
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 8, 2023 • 49min
121: The future of skin health | board-certified dermatologist Muneeb Shah, D.O., & plastic surgeon Reid Maclellan, M.D.
“My guiding light is if I wouldn’t recommend it to my mom, I wouldn’t recommend it to my patients or followers on social media,” says board-certified dermatologist Muneeb Shah, D.O., who is part of the viral sensation Doctorly. On this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler is joined by Shah and plastic surgeon Reid Maclellan, M.D., adjunct Professor of Surgery at both Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, and Founder and CEO of telemedicine company Cortina Health, Inc. In the episode they discuss the future of dermatology and technology, how mental health impacts skin, and debunking viral social media myths.Show notes:-Follow board-certified dermatologist Muneeb Shah, D.O. and Doctorly-Follow plastic surgeon Reid Maclellan, M.D.-Utilize & learn more about Cortina Health-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: How stress impacts skin, psychodermatology, how sleeps impact on skin, basic skin care routineTake 15% off dry body oil with code BODYOILPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Aug 1, 2023 • 52min
120: Can Botox help with trauma? | board-certified dermatologist, Caren Campbell, M.D.
“Our brains are wired to always see the imperfection, because it’s what keeps us safe. Your brain is going to try and control what it can—for a lot of people, that’s having perfect skin. But that’s not attainable, so folks are left feeling empty because they can never get there” says board-certified dermatologist, Caren Campbell, M.D. ” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Campbell about the dangers of wanting “perfect skin,” unexpected Botox uses, her favorite lasers (with minimal downtime!), and how trauma influences our skin and the way we perceive ourselves. Show notes:-Follow Caren Campbell, M.D and learn more about her practice.-Research on “perception drift” in dermatology -Studies on neurotoxins’ effects on mood -Learn more about the Hoffman Institute-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Trauma being stored in the body, wrinkles by age, types of wrinkles, crows feet, TMJ, under eye circles, PRP.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Oura RingTake 15% off dry body oil with code BODYOILPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jul 25, 2023 • 33min
119: Scalp inflammation & hair care toxicity | sustainability & non-toxic beauty entrepreneur Ciara Imani May
“The issues [with waste and toxicity] that I identified early on with synthetic hair scared me. Once I understood that normal synthetic hair was made from frowned upon materials and ingredients, I thought, Well, how did it make its way on my head and so many other people’s heads if everybody else seems to know this?” says sustainability & non-toxic beauty entrepreneur Ciara Imani May, founder of Rebundle. Rebundle is a plant-based and fully recyclable hair extension company used in braids and protective styling for Black women. “Beauty should bring joy to our lives, but at what cost?” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen and beauty director Alexandra Engler, chats with May about the burden of toxicity experienced by women of color, the short and long-term consequences of scalp inflammation, and why we need better hair care solutions for Black women. Show notes:-Learn more about Ciara Imani May and Rebundle-Research on endocrine disrupting chemicals found in commonly used Black hair care products, which are then linked to adverse health effects -Adverse health risks associated with relaxers, including uterine cancer-Toxic burden disproportionately affecting women of color-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: microbiome, scalp care, scalp inflammation-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Braid Better, Fenty Beauty Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting CleanserTake 15% off our postbiotic hand wash with code HANDWASHPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jul 18, 2023 • 52min
118: Aging isn’t just about wrinkles | Aesthetic specialist Lisa Goodman, MPAS
Aesthetic specialist Lisa Goodman discusses the five elements of facial aging, the misconceptions about Botox, and what to ask your aesthetic practitioner. Learn about the Good Skin Method, skincare importance, filler use, growth factors, and being an informed client.

Jul 11, 2023 • 46min
117: Nutrition tips & being a working mom | model & health coach Valeria Lipovetsky
“Too much of anything is bad. I always need to scale back, and ask myself, ‘How does this fit into my life? What is my goal? What is wellness for me at the end of the day?” says model, mom, content creator & holistic health coach Valeria Lipovetsky. “Because I want to be a good example for my children. They watch everything I do, so I alway make sure I walk the walk.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Lipovetsky about how she approaches nutrition, cycle synching, and a minimalist beauty routine. Plus, how she recharges as an introvert. Show notes: -Follow Valeria Lipovetsky-Listen to her podcast Not Alone-Read more about topics in this episode: menstrual cycle guide, phases of the menstrual cycle, optimizing menstrual cycle hormones, oil cleansing, SPF recs, vitamin C serums, night creams, sleep hygiene.Take 15% off our postbiotic hand wash with code HANDWASHPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jun 27, 2023 • 50min
116: How Molly Sims deals with dark spots, texture & more | actress & model Molly Sims
“The standard of beauty is slowly moving away from size two,, five-ten, blond hair. And I’m really happy about that,” says actress, model, entrepreneur and podcast host Molly Sims. “It’s not about how you look, it’s how you feel. If you feel good, you look good.