Beyond Soap

In this episode: A very special interview with Bernadette Morra! —Bernadette leads one of the most exciting fashion magazine reinventions in years, with this month’s gender-blind relaunch of FASHION magazine for all. —Morra is one of the leading journalists in the Canadian fashion scene and has interviewed everyone from Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Gianni Versace.  —on the cover, Morra put a selection of people she thought are helping to redefine gender and other stereotypes in fashion and beauty, including: Donté Colley, on the ‘gram @donte.colley Elizabeth Mitchell, on the ‘gram @mitchellgirl3  Ladyfag, on the ‘gram @ladyfag Aleece Wilson, on the ‘gram @oddfreckles —Men and women have different skin, but it’s not that different. There’s no reason why they can’t use the same sunscreen, the same retinol, the same moisturizers. Check out the episode for more!   Also: —Sandy is excited about the first new retinoid acne drug in 20 years, which is called Aklief. —Chan’s concerned about her eyebrows—and Sandy suggests Latisse.     Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us on Apple Podcasts. It really helps us to make more episodes. Have a question? Send it to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. And check out our Facebook group by searching on Facebook for “Beyond Soap podcast.” Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki — @ChantelGuertin — @BeyondSoapPodcast This episode was produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau and audio producer Russell Gragg. Recorded at Toronto Podcast Studio.

Ever wondered why you lost that hair during that stressful spell at work? Or why a third of those strands fell out during your pregnancy? Sandy and Chan go deep on the three types of hair loss that affect one in five people. Hair loss can be caused by many reasons: pregnancy, stress, trauma, disease, treatment for disease (such as chemotherapy) or the natural aging process. Scientifically, these types are known as  male-pattern hair loss, female-pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, and a thinning of hair known as telogen effluvium.  Here are some of the treatments and products we mentioned in the episode:  Oral Minoxidil -- here’s a great article, 10 things you need to know about minoxidil for hair loss from Dr. Jeff Donovan, a Canadian dermatologist, who’s at the forefront of using minoxidil to treat hair loss.  And here’s a study from Dr. Renee A. Beach, another dermatologist using minoxidil to treat hair loss -- even in women. Rogaine Viviscal Saw Palmetto Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us on Apple Podcasts. It really helps us to make more episodes! Visit our website at beyondsoappodcast.com. Have a question for us? Send it to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. And check out our Facebook group by searching on Facebook for “Beyond Soap podcast.” Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki — @ChantelGuertin — @BeyondSoapPodcast

Our first listener questions episode in AGES! Sandy and Chan take their first-ever live listener question, and it’s about the horrors of teen acne, and the way some simply dismiss what can turn into a life-changing problem. A question by voice memo from Nancy inquires about post-menopausal acne. “Plumpuffs” from Instagram seeks recommendations for chemical exfoliators for women in their 40s. Via Instagram, X-Martin asks why skin reactions happen with products you’ve used in the past without problem. Plus: @bigdunkel wonders about the timing of transitioning babies from skincare products for infants. AND whether exercise is good for the skin!  (We love questions by voice memo—simply record them on your smartphone’s voice-recorder app and email the file to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com.)   In the baby skincare answer, Sandy references the commentary she wrote about Pediatric Dermatology. Here’s the link: Commentary on “‘Hypoallergenic’, ‘Sensitive Skin’, and ‘For Kids’: Has industry improved labelling standards when it comes to sunscreens? The anti-aging exercise effect is described by Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky in the 2015 study, Exercise‐stimulated interleukin‐15 is controlled by AMPK and regulates skin metabolism and aging. And then the New York Times’ Well blog wrote up Tarnopolsky’s research based on a presentation he did at a scientific conference: Younger Skin Through Exercise.  Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast app!  Visit our website at beyondsoappodcast.com. Have a question for us? Send it to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com.  And check out our Facebook group by searching on Facebook for “Beyond Soap podcast.” Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki — @ChantelGuertin — @BeyondSoapPodcast

