Clean Beauty School

“When it comes to scalp care—like skin care—it’s all about getting the body into homeostasis,” says hairstylist and trichologist Helen Reavey, founder of hair and scalp care brand Act+Acre. “It’s about less is more, laying solid foundations, and getting back to the roots—no pun intended.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Reavey about identifying your scalp type, how to bring your scalp to balance, and hair growth tips. Plus, she explains exactly how to shampoo your hair (because you might be doing it wrong). Show notes:-Follow Helen & Act+Acre-Hair growth cycles-Research on red light therapy for hair-Research on microneedling for hair growth-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: scalp care, skin types, flakes vs. dandruff, scalp inflammation, how often to shampoo, silicones in hair care, oily scalp, dry scalp, salicylic acid, scalp oils, hair slugging, clarifying shampoos, hair loss, hair growth, hair density, scalp itching, scalp buildup, dermarolling for the scalp, red light therapy for hair, scalp massage, nutrients for hair growth, vitamin C benefits, vitamin C skin benefits, skin cycling, how to layer your skin care, dry skin. -Shop products mentioned this episode: Act+Acre Scalp Detox, Stem Cell Scalp Serum, Scalp Renew, Plant Based Hair Capsules, Leave-In Conditioner, Hair Oil, Dermaroller, Environ skin care, Circumference Vital-C Antioxidant Serum, Veracity, Marie Veronique C+E+Ferulic, Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C, Symbiome The CreamTake 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 

“The pursuit of beauty is actually very, very functional,” says board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, M.D., founder of Marmur Medical and MMSkincare. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Marmur all about LED therapy: “LED light is the missing link for skin care and wellness.” Here, we get into what all the different colors do, what the research says, and how to actually find a good device to use at-home. Plus, we talk about how to deal with blue light from your phones and computers. Show notes: -Follow Ellen Marmur, M.D., MMSkincare, and Marmur Medical-Clinical research on red LED light-Research on blue LED light-Research on green LED Light -NIH info on LED light -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: LED therapy for skin, LED facial, LED devices, collagen, elastin, how to improve skin firmness, acne, inflammation in skin, retinoid for skin, PRP, skin microbiome, skin barrier, blue light blocking glasses.     -Shop products mentioned in this episode: MMSkincare Sphere, MMSkincare serums, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15  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 

“Our bodies and skin are what carries our spirit through this world, so they are to be loved, appreciated, and cared for,” says brand founder and skin care expert Vicky Tsai. In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Tsai about why skin care stresses some folks out, how to reduce inflammation in the skin, and the mind-skin connection. Plus, we get into the inherent connection between spirituality and skin care. Show notes:-Follow Tatcha & learn more about the brand-Read more about Tsai’s story-Tatcha’s report on the Mind-Body connection-Read Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li-Dacher Keltner, Ph.D, founder of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley-Harvard’s study showing that about 46% of the time we’re on autopilot-Research on the mind-skin connection-Read more about topics discussed in this episode: inflammation in the skin, inflammation, skin barrier, stressed skin, beauty sleep, meditation, mind-skin connection, diet-skin connection, forest bathing.  -Shop products discussed in this episode: Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil, The Rice Polish, The Essence, Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment, Hinoki Body Care Trio Forest Awakening RitualTake 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 

Here’s our special New Year’s episode with guest co-host and mindbodygreen beauty editor Jamie Schneider! In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen’s beauty director & host Alexandra Engler chats with Schneider about their 2023 beauty trend predictions, what habits they’re honing, and their hot takes! Plus, what products they're obsessed with as of late. -Follow Jamie Schneider & read her work-Try mindbodygreen’s dry body oil & read about the product here-Read our 2023 Wellness Trends-Check out our beauty series As Of Late-Read more about topics mentioned this episode: Skin cycling, retinol, AHAs, skin microbiome 101, the latest research about the skin microbiome, menopause skin care, indie sleaze, skin circadian rhythm, the rise of beauty and wellness centers, at-home gloss, allantoin, niacinamide, sad girl makeup, liquid plastics, biotech in beauty. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Paula’s Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner, Eadem Cloud Cushion Moisturizer, Kosas Plump + Juicy Vegan Collagen Spray On Serum, Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask, Evolved by Nature Emulsion, Codex Beauty Lab, Biossance, JVN, Stripes, Marie Veronique C+E+Ferulic, Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre, lilah b virtuous veil concealer.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 

