Why Your Skin & Hair Isnt Working
By: abdelhamid bou ikhessayen
Language: en
Categories: Health, Fitness, Arts, Fashion, Beauty
We break down skincare and haircare myths using real research, dermatologist sources, and ingredient science — so you know what actually works and what doesn’t.
Episodes
Dandruff vs Dry Scalp: Most People Get This Wrong
Jan 09, 2026This Episode provide a comprehensive analysis of scalp and hair health, emphasizing the critical distinctions between dandruff and dry scalp. Experts highlight that while dryness stems from a lack of moisture, dandruff is often driven by excessive oil and the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. Maintaining a healthy environment requires avoiding harsh chemical ingredients like sulfates and parabens, opting instead for natural extracts, probiotics, or specialized antifungal treatments. External factors, including hard water minerals and cold winter air, are identified as significant contributors to irritation and hair thinning. To combat these issues, the texts recommend lifestyle adjustments such as improved...
Duration: 00:30:13Your Scalp Is Skin Too: Why It Matters
Jan 08, 2026This Episode examine the complex biological relationship between scalp health and the hair growth cycle, highlighting how the scalp functions as an extension of the skin. Scientific research details how environmental pollutants, oxidative stress, and aging contribute to hair thinning and conditions like alopecia or seborrheic dermatitis. The texts introduce the concept of "skinification," where advanced skincare actives like niacinamide and salicylic acid are used to maintain the microbiome and barrier integrity of the scalp. Additionally, the collection covers ethnic differences in hair texture and the impact of lifestyle factors, such as diet and stress, on follicular vitality. Diagnostic...
Duration: 00:34:53Hair Loss Treatments The Scientific Truth
Jan 07, 2026This Episode provide a comprehensive overview of androgenetic alopecia and the clinical strategies used to manage hair loss. Research compares the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation methods, suggesting that single-spin centrifugation may offer better results for increasing hair density than double-spin techniques. Pharmacological discussions focus on finasteride and minoxidil, evaluating their long-term efficacy while highlighting serious safety warnings regarding psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, the texts examine non-invasive alternatives, such as low-level laser therapy, scalp massage, and the impact of environmental factors like UV damage and air pollution on hair integrity. Nutritional perspectives are also explored...
Duration: 00:41:15Hair Supplements: Scam or Science?
Jan 06, 2026This Episode analyze the relationship between nutritional intake and hair health, specifically highlighting how deficiencies in vitamins like D, C, and B-complex, or minerals such as zinc and iron, can trigger shedding. Medical experts emphasize that while targeted supplementation may assist those with proven deficiencies, excessive consumption of certain nutrients can actually be toxic and exacerbate hair loss. Branded "nutraceuticals" like Nutrafol and Viviscal are discussed alongside clinical data, though critics warn of misleading marketing and the importance of independent third-party testing for purity. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and FTC provide guidelines to help consumers identify fraudulent health...
Duration: 00:40:41Does Minoxidil Actually Regrow Hair?
Jan 05, 2026This Episode provide a comprehensive analysis of androgenetic alopecia, examining the biological mechanisms of hair loss and the clinical effectiveness of various interventions. Research indicates that minoxidil remains a primary treatment, with studies comparing different concentrations and delivery methods like topical foams and oral tablets. The text highlights how minoxidil functions by opening potassium channels and stimulating growth factors through adipose-derived stem cells. Beyond pharmaceutical options, the literature explores alternative therapies such as finasteride, botulinum toxin, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplantation. Diagnostic advancements like trichoscopy are also discussed to help clinicians distinguish pattern baldness from other conditions. Finally...
Duration: 00:37:25Stress, Hormones, and Hair Shedding Explained
Jan 04, 2026Healthy hair growth is a complex process influenced by nutritional status, hormonal balance, and psychological health. These sources highlight that deficiencies in essential vitamins like B, C, D, and E, along with minerals such as iron and zinc, can trigger significant shedding or brittle strands. Beyond nutrition, hormonal fluctuations involving DHT, estrogen, and thyroid activity play a critical role in the hair follicle's life cycle. Chronic stress is another major contributor, as elevated cortisol levels can prematurely push follicles into a resting phase, leading to temporary hair loss. Emerging research also explores how the nervous system and mitochondrial function...
Duration: 00:43:13Why Hair Loss Starts Earlier Than Ever
Jan 03, 2026This Episode provide a multidimensional analysis of hair loss, focusing on the rising prevalence of early-onset androgenetic alopecia among Gen Z and Millennial populations. The research examines diverse triggers, ranging from environmental stressors like air pollution, blue light, and hard water to lifestyle factors such as sleep deprivation and the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The texts also highlight a significant micronutrient gap in young adults, particularly in iron and vitamin levels, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm of hair follicles. Therapeutic discussions evaluate traditional clinical treatments like minoxidil alongside emerging innovations in stem cell technology, microneedling, and botanical supplements...
