Clean Beauty School

“I feel like the beauty industry is failing society by not taking advantage of the opportunity to exhibit really strong leadership in this space. They should be leaders into a world where people can feel the best about themselves—not just for what they're putting on their skin, but the impact that they're making on the environment,” says eco-justice advocate and founder of Brown Girl Green Kristy Drutman. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host & beauty director Alexandra Engler and Drutman discuss how to spot “greenwashing” in beauty, climate change’s impact on our bodies and skin—as well as how to build a more eco-friendly routine.  Show notes:-Drutman’s Brown Girl Green. -Reports on beauty waste: Stats on cosmetic production & waste and recycling stats.-DIY makeup & beauty, including masks, mascara, lipstick, and remover.-IPCC report & how to turn eco anxiety into action. -The impact of ultraviolet radiation becoming stronger & climate change-induced skin sensitivities. -Some of Drutman’s beauty recs: TerraCycle Loop program, forest bathing, Amika hair care.Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

“The EU follows the precautionary principle, which means that they are not going to let a chemical onto the market until they have received a certain amount of data that it's safe. In the U.S. it's the reverse—so we have more of a philosophy that we assume something is safe until proven otherwise,” says Melanie Benesh, legislative attorney with the Environmental Working Group (EWG). In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host & beauty director Alexandra Engler discusses the state of the union on cosmetic regulation with Benesh. They discuss what’s holding the FDA back in regulation, what’s being done at the state level (a la California), the major problem with PFAS, and—yes—why the EU is just so much better at this than us. Show notes:-Learn about the Senate's Personal Care Product Safety Act and the House’s FDA Cosmetic Safety and Modernization Act. -Check out regulatory bills and initiatives in California and Maryland. -Read up on the most recent PFAS study. -When to toss your non-stick pans. -Visit the EWG’s Skin Deep database.Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

“What actually makes you most beautiful is embracing what feels good. I find that the more work you have to put into trying to be something, it sucks the joy out of what it is that you're doing,” says joy expert Erica Lasan. “Especially being a black woman, my journey to beauty has really been a journey to self-love and acceptance.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host & beauty director Alexandra Engler and Lasan discuss pulling yourself out of the comparison spiral, doing what feels right, and finding joy in your own skin. Show notes:-Erica’s JOYrney To Purpose.-Erica’s work on mbg about vision boards, parenting, and finding more joy in daily life. -Research on TV exposure and self esteem. -The science of gratitude & motivation, and how to create skin gratitude practice.Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

“Eating clean really guides my whole self for the day, for the week, for the month. It’s the thing that really runs my life. Eating is really the primary source of energy, skin clarity, and feeling good in my body and self,” says supermodel and Sports Illustrated cover star Kate Bock. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host and mindbodygreen’s beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Bock about her favorite foods, how she hydrates her dry skin, and what she does when she’s stressed out. Show notes-Listen to Kevin Love’s episode on the mindbodygreen podcast. -Research connecting water intake and dermal thickness. -Why you should verbalize your stress & anxiety. -Studies on bedtime & quality of sleep: irregular sleeping habits, timing’s effect on emotions.-Resources to improve your sleep hygiene. -Bock’s favorites: Abby’s Better Butter, Bite Beauty Agave Lip Balm, RMS Buriti Cream Bronzer, Kosas, Supergoop sunscreen, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, Fresh lip balms, Merit Beauty, Act+Acre Shampoo and Conditioner, tenoverten Hand Repair Kit, Ora Acupuncturist, Aura Ring, Pompette Hard Sparkling Water.

“There are some rituals that are universal to the human experience. Many of these fall in the intersection of where beauty rituals meet spirituality: In these we're purifying our spirits, but we're also cleansing our skins,” says healer Deborah Hanekamp, (or, Mama Medicine). In this episode of mindbodygreen's beauty podcast Clean Beauty School, host and beauty director Alexandra Engler discusses the profound intersection of spirituality and beauty. In the episode they discuss, healing rituals, ancient traditions, and mindfulness tips—plus a few of Hanekamp's favorite skin care herbs and oils.Show notes:-Notes on the big business of self care and the future.-Read up on ayahuasca and the colonization of the ritual. -Research on the skin-healing properties of clover. -Studies on foot baths in sleep, energy levels, stress, and cortisol levels. -Check out Hanekamp’s Skin Secrets -Hanekamp’s beauty selects: May Lindstrom The Pendulum Potion, Max And Me I Am The Light Oil, Supernal Cosmic Glow Face OilComments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