Probiotics and prebiotics are all the rage in skincare, but do these buzzwords actually mean anything? What is the microbiome? And what does it have to do with the fight against aging? To find out, Sandy and Chan interviewed Dr. Jack Gilbert (@gilbertjacka), microbial ecologist at the University of California (San Diego) and co-author of Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.  But before we get to Jack, let’s talk about Sandy’s latest challenge! Chan sent her to Hoame in Toronto, to its salt cave. Interested in learning more? Check it out at hoame.ca. Now for the microbiome! Learn more about Dr. Jack A. Gilbert:  His book is Dirt is Good. He’s a professor at UCSD in Pediatrics and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Here’s his academic profile.  He cofounded the Earth Microbiome Project and the American Gut Project. He’s on Twitter @gilbertjacka   Go deep on the microbiome: New Insights into the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors That Shape the Human Skin Microbiome New York Times story on a microbial therapy for eczema pioneered by one of Dr. Gilbert’s colleagues: The Solution for Skin Ailments Could Be Right Under Your Nose Plus the research paper that inspired the NY Times article More about the relationship between bifidobacterium longum infantis and sticky baby diapers: Bifidobacterium longum subsp infantis CECT7210-supplemented formula reduces diarrhea in healthy infants: a randomized controlled trial More about the relationship between acne and the microbiome: Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us on your favourite podcast app!  Visit our website at beyondsoappodcast.com. Have a question for us? Send it to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com.  And check out our Facebook group by searching on Facebook for “Beyond Soap podcast.” Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki — @ChantelGuertin — @BeyondSoapPodcast

Everybody’s talking about the Goop Lab, the Netflix show starring Gwyneth Paltrow and her $250-million lifestyle brand—which, incidentally, deals with much of the same self-care anti-aging subject material as Beyond Soap. So we decided it would be fun to talk to the global expert on Goop and its sometime aversion to science-based therapies: Timothy Caulfield, author of Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? and Relax, Dammit!: A User's Guide to the Age of Anxiety, out spring 2020.  Caulfield also is a law professor at the University of Alberta, and maintains a really fun Twitter feed. Plus, his own TV show is really cool: A User’s Guide to Cheating Death.    For your reference, check out the Goop Lab on Netflix. (The anti-aging show is episode four.) Find Goop here.  Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us! Visit our website at beyondsoappodcast.com. Have a question for us? Send it to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. And check out our Facebook group by searching on Facebook for “Beyond Soap podcast.” Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki — @ChantelGuertin — @BeyondSoapPodcast

Andrea Derby received the text from her husband asking her to go to the Oscars just three weeks before last year’s ceremony. And she’s going again this year. We chatted with her about her dresses, makeup and her skincare routine.  Andrea mentioned that she likes using the What Happened Last Night sheet masks the night before a big event. (Target and Amazon used to sell them, but seem to be sold out right now--let us know if you have found it somewhere else!) Looking for a stylist to help you choose the right dress? If you’re in Toronto, ask for Marlo Sutton at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street or follow her on Instagram @marlofrance.  Want to rent a frock? We like Rent Frock Repeat and The Fitzroy.  We got some great tips from makeup artist Amy Janisse. Follow her on Instagram at @AmyJanisse.  Chantel also updated listeners on her challenge to use Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Booster. She’s been using it twice a day, layering Dr. Roebuck’s No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer overtop--and in just five days her moisture level has gone from 16% to 24%.  Sandy prefers Dr. Roebuck’s Pure Moisturizer for its minimal ingredients. She features it on her Product Elimination Diet website; but it’s been discontinued and replaced by Dr. Roebuck’s Nuddy Ultra Hydrating and Repair Cream. Sign up for our newsletter or send us a question at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki — @ChantelGuertin — @BeyondSoapPodcast. We also have a Facebook Group! Join the conversation -- search for Beyond Soap Podcast to connect with other listeners

