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.

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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.

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In this special episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav is joined by Alicia Lindner, third-generation co-CEO of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND, to explore how a family-founded skincare brand from Germany’s Black Forest became a global benchmark for science-backed natural beauty. Alicia shares the origin story of her grandmother’s bold philosophy—"If I can’t eat it, I won’t put it on my skin"—and how that ethos continues to define the brand nearly seven decades later.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND blends traditional botanical knowledge with third-party clinical testing, delivering powerful results without compromising on sustainability. From sourcing pure deep spring water to refusing outside investors, the brand does everything with intention—including product development, which starts with a 15-woman R&D team and global inspiration.

Discover the surprising success of their biodegradable hyaluronic acid eye patches, their cult-favorite overnight cream that changes texture through body heat, and why a complete skincare ritual still matters. Alicia also shares her views on financial sustainability, slow growth, and what it means to protect a legacy brand while innovating with purpose.

Whether you're a skincare minimalist or a beauty deep-diver, this episode offers a powerful reminder that clean beauty doesn’t have to choose between efficacy and integrity.

Tune in to hear how ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND is setting a new standard for legacy beauty—one rooted in nature, backed by science, and built to last.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to AANNEMARIE BÖRLIND Skincare

(1:06) The History of the Brand: From Grandmother to Third Generation

(2:24) Keeping the Brand Relevant: Modernizing Legacy and Sustainability

(4:03) Sustainability and Ingredient Sourcing

(6:57) Brand Challenges: Maintaining Focus and Growth

(8:21) The Importance of Product Development and Innovation

(11:00) The Role of Science and Efficacy in Natural Skincare

(13:02) Addressing Trends: The Rise of Eye Patches and Mask Products

(26:24) Future Product Innovations and Closing Thoughts

To learn more about ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND, 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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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Kristen Chase, General Manager of Nutrire, a trailblazing new brand changing the way we think about hair care. Rather than focusing only on the strands, Nutrire turns attention to the scalp—the true foundation of healthy hair—and introduces a science-backed, salon-informed approach to long-term hair wellness.

Kristen shares her transition from legacy beauty brands to co-creating Nutrire in collaboration with the experts at Tricoci Salon & Spa. The result? A dual-diagnosis system that looks at both scalp type and hair type, bringing dermatological precision into the haircare space.

Listeners will get a first look at Nutrire’s hero ingredients and technologies—including Complex8™, a natural DHT-blocking blend, and the T1 and T2 Serums, developed with clinically validated, trichologist-approved formulas. The line also introduces a fresh way to shop haircare—by identifying your scalp type the same way you'd assess skin.

From personalized routines to the future of hair loss solutions, this episode explores how Nutrire is merging skin science and hair expertise to transform everyday routines into targeted treatment plans.

Whether you're dealing with thinning, dryness, or simply curious about a more intelligent way to care for your scalp, this conversation opens the door to the next era in hair wellness.

Listen now to discover how Nutrire is making scalp care the new skincare—and why it’s time to rethink your entire hair routine.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to Nutrire and Scalp Health

(1:05) Kristen’s Background in Beauty Brands and Transition to Nutrire

(2:07) Nutrire’s Vision and Focus on Scalp Health

(4:14) The Importance of Scalp Care in Hair Health

(7:08) Product Range and Focus on Simplicity

(9:02) Formulating Nutrire’s Day and Night Serums

(10:31) Addressing Scalp Type and Skin Type for Effective Hair Care

(13:12) The Importance of Clinical Proof and Gentle Efficacy

(27:13) Future Innovations and Nutrire’s Ongoing Mission

To learn more about Nutrire, 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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In this special episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta Yadav celebrates a milestone moment—her latest mini review, Inflammation and Aging: The Skin Inflammasome in the Context of Longevity Science, has been published in the Journal of Cellular Immunology. This episode offers listeners a deep but accessible dive into the mechanisms that link chronic inflammation, skin health, and the biology of aging.

Dr. Yadav unpacks the concept of “inflammaging,” explaining how low-grade, persistent inflammation accelerates skin aging and predisposes us to a host of conditions—from acne and psoriasis to pigmentation disorders. Central to this is the NLRP3 inflammasome, a cellular sensor that responds to both internal stress and external insults. But the conversation doesn’t stop at surface-level inflammation—it zooms out to show how NAD+ depletion, mTOR signaling, sirtuin activity, and cellular senescence all play a role in the skin’s aging clock.