“Holistic plastic surgery is the idea that in plastic surgery, you look at the body as a whole picture—and you want to start with the basics. And the basics aren't Botox or facelift or breast implants. The basics are lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and reducing the environmental toxins that you're exposed to,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D. “I really look at surgery as a valid option, but an option we have to consider as that last resort.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director & host Alexandra Engler and Youn discuss longevity, the problems with social media and traditional medicine, and preventive aging steps to take before considering going under the knife. Show notes:-Learn about plastic surgery stats and zoom dysmorphia. -Research on body dysmorphia. -Research on L-arginine and wound healing. -Anthony Youn, M.D. 's work on mbg about embracing alternative medicine.Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

“If you use natural and organic ingredients in your skincare, or even in your diet, you will in the long run, look better, healthier, and more beautiful than those who go for the quick fixes. Quick fixes and aggressive treatments may look good for a night, a week, or even a month or two. But If overused, they can damage the skin. And as the months and years go by, the skin can actually look worn and unhealthy. So you're far better served going with the healthy, organic plant ingredients that actually boost skin health and naturally repair damage,” says double-board certified dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host & mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler and Alexiades talk about skin longevity and the future of healthy aging products and treatments. And as Alexiades notes, “the future is now.” Show notes:-Rachel Carson's Silent Spring.-Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery by Macrene Alexiades, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD. -Reasons for collagen decline. -Read about “baby botox” trend.-Try Macrene Actives.Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com 

“Guasha has been around for centuries, and in the East is seen as folk and family medicine—something that is passed down from generation to generation. And the reason it's been around for so long, and it's still around, is because it works,” says skin care expert Debbie Kung, DAOM, LAc. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen’s beauty director Alexandra Engler and Kung discuss guasha. The practice may be focused on the face in the West, but in the East it has been used on the body for centuries to help improve immunity, stress, and so much more. Listen in to hear Kung explain the history, how to create your own routine, and her must try products. Show notes:-Studies about guasha, microcirculation & the skin. -Learn about the lymphatic system.-Making synthetic sebum.  -Studies on body guasha and the inflammatory & immune response & musculoskeletal pain.-A case study on using guasha to help Hepatitis B. -See our favorite guasha stones. -Kung’s beauty recommendations: Essentialist Inc. Gua Sha Tools, Essentialist Inc. Daily Renewal Facial Oil, The Ordinary Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil.Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

“If the only advice you’re saying to someone is to wear sunscreen and ignore the rest, that might be a little problematic,” says science journalist George Zaidan. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, beauty director Alexandra Engler and Zaidan discuss the many misconceptions we have about sunscreen, what your SPF labels truly mean, and how real user behavior throws a wrench into the works. Show notes:-Zaidan’s book, Ingredients: The Strange Chemistry of What We Put in Us and on Us.-Australian study showing daily sunscreen use is associated with a lower risk of skin cancer.-A report showing benzene contamination in a large number of sunscreens.-A study showing SPF 100+ is more protective against burns than SPF 50+.-Research stating nearly half of sunscreens in the U.S. don’t live up to their SPF numbers.-FDA 2019 report requiring additional investigation for 12 common sunscreen ingredients.-A study stating advertising intentional sun exposure represents a form of abuse. -Product recommendations for Zaidan: Rahua’s Classic Conditioner, Odele’s Smoothing Conditioner, Osmia’s Rose Clay Facial Soap, Ethique’s Bliss Bar, and Oars + Alps Moisturizing Bar Soap.-mbg article on the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens.-mbg article on the difference between UVA and UVB rays.Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

“When a patient comes in, I sit down with them and ask all about their stress, sleep, relationships, work, exercise, and sex lives. Usually they’ll be confused and say ‘Oh, I’m here for a skin thing,’ but a lot of people are walking around with undiagnosed and therefore untreated disorders, and we need to start there,” says double board certified dermatologist & psychiatrist Amy Wechsler M.D., one of the handful of physicians in the country with both certifications. “Research shows that when people go to the doctor, even more than looking for a diagnosis—they are looking to be heard. It’s important that we listen to them.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodgyreen’s beauty director & host Alexandra Engler and Wechsler discuss the immediate and long-term consequences of chronic stress on the skin—plus, her go-to solutions.  Show notes:-Read up on the brain-skin connection. -Understanding how brain & skin cells develop. -Learn about the benefits of sex for skin. Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com