Ever wondered if you really need to be using a moisturizer? We break down the science of moisturizers--and the three components a moisturizer needs to be effective. Plus, Chantel gets her moisturize level checked at Shoppers Drug Mart--to shocking results.    What is your moisturizer doing for you? In this episode, we break down the science of moisturizers--and the three components a moisturizer needs to be effective: humectants, emollients and occlusives.   Examples of humectants: hyaluronic acid Examples of occlusives: lanolin, petroleum jelly Examples of emollients: isopropyl, oils, ceramides   Check out this great site--INCIDecoder--where you can look up a skincare product and get a list of ingredients and what they do.    Here are the links to Chantel’s K Beauty Morning Routine or her K Beauty Night Routine.  Sign up for our newsletter or send us a question at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @beyondsoappodcast. Sandy’s on Instagram @drsandyskotnicki and Chantel’s @chantelguertin. We also have a Facebook Group! Join the conversation -- search for Beyond Soap Podcast to connect with other listeners.

Our first-ever interview! With Victor Casale, the genius co-founding chemist behind M.A.C cosmetics AND CoverFX, about his latest skincare brand, Pure Culture Beauty. Also contest winners, why hand sanitizer is better than washing—and the best non-drying hand sanitizer.    Beauty industry legend Victor Casale was just 19 and in his first year at University of Toronto chemistry when his girlfriend’s brother, Frank Toscan, asked him whether he knew how to make lipstick. He lied, said yes and figured it out—and became the science guy who cofounded the world’s most successful cosmetics company, M.A.C. Casale also recounts the behind-the-scenes origin story of his other big brand, CoverFX—and tells Sandy and Chan all about his next thing—due out in the fall of 2020.    Thanks for listener feedback and questions from Dannyelle from Louisville and Shannon via email!   Sandy’s favourite fragrance-free, non-drying hand sanitizers:  Avagard Foam Hand Antiseptic Avant Hand Sanitizer We announced the winners to the three skincare contests! Thank you to Cerave, Uriage and Bioderma for sponsoring the podcast—and to everyone who entered!    Sign up for our newsletter or send us a question at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @beyondsoappodcast. Sandy’s on Instagram @drsandyskotnicki and Chantel’s @chantelguertin.  

Question #1: Is eye cream BS? Sandy points out that eye cream is moisturizer. If it has peptides, you may see some reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. But often, eye cream is full of hyaluronic acid, which will help make you look less dry but there’s no long-term benefits. Have you heard of this gimmicky “miracle” eye cream? Don’t buy it! We also discuss how HEV (high-energy visible or blue) light can interrupt your skin’s ability to repair itself while you’re sleeping and whether it’s possible to block its damage by using a physical sunscreen. Question #2: I use toner in the morning, do I also need to use it at night? If you’re using a foaming cleanser that’s stripping your skin. Perhaps if your toner is lowering your pH level, it might help. Do you use a toner that’s lowering the pH levels in your skin? Let us know the brand! Question #3: What does caffeine in skincare really do? Caffeine in beauty products are generally marketed towards: cellulite creams and products to reduce undereye puffiness/dark circles. Caffeine has some antioxidant benefits, but most products don’t contain high enough concentration of caffeine, penetrate the skin to do any good. Question #4: Is it safe for my skin if I add a few drops of essential oils to the inside of my pajama top to add some scent? If essential oils aren’t coming in contact with your skin and don’t irritate your skin, they’re probably fine—but not for kids. Question #5: What do you recommend I do to help fade a post-acne spot on my face? If you’re getting recurring acne or cysts, you should try to prevent the acne before it occurs than to deal with the spots afterward. As for decreasing melanin production and fading dark spots, hydroquinone is the most common. In small concentrations it’s the best and safest. Question #6: I’m in my 50s and still getting hormonal acne on my chin. What to do? Aside from taking the birth control pill (or other hormone replacement therapy), there’s not much that can be done to resolve hormonal acne. (Sob!) Question #7: Are tanning beds that bad? Yes! They’re proven to cause skin cancer. You could die. If you use tanning beds, stop. Try a glow moisturizer that subtly darkens your skin by staining the upper layers. We like Jergens products but there are lots of great ones out there. Is there a self-tanner you love? Let us know by sending us an email to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. If you have a question, send it to us! Thanks to our episode sponsor, Uriage.

