
Clean Beauty School
A beauty podcast from mindbodygreen, the leading brand in health and well-being. Hosted by mbg’s beauty director, Alexandra Engler, Clean Beauty School explores the intimate and intricate relationship between beauty and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, and spiritual health. Through this series, we’ll dive into the science and soul of beauty’s most pressing topics.
Latest episodes

Aug 16, 2022 • 55min
71: Why postbiotics are the frontier of skin care | Board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D.
“People talk about retinol, vitamin C serums, and those are great products, but you'll never get results with a single product alone. It's only through a holistic approach that you'll experience healthy skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D. “If you’re not respecting your gut lining and your skin barrier, there’s nothing you can add to your routine that’s going to give you the skin you want.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Bowe about a multi-level approach to skin care, the latest on the skin microbiome research, and why the clean beauty industry often seems so messy. Show notes:-Follow Whitney Bowe., M.D., on TikTok and Instagram-Shop Dr. Bowe Glowe with code MINDBODYGREEN10 for 10% off for a limited time -Research on the skin microbiome-Science of the skin barrier function-The gut-skin connection -A meta-analysis of collagen supplement efficacy -Read more about the topics mentioned in this episode: The skin microbiome, skin barrier function, biotic ingredients, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen supplements, do collagen supplements work, synthetic vs. natural fragrance, polyphenols, polyphenols and the gut, pomegranate fruit extract, skin cycling.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Aug 9, 2022 • 53min
70: The connection between anger and wrinkles | skin expert & massage therapist Krista Buccari
“You get to define beauty for yourself: it's ageless, it's radiance, it's that innate feeling of wholeness. It comes through all your cells and tissues. It’s what makes you glow,” says skin and facial rejuvenation expert Krista Buccari, Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Soma Yoga Teacher. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Buccari about how the body’s flow, tension, and emotions influences how our face ages. Also in the episode: Easy stretches and massage techniques you can use daily to relieve tech neck tension, furrowed brows, and more. Show notes:-Follow Krista Buccari-Learn more about her body work, True Nature -Research on lymph and aging skin -Research on the whole body fascia -Read more about topics discussed in this interview: Best eye creams, full body gua sha, body work and the face, collagen in the skin, collagen supplements, do collagen supplements actually help the skin, skin elasticity, skin hydration, facial massage routines, tech neck, scalp tension, posture and skin, dry body brushing, benefits of foam rolling.Visit www.wellpeople.com and receive 20% off orders $50+. Redeem coupon code WELLPEOPLEXBEAUTYSCHOOL50 at checkout; discount will apply when your cart reaches $50. Code can only be redeemed once per customer. Offer is not combinable with other promotions or coupon codes. All Value Gift sets are excluded from this promotion. Offer is valid until 9/20/2022 at 11:59 PM PST.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Aug 2, 2022 • 56min
69: The unnatural side of natural skin care | Cosmetic chemist Javon Ford
“I believe in the idea that beauty enhances the best aspects of you and improves on that. We, as a society, have unrealistic expectations of what skin should look like. Pores are fine. Acne is fine. Beauty should just be about doing the best you can to make you feel good when you’re going about your day,” says cosmetic chemist and TikTok skinfluencer Javon Ford. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Ford about the unnatural side of natural beauty, product testing (or lack thereof), and his favorite ingredients for a wide range of skin concerns. Show notes:-Follow Javon Ford on Tiktok -Learn more about cosmetic chemistry through the American Chemical Society -FDA regulations on product testing-EU regulations on product testing-Read more about topics discussed in this episode: Hyaluronic acid, skin longevity, sun care, silicones, heat protectants, shea butter, sensitive skin, vitamin C, vitamin C serums, salicylic acid, retinol, glycerin, essences, acne scars-Shop the products mentioned in this episode: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, SKKN BY KIM Vitamin C8 Serum, Cetaphil Soothing Aloe Vera Gel Cream, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser, Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer, Tatcha The Water Cream, Supergoop sunscreen, Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45, Jones Road The Face Pencil, NYX Cosmetics, Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit, Tarte lip products, Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow products, Urban Decay eyeshadow pallets & singles.Take 20% off glow from the inside out bundle+ with code BEAUTYPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jul 26, 2022 • 40min
