

Clean Beauty School
mindbodygreen
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2023 • 55min
103: The skin inflammation epidemic | author Erin Yuet Tjam, Ph.D.
“We know inflammation does bad things to our body. When our skin is in contact with substances that it does not want to be, its reaction is inflammation. And sometimes you can’t see it, it’s microscopic inflammation. But you can feel it: The skin is tight or we feel oily and have blemishes,” says Erin Yuet Tjam, Ph.D., known as The Beauty Obsessed Science and author of Skin Sobering: 99% of Products Are Harming Your Skin. “If we don’t stop that acute inflammation, the worst thing happens and it becomes chronic. Inflammation goes around the body. When you have inflamed skin, your body doesn’t feel good.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler and Tjam discuss the concept of “skin sobering,” why skin inflammation shouldn’t be ignored, and why skin health is a public health crisis. Show notes:-Learn more about Erin Yuet Tjam, Ph.D.-Read Skin Sobering: 99% of Products Are Harming Your Skin by Erin Yuet Tjam, Ph.D. and Ryuichi Utsugi, MD-Occurance of Acne according the American Academy of Dermatology-Eczema statistics according to the National Eczema Association-Research about eczema in babies and children-About skin allergies -Developing skin allergies and related diseases -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: skin barrier, damaged skin barrier, inflammation of the skin, skin inflammation’s effect on the heart. Take 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. 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

Mar 21, 2023 • 51min
102: Underrated ingredients for skin health | esthetician Lesley Thornton
“I take a holistic approach grounded in science. The skin is an exterior organ that is a communicator. It’s connected to billions of cells and nerves, and becomes an extension of our whole health,” says holistic esthetician Lesley Thornton, founder of KLUR. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Thornton about why we should look to our skin for ingredient inspiration, functional fragrance, and her sunscreen hot take. Plus, why a good face wash is the backbone of your routine (and deserves more respect!)Show notes:-Follow Lesley and KLUR-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, compromised skin barrier, skin pH, retinol, CoQ10 for skin, skin microbiome, tinted sunscreen, green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E, sensitive skin.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Klur Gentle Matter, Brilliant Light Serum, Stellar Restoration, Unseasonal Kind Oil, MARA Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil, Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick.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

