In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta Yadav is joined by Dr. Stacie Stephenson, a leading voice in functional and integrative medicine, for a powerful conversation that reframes how we think about skin health. Rather than isolating skin concerns from the rest of the body, Dr. Stacie emphasizes a systems-based approach that connects the dots between stress, inflammation, gut health, and chronic conditions like acne and autoimmune disease.

Dr. Stacie shares her remarkable journey from Olympic-level figure skating to becoming a disruptor in modern medicine—after personal health challenges led her to seek deeper answers beyond traditional care. Together, she and Dr. Ekta unpack the philosophy of functional medicine, spotlighting its focus on root causes, not just symptoms.

They explore acne as a case study in how conventional treatments often overlook gut dysfunction, food sensitivities, and long-term microbiome damage. Dr. Stacie also weighs in on the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—highlighting their promise, their risks, and the psychological dimensions of weight and wellness.

This episode is both a masterclass and a mindset shift. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to partner with their body—and their practitioner—to personalize their path to better health. Whether you’re managing a stubborn skin condition or exploring holistic healing, this conversation may offer the insight you’ve been searching for.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to Dr. Stacie Stephenson

(1:16) Dr. Stacie’s Journey into Functional and Integrative Medicine

(4:31) The Influence of Athletic Experience on Dr. Stacie’s Career

(7:25) Discovering Functional Medicine and Early Career Challenges

(9:26) Key Pillars of Functional Medicine and Its Application

(12:12) The Role of Gut Health and Detoxification in Functional Medicine

(16:04) Understanding Preventative Medicine and the Importance of Personal Health Awareness

(19:43) Dr. Stacie's Thoughts on Acne and Its Root Causes

(27:01) The GLP-1 Drugs: Benefits and Concerns on Long-Term Use

To learn more about Dr. Stacie Stephenson, visit her website and social media.

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In this powerful episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with legendary esthetician Joanna Czech to challenge everything we think we know about skincare. With over 40 years of experience and more than 13,000 hours of clinical training, Joanna brings a rare depth of insight that cuts through beauty marketing and focuses on real skin health.

From her scientific roots in Poland to her philosophy that skin should be treated as the vital organ it is, Joanna shares why trends—from salmon semen creams to collagen powders—often do more harm than good. She unpacks the myths behind “clean beauty,” the mislabeling of skin types, and the misuse of trendy ingredients like exosomes and stem cells. For Joanna, true skincare is not about chasing fads—it’s about understanding biology, consistency, and common sense.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights, including the importance of nighttime routines, the difference between dehydration and dryness, and how lifestyle—down to hydration timing and sleep—directly impacts the skin. Joanna’s refreshingly honest perspective emphasizes education over obsession and science over sales.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of the skincare industry, this episode will ground you. Tune in for a reality check that’s equal parts inspiring and enlightening—and discover why Joanna Czech’s approach is trusted by everyone from celebrities to fellow professionals.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to Joanna Czech

(1:19) Joanna’s Background and Journey into Aesthetics

(4:37) From Manicurist to Recognized Expert in Skincare

(6:07) Understanding Skin Health Beyond Surface Treatments

(9:30) The Connection Between Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Skin Health

(12:00) Debunking Skin Care Trends: Collagen, Tallow, and More

(16:31) The Importance of Proper Skin Care Rituals

(19:45) Recommendations for Starting a Skin Care Routine in Your 30s

(26:42) The Science of Skin: pH Balance, Retinol, and Dehydration

To learn more about Joanna Czech, visit their website and social media.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.

Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!

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In this transformative episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav is joined by renowned trichologist Bridgette Hill for a deep dive into the science of scalp health—and why it’s the missing link in your haircare routine. Forget everything you thought you knew about shiny strands; Bridgette makes it clear that the key to hair vitality lies in the living, breathing skin beneath: the scalp.

From her beginnings as an editorial colorist to becoming a scalp-focused expert, Bridgette shares her journey and the turning point that made her rethink beauty from the inside out. The conversation sheds light on how water quality, product misinformation, and undiagnosed scalp conditions are quietly sabotaging hair health—even for those using premium products.

Bridgette challenges the idea of “healthy hair,” reframing it as the end result of follicular wellness. She explains how factors like inflammation, hormonal shifts, and nutritional imbalances manifest at the scalp long before they’re visible. You’ll learn why scalp serums are the new skincare, how to spot the difference between dry scalp and dandruff, and why collaborative care between hairstylists, dermatologists, and trichologists could change the game.

This episode isn’t just about beauty—it’s about biology, literacy, and longevity. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss or just looking to optimize your routine, tune in to learn why the future of haircare starts at the root.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to Scalp Health

(1:01) Bridget's Background in Trichology

(3:12) Defining Scalp Health and the Importance of the Scalp

(5:43) The Impact of Hair Manipulation and the Role of Scalp Health

(6:59) The Pandemic's Influence on Hair Health Awareness

(9:01) Factors Impacting Scalp Health: Genetics, Illness, and Environment

(11:01) Hard Water and Its Effect on Scalp and Hair

(13:56) The Role of Ingredients and Product Formulation in Scalp Health

(25:01) Collaborative Approach to Scalp and Hair Care: The Role of Trichologists, Dermatologists, and Hair Care Professionals

To learn more about Culligan, visit their website and social media.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.