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Barrier repair isn’t about finding one miracle ingredient—or buying the first moisturizer with “barrier care” written on the label. In this episode of Skincare Made Simple, we're breaking down what your skin actually needs during active barrier repair, how that differs from everyday barrier maintenance, and why the famous 3-1-1 lipid ratio isn’t something you can calculate by reading an ingredient list. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Take the free Skin Profile Quiz to discover which of the eight skin profiles best matches your skin.Explore the Barrier Builder Course for the complete repair, rescue, maintenance, and active-reintroduction process.Use PoreCheck to research ingredient lists and filter products for your individual concerns.Work with Ella one-on-one for personalized routine guidance.If this episode helped you, share it with someone whose skin barrier is currently begging for a break. You can also support Skincare Made Simple by leaving a review wherever you listen. Products Mentioned; REMEDY SKIN | Multi-Depth Moisture Advanced Hydrating Serum REMEDY SKIN | Remedy For Light Moisture REMEDY SKIN | Remedy For Moisturizing - Rich Cream DR. SAM BUNTING | Flawless Moisturiser Balance DR. SAM BUNTING | Flawless Moisturiser Intense PURITO SEOUL | Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream Numbuzin No.1 Pure-Full Calming Herb Toner SKIN1004 | Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule Serum: SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Teca Ampoule: Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Deep Moisture Vegan Serum : FIRST AID BEAUTY | Ultra Repair Hydrating Pillow Pads with Colloidal Oatmeal + Ceramides: BIOSSANCE | Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil

The ingredient people complain about the most is the single one that'll make the biggest difference in your skin — and no, it's not a retinoid or a fancy peptide. It's your sunscreen. This week we're getting into why SPF is the highest-leverage thing you can do for your skin (prevention is cheaper and easier than reversal), the difference between UVB and the UVA rays nobody talks about, chemical vs. mineral without the fear-mongering, what those "sunscreen in your bloodstream" studies actually found, and the new filter the FDA finally approved in June — what it is, and when you'll actually see it on shelves. No demonizing, no overclaiming. Just the nuance, from a friend who did the research so you don't have to. 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board✅ Pore Check | Ingredient Checker🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com 🔬 Studies Referenced Matta MK, et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082–2091. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.5586Matta MK, et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(3):256–267. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.20747 🧴 Products Mentioned: TOWER 28 - SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen: https://go.shopmy.us/p-75715149 CERAVE | Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face: https://go.shopmy.us/p-75715156 Skin1004 | Pro Bio Cica Glow Sun Ampoule: https://go.shopmy.us/p-75715160 INNBEAUTY PROJECT | Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43 Pa +++ With Peptides And Vitamin C: https://go.shopmy.us/p-75715175 BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Day Dew Sunscreen 50 Ml: https://go.shopmy.us/p-75715188 Medik8 UK | Advanced Day Ultimate Protect+ https://go.shopmy.us/p-75716920 Cabanamilk Mineral Barrier Fluid SPF 50: https://go.shopmy.us/p-75715327 Loved this one? A share and a 5-star review genuinely helps more people find clear, healthy skin. And don't forget to reapply. 🌞