68: Why we should treat skin care like nutrition | Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
“Beauty should make you feel whole and better; it should never make you feel less or insecure. It’s really something for a plastic surgeon to tell you that beauty’s on the inside, but it’s true,” says Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS, board-certified plastic surgeon and skin care expert. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Devgan about the science behind today’s most in demand ingredients, why we should treat skin care like nutrition, and how daily micro-decisions influence our skin. Show notes-Follow Lara Devgan, M.D. & her skin care line Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty-Read our Beauty Breakdowns-Research on the skin barrier-An overview of clinical data of retinoids-A review of topical vitamin C-Read more about topics discussed in the episode: Skin barrier function, skin longevity, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, mineral sunscreen, peptides, vitamin E, antioxidants for skin, addressing redness, how to hydrate the skin, types of wrinkles, types of facials, how stress affects the skin, how diet affects the skin.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Peptide Eye Cream, Niacin + Squalene Neck Firming Cream, SPF 47 Sun Shield, Extreme Lengthening MascaraTake 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jul 19, 2022 • 51min
67: What’s the deal with millennials & beauty? | beauty expert & writer Nikita Upadhyay
“I would never tell someone you ‘need’ this product. You should think critically about what you are using—really dive into what works for you. Does it work for your skin type, needs, the environment you live in, and how quickly your skin responds to something?” says beauty expert and writer Nikita Upadhyay. “You should never give into influence quickly.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Upadhyay about ayurvedic beauty traditions, favorite DIY products, and how to stop being “influenced.” Show notes:-Follow Nikita Upadhyay-Purchase Roots To Radiance-Research about how long to use skin care productsRead more about topics mentioned in this episode: gratitude, mental health and skin connections, vitamin C for skin, vitamin C serum, skin barrier, skin irritation, skin journaling, turmeric benefits, coconut oil for skin, DIY masks, hair oils, rose mist, cucumber, neem, minimize pores, sandalwood, retinol, salicylic acid, acne treatments, niacinamide, dehydrated skin vs. dry skin, toner, honey for skin. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence, GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Eye Cream, StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer. Sola Wave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy, RéVive Clarté Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep SerumTake 25% off vitamin D3 potency+ with code D3POD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jul 12, 2022 • 48min
66: How to feel more beautiful every day | Angela Jia Kim, skin care expert & author
“How you treat your skin is how you treat your soul. And what I mean by that is both need nourishment, care, and love,” says skin care expert, brand founder, and former professional pianist Angela Jia Kim, whose book Radical Radiance recently launched. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with her about the role of rituals in her life, her journey to self-love, and why beauty habits can inform your overall well being. Show notes:-Follow Angela Jia Kim & Savor Beauty-Book an appointment at Savor Beauty Spa -Read her book Radical Radiance & explore more rituals at radicalradiance.com-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Essential oils, types of facials, facial massages, LED lights for skin, exfoliation, how to meditate, retinol, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin F, double cleanse, cleansing oils.-Shop products mentioned into this episode: Savor Beauty’s Kalahari Melon Cleansing Oil, Jasmine Milk Cleanser,Rose Toner, Quench Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Nourish Raspberry Seed Serum, Truffle Face Cream, Caviar Eye CreamTake 25% off glow from the inside out bundle+ with code BEAUTYPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jul 5, 2022 • 51min
65: How to look younger for longer | Holistic plastic surgeon Shirley Madhere, M.D.