In this feature episode, Chan reports back on the challenge Sandy gave her in Episode 7, which was to swap out her foaming, fragranced hand soap for a Cerave Cleansing Bar, which is less drying than traditional soap.    Then, they share a hot tip from a listener who says she’s using The Ordinary’s glycolic acid to eliminate her underarm body odour.    In the dermal dive, Sandy and Chan tackle bespoke skincare -- the idea of made-to-measure or physician-prescribed skincare. Is this the future of skincare?  The two hosts discuss the microbiome, DNA, serums, subscriptions and more. For a list of all brands Chantel and Sandy discuss, head over to the Beyond Soap website.    Finally, Chan challenges Sandy to a salt cave experience at Hoame. The negatively charged ionized salts are supposed to draw out toxins and impurities, reduce inflammation, boost energy, clear out lungs and reduce anxiety. We’ll see what Sandy thinks in two weeks!    If you have any questions for us, send them to BeyondSoapPodcast@gmail.com This episode was produced in conjunction with Ghost Bureau Content Services and audio producer Russell Gragg. Recorded at Toronto Podcast Studio with engineers Ross Clark and Laura Haywood.

In this mini-episode, hosts Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Chantel Guertin immerse themselves in a giant pool of parabens! Just kidding. Actually they examine the hype and hysteria around the controversial preservative. Do parabens cause cancer? Are they safe to use in skincare products? In the end, Sandy and Chan reach some wholly surprising conclusions.      Okay, now that we have the show summary out of the way, let’s wade in to PARABENS!   Parabens, one of the least allergenic and non-irritating preservatives out there, were discovered in 1924. Think of everything from shampoo to moisturizer. All of it has water in it, and anything with water can go bad, especially if it’s in a humid environment like the bathroom. To avoid having to keep these products in the refrigerator, manufacturers tend to put preservatives in these products, to give them a longer shelf life and protect against bacteria and fungus.  Four types of parabens are in use: Methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben.    Then in 2004, Philippa Darbre at the University of Reading, in England published a pivotal study that detected parabens in 18 of 20 samples of tissue from breast tumour biopsies. Her study didn’t prove parabens cause cancer, only that they were easily detected among cancerous cells. The study was criticized for not comparing paraben levels in normal tissue, but nevertheless, the results triggered concern in the industry about the use of parabens in beauty products.   Since 2015 the EU banned two parabens in all personal care products, and these parabens are also banned in personal care products in 10 southeast Asian countries. In the US many major retailers have planned or have in place active bans or restrictions—Whole Foods bans all 4 parabens. CVS has committed to removing them in their stores by the end of this year. Target has committed to removing them in all beauty, personal care and baby products by 2020.    But Sandy points out that the dangers from parabens is probably overblown. Health Canada, the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review have all said parabens are safe at current exposure levels when concentrations range between 0.4-0.8%. And in fact, parabens are ubiquitous in our environment and have been documented in pond water, tap water and house dust. Some naturally occurring sources of food, like blueberries, produce a type of paraben. And the exposure is higher from foods than via skincare products due to poor absorption from skin compared to foods. In an interview with L-Official, clean beauty guru Tiffany Masterson, the founder of Drunk Elephant, said she thought parabens were fine.    And the problem is, companies still need to preserve their skincare products. Otherwise we’ll have to refrigerate them. Some manufacturers started to use a product known as MI—methylisothiazolinone. But that turned out to be much more allergenic and irritating than parabens. In fact, in 2013, the American Contact Dermatitis made methylisothiazolinone its contact allergen of the year.    Speaking of academic papers, the medical journal Dermatitis recently selected parabens as its (non)allergen of the year, saying, “Paraben reactions are quite uncommon and generally relevant. Parabens remain one of the least allergenic preservatives available. The unsubstantiated public perception of paraben safety has led to its replacement in many products with preservatives having far greater allergenic potential.”   Finally, speaking of preservatives, the PAO symbol on cosmetics refers to the “period-after-opening,” and refers to how long the product is safe to use once you’ve opened it. Learn more.    Hey, we now have a website! Visit us at www.beyondsoappodcast.com! Subscribe to our newsletter or ask us questions at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. Don’t forget to rate and review our podcast on your favourite podcast app!    This episode was sponsored by the Silk'n ReVit Prestige Microdermabrasion Device.

