Facially Conscious™ | "Get the Skinny on all things Skin!"

Discover why honey is revolutionizing skincare routines everywhere. In this skincare education episode, esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic chemist Rebecca Gadberry team up with beekeeper Holly Moore and Valley Hive co-founder Keith Roberts to break down the science behind this ancient ingredient. Learn about honey's antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties—and why different hone...

What is “Ozempic Face” — and can you actually prevent it? As GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and semaglutide become more common for weight loss and metabolic health, many people are noticing unexpected changes in their skin — including facial volume loss, skin laxity, and increased dryness. In this episode, we break down what “Ozempic Face” really means, why it happens during rapid weight...

Is your skin actually dehydrated — or just dry? And do ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin really hydrate the skin the way we’ve been told? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca Gadberry explore the science of skin hydration, breaking down how humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid function within the skin and wit...

Does drinking more water actually hydrate your skin? Is hyaluronic acid really the gold standard for hydration? And what does your skin barrier have to do with dry, dehydrated skin? In this episode of Facially Conscious , esthetician Trina Renea is joined by dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport and cosmetic scientist Rebecca Gadberry to break down the science of skin hydration. Together, they clarify...

Confused by skincare marketing? Not sure which products actually belong in your routine? In this episode of Facially Conscious , esthetician Trina Renea is joined by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport and informed consumer Julie Falls to simplify what a well-balanced skincare routine really needs — and what it doesn’t. With thousands of skincare products on the market — from luxury c...

Why does your skin suddenly react, break out, or feel sensitive during stressful seasons — even when you haven’t changed your skincare routine? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca Gadberry explore the science of stressed skin and the powerful connection between the brain and the skin. You’ll learn how the HPA axis (hypothalamic...

Can plant-based growth factors deliver anti-aging results comparable to retinol — without irritation? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadberry sit down with Tony Abboud, Chief Commercial Officer of Core Biogenesis, to explore the science behind plant-powered growth factors and oleosome delivery technology. Growth fact...

Can you really judge a skincare product just by reading the ingredient list? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , cosmetic chemist Rebecca Gadberry and licensed esthetician Trina Renea explain why ingredient labels don’t tell the whole story — and what you can’t determine from a skincare ingredient list alone. With so much focus on “clean beauty,” pore-clogging ingredients, and vira...

Are silicones really bad for your skin? Do they clog pores, cause breakouts, or “suffocate” your skin? In this episode of Facially Conscious , esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadbury calmly unpack 13 of the most common silicone myths in skincare — separating cosmetic chemistry from internet misinformation. Silicones are some of the most misunderstood ingredients in ski...

Is topical estrogen the next breakthrough in skincare — or a trend that requires more caution than excitement? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadbury are joined by OB-GYN Dr. Emily Sikking to explore the growing conversation around topical estrogen in skincare and its projected rise as a 2025 beauty trend. Estrogen p...

Are you actually applying enough sunscreen? Is SPF in makeup really protecting your skin? And is there such a thing as a “safe” tan? In this episode of Facially Conscious , licensed esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic chemist Rebecca Gadberry break down eight of the most common — and potentially harmful — sunscreen myths circulating online. From misconceptions about how much sunscreen to apply, t...

Beef tallow skincare is trending — but is it actually good for your skin? If you’ve seen claims that beef tallow “heals the skin barrier,” replaces moisturizer, or works as a natural acne remedy, you’re not alone. Social media is filled with promises about this ancestral skincare ingredient. But what are professionals seeing in real treatment rooms? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcas...

How is social media influencing the way we see our skin — and ourselves? And what happens to self-esteem when beauty standards are shaped by filters, algorithms, and comparison culture? In this thoughtful episode of Facially Conscious , esthetician Trina Renea is joined by Dr. Vicki Rapaport, Julie Falls, and psychologist Dr. Sarah Dihmes to explore the psychological impact of social media on beau...

What does “pregnancy-safe skincare” actually mean — and who gets to decide? In this episode of Facially Conscious , we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of skincare during pregnancy and breastfeeding with expert Holly Moore. If you’ve ever searched “Is retinol safe during pregnancy?” or felt confused by conflicting advice from brands, blogs, and even healthcare providers, this conv...

What are plant exosomes — and do they truly improve skin health? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , we explore the science behind plant exosomes in skincare and why they are gaining attention in professional esthetics and cosmetic chemistry. If you’ve been hearing about exosome serums, regenerative skincare, or advanced ingredient delivery systems but aren’t sure what’s credible,...

Is castor oil really a skincare miracle? Are expired products quietly irritating your skin? And is that trending CO2Lift Carboxy Mask actually worth it? In this episode of Facially Conscious , our expert panel breaks down some of today’s most talked-about skincare trends using cosmetic science, professional esthetics, and practical real-world insight. We examine the viral rise of castor oil for sk...

Are you washing your face too much — or not enough? Do you really need a toner? Why do your skincare products pill? And are makeup wipes actually harming your skin? In this episode, licensed esthetician Trina Renea and cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadbury answer the most common skincare questions with clarity, science, and real-world experience. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting s...

Are aesthetic injections ruining natural beauty — or redefining it? In this episode of Facially Conscious , board-certified dermatologist and non-surgical aesthetics pioneer Dr. Alexander Rivkin joins us for a grounded, science-based conversation on the future of cosmetic dermatology and injectable treatments in 2025. We explore what’s actually changing in aesthetic medicine — and what’s simply tr...

What does it really take to develop a safe, effective skincare product? In this in-depth conversation, cosmetic chemist Rebecca Gadberry joins Trina Renea to explore the full skincare formulation process — from concept to market-ready product. If you’ve ever considered DIY skincare, private labeling, or launching your own skincare brand, this episode offers a grounded, science-based look at what h...

Winter can quietly disrupt even the most balanced skincare routine. In this episode of Facially Conscious , we’re breaking down practical, science-aligned winter skincare strategies to help you maintain hydrated, resilient, and radiant skin during cold weather. From managing transepidermal water loss to protecting your skin barrier against indoor heating and environmental stressors, this conversat...

Exosomes are rapidly becoming one of the most discussed innovations in regenerative skincare — but what are they, and how do they actually support skin health? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Greg Maguire , Founder of NeoGenesis , to explore the science behind exosomes in a clear, grounded, and accessible way. You’ll learn how these tiny extracellular vesicles act as cellular messengers that...

Is biofermentation the future of skincare — or just another trending ingredient? When most of us hear the word fermentation , we think of food or plants — not our serums and moisturizers. But in today’s skincare industry, biofermented ingredients are showing up everywhere, from barrier-repair creams to microbiome-supporting formulas. This week, Gay Timmons returns for a grounded, science-informed...

In this thoughtful conversation, laser specialist Dr. James Wang explores the psychology behind laser treatments — and why our perception of technology plays such a powerful role in aesthetic decision-making. From laser skin resurfacing and pigmentation treatments to acne scar revision, anti-aging procedures, and collagen stimulation , lasers are often seen as the most advanced solution in dermato...

Are GMOs something you should actually be worried about in your skincare products? What does “GMO-free” really mean on an ingredient label—and does it matter for your skin health? In this thoughtful, science-informed conversation, Trina and Rebecca welcome back recurring guest Gay Timmons to unpack the truth about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how they relate to skincare ingredients, c...

What are exosomes, and why are they becoming one of the most talked-about advancements in regenerative skincare? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Greg Maguire , founder of NeoGenesis , to explore the science behind exosomes and their emerging role in skin rejuvenation, cellular repair, and healthy aging. If you've heard terms like growth factors , stem cell skincare , or cellular communic...