bridge that gap by refining, not replacing, human instinct.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a perfume counter or struggled to put your preferences into words, this episode offers a glimpse into a smarter, more intuitive future. Tune in to learn how iRomaScents is reshaping fragrance discovery—one personalized algorithm at a time.CHAPTERS:(0:00) Introduction to the Episode and iRomaScents(1:10) The Concept Behind iRomaScents and Integrating AI into Fragrance(3:04) Avner’s Journey from Engineering to Fragrance(4:38) Erin’s Perspective on the Challenges of Choosing Fragrance(7:05) Veronique’s Take on the Future of the Fragrance Industry(9:34) The Power of AI in Personalizing Fragrance Selection(12:05) Creating the AI Algorithm and Observing Consumer Behavior(15:23) How AI Helps Narrow Down Fragrance Preferences(21:13) Veronique’s Advice on Connecting with Fragrance and Closing ThoughtsTo learn more about iRomaScents, visit their website and social media, or to learn more about Vernoique Gabai, visit her website and social media. 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!