“Menstrual cycles are a vital sign of our overall health. This is something that western medicine, biomedicine, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine can all agree on: Periods are a monthly report card about what’s going on in our bodies,” says menstrual wellness expert, psychologist, and herbalist Lulu Ge, founder of the menstrual and hormone care brand Elix .“Rather than viewing them as a burden, if we get curious about them, we can unlock so much more potential and information about how to live our lives.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host and mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Ge about her roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, why we’ve come to normalize period discomfort, and how to better advocate for yourself, your health, and your body. Plus, 5 period symptoms you should consider as a red flag.  Show notes:-Follow Lulu Ge on Instagram and TikTok-Learn more about Elix-Menstrual length across the globe-Common menstrual cycle characteristics as reported by real people -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: daily guide to the menstrual cycle, 4 phases of the cycle, healthy menstrual cycle characteristics, optimizing menstrual hormones, cycle length, traditional chinese medicine, circadian rhythm, face mapping, hormonal acne, sensitive skin, morning rituals, getting sun in the morning, meditation, fiber for gut health, mushroom benefits, kale benefits, detox tea, ginseng -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Elix Cycle Balance, Daily Harmonany, Manjit 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.com

”The only way to truly achieve wellness is to approach health holistically,“ says board-certified internal medicine doctor Zion Ko Lamm, M.D. On this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Lamm about her unique approach to skin care. Given her background as an internal medicine physician, she approaches skin health from a holistic and preventative lens—and she looks to address things such as diet, sleep hygiene, stress, and more when she gives skin care advice. For example: "I utilize my skin care routine as a time for meditation. It has a profound effect on my mental and emotional wellness.” Plus, we get into her favorite ingredients—from tried-and-true to buzzy new superfoods. Show notes:-Follow Zion Ko Lamm, M.D.-Research on the skin microbiome-Your skin barrier composition -Research on intermittent fasting-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: skin microbiome, skin barrier, blue light effects, sleep wrinkles, types of wrinkles, vitamin C for skin, cica cream, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, pH of the skin, postbiotics in topicals, sleep’s & stress’s effect on the skin, gut-skin connection, sensitive skin, retinol, intermittent fasting, sleep hygiene, magnesium for sleep -Shop products mentioned in this episode: DONGINBI Red Ginseng Daily Defense Essence EX, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Revision Gentle Cleansing Lotion, Innisfree Balancing Toner With Green Tea, KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm, Real Barrier Extreme Cream, DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46Take 20% off our holiday collection with code HOLIDAY20. 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 

“Health is wealth. Without your health, you can’t do anything. And it's a job to stay healthy. That’s why you need a team and partnerships to help you,” says board-certified dermatologist Naana Boakye, M.D. Boakye considers herself a lifestyle derm, which means she focuses on nutrition, mental health, and day-to-day choices—not just topicals or prescriptions. “Radiant skin is a lifestyle.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mindbodygreen beauty director & host Alexandra Engler chats with Boakye about why it’s so important to find a skin care pro you trust, stress management tips that will help clear up skin, and her go-to ingredient combo that will give you healthy skin for life. Show notes:-Follow Naana Boakye, M.D. -Learn more about her practice, Bergen Dermatology -Studies that show which foods may influence acne, including B12 and whey-Research on the gut-skin connection-The brain-skin connection: How stress triggers acne and aging -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: acne types, hormonal & adult acne, inflamed acne, retinol and retinoid, coffee for skin and acne, coconut oil for skin, how diet affects acne, stress acne, acupuncture & acupressure, 4-7-8 breathing, breathwork, stress management tools, gut microbiome, skin microbiome, skin barrier function, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, sunscreen. -Shop products mentioned in this episode: KINLÒ SKINCARE, Proudly skin careTake 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 