In this feature episode, Sandy and Chan take on ski-trip skin care and all that entails, including how to protect your lips from winter wind, the nastiness of hot tub folliculitis and lip-balm dependency. Plus Sandy reports back on Chantel’s challenge regarding the rose quartz guasha stone and a listener question on mechanical vs. chemical exfoliators! In 2012, Sandy helped to write a book with Xiaolan Zhao, a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. You can buy Inner Beauty, on Amazon.  Sandy was a guest on Dr. Michael Roizen’s podcast: You The Owners Manual Radio Show. Her episode drops on January 6.  You can take the RealAge quiz here -- to determine your “real age” based on your lifestyle. Our listener question was about mechanical vs chemical exfoliators.  Mechanical exfoliators have little beads, seeds, or some sort of gritty substance, which “mechanically” exfoliates the dead dry skin. Chemical exfoliators use a form of acid to exfoliate.  Here are a few chemical exfoliators we mentioned:  Paula’s Choice has many AHA and BHA exfoliating products --  and here’s an interesting article about how to determine the right AHA for you, and an article about the difference between AHA and BHA exfoliators (BHAs are the little, lighter sister to AHAs). Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel In the dermal dive, we tackled ski trip skincare.  We discussed:  Hot tub folliculitis (yuck!) Protecting your skin with a barrier or skin repair cream. Here are a few that we mentioned:  La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream Bioderma Cicabio Sandy mentioned her trip to the Magnetic North Pole with True Patriot Love foundation. You can read about the trip in this National Post article and see a picture of Sandy in the Magnetic North Pole. She mentioned that L’Oreal sponsored the trip and donated La Roche-Posay’s Anthelioso SPF 60 to protect the team’s skin from the sun. Hot tip: Use a stick sunscreen so you can easily reapply it while you’re on the ski hill.  Lips: Avoid lip balms with added scent -- they dry out lips and make chapped lips worse. Lip balms we like: Uriage Bariéderm Repair and Insulation Lip Balm Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick Lanolips Dr. Lipp Sandy’s challenge to Chantel for the next two weeks is to use the Cerave Hydrating Cleasing Bar. If you have any questions for us, send them to BeyondSoapPodcast@gmail.com. To sign up for our newsletter send an email with the subject line “Newsletter” to BeyondSoapPodcast@gmail.com This episode was sponsored by: Uriage Esthederm Silk’n Bioderma