Mar 17, 2023 • 13min
101: Groundbreaking news that will shake up the beauty industry | bonus episode
Did you know that the FDA never had the authority for beauty product recalls? Or that beauty brands didn't have to disclose potential fragrance allergens on ingredient lists? Or that beauty companies didn't have to report adverse events to the FDA?All of that is about to change.In late December of last year, a bill passed in Congress implementing a massive and long-overdo update to the FDA’s regulatory oversight for the beauty industry: Thanks to the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulations Act (MoCRA), the beauty industry will better align itself with supplement manufacturers—and even closer to the EU, which is often held up as the standard for cosmetic regulation.In this bonus solo episode, mbg beauty director Alexandra Engler walks through the exciting changes, what we now know, and what it all means for you, the beauty consumer.Show notes:- Read the mbg article about MoCRA.- Read the full MoCRA PDF.- Check out the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices.- Read more about Mia Davis.- Read more about Krupa Koestline & listen to her CBS episode.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Mar 14, 2023 • 46min
100: How to grow your brows & lashes | Esthetician Jasmine Imani
“I'm all about low key maintenance, like how can I wake up, not do much, still look wonderful?” says esthetician, brow and lash specialist Jasmine Imani, founder of her eponymous salon Jasmine Imani Beauty. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host and mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Imani about all things brow and lash care. Here, they get into how to regrow brows, how to get the most natural looking, full brow, and why lashes thin over time. Plus, her favorite clean mascaras—and why waterproof mascara is off limits. Show notes:-Follow Jasmine Imani and check out her salon, Jasmine Imani Beauty-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: threading, brow regrowth, how to grow brows, brow shapes, how to make brows thicker, castor oil, coconut oil, brow lamination, microblading, brow gels, brow pencils, peptide, pumpkin seed extract, retinol, AHA, oil cleanser, gua sha, regular trims, cream blush, clean mascara.-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Saie Beauty Mascara 101, MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara, Ami COLÉ Lash-Amplifying Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara, Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara, Borboleta Lash Serum, epi.logic Double Feature, U Beauty, Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer, Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer, Ami COLÉ Lip Treatment Oil 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.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Mar 7, 2023 • 59min
99: What your favorite color says about you | intuitive energy reader & stylist Susanna Merrick
“Instead of seeing beauty rituals as a treat or privilege, view it as taking care of yourself is your rite of passage of being in your human form,” says intuitive energy reader & stylist Susanna Merrick, founder of Aura Wear. “I had always associated beauty with self care, but it’s really self maintenance. This is just what I do to honor myself, because I am worth it. And I am worth it every day.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Merrick about the connection between spirituality, beauty, and self expression. In the episode, they dive into what various aura colors mean, why beauty practices can fuel your creativity, and why being seen can be so vulnerable. Plus, what good and bad aura readings look and feel like. Show notes:-Follow Susanna Merrik -Learn more about Aura Wear -Read more about topics discussed in this episode: auras, red auras, green auras, blue auras, pink auras, yellow auras, orange auras, indigo auras, purple auras, undertones, personal color palette, makeup to match your aura.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.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Feb 28, 2023 • 33min
98: Everything to know about laser hair removal | Laser hair removal specialist Christian Karavolas
“Laser hair removal is the most advanced it's ever been. We have new lasers that are faster, less painful, and work for more skin tones,” says laser hair removal specialists Christian Karavolas, VP of the Society of Clinical and Medical Hair Removal and founder of Romeo & Juliette. “Many types of people can benefit from laser hair removal: Someone who is prone to in-growns and scarring. Athletes—both male and female—who feel hair bothers them. People who have hormonal imbalances and want to treat unwanted growth.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen’s beauty director & host Alexandra Engler chats with Karavolas about pre- and post-care for laser hair removal, how to find a good practitioner, and what you can expect about the pain level. Show notes:-About Christian Karavolas-Check out Romeo & Juliette hair removal-Info on the types of lasers-Society of Clinical and Medical Hair Removal -Read more about topics discussed in this episode: Laser hair removal, shaving & waxing, retinol, in-growns, razor bumps, hyperpigmentation, body acne. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Clé De Peau 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

Feb 21, 2023 • 44min
97: Aging through the decades | Board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D.
“You can always change your habits—you can always improve. You can stop smoking, eat more vegetables, sleep more, and stop tanning. But you still may have damage, and fixing it takes time. Quite frankly, nothing happens overnight,” says board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen’s beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Downie about how to take care of your skin as you age—from product recs and sunscreen faves, to tips for managing pore size. Plus, we get into several non-invasive procedures that can help rejuvenate skin. Show notes:-Follow Jeanine Downie, M.D.-Learn more about her practice Image Dermatology-Information about how skin cancer rates are on the rise-Read about topics mentioned in the episode: pore size, sunscreen, vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs, humidifier for skin, collagen decline in the skin, menopause skin, retinol, hair growth supplements, vitamin C supplements, hair growth tips, mediterranean diet benefits-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Bipolle Emepelle Serum, SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Sunscreen, Senté Even Tone Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, Senté Invisible Shield Tinted, ISDIN Eryfotona Acticina, SkinBetter sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion, Revision Skincare Intellishade SPF 45, SunBun Sun Care, Aveeno sun protection products, Neutrogena Sun Care, Restorsea Reviving Cleanser, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Sente Daily Soothing Cleanser, Aveeno gentle cleansers, SkinBetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads, SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream, Sente Dermal Repair Cream, Sente Dermal Contour Pressed Serum, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, ISDIN Melatonik, Sente Bio Complete Serum, Nutrafol, Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum, Latise, Sente Illuminé Eye Cream, SkinBetter InterFuse Treatment Cream EYE -Learn about treatments mentioned in this episode: IntraGen, IntraCel, Zaffiro, Sofwave, EmSclupt Neo, Fraxel laser, Kybella, SclerotherapyTake 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. 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

