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

What does organic skincare actually mean—and how much of what we hear about organic beauty is misunderstood? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , we’re joined by Gay Timmons , a leading expert in organic cosmetics, to bring clarity to one of the most confusing areas of skincare. Together, we unpack the real definition of organic in beauty, how organic cosmetics are formulated, and w...

In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , we welcome back Dr. Brandyn Dunn , a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, for an honest and educational conversation about realistic outcomes in cosmetic surgery . Not every cosmetic procedure leads to a perfect result—and Dr. Dunn explains why. He shares his thoughtful 80/20 rule , how he evaluates patient expectations, and wh...

In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , we explore one of the most powerful—and least discussed—procedures in aesthetic medicine: the phenol peel . Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Kotler joins us to explain how deep chemical peels work, why the phenol peel remains the gold standard for severe facial wrinkles , and how it compares to lasers, microneedling, and other resurfacing...

Former punk rock singer turned master esthetician and skincare entrepreneur Trina Renea joins the Facially Conscious Podcast to share her unexpected journey from the music industry to professional skincare. In this episode, Trina walks us through how performing for troops after 9/11, helping her husband with persistent blackheads, and a deep commitment to lifelong education led her to build respec...

Licensed esthetician Lashelle Ullie joins the Facially Conscious Podcast for a thoughtful conversation on men’s skin health , oncology skincare , and what it really means to care for skin with intention. Based in Los Angeles, Lashelle has built a practice focused on areas of skincare that are often overlooked—especially men’s skincare needs and skin health during and after cancer treatment . In th...

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Michele Hakakha joins the Facially Conscious Podcast to bring much-needed clarity to one of the most confusing areas of skincare: what’s actually safe during pregnancy . In this episode, we break down common pregnancy skincare myths and separate long-standing assumptions from current medical guidance. Dr. Hakakha explains why ingredients like salicylic acid , retinol , an...

Health and wellness expert Kim Walls , Co-Founder of Furtuna Skin , joins our Founders Series to share her personal journey into luxury skincare—from labeling jars for her father’s skincare line as a child to building a brand rooted in science, tradition, and ingredient integrity. In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at olive oil in skincare . Is olive oil actually good for the skin barrier,...

Sulfates are some of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—ingredients in skincare. Often labeled as “harsh” or “dirty,” they’ve been widely avoided in the clean beauty movement. But are sulfates actually bad for your skin, or have they been oversimplified? In this episode, Trina and Rebecca break down the real science behind sulfates —what they are, how they work, and why they’ve earned such a...

In this episode of Facially Conscious , we speak with Dr. James Wang about the science behind two advanced skin rejuvenation treatments that are reshaping modern dermatology. We start with the Hollywood Spectra laser and its FDA-approved MDF handpiece , designed to deliver concentrated microbeams that help improve acne scars and visibly reduce pore size. Dr. Wang explains how targeted energy stimu...

The Founders: Biba de Sousa on Skin Health, Formulation, and Building a Skincare Brand with Integrity What does it really take to build a skincare line that prioritizes skin health over trends? In this first episode of The Founders series on Facially Conscious , we sit down with Biba de Sousa , a highly respected esthetician, skincare educator, and founder known for her evidence-based approach to...

Acne is common—but it’s not the same at every age. In this episode, we break down the key differences between teen acne and adult acne , so you can better understand what your skin is responding to and why. We explore how hormonal changes , skin biology, and lifestyle factors influence acne at different life stages. You’ll learn why teen acne often shows up on the forehead, nose, and chest , while...

What if healthy skin isn’t just about what you put on your face—but what you feed your body? In this episode, Trina and Rebecca sit down with biologist Dan Fryda to explore the deep connection between marine nutrition, skin health, and whole-body balance. Together, they unpack how nutrients from the sea—like seaweed, algae, and other marine plants —support the skin barrier, hydration, and overall...