Listeners will get a taste of the therapeutic landscape too—from the promise of repurposed drugs like metformin and rapamycin to the caution needed around immune modulation. Dr. Yadav also weaves in emerging research on gut-skin interactions and psychoneuroendocrine links, emphasizing the systemic nature of skin health in the context of longevity.

If you’re curious about the future of aging, biohacking, or the real science behind graceful skin longevity, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn what’s next in skin biology—and why inflammation is more than just skin deep.

Read the full article HERE.

To learn more about Dr. Ekta, visit her 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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In this episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta dives into the future of fragrance with the founders of iRomaScents, Avner Gal and Erin Berry, and celebrated perfumer Veronique Gabai. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we discover and connect with scent—bringing personalization and clarity to an industry long defined by overwhelm and subjectivity.

Avner and Erin share the origin story of iRomaScents, a platform designed to make fragrance discovery intuitive, accessible, and data-driven. What began as a dream to integrate scent into immersive experiences evolved into a cutting-edge solution to one of beauty’s most frustrating problems: finding your perfect perfume. The result is an AI-powered “wizard” that uses lifestyle cues and emotional patterns—like your favorite colors or songs—to guide users to scent profiles they’ll actually love.

Veronique Gabai lends her industry insight to explain how this technology enhances, rather than replaces, the emotional artistry of perfumery. With scent linked so deeply to our reptilian brain, she explains, it's no wonder we struggle to articulate preferences—iRomaScents helps bridge that gap by refining, not replacing, human instinct.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a perfume counter or struggled to put your preferences into words, this episode offers a glimpse into a smarter, more intuitive future. Tune in to learn how iRomaScents is reshaping fragrance discovery—one personalized algorithm at a time.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to the Episode and iRomaScents

(1:10) The Concept Behind iRomaScents and Integrating AI into Fragrance

(3:04) Avner’s Journey from Engineering to Fragrance

(4:38) Erin’s Perspective on the Challenges of Choosing Fragrance

(7:05) Veronique’s Take on the Future of the Fragrance Industry

(9:34) The Power of AI in Personalizing Fragrance Selection

(12:05) Creating the AI Algorithm and Observing Consumer Behavior

(15:23) How AI Helps Narrow Down Fragrance Preferences

(21:13) Veronique’s Advice on Connecting with Fragrance and Closing Thoughts

To learn more about iRomaScents, visit their website and social media, or to learn more about Vernoique Gabai, visit her 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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In this empowering episode of Skin Anarchy, host Dr. Ekta speaks with Zuly Matallana, the force behind TIARA—a clean deodorant brand on a mission to change how we think about body care. After surviving brain surgery and losing loved ones to breast cancer, Zuly turned frustration into fuel, challenging the outdated norms of deodorant formulation with transparency, integrity, and purpose.

TIARA isn’t just another “natural” deodorant. Zuly shares how she spent over two years perfecting a formula that’s truly non-toxic and high-performing—free from aluminum, synthetic fragrances, endocrine disruptors, and even animal-based ingredients like tallow. With a base of sunflower seed wax and minimal baking soda, TIARA is both skin-friendly and sustainable, making it a favorite for athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a product that truly works.

But this episode goes beyond ingredients. Zuly dives into the larger issue: lack of regulation and misinformation in body care products we use every day. Through TIARA, she’s built a platform for advocacy—educating retailers, speaking at summits, and winning recognition like the Entreprenista 100 award—all while remaining entirely self-funded.

For anyone rethinking their routine or curious about the intersection of wellness and advocacy, this conversation offers inspiration and insight. Tune in to hear how Zuly is turning personal adversity into a movement for safer, smarter deodorant—and why TIARA is just getting started.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to TIARA and Zuly Matallana

(1:39) Zuly Matayana’s Journey to Creating a Brand

(2:27) The Impact of Brain Surgery and Its Influence on Zuly's Perspective

(5:09) The Path to Creating Sustainable Products

(6:09) Researching and Developing Natural Deodorants

(8:43) Understanding Harmful Ingredients in Conventional Deodorants

(12:11) The Challenges and Misconceptions in the Deodorant Industry

(16:15) The Importance of Ingredient Transparency and Consumer Education

(21:37) The Future of Deodorants and Zuly’s Mission for Sustainability

To learn more about TIARA, 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.