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Sims about how her career shaped her relationship with beauty, dealing with insecurities while being in the spotlight, and how she found solutions to her dark spots. Plus, her go-to smoothie recipe. Show notes:-Follow Molly Sims & YSE Beauty -Learn more about YSE Beauty -Listen to Molly’s podcast Lipstick On The Rim-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Dark spots, barrier function, compromised barrier, sun care, acne, cystic acne, retinol, how to use retinol, vitamin C, clarifying shampoo, how to exfoliate the face, collagen supplement -Shop products mentioned in this episode: YSE Beauty Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser, The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment, Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum, Last Call Retinol Serum, Xtremely Rich Moisturizer, Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads, It Cosmetics CC Cream Full Foundation SPF 50+, Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush, Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlighter, Eye Love You Mascara, Anastasia Beverly Hills brow products, KS&CO Sheer Tinted Brow Gel, Clear Stronghold Brow Gel, Micro Feathering Brow Pen, Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, Clinique Bottom Lash, Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly, Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss in Tanlines, Merit Flush Balm in Raspberry Beret, Kenra Clarifying Shampoo, Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo For Beautiful Color, Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, C & The Moon Malibu Made Body Scrub, Henry Rose, K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask, Talika Bio Enzymes Brightening Mask, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial Serum, Future Cosmetics Lemuria Phytomarine Body CreamTake 15% off our body cream with code BODYCREAMPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h
115: Makeup tips for mature skin | celebrity makeup artist Simone Otis
“When we look at ourselves in the mirror, the first thing we ask ourselves is ‘What's wrong? What can I fix?’ What if you turn that on its head and ask yourself, ‘What do I like about myself?’ and that’s the first thing you do? For example, you go ‘I like my lips. What color should I put on my lips today?’” says celebrity and editorial makeup artist Simone Otis, lead artist of the makeup brand 19/99. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Otis about how to play around with dimension on the face, identifying your best feature, and why beauty standards need to embrace age. Plus, her favorite makeup products. Show notes:-Follow Simone Otis and 19/99-Learn more about 19/99-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: no-makeup makeup, how to shape eyebrows, eyebrow shapes, how to apply concealer, dark circles, types of wrinkles, wrinkles by age-Shop products mentioned in this episode: GMC Medical Antioxidant 20 Serum, Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50, Ultra Violette Supreme Sunscreen SPF 50, Guinot Skincare, Ben Nye Color Corrector Ochre, 19/99 Cream Contour Stick, Cream Highlight Stick, Tinted Matte Balm, Precision Colour Pencil, Colour Set Setting PowderTake 15% off dry body oil with code BODYOILPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jun 13, 2023 • 54min
114: Is SPF “toxic”? | board-certified dermatologist Shasa Hu, M.D.
“It’s not realistic to think our skin will be perfect when we live in a dynamic environment. Our skin is exposed to changes in stress levels, environment, and diet,” says board-certified dermatologist Shasa Hu, M.D., professor at the University of Miami and Cosmetic Director Skin of Color Division Miami. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Hu about the myth that SPF is “toxic”, the issue with perfection culture in beauty, how to detect early signs of skin cancer, and getting enough vitamin D. Plus, what you can do to reverse sun damage from the past. Show notes:-Follow Dr. Shasa Hu-Skin cancer rates are on the rise according to The Skin Cancer Foundation -Survey on SPF usage-Vitamin D deficiency in the US-Research showing that sun exposure cannot overcome vitamin D deficiency-Vitamin D deficiency in older populations-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: sun care, best sunscreens, vitamin D deficiency.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum, Plated Intense Serum, SkinBetter InterFuse Treatment Cream Take 15% off our postbiotic hand wash with code HANDWASHPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Jun 6, 2023 • 41min
113: Can joy change your skin? | mbg co-founder Colleen Wachob
“We wanted to bring more airtime and more focus to [well-being] tools that are time tested that so many of us can agree on—and also integrate the possibility of joy,” says mbg co-founder Colleen Wachob, co-author of the new book The Joy Of Well-Being. “I worry that we’ve become so disconnected from what joy truly is. I think we all need to ask ourselves, ‘What is it about our lives that bring us joy?’” In this very special episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director & host Alexandra Engler chats with Wachob about her frustrations with the wellness industry, the pillars of her well-being routine, and the power of connection. Plus, all the ways your well-being habits affect your skin.Show notes:-Read The Joy Of Well-Being: A Practical Guide To A Happy, Healthy & Long Life-Reviews on how longevity is influenced by movement & connection-Study on girls, spirituality & depression -Study on falling, hip fractures & mortality -Literature on the gut-skin axis-Read more about topics mentioned in the episode: Colleen’s health journey, sleep hygiene, sleep’s effect on skin, gut-skin connection, eating enough protein, breathwork.Take 15% off dry body oil with code BODYOILPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

May 30, 2023 • 52min
112: Celebrity skin care tips | Esthetician Joanna Czech
“It’s not just about the surface—it takes a lot of discipline and consistency. It takes so much more than just skin care. Skin care is about 30%, but the other 70% is our lifestyle. That’s where it all begins,” says celebrity esthetician Joanna Czech. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Czech about how she’s amassed a roster of top celebrity clientele (like Cate Blanchett, Bella Hadid, and Kim Kardashian), how to prep for a big event, and why eating an anti-inflammatory diet is so critical for the long-term health of your skin. Plus, her favorite professional treatments. Show notes:-Follow Joanna Czech-Check out her brand & spa-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: peptides, ceramides, vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, skin barrier, acne, anti-inflammatory diet, microcurrent, facial massage, LED lights, nighttime routine. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Joanna Czech Skincare The Soothing Serum, The C+ Serum, The Toner, The Balm, The Face Mask, The Facial Massager, Necessaire The Body Wash, Environ Vitamin A C E Body Oil Forte, Alpha Hydroxy Acid Derma-LOC Lotion, Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser, Costa Brazil Oleo de Limpieza Para A Face, Exquisite Face + Body Cleansing Gel, Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash, ISDIN K-Ox Eyes Cream, Forlle’d Hyalogy Eye Moistlift, Lyma Laser, NuFace Trinity Pro Facial Toning Device,Gee Beauty Prime SkinTake 15% off our body cream with code BODYCREAMPOD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com