Duration: 00:43:22Minimal Skincare vs 10-Step Routines: What Science Says
Jan 02, 2026This Episode examine the evolution of skincare from a basic health necessity to a complex modern phenomenon with significant psychological and physiological impacts. Researchers highlight how advanced multi-step routines can provide measurable improvements in hydration and anti-aging, yet they also warn that overindulgence may lead to behavioral addiction, financial stress, and skin barrier damage. While social media trends often encourage young consumers to use excessive products, clinical evidence suggests that minimalist approaches or "skinimalism" can be equally effective and less irritating. Maintaining the skin's natural acid mantle and microbiome is essential, as pH-unbalanced products can trigger conditions like perioral...
Duration: 00:24:43Skincare Trends That Sound Smart but Do Nothing
Jan 01, 2026This Episode analyze the intersection of dermatological science, marketing claims, and consumer safety within the modern beauty industry. They highlight clinically proven essentials like broad-spectrum sunscreen, retinoids, and antioxidants, while simultaneously debunking unproven trends such as snail mucin, plant stem cells, and questionable beauty gadgets. Experts warn against the risks of at-home treatments, specifically needle-free fillers and high-concentration chemical peels, which can cause permanent scarring or systemic organ damage. The collection further explores emerging innovations in sun repair, melatonin, and exosomes, though it notes that many "clean" or "medical-grade" labels lack strict regulatory definitions. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the 500...
Duration: 00:30:41Is Sunscreen More Important Than Any Serum?
Dec 31, 2025This Episode Talk About Maintaining a healthy complexion requires a consistent regimen of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection tailored to specific skin types and seasonal changes. Modern dermatological research emphasizes the use of sunscreen to prevent DNA damage and premature aging, with a distinction between mineral filters that reflect light and chemical filters that absorb it. Many contemporary formulas now incorporate antioxidants like Vitamin E and niacinamide to neutralize free radicals and bolster the skin's natural defenses. Specialized ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides are essential for hydrating and repairing the skin barrier, though users should be cautious...
Duration: 00:30:55Do Anti-Aging Creams Really Work?
Dec 30, 2025This Episode examine the scientific and regulatory landscape of anti-aging skincare, focusing on the efficacy and safety of "cosmeceuticals" like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C. These texts highlight a significant shift toward "skinimalism" and the prioritization of barrier health, noting that internal factors like nutrition and the gut-skin axis are vital for dermal integrity. Technical discussions detail the 500 Dalton rule and the use of nanotechnology or liposomes to help larger active ingredients penetrate the skin's protective layers. Emerging research also introduces biotechnology innovations, such as stem-cell-derived exosomes and AI-driven personalization, as the next frontier for reversing photoaging. Regulatory warnings...
Duration: 00:40:49Is “Clean Beauty” Actually Cleaner?
Dec 29, 2025This Episode examine the complex regulatory, health, and environmental landscape of the global cosmetics industry. Authors highlight a significant regulatory divide between the European Union’s strict bans and the United States’ evolving framework under MoCRA, which aims to enhance FDA oversight and product safety. Central to the discussion are the risks of toxic ingredients, such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, contrasted with the instability of preservative-free "clean beauty" products that may succumb to mold or bacterial growth. Documentation of product recalls and life cycle assessments further illustrates the industry's ecological footprint, including microplastic pollution and resource-intensive manufacturing. Addi...
Duration: 00:38:12Fragrance in Skincare: Harmless or Hidden Irritant?
Dec 28, 2025This Episode examine the multifaceted role of essential oils and fragrance ingredients within the cosmetic industry, highlighting their therapeutic benefits and safety risks. These sources detail how natural extracts can provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects to treat conditions like acne and aging, yet they also warn of allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. Regulatory updates in the European Union have significantly expanded the list of required allergen disclosures to protect consumers from potential health issues. To aid transparency, the INCI system standardizes ingredient labeling, allowing users to distinguish between "fragrance-free" and "unscented" formulations. Furthermore, scientific institutions utilize safety assessments...
Duration: 00:35:35Why Sensitive Skin Reacts to Everything?
Dec 27, 2025This Episode examine the complex nature of sensitive skin (SS) and dermatitis, identifying them as conditions driven by a combination of genetic, neurogenic, and environmental factors. Research highlights that SS involves neurogenic inflammation and hypersensitivity of sensory nerve fibers, particularly involving TRP channels and overactive mast cells. External triggers such as pollution, UV exposure, seasonal changes, and chemical irritants in cosmetics—like preservatives and fragrances—frequently aggravate these conditions by damaging the skin barrier. Assessment methods include transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and lactic acid stinging tests, though results often vary due to the subjective nature of patient symptoms like itch...
