BeautyCurious

How to Treat Melasma and Prevent It From Coming Back

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In this highly requested episode of BeautyCurious, Ian Michael Crumm and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elyse Love take a deep dive into melasma—one of the most misunderstood and frustrating skin conditions.

Learn what causes melasma, how it shows up on the face, and why some treatments work better than others. The duo unpacks the five major triggers—hormones, sunlight, heat, pollution, and irritants—and offers expert guidance on navigating both quick-action treatments like hydroquinone and long-term maintenance with topical routines.

Plus, get insider tips on OTC solutions, when to seek professional care, and which in-office procedures (like lasers and peels) are worth considering—and which ones to approach with caution.

What You’ll Learn:

What melasma is and how it typically appears
The top 5 triggers that worsen melasma
How hydroquinone fits into a smart treatment plan
Safe and effective advanced procedures for stubborn pigmentation
Expert over-the-counter product picks to use while you wait to see a derm

🎙️ Hosted by Ian Michael Crumm & Dr. Elyse Love

Subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

📲 Follow us on Instagram @beautycuriouspod

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How to Fix the 5 Biggest Eye Care Mistakes!

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beauty Curious, we sit down with visionary optometrist Dr. Jen Tsai, founder of Line of Sight in Hudson Yards, NYC, to explore the latest breakthroughs in eye care and beauty treatments. From PDRN salmon DNA facials to radio frequency therapy for dry eye, this conversation dives deep into how skincare trends are intersecting with advanced medical optometry.

Discover how beauty products, screen time, and even your daily diet can influence eye health. Dr. Tsai breaks down the science behind regenerative eye treatments and offers practical tips to keep your eyes hydrated, protected, and youthful.

Whether you're dealing with tired eyes or just want to stay ahead of the curve in beauty and wellness, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

What is PDRN salmon DNA and why it's trending in Korean skincare

The connection between eye health and skincare routines

How radio frequency therapy is transforming dry eye treatment

Surprising ways your makeup and daily habits affect your vision

Tips to combat digital eye strain in a screen-heavy world

👉 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you love what you hear!

🎧 Follow us on Instagram @beautycuriouspod

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Salmon Polynucleotides Facial

00:56 Welcome to Beauty Curious with Dr. Jen Tsai

02:13 Understanding Dry Eye: Causes and Symptoms

03:30 Daily Habits and Environmental Factors Affecting Dry Eye

06:37 Effective Treatments for Dry Eye

13:28 Common Eye Health Concerns Beyond Dry Eye

23:01 The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

30:09 Regenerative Eye Treatments and Latest Advancements

37:58 Everyday Practices for Maintaining Eye Health

39:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Facelift or Fillers? How to Choose What’s Right for You

Wed, 28 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Is plastic surgery the new self-care?

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Marissa Lafer, a leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, to break down the evolving landscape of cosmetic enhancement.

Tune in as we explore:

Why facelifts are back in demand—and who's getting them
The ideal age to consider a facelift or surgical procedure
How celebrities like Lindsay Lohan & Kylie Jenner influence beauty standards
The difference between surgical and non-surgical treatments
Key tips for choosing the right plastic surgeon
Myths debunked: What most people get wrong about cosmetic procedures

Dr. Lafer brings clarity, compassion, and professional insights to a topic filled with misconceptions. Whether you're considering a procedure or just beauty curious, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

In this episode, we cover:

Why more people are opting for facelifts earlier
What “natural results” actually mean in facial aesthetics
Common myths about injectables and non-surgical procedures
How social media and celebrity trends impact expectations
What to consider when choosing a qualified facial plastic surgeon

Connect with Dr. Marissa Lafer:

Website: https://lafermd.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlafer

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to follow, rate, and share BeautyCurious if you want more expert-led conversations on beauty, aesthetics, and modern wellness.

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Follow our Hosts:

https://www.instagram.com/elyselovemd

https://www.instagram.com/ianmcrumm

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

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How to Build a Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine

Wed, 14 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Pregnancy brings exciting changes—and big questions about your skincare routine. In this episode of BeautyCurious, hosts Ian Michael Crumm and Dr. Elyse Love break down everything you need to know about pregnancy-safe skincare. From ingredient lists to cosmetic treatments, they separate myth from medical fact so you can feel confident in your routine.

Dr. Love introduces a practical four-level safety framework to categorize skincare products during pregnancy, helping listeners understand what’s clinically safe, what has limited safety data, and what to avoid entirely. Learn about safe alternatives for acne treatments, including alpha hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide, and get expert insights on navigating hormonal changes, hair loss, and cosmetic procedures like Botox and peels.

