Skin Anarchy Podcast

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 medicineafter 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 Wegovyhighlighting 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 bodyand their practitionerto personalize their path to better health. Whether youre managing a stubborn skin condition or exploring holistic healing, this conversation may offer the insight youve been searching for.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to Dr. Stacie Stephenson

(1:16) Dr. Stacies Journey into Functional and Integrative Medicine

(4:31) The Influence of Athletic Experience on Dr. Stacies 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.

Dont forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.

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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 trendsfrom salmon semen creams to collagen powdersoften 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 fadsits 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 lifestyledown to hydration timing and sleepdirectly impacts the skin. Joannas refreshingly honest perspective emphasizes education over obsession and science over sales.

If youve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of the skincare industry, this episode will ground you. Tune in for a reality check thats equal parts inspiring and enlighteningand discover why Joanna Czechs approach is trusted by everyone from celebrities to fellow professionals.

CHAPTERS:

(0:00) Introduction to Joanna Czech

(1:19) Joannas 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.

Dont 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 episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav is joined by renowned trichologist Bridgette Hill to uncover why scalp health is the true foundation of haircare. From inflammation and hormonal shifts to misdiagnosed flaking and product overload, Bridgette breaks down the science behind follicular wellness—and why healthy hair starts long before it reaches the surface.

A key part of that conversation? Water quality. Bridgette explains how hard water, filled with minerals like calcium and chlorine, can disrupt the scalp’s microbiome and block the absorption of even the best products. That’s where Culligan comes in. Their advanced water softening systems help remove those hidden barriers so your scalp—and your hair—can actually benefit from your routine.

Bridgette also shares her personal journey from editorial colorist to scalp care expert, revealing the turning points that led her to focus on what's happening beneath the strands. She unpacks the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, the growing importance of scalp serums, and how collaboration between dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists could shift the entire haircare industry.

Whether you’re struggling with hair loss, irritation, or simply want better results from your routine, this episode challenges traditional thinking—and shows how the future of haircare starts at the root, with science, intention, and cleaner water.

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

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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.

Sign up for our newsletter!

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

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