“Skin care isn’t an exact science. We can get into the nitty gritty details of ingredients all we want, but that doesn’t mean anything if you don’t know how to use it in your own routine. That’s why I think it’s so important to learn how to implement, improve and troubleshoot your own skin care routine for your skin type,” says cosmetic chemist Victoria Fu, who co-founded Chemist Confessions alongside Gloria Lu. And Lu agrees: “It’s empowering for someone to be comfortable enough with their skin that you know what it needs everyday.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Lu and Fu about industry pet peeves, why formulations are never black and white, and why we should stop focusing on ingredient percentages so much. Show notes:-Follow Chemist Confessions & learn more about Gloria Lu & Victoria Fu-Pick up their book, Skincare Decoded: The Practical Guide to Beautiful Skin-Listen to their podcast Chemist Confessions The Podcast-Follow along their work and blog -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: vitamin C, vitamin C serum, salicylic acid, niacinamide, retinol, glycerin, AHAs, humectants, preservatives in beauty, skin types, how to layer products, how to build a skin care routine, double cleanse   -Shop products mentioned in this episode: Revela, Chemist Confessions Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel, Blank Slate Gel Cleanser, Gold Standard Exfoliating Treatment, The Specialist Exfoliation Treatment, Balm Voyage Soothing Occlusives, Double Play Face & Eye Treatment, Strivectin Super-C SPF 30 Vitamin C Moisturizer, Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner, Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 +, Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Sunscreen, KOSE SOFTYMO Speedy Cleansing OilTake 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 

“Feeling better about our bodies does not come from changing our bodies, it comes from changing our mindset,” says body positivity activist and influencer Alex Light, author of You Are Not A Before Picture. “I would love for women—because women predominantly bear the burden of beauty standards—to be able to live their lives free of concern about how they look. We have been taught that if we’re not thin or pretty then we’re not worthy.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, mbg beauty director and host Alexandra Engler chats with Light about body neutrality, her hopes for Gen-Z and future generations, and the return of “thinspiration” culture on social media. Plus, why toeing the line between “wanting to better yourself” and “not being good enough as I am now” can be so challenging.  Show notes:-Follow Alex Light-Read Alex’s book You Are Not A Before Picture: How to Finally Make Peace With Your Body, For Good  -Read about the history of diet culture and fad diets -Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: learning to love your body, setting boundaries, separating weight from health, cream blush, cream bronzer, natural lip color, vitamin C, retinol, meditation, breathwork -Shop products mentioned in this episode: It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, Garnier Green Labs Pinea-C Brightening Serum Cream with SPF 30, La Roche Posay Sunscreen, Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, CeraVe Night Renewing Skin Cream, Bioderma H20 Micellar WaterTake 30% off all supplements and personal care products with code MBG30, and score a free lip balm on orders over $75. Apply code at checkout. Follow the host: @alex_blair_Call in: sayhi.chat/cleanbeautyschool Comments: podcast@mindbodygreen.comSponsorship inquiries: sales@mindbodygreen.com 

“I became an esthetician because I fell in love with taking care of people. I love the idea that someone would come to me one-on-one, tell me all their issues or insecurities, and I would help them overcome that. We would become a team, working together to get the skin the healthiest it could be for you,” says celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas, founder of her eponymous spa and skin care line. “It’s about how you treat yourself: What products you use, how much you sleep, if you’re eating well. You have so much control over what you see in the mirror.” In this episode of Clean Beauty School, host and mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler chats with Vargas about the latest in spa treatments and technology, ingredients she loves for all skin needs, and why you should address the whole body (not just the face) in your skin care routine. Plus, how she became the one of the most sought-after facialists to the stars. Show notes:-Follow Joanna Vargas -Learn more about the spa treatments at Joanna Vargas-Research on the gut-skin connection-Research on the brain-skin connection -Learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers -Research on radio frequency for the skin-Read more about topics mentioned in this episode: connection between gut health and skin, sleep and acne, vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid peels, how often should you exfoliate, acne, sensitive skin, microneedling, how to build collagen naturally, LED light therapy skin benefits, LED facials, at-home LED masks, lymphatic drainage, facial massage, stress management techniques, types of facials, peptides, antioxidants for skin, types of wrinkles, sun care, hyperpigmentation, salicylic acid, how to soothe inflammation, mandelic acid, lactic acid-Shop products mentioned in this episode: Joanna Vargas Skin Care Rescue Serum, Rejuvenating Serum, Supernova Serum, Eden Hydrating Pro Moisturizer, SUQQU Face Protector SPF 50Take 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