Whether you're newly pregnant, planning, or just skincare-curious, this episode delivers must-know guidance backed by science and dermatology expertise.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to BeautyCurious
00:13 – Understanding Pregnancy Safe Skincare
01:53 – Clinical Perspectives on Product Safety
05:15 – Cosmetic Procedures During Pregnancy
08:52 – Safe Skincare Ingredients
11:43 – Managing Acne During Pregnancy
14:31 – Hair Loss and Pregnancy
18:15 – Hormonal Changes and Skincare
21:01 – Pre-Pregnancy Skincare Planning
22:25 – Final Thoughts + Listener Q&A Invite

💬 Got questions about skincare during breastfeeding or postpartum? Send them in—we're planning future episodes just for you!

👉 Follow BeautyCurious and leave a review to support the show

Produced by MicMoguls.com

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The Future of Skincare with Cosmetic Chemist Ron Robinson

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder how true skincare innovation happens? In this episode, Ian and Dr. Love are joined by cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson. Ron gives a behind-the-scenes look at the science of skincare, sharing his predictions for the future and which beauty trends he won't get behind.

In the episode, Ron shares the story of how he got started in cosmetic chemistry and what led him to building BeautyStat. From stabilizing formulations to utilizing AI for peptide creation, he dives into what innovations are happening in the beauty space. Plus, he gives a sneak peek at the newest BeautyStat product launching May 1st!

If you're fascinated by the world of skincare, this episode is for you! Make sure to tune in and leave a rating and review wherever you listen.

In the episode:

00:00 Welcome to Beauty Curious

00:54 Meet Ron Robinson: The Accidental Cosmetic Chemist

04:08 The Evolution of the Beauty Industry

06:53 The Importance of Stability in Skincare

15:41 Challenges in Skincare Formulation

18:51 Future Trends in Skincare: AI and Innovation

23:02 Understanding Peptides in Skincare

24:30 The Role of AI in Skincare Formulation

24:50 Addressing Environmental Changes in Skincare

25:24 The Importance of Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatories

27:28 Evaluating Ingredient Trends and Science Backing

31:16 Exciting New Launches from Beauty Stat

35:13 Advice for Aspiring Cosmetic Chemists and Founders

36:55 Debunking Skincare Myths and Trends

37:57 Rapid Fire Questions and Dream Products

39:22 Where to Find Beauty Stat Products

Where to Find Ron Robinson:

Instagram: @RonRobinsonCosmeticChemist

TikTok: @RonCosmeticChemist

Shop BeautyStat:

BeautyStat Skincare

beautystat.com

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Debunking Hair Loss Myths: Dr. Robert Finney Exposes Best Practices in Hair Restoration

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:00:54 GMT

On this episode of BeautyCurious, hosts Dr. Elyse Love and Ian Michael Crumm welcome dermatologist and hair restoration expert Dr. Robert Finney to unravel the complexities of hair loss. Dr. Finney dives into the distinctions between androgenetic hair loss and stress-induced hair loss (AKA Telogen Effluvium), explaining how each type uniquely affects men and women, and why factors like age and genetics can predict the severity of hair thinning.

From debunking common misconceptions around hair loss, like the myth that washing hair too much is harmful or that biotin is an ideal treatment option, Dr. Finney sheds light on what really matters for healthy hair. He also discusses the range of effective treatments available today, from topical and oral therapies to in-office solutions like his signature Scalp Stim Pro treatment, clarifying how he helps patients choose an approach depending on whether the goal is to regrow hair or halt further loss.

For listeners ready to take action, Dr. Finney shares lifestyle habits that support hair health, including tips on washing frequency and avoiding potentially damaging hairstyles. Lastly, he reminds us of the patience and persistence needed in treating hair loss and how keeping track of progress can make the journey more rewarding.

Understanding Clinical Studies presented by MATTER OF FACT

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:47 GMT

Data on beauty products can be both exciting and confusing. Dr. Love and Ian sit down with Paul Baek, founder of MATTER OF FACT, to learn about the brand's clinical commitment while explaining the differences in clinical studies. This episode unpacks what the clinical numbers on beauty packaging mean, how to interpret those numbers for yourself, and more about product formulation, including ingredient stability and patents.

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What Does Collagen Do and How Do You Keep It?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:44:55 GMT

Collagen loss starts around age 30 - in this power episode, Dr. Love and Ian review ways to protect the collagen you have and stimulate the production of new collagen. This episode will help you optimize your skincare routine, diet, and procedure plan to maintain collagen!

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Red Carpet Ready Skin with Joanna Vargas

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:30:01 GMT

Joanna Vargas joins Dr. Love and Ian to discuss how she preps celebrity clients for big events. We also discuss buzzy procedures like dermabrasion, micro current technology, LED light, and how to maintain glowing skin outside of the aesthetician’s office.

Book: Glow from within https://joannavargas.com/products/glow-from-within

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How to Prepare for a Dermatologist Appointment

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:30:00 GMT

In this quick but informative episode, Dr. Love and Ian share tips to maximize your time with your dermatologist. A must listen before meeting a new dermatologist but also helpful for those with established relationships.