Duration: 00:33:31Adult Acne: Why Breakouts Get Worse After 25
Dec 26, 2025These sources provide a comprehensive analysis of acne vulgaris, exploring its biological causes, diverse clinical presentations, and modern management strategies. The text highlights how bacterial colonization and hormonal fluctuations drive inflammation, while detailing various medical treatments ranging from topical retinoids to systemic therapies like isotretinoin. Emerging research examines the role of dietary habits, such as high-glycemic intake, and the potential risks or benefits of nutritional supplements and herbal remedies. Special attention is given to the psychological impact of skin conditions and the importance of professional intervention to prevent permanent scarring. Furthermore, the documents address specific patient needs, including pregnancy-safe...
Duration: 00:42:54Adult Acne: Why Breakouts Get Worse After 25
Dec 25, 2025The provided sources examine the biological and environmental drivers of skin conditions, with a primary focus on the pathophysiology and treatment of acne across different life stages. Research highlights how hormonal fluctuations—particularly elevated androgens—stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil, a process central to both adolescent breakouts and adult conditions like PCOS. While teenage acne typically affects the T-zone, adult acne often appears as inflammatory or cystic lesions along the jawline and is heavily influenced by stress, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as diet and pollution. Clinical management is evolving through multidisciplinary approaches, utilizing traditional topical reti...
Duration: 00:30:00How Over-Exfoliation Is Quietly Destroying Skin
Dec 24, 2025Proper exfoliation serves as a vital tool for achieving a radiant complexion by clearing away dead cells and enhancing skin texture. These sources clarify the distinctions between chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, while highlighting the specific roles of ingredients such as salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. However, experts warn that over-exfoliating can severely compromise the skin barrier, leading to chronic dryness, inflammation, and increased acne. To maintain health, a balanced routine should prioritize hydration, consistent sunscreen application, and a frequency of no more than twice per week. The texts also provide specialized advice for managing sensitive skin...
Duration: 00:36:50Are Expensive Skincare Products Worth It?
Dec 23, 2025This Episode examine the economic, scientific, and regulatory landscape of the global beauty and skincare industry. They analyze the significant price disparities between luxury, medical-grade, and drugstore products, highlighting how specialized ingredients like peptides and liposomal delivery systems drive up costs. Industry experts explain that premium pricing often reflects heavy investments in clinical research, sustainable sourcing, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). While some reports suggest that affordable alternatives can perform as well as expensive counterparts, others emphasize that high-end brands offer superior potency, stability, and aesthetic experience. Furthermore, the texts provide practical guidance for entrepreneurs on navigating manufacturing choices...
Duration: 00:35:09Niacinamide vs Vitamin C: Do You Really Need Both?
Dec 22, 2025This Episode explore the diverse physiological benefits and practical applications of niacinamide and vitamin C in modern dermatology. Scientific reviews and clinical studies highlight niacinamide’s ability to strengthen the skin barrier, boost ceramide production, and mitigate signs of aging such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Additional texts offer guidance on layering active ingredients, debunking the myth that vitamin C and niacinamide cannot be used together while emphasizing the importance of sun protection. The collection also includes comprehensive lists of skincare brands and specialized advice for managing conditions like acne, sensitive skin, and winter dryness. Ultimately, these sources bridge the ga...
Duration: 00:36:44Is Retinol Really Safe or Just Marketing?
Dec 21, 2025This episode examine the clinical utility, safety, and regulatory landscape of topical retinoids and their natural alternatives in modern skincare. Retinol and its derivatives are highlighted for their proven ability to stimulate collagen and treat photoaging, though their use is often balanced against potential side effects like irritation and sun sensitivity. To address these drawbacks, the texts introduce bakuchiol as a plant-based substitute that offers comparable anti-aging results with better skin tolerability. Furthermore, the documents detail significant global regulatory shifts, such as the European Union’s upcoming concentration limits on vitamin A intended to prevent excessive systemic exposure. The co...
Duration: 00:33:24Why Your Skincare Isn’t Working (According to Science)
Dec 19, 2025This Episode About Maintaining a healthy skin barrier requires a delicate balance of chemical stability, proper pH levels, and a diverse microbiome. These sources explore how specific ingredients like antioxidants, chelating agents, and occlusives protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV light. Technical research highlights advanced delivery systems, including encapsulation and penetration enhancers, which help active compounds bypass the stratum corneum to reach deeper layers. Hormonal shifts during menopause and the menstrual cycle further influence hydration and sensitivity, necessitating tailored skincare routines. Finally, practical guidance addresses common formulation challenges like skincare pilling and the importance...
Duration: 00:14:03