Allure: The Science of Beauty - podcast cover

Allure: The Science of Beauty

Allure & Condé Nastwww.allure.com

Join Allure as we explore the inextricable link between science and beauty — and don't be surprised if you discover your next favorite serum, hair mask, or scalp treatment along the way. Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, and Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor, are asking the tough questions and getting the straight answers from dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and at least one expert on climate change (we said the questions were tough). So if you’ve always wondered what a wrinkle actually is (and how retinol can make it go away), or why your hair is curly (and which polymers will give it the most spring), come get nerdy with us!

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Episodes

S2 Ep. 6 | Hair Dye

It's our final episode of the year! After reviewing the colorful — pun very-much intended — history of hair dye, Jenny and Dianna team up with cosmetic chemist Dr. Anne Wagner to answer all your burning (well, hopefully not burning) questions about coloring your hair. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts...

Dec 23, 202130 min

S2 Ep. 5 | Scalp

This week, we're covering the topic holding this whole season together: our scalps. Join Jenny, Dianna, and guest Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, principal scientist for Head & Shoulders, as they get to the root of dandruff, dryness, and every other scalp issue imaginable. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts...

Dec 16, 202130 min

S2 Ep. 4 | Hair Loss/Thinning

As we speak, there are about 30 million women in the United States who are experiencing hair loss and thinning as caused by genetics — yet the topic remains taboo. So this week, Jenny and Dianna called in dermatologist Nazanin Saedi to investigate the different causes of hair loss and review the many treatment options available — while getting real about the costs. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Sc...

Dec 09, 202131 min

S2 Ep. 3 | Frizz

This week, Jenny and Dianna are going to battle with a universal enemy: frizz. Join them — along with cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas — as they dive deep into what causes frizz and how to prevent it, plus share the frizz-fighters we should all add to our arsenal. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail....

Dec 02, 202126 min

S2 Ep. 2 | Conditioner

Be honest — have you ever wondered what conditioner is actually... doing? This week, Jenny and Dianna are exploring the MVP of any in-shower routine with help from Dr. Jeni Thomas, global principal scientist for Pantene. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...

Nov 25, 202132 min

S2 Ep. 1 | Silicones

Our second season is off to a spooky start, as we investigate a vilified ingredient... that's probably on your skin right now. Eek! But don't worry — cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski is here to help Jenny and Dianna bust some myths about silicones. This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene. Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-ch...

Nov 18, 202129 min

Introducing Allure: The Science of Beauty, Season 2

Did you miss us? The Science of Beauty, a podcast from Allure, is back for a second season. And this time, things are getting... hairy. Join Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, and Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor, as they investigate all the hair tips, tricks and myths that you've always wondered about. Season 2 launches Thursday, November 18th, with new episodes releasing weekly. Subscribe now so you don't miss our first episode all about one of the most mysterious ingredients in hair...

Nov 11, 20211 minSeason 2Ep. 1

The Inside Story: Peptides

These tiny chains of amino acids are among the most powerful topical tools we have to help smooth wrinkles and restore skin firmness — here’s why. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Cindy Bae) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jul 13, 20217 min

The Inside Story: Niacinamide

This clinically-proven vitamin B3 derivative can help treat acne, brighten dark spots, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. No wonder it’s taken TikTok by storm. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Shari Marchbein) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jul 06, 20218 min

The Inside Story: Jojoba Oil

This natural oil has a funny-sounding name, but it’s got serious benefits for skin and hair—especially if yours feel parched. Best of all, you can easily snag a bottle on your next grocery-store run. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Rita V. Linker) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 29, 20217 min

The Inside Story: Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil is a triple-threat against breakouts, but if you want to reap the benefits, you’ve got to take it slow. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Alyx Rosen Aigen) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 22, 20217 min

The Inside Story: Kojic Acid

This skin brightener is one of few ingredients that can help reduce the dark spots and discoloration also known as hyperpigmentation—but there’s more to the story. Listen in, then read this investigative report on skin lightening products published by Allure last year: https://www.allure.com/story/end-of-skin-whitening-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Evan Rieder) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 15, 20218 min

The Inside Story: Squalane

This moisturizing lipid has a complicated backstory, but it’s worth sifting through the facts to uncover the hydrating benefits, particularly if you have oily skin. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jun 08, 20216 min

The Inside Story: Cica

This soothing ingredient has a fascinating origin story—and compelling research on why it works so well to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and help accelerate wound healing. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll definitely want to check out this list of our favorite cica-infused products: https://www.allure.com/gallery/cica-skin-care-products (Special thanks to cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...

Jun 01, 20217 min

The Inside Story: Ceramides

Without our body’s natural ceramides, our skin cells would dry up and shrivel. Apply ceramides topically, and these lipids help your skin cells not just survive, but thrive. Here are some of our favorite ceramide-enriched products to get you started: https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-ceramide-skin-care-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Elyse Love) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...

May 25, 20218 min

The Inside Story: Biotin

Biotin has earned a reputation as the “it” supplement if you’re looking to grow out your hair or strengthen your nails — though surprisingly, there’s very little clinical research behind its supposed beauty benefits. But we do know about the B vitamin might very well surprise you... (Special thanks to Dermatologist Annie Chiu) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

May 18, 20217 min

The Inside Story: Collagen

We have natural collagen to thank for our skin’s resilience and firmness… or lack thereof. Collagen depletes as we age, but can applying it topically — or even ingesting it — make a difference in the quality of your skin? Let’s find out! (Special thanks to Dermatologist Melanie Palm) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

May 11, 20218 min

The Inside Story: Sulfur

The skin benefits of sulfur are often overshadowed by its rather... stinky reputation. But we suspect you’ll quickly get over the smell when you learn what this ingredient can do to help fight acne. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Corey L. Hartman) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

May 04, 20215 min

The Inside Story: Turmeric

This week, we're exploring an ingredient with a storied past — and a promising future. Turmeric is spiked with curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from damaging free radicals. It can also treat inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema, which is why you'll often find turmeric in calming lotions and serums. Listen in, then shop our turmeric-infused favorites here: https://www.allure.com/gallery/turmeric-based-skin-care-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla)...