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Hair Structure and the Future of Haircare Presented by K18

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:30:22 GMT

Every question you’ve ever had about hair answered by Meagan Schlapp - R&D chemist and NPD formulator for K18. Seriously, every question you’ve ever had. The first 40 minutes focus on understanding what damages hair and the last 30 minutes focus on how to repair damage to allow hair to grow stronger and longer.

Episode time stamps:

2:35 What is hair?

8:29 What are signs of hair shaft damage?

10:09 Are certain hair types more prone to damage?

13:00 What are common external causes of hair shaft damage?

29:18 Is it really less damaging to blow dry hair instead of air drying?

33:48 How does diet, stress, and scalp health relate to hair health?

37:08 How does aging affect hair health?

40:43 How to repair hair shaft damage

43:00 What is K18?

46:23 How does K18 compare to hair bond builders?

51:32 How to use the K18 repair mask

59:57 Is it bad to sleep in wet hair?

1:00 What results should you expect with continued use of K18?

1:03 What is the K18 Science Squad and why is it important to the brand?

1:06 Power round (true/false)

The only way to cure split ends is to cut them off?
Spray heat protectants prevent all heat damage?
Hair should never be brushed while wet?

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The Science Behind LED Light and How to Add it to Your Routine with Dr. Marmur

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:30:35 GMT

Join Dr. Love and Ian on this 38 minute conversation discussing all things LED with Dr. Ellen Marmur (see below for breakdown), and stick around for the 12 minute bonus round discussing how Dr. Marmur recommends starting a skincare routine, what areas people tend to neglect in their aesthetic routine, and what procedures Dr. Marmur does personally.

3:29 - The benefits of different LED colors

4:32 - The difference between lasers and LED light

11:02 - The difference between in office devices vs at home devices

13:52 - How to add LED light into your beauty routine

16:52 - Scientific results of green light

23:52 - LED light and acne

24:52 - LED and seasonal affective disorder

31:28 - What to look for/avoid when purchasing a LED device

34:13 - What order and what time of day to add LED to your routine.

37:52 - Power round

48:52 where to find Dr. Marmur on social media

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Your FREE Cosmetic Consult: Everything Botox and Other Neuromodulators

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:30:25 GMT

In this episode, Ian and Dr. Love review neuromodulators in detail including 1) What they do 2) When you should consider treatment 3) The in-office experience 4) Expected downtime 5) Potential side effects and 6) Differences between different products. This is a must-listen if you're considering a neuromodulator!

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Wait, Should I See an Esthetician or a Dermatologist for that?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:30:00 GMT

In this quick and light episode, Ian and Dr. Love review common scenarios where you might consider seeing an esthetician or a dermatologist.

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The Intersection of Skincare and Injectables with Ourself Co-founder Lauren Otsuki

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:38:52 GMT

In this episode, Ian and Dr. Love speak with Ourself co-founder Lauren Otsuki about the brand's proprietary delivery system and how topical skincare can work synergistically with in-office procedures and injectables. They also dive into the behind the scenes of starting a skincare company.

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Adjusting Your Skincare Routine for Summer (finally!)

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:30:43 GMT

In this episode, Dr. Love and Ian review how to adjust your skincare routine for warmer, more humid weather, including basic skincare routines for those with oily, dry, combination, and expecting skin.

Products mentioned in this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/179566

Social: @beautycuriouspod, @elyselovemd, @ianmcrumm

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How To Pick The Right Sunscreen: Controversies + Considerations

Wed, 17 May 2023 07:30:09 GMT

In this episode, Dr. Love and Ian discuss the difference between sunscreen types, address recent controversies regarding sunscreen use, give sunscreen recommendations for various skin types, and review how much sunscreen should be applied to different areas and how often to reapply.

Sunscreen controversies covered:

1. Are chemical sunscreens safe?

2. Are sunscreens bad for the environment?

3. Do sunscreens prevent vitamin D absorption?

Sunscreen recommendations given for

1. Sensitive skin

2. Oily skin

3. Melasma prone skin

4. Mature and/or sun damaged skin

Products mentioned in this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/170617

Social: @beautycuriouspod, @elyselovemd, @ianmcrumm

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What Does Melanoma Look Like?

Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:54 GMT

Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer and can be fatal. In this episode, Ian and Dr. Love are joined by esteemed board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale to discuss all things melanoma, including what melanoma is, risk factors for the development of melanoma, ways to detect melanoma early, and how to protect your skin and decrease your chances of developing melanoma.

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Welcome to BeautyCurious!

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:01:59 GMT

Hi! and welcome to BeautyCurious. My name is Dr. Elyse Love, and I am a board-certified dermatologist, and I'm Ian Michael Crumm, a licensed esthetician. Ian and I are excited to become your trusted beauty guides: From interviews with the best and brightest names in the industry to sharing our favorite, expert-approved products, we are here to help you navigate the noise by giving you the facts. We know you're feeling curious; check back next week for our first topic!

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