“Culturally, I come from a long lineage of healers, teachers, and artists. So I think it’s my place to be a leader in the healing arts. I also grew up in a family and a culture that believed in helping other people,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Shirley Madhere, M.D., the woman who coined the term holistic plastic surgery. “Through the science of beauty, you can help people and have a tremendous impact.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host and mbg beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Madhere about her rules of beauty, why support systems are important, and how to look better for longer. Plus, who’s had "good work” done.Show notes:-Follow Shirley Madhere, M.D. and learn more about her practice-Listen to her podcast Forever Fab-Learn more about the holistic nutrition program with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition-Why support systems are important for recoveryRead more about topics mentioned in this episode: Vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, how diet affects the skin, what to eat for hydrated skin, sun care, how to hydrate skinEnjoy this episode of the Clean Beauty School Podcast, sponsored by Avocado’s new body + skin line. To learn more about their plant-based skincare, click here!Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jun 28, 2022 • 1h
64: What does soil health have to do with your skin? | Alex McIntosh, Thrive Natural Care co-founder & CEO
“Being less bad doesn’t mean you’re doing good,” says Alex McIntosh, Thrive Natural Care co-founder & CEO. “We’ve done much damage to the earth, that being ‘less bad’ doesn’t work. We have to figure out a way to leave it better.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director & host Alexandra Engler chats with McIntosh about regenerative farming, how to supercharge skin health with antioxidants, and why we should all care about soil health. Show notes:- Learn more about Thrive Natural Care- Read the story about our trip to Costa Rica - Learn more about leading ecologist Alicia and Zaira Calle, who McIntosh worked with- Learn about regenerative farming methodology - Research on degraded soil due to conventional farming - Research on antioxidant properties of “stressed” plants- Read about topics mentioned in this episode: wild harvesting, the planet’s microbiome, vitamin E for the skin, antioxidants, sensitive skin, sun care. - Shop products mentioned in this episode: Thrive BodyShield 50, Daily Defense Sunscreen Balm 50, Daily Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin, Skin Recovery Serum, Energy Scrub.Take 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow & DM the host on Instagram: @alex_engler_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jun 21, 2022 • 56min
63: How to tell a story through your makeup | makeup artist Delina Medhin
“I love telling a story when I’m working with a client: Is the hair speaking to the makeup? Are those speaking to the clothes? And is it all speaking to the energy of the person? Everything has to go because when you see all of it together, there can be this moment where you look at them and you're like, Wow," says celebrity makeup artist Delina Medhin. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, Medhin chats with host and mbg beauty director Alexandra Engler about undertones, playing with matte and dewy makeup, as well as finding your passion—and getting paid for it.Show notes:-Follow Delina Medhin & check out her work-Listen to Delina’s podcast It Takes A Village-Read up about the new treatment for alopecia -Follow people mentioned in the episode: Franchesca Ramsey, Pat McGrath, Lottie, Dick Page, Charlotte Tilbury, Gucci Westman, Raisa Flowers-Read more about topics mentioned in the episode: No-makeup makeup, sunburnt blush, brow shapes, hydrafacial, undertones-Shop products mentioned in the episode: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, Aime Cole Skin-Enhancing Tint, Revlon Eyes Wide Open Mascara, Act + Acre Plant Based Hair Capsules, Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Bare, Jamie Makeup The Blilighter, One Size by Patrick Star, Exa Beauty High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector, Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Remover + Cleansing Balm, Farmacy Whipped Greens, Act & Acre Scalp DetoxVisit www.wellpeople.com and receive 20% off orders $50+. Redeem coupon code WELLPEOPLEXBEAUTYSCHOOL50 at checkout; discount will apply when your cart reaches $50. Code can only be redeemed once per customer. Offer is not combinable with other promotions or coupon codes. All Value Gift sets are excluded from this promotion. Offer is valid until 9/20/2022 at 11:59 PM PST. Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jun 14, 2022 • 44min
62: The ultimate adult acne episode | board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D.
"Healthy diet, healthy mind, healthy body means healthy skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Zeichner about all things adult acne. In this science-dense episode, they dive deep into the complicated causes of adult acne, why you need to address lifestyle and topicals, and why dirty skin is good skin. Show notes:-Lear more about Joshua Zeichner, M.D. and follow his work-Check out Jori Skincare-Research on mental health and acne-Acne prevalence in the adult population -2021 study on health care workers and acne -How hormones influence adult acne-Research on stress acne-The connection between diet and acne, including dairy and acneRead more about topics discussed in this episode: Rosacea, adult acne, types of acne, inflammatory acne, period acne, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, stress acne, mental health and skin connection, skin microbiome, skin barrier function, phytosterols, hair thinning, oil control, omega 3 fatty acids for the skin, skin hydration tips, sunscreen, vitamin C serum, retinol, peptides, hydroxy acids.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Jori Acne and Oil Control Primer & Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment MaskCall in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com