Feb 14, 2023 • 42min
96: The future of skin aging | board-certified dermatologist Julie Russak, M.D. and board-certified holistic nutritionist Jennifer Hanway
“Aging of the skin is a symptom of what’s already happening on the inside,” says board-certified dermatologist Julie Russak, M.D. “You cannot have regenerative skin care without understanding what’s happening in the body.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler is joined with Russak and board-certified holistic nutritionist Jennifer Hanway, the experts behind their new Anti-Aging Wellness Program. Here, we talk about the future of healthy aging, nutrition’s role in skin care, and how to feel your best for longer. Show notes:-Follow board-certified dermatologist Julie Russak, M.D. and holistic nutritionist Jennifer Hanway-Learn more about their Anti-Aging Wellness Program-Learn more about regenerative dermatology -Research on the gut-skin connection & the brain-skin connection-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: collagen production, wrinkles, hair loss, hair growth, stress on the skin, diet’s effect on the skin, beauty sleep, retinol, SPF, peptides, vitamin C serums, vitamin C for skin, vitamin C supplements, collagen supplements, skin microbiome, skin barrier health. 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.Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com

Feb 7, 2023 • 46min
95: Anti-inflammatory skin care tips | aesthetics physician Dr. Barbara Sturm
“Regarding the skin, all kinds of things we don't like from eczema, rosacea, breakouts, aging, to even pigmentation issues are caused by chronic inflammation,” says aesthetic physician Dr. Barbara Sturm, founder of her eponymous line. “So where does inflammation come from? It can come from our diet, external stresses like pollution and sun, stress, lack of sleep, and it can come from skin care products actually.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler Chats with Sturm all about inflammation in the skin, how to manage chronic inflammation, and what innovations are on the horizon. Show notes:-Follow Dr. Barbara Sturm-Research on telomeres and aging-Inflammation in the skin-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: PRP, vampire facial, inflammation in the skin, stress in the skin, acne, cystic acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, retinol, skin barrier function, vitamin C for skin, oral vitamin C for skin, glycolic acid, beauty sleep, forest bathing, mindfulness habits, RED light therapy. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Dr. Barbara Sturm Lip Balm, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, The Good C Vitamin C Serum, Face Cream, Glow Drops, Body Wash, Anti-Aging Body Cream, V-Wash, Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo, Hydrating Conditioner, Repair Hair Mask.-Read books mentioned in this episode: The DNA Field and the Law of Resonance by Pierre FranckhTake 25% off vitamin C potency+ with code VITAMINCPOD. 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

Jan 31, 2023 • 55min
94: The problem with gua sha “hacks” | Sandra Chiu L.Ac., M.S.T.C.M.
“I feel like Traditional Chinese Medicine helps you access and recognize other dimensions of yourself, such as your spiritual self, emotional self, and physical self. It turns these on in a way where we are able to thrive—and feel like we’re supposed to feel as human beings,” says licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and TCM practitioner Sandra Chiu L.Ac., M.S.T.C.M., founder of Lanshin. “The world that we live in is quite stressful, and cuts us off from these other parts of us. It’s easy to get lost in that stress.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Chiu about what the beauty industry is getting wrong about TCM modalities, circulation’s importance in skin health, and her favorite skin care practices for vibrant skin. Plus, why we shouldn’t think of Gua Sha as a “beauty hack.” Show notes:-Learn more about Sandra Chiu L.A, M.S.T.C.M. and Lanshin -Research about circulation in the skin-Read more about topics discussed in this episode: Traditional chinese medicine, stress response in the skin, acne, collagen loss, facial gua sha, benefits of yoga, lymphatic drainage massage, lymphatic drainage acupuncture, cica cream. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Lanshin Gua Sha toolsTake 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