In this very special holiday mini-episode, we share our favourite 12 listener tips to get through the holidays! We had so much fun reading all of your fantastic tips — thanks to everyone who sent them in.   Tip #1: Drink sparkling water with lime to feel full and stay low on calories.  You can also ask for your water in a lowball glass if you don’t feel like telling people you aren’t drinking, or add flavouring to soda water to make it more fun than plain water and encourage you to drink not only alcohol but water too.  Tip #2: Swap your wallet for a micro bag. Keep a small bag that has all your essentials at the office so you're ready to go at any time. Tip #3: Style your hair with dry shampoo.  Sandy likes:  Not your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo (fragrance free) Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Chantel likes: Batiste’s new De-Frizzing, Hydrating and Volumizing Dry Shampoos Tip #4: Prevent blisters and be ready for them when they happen.  We like:  Compeed Blister Plasters Dr. Scholls Also: Keep ballet flats in your purse or carry a cloth shoe bag for indoor shoes so you’re minimizing the time you’re wearing those uncomfortable shoes.  Tip #5: Invest in a portable charger for your iPhone and you never run out of juice. We like the Aukey Power Bank Tip #6: Substitute going out for drinks with friends to celebrate the holidays with a trip to the yoga studio or spa to spend some quality time together. Tip #7: Keep a fake tree in the living room and a small real tree in a pot in the kitchen for the kids to decorate as they like. It still gives you the smell and the scent and it's not as messy.  Tip #8: Use a moisturizing face mask that you don't have to wash off so you’ll be more inclined to use a face mask before bed.  Chantel likes our sponsor Esthederm’s Intensive Hyaluronic Mask Tip #9: Try to exercise every day no matter what, because it helps you sleep better and you feel less stressed.  Tip #10: Spend a little longer blow drying your hair on the weekend. Then before bed, twist your hair into a topknot and secure it with a scrunchie. This prevents you from getting frizz and bedhead while you sleep, and lets you go for more days without washing your hair.  Tip #11: Nap.  Tip #12: Don’t say yes to every party invite.  Thanks to everyone who sent in their tips! Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki @ChantelGuertin @BeyondSoapPodcast   Visit our website: http://www.beyondsoappodcast.com   Have a question? Send listener questions and feedback to BeyondSoapPodcast@gmail.com   Beyond Soap is available every Monday morning on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play and anywhere you get your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single episode. And please take a moment to rate and review the show. That'll help ensure it gets into the ears of more listeners.

In this episode: Chantel reports back on using Chanel La Solution 10. TFC-8 -- aka “Trigger Factor Complex” or the secret complex used in Augustinus Bader’s The Cream -- the hottest skincare product that was sold out for weeks. Here are a couple of articles about The Cream:  The $225 skincare product Hollywood swears by Is this the secret to rich-person skin? You can buy The Cream at Holt Renfrew, on Augustinus Bader’s site. You can also buy Victoria Beckham’s Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer, her collab with Augustinus Bader (which also contains TFC-8)   Microdermabrasion, microneedling, liquid gold facials and PRP-based treatments.  Gift sets! To buy or not to buy? Sandy says yes, if it’s a quality gift set, like a Skinceuticals.  Chantel wants to try this Tatcha Dewy Glow Set. She’s also loving this L’Occitane Relaxing Lavender Collection.  Sandy says she likes using Aveeno Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment in the tub  Chantel also mentioned her love of Beauty Counter Dew Skin. She wears No. 1. Chantel wants this Best of Saje Wellness Essentials Gift Set, but Sandy warns that diffusers can cause respiratory problems. Chantel also recommends a session at H2O Float Spa (or a similar sensory deprivation floating experience in your city).  If you are in the Ottawa or Winnipeg areas, Chantel recommends heading to Nordik, the outdoor Scandinavian spa experience. Scandinave is a similar experience.  Chantel gives Sandy her beauty challenge -- to use a Kung Fu Apothecary guasha when applying facial oil or serum. It’s an ancient Chinese tool that can relax tension in facial muscles, improve circulation and skin tone.    We have two giveaways in this episode!  To enter to win the Bioderma prize pack, follow @biodermacanada and @beyondsoappodcast on Instagram. Leave a comment on the Bioderma photo on @beyondosoappodcast saying you want to win the prize, or send an email to us saying you want to be entered to win at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com   To enter to win the Cerave prize pack follow @cerave_canada and @beyondsoappodcast on Instagram. Leave a comment on the Cerave photo on @beyondsoappodcast saying you want to win the prize, or send an email to us saying you want to be entered to win at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com.   This episode was sponsored by: Cerave  Silk’n Bioderma   Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki @ChantelGuertin @BeyondSoapPodcast   Visit our website: http://www.beyondsoappodcast.com   Have a question? Send listener questions and feedback to BeyondSoapPodcast@gmail.com