Nose filler, non-surgical rhinoplasty, and traditional rhinoplasty are often discussed online—but rarely with nuance. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Alexander Rivkin , founder of RIVKIN Aesthetics and pioneer of non-surgical rhinoplasty, alongside Dr. Brandyn Dunn , a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with deep expertise in surgical rhinoplasty. Together, they break down the real dif...

Facials can feel mysterious, expensive, or confusing—but they don’t have to be. In this episode of Facially Conscious , we break down facials and skincare in a clear, approachable way that makes sense for real life. Celebrity esthetician Trina Renea , dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport , skincare expert Rebecca Gadberry , and thoughtful consumer Julie Falls come together to talk about how facials ac...

In this episode of Facially Conscious , we explore the science behind modern laser skin resurfacing with dermatologist and laser expert Dr. James Wang . Our focus is the Alma Hybrid Laser , an advanced skin rejuvenation device that combines two laser wavelengths to create more precise, customizable treatments. Dr. Wang explains how hybrid laser technology works, how it differs from traditional res...

In this episode of Facially Conscious , we explore the often-overlooked connection between gut health and skin health with holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman . If you’ve struggled with acne, rosacea, chronic inflammation, or reactive skin and feel overwhelmed by conflicting skincare advice, this conversation offers clarity and grounded guidance. Elissa breaks down how the gut microbiome influenc...

Rosacea can be one of the most confusing and frustrating skin conditions to manage—especially with so many treatment claims and conflicting advice online. In this episode of Facially Conscious , we sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. James Wang to bring clarity to the evolving role of laser treatments for rosacea . Dr. Wang walks us through how laser technology has changed over the yea...

For many people living with rosacea , flare-ups don’t come out of nowhere—they’re often triggered by what touches the skin every day. In fact, research shows that a significant percentage of rosacea episodes are linked to topical skincare products and ingredients . In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , resident cosmetic scientist Rebecca Gadberry joins Trina Renea and Dr. Vicki Rapap...

Rosacea can be confusing, persistent, and emotionally draining—especially when advice online feels contradictory or overly simplified. If you suspect you have rosacea, or have already been diagnosed and aren’t sure what to do next, this episode offers clear, professional guidance. In this conversation, Master Esthetician Trina Renea and Beverly Hills board-certified dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapapor...

Rosacea is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—chronic skin conditions, yet many people live with symptoms for years before getting clarity. Persistent facial redness, frequent flushing, or acne-like breakouts on the cheeks and nose are often dismissed as “sensitive skin,” stress, or adult acne. But for many, these signs point to rosacea . In this episode of Facially Conscious , we begin...

Moisturizer is one of the most common skincare products—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Facially Conscious , we answer your most frequently asked moisturizer questions and break down what actually matters when it comes to hydration, skin barrier health, and daily skincare routines. We explore when to start using moisturizer , why consistency matters, and how moisturizers func...

Scars are a natural part of healing—but many people are left wondering what can realistically be done to improve their appearance. Can scars truly be eliminated, or is softening texture, color, and visibility the real goal? And which treatments actually work versus those that promise too much? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Brandyn Dunn , a fellowship-trai...

Skincare advice is everywhere—and much of it is oversimplified, misunderstood, or flat-out wrong. In this deep-dive episode of Facially Conscious , we slow things down and examine five of the most common skincare ingredient misconceptions , plus one persistent myth that continues to confuse and overwhelm consumers. Does hyaluronic acid actually dehydrate your skin ? Is a higher ingredient percenta...

Living with sensitive skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally exhausting—especially when advice online is conflicting, overly alarmist, or focused on quick fixes. In this episode, Dr. Vicki Rapaport and the team break down what’s actually happening in sensitive, reactive skin and how modern dermatology approaches treatment today. We ex...

What does results-driven skincare really look like behind the scenes—especially when the goal is healthy, resilient skin rather than quick fixes? In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast , celebrity esthetician Trina Renea sits down with renowned Hollywood esthetician Shani Darden for a thoughtful conversation about what actually goes into building and maintaining a radiant, long-term com...