Apr 27, 20217 min

The Inside Story: CBD

For our debut episode, we're setting the record straight on one of the most polarizing ingredients out there: cannabidiol, also known as CBD. While there's a lot we still don't know about what it can do for your skin — because neither do scientists and researchers — there are some widely-agreed upon rules of thumb to keep in mind when buying a CBD-infused product. Here's a list of Allure editors' favorites to get you started: https://www.allure.com/gallery/weed-laced-beauty-products (Special tha...

Apr 20, 20216 min

Allure's The Science of Beauty Presents "The Inside Story: Ingredients

Ever pick up a jar of moisturizer, slather it over every inch of your face, then look at the ingredients list and realize...you have absolutely no idea what's actually inside that jar? Or, if it’s going to do anything at all for your skin? Allure ’s senior beauty editor Dianna Mazzone hosts The Inside Story, a new miniseries from the producers of Allure ’s The Science of Beauty podcast that cuts through marketing language and glittering claims to dissect the why, how, and what’s-in-it-for-me of ...

Apr 19, 202150 sec

Ep. 15 | Face Masks

There are the face masks you wear when you have to go outside in a pandemic. And then there are the face masks you wear when you're safely inside (preferably with an episode of Bridgerton queued up) and in the mood to give your skin a little TLC. Since this is a podcast by Allure, our episode is all about the latter kind. With the help of dermatologist David Kim, Michelle and Jenny break down the many types of masks on the market (sheet, clay, mud, charcoal, you name it) and test out a tightenin...

Feb 25, 202140 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Ep. 14 | Hydration

Do you hear a humming noise? You should, because running a humidifier is just one of the many ways you can help keep your skin happy and hydrated all winter long. Of course, there are tons of topical options too, but it's not as simple as slathering on the thickest cream you can find and saying a prayer. That's why Michelle and Jenny tapped Christine Lee, a senior research and development manager with AHC (Korea's #1 skin-care brand), and dermatologist Claire Chang to share why hydration is the ...

Feb 18, 202143 min

Ep. 13 | Skin-Care Layering

Whether you’re assembling a rainbow cake or putting together a skin-care routine, proper layering is essential. And the multistep regimens that have become synonymous with K-beauty (we're talking 10, 12, and even 17 steps) have turned the way we apply serum, moisturizer, and oil into an art form. To master it, Michelle and Jenny called upon dermatologist Marie Jhin to share some hard-and-fast rules for layering and to spell out exactly how — and when — to apply your skin-care products for maximu...

Feb 11, 202133 min

Introducing Allure: The Science of Beauty - K-Beauty Edition

What's better than dedicating one episode of The Science of Beauty to all things K-beauty? Well, dedicating three of 'em, that's what! For the next several weeks, hosts Michelle Lee, editor in chief, and Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, are taking a deep dive into some of the most important facets of Korean skin care, including layering, hydration, and masking. Along the way, you'll learn practical tips (yes, face oil should be the last product you apply at night) and next-level terms li...

Feb 04, 20212 min

Ep. 12 | Lasers

Cue the Star Wars -style sound effects, because this week's episode is all about lasers. The ones we're talking about can't defeat the dark side, but they can conquer dark spots. And unwanted hair and broken blood vessels and scars. With the help of dermatologist Tina Alster, Michelle and Jenny demystify some of the lasers you may have heard about (like Fraxel), nerd out about how they work, and share the surprising things that happen to your skin following some laser treatments (they speak from...

Dec 30, 202043 min

Ep. 11 | Body Hair

Now that we've given the hair on our head its due, we're traveling south to explore the hair we have everywhere else. And we mean everywhere: Our bodies are covered with about five million follicles from tip to toe, except for our lips, palms, and the soles of our feet. First, Michelle and Jenny travel back in time with anthropologist Nina Jablonski, who explains how our ancestors went from thoroughly hairy to basically naked over the course of a half-million years. After that, dermatologist Kav...

Dec 23, 202045 min

Ep. 10 | Scalp

Put down your lunch, because this episode begins with a very, uh, vivid description of every nook and cranny on Jenny's scalp, as seen through the microscopic lens of consulting trichologist David Adams. (Don't worry, we explain what a trichologist is within the first three minutes.) Then, Michelle and Jenny welcome dermatologist Michelle Henry, who explains the many ways you should care for your scalp (but probably aren't) and the best treatment options for issues like itchiness, oiliness, and ...

Dec 17, 202040 min

Ep. 9 | Curls

If you have spirals, coils, or waves, you already know that having curly hair isn't just a trait; it's a lifestyle. So we packed this episode with tips, tricks, and techniques, beginning with an easy at-home test that can make a big difference in determining how to care for your hair. After that, Michelle and Jenny call in cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas to explain what curls actually are, debunk some common myths (yes, your curl pattern really can change over time), and a whole lot more. Then, t...

Dec 10, 202039 min

Ep. 8 | Stress

You can't always control a stressful situation, but you can control the way you — and in some ways, even your skin and hair — react to one. During this episode, Belisa Vranich, psychologist and founder of The Breathing Class, walks Michelle and Jenny through simple exercises that use breath to bring peace of mind. Next up is Amy Wechsler, one of very few humans to be board-certified in dermatology and psychiatry, who stops by to discuss the cruel and unusual ways stress can impact our skin and h...

Dec 03, 202040 min
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