Mary on Instagram asks. I love skincare, but I don't know where to start in terms of a good routine. I'm 30 and I want to ensure that I'm using the right products. What products, other than sunscreen, should I be using on my face?  From Ceri: What amount or percentage of retinol should be in a product to make it effective? I'm 51 and do not want to mess around with ineffective products.  From someone who signed herself, “A hopeless skeptic, and product-averse listener": I have a lot of sun damage and not a lot of money to spend on expensive treatments. Other than a good sunscreen to prevent additional damage, what can I do to reduce the dark spots on my face? And also, what are the best over-the-counter bleaching creams?  From Jenny on Instagram: I listened to your first episode, and I liked the recommendation of fibre mascara, but I'm Chinese and my lashes are super straight. So I find that every mascara I try, even waterproof mascaras, smudge under my eyes. Can you recommend a mascara that would help with this problem?   This episode was sponsored by:   Cerave  Silk’n Products mentioned:   Ooh-La-Lash Volumizing Mascara from VMV Hypoallergenics Blinc Mascara Gua Sha natural face-lifting tool   Links: From Cosmo: 9 best tubing mascaras for smudge-proof lashes   Follow us on Instagram: @DrSandySkotnicki @ChantelGuertin @BeyondSoapPodcast   Visit our website: http://www.beyondsoappodcast.com   Have a question? Send listener questions and feedback to BeyondSoapPodcast@gmail.com

In this week’s episode: Sandy reports back on her trip to Madrid to the European Academy of Dermatology and Veneralogy  Chantel reports back on her hunt for products with bakuchiol Sandy delves into the science of fibre mascara -- or lack thereof Chan heads to The Freeze Clinic for a deeply relaxing cryotherapy facial—and Sandy analyzes the benefits from a scientific perspective Sandy offers a hack for getting through the holiday season Sandy gives Chantel a challenge: to try Chanel La Solution 10. Do you have a holiday hack or goal for this holiday season? Tell us what it is by emailing us at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com This episode was sponsored by: Cerave Silk’n Yellofruit Esthederm   Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please subscribe to the podcast and rate us at your favourite podcast app.  Follow @beyondsoap_podcast on Instagram Follow @drsandyskotnicki on Instagram Follow @chantelguertin on Instagram

Our first-ever listener-question mini-episode! Alberta asks, what can I do to get rid of my eczema? From an anonymous listener, we have, Is jojoba oil safe or should you stick with sunflower oil? Esther in Thunder Bay asks about CBD oil and skincare—does it work? What's the deal with hormonal chin acne—can I fight it with my regular acne product, or do I need to do something with my diet? Plus, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki discloses the only food ingredient ever linked to increased acne in a scientific study, and co-host Chantel Guertin challenges Sandy to tell the story of the strangest reaction she's ever seen in her dermatology practice. Have a question of your own? Email us at beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com. Join us next week for a full episode, where we dive into the exciting and scary-sounding phenomenon of cryotherapy. Rate us on your favourite podcast app, and don't forget to subscribe for the latest in beauty news, skincare, self-care, and the fight to look and feel our absolute best as we age!

Welcome to Beyond Soap, the podcast about skincare, self-care, skin health and the never-ending quest to look and feel our absolute best as we age. In this episode, we dive into: Bakuchiol, the buzzy new plant-based functional analogue of retinol. How do you pronounce it? Does it actually work? Yes, according to science—plus it’s less irritating The beauty challenge: Sandy and Chantel dare one another to attempt a beauty regimen they would never otherwise try: Chantel challenges Sandy to try fiber mascara and Sandy challenges Chantel to try a skincare product that contains bakuchiol. What Sandy and Chantel want to explore in this podcast Sandy and Chan’s favourite non-beauty products that make them happy: Sandy’s is her Cuyana bag; Chan’s is her Emily Ley Simplified Planner. Have questions for Sandy and Chan about beauty and skincare? Send your questions to beyondsoappodcast@gmail.com.