There are hundreds of new skincare products hitting Ulta every month—but which ones are actually worth your money? In this episode, I'm scrolling through Ulta's newest skincare launches and giving you my honest first impressions! We dive into the ingredient lists, look past the marketing claims, and talk about what these products are actually designed to do and who they might be right for! We'll cover: ✨ Which new launches genuinely caught my attention ✨ Why ingredient percentages matter more than flashy marketing ✨ How to tell if a product is truly acne-friendly ✨ The difference between ingredients that sound impressive and those that actually have research behind them Resources & Links • • Take the FREE Skin Profile Quiz • Try my FREE Ingredient Checker • Explore my skin-specific mini courses • Work with me 1-on-1 Products Mentioned: Daily D-Clog Pore-Clearing Cleanser -: Silkfoliant Daily Tri-Acid Smoothing Toner With Mandelic Acid -: ANUA - PDRN Caffeine Rejuvenating Eye Cream: RAEL - Glow with Your Flow Miracle Patch Kit: Madeca Derma Shield Vital Dewy Sunscreen Cream SPF 50+: Madeca Azelaic Acid 10+ Calming Serum: Glow Potion Illuminating Superfood Serum: The Power Move Ectoine Hydrating & Plumping Facial Serum: Facialrx Daily Peel Pads: COSRX - One Step Original Clear Skin Calming Pad: White Truffle 2-In-1 Exfoliating & Glow Toner Pads: Tx-Astaxanthin Anti-Dark Spot & Brightening Capsule Cream: ORIGINS - Youthtopia Apple Jelly Lip Balm: Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Teca Plumping Ampoule: Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Teca Glass Skin Milk: COSRX - The Blue Peptide Bakuchiol Plump Glow Serum:

A little something different this week. I pulled the best moments from a recent Wednesday TikTok Live and brought them straight to your ears. Think of it as a rapid-fire Q&A — purging, pigmentation, first-time retinoids, body shaving care, and a whole lot of "please stop adding products before you've maxed out the ones you have." As always, every product mentioned is linked below, plus all the ways to work with me and grab your free skin tracker. 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library 🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com (don't miss the niacinamide-free product tab)🧴 All Products Mentioned

Most skincare confusion comes down to one thing: mixing up what your skin is with what your skin is currently doing. In this episode, Ella breaks down the four skin types, the most common skin conditions (including the oily-and-dehydrated combination that trips everyone up), and why accurately identifying both changes every product decision you make. Topics covered: The four skin types and how to identify yours with the bare face testWhy combination skin is the most common type and what that actually means for your routineSkin conditions: dehydration, sensitization, acne, hyperpigmentation, barrier damageThe oily skin stripping cycle — and how to break itThe routine-building framework: address conditions first, optimize for type 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com (don't miss the niacinamide-free product tab)

If your skin has been dry, tight, red, bumpy, stinging, or just… not responding to anything you throw at it, start here. Almost every skin concern you're dealing with is either caused by, worsened by, or masking a barrier problem — and today we're going all the way back to the foundation. 🧠 In this episode: What the skin barrier actually is (spoiler: as thin as a sheet of printer paper)The brick wall analogy — corneocytes, lipid matrix, and why ceramides are ~50% of your mortarNatural Moisturizing Factor, the acid mantle, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as the real indicator of barrier healthWhy Korean skincare "works" (hint: barrier focus, not magic potions)& More!📚 The research: Acne-prone skin has lower ceramides and a disrupted linoleic/oleic ratio in sebum: Ottaviani et al., Lipid Mediators in AcneTopical linoleic acid reduced microcomedone size by ~25% in one month: Letawe et al., 1998Linoleic acid's role in ceramide synthesis and barrier repair: Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health, 2024✨ Products mentioned: Ur Turnover Ampoule (Silver — PDRN): https://go.shopmy.us/p-53957565InnBeauty Project Pro-C Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-48252218Full barrier-supportive product roundup: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3708125🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com (don't miss the niacinamide-free product tab)If this episode made something click for you, send it to the friend whose skincare routine is currently stressing their skin out — and if you have a sec, leaving a review genuinely helps the pod more than you know. 🤍 Life is difficult. Skincare shouldn't be. Talk soon, Ella Skincare Made Simple

In this episode, we're breaking down why sunscreen isn't just "the anti-aging step" — it's the step that makes every other step in your routine actually worth doing. If those UV rays keep undoing your progress, it doesn't matter how fancy your serum is. 🧪 Studies + sources referenced - The 80–90% photoaging statistic — Flament et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2013), which quantified sun damage percentage in facial aging. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3790843/) - The twin study — Guyuron et al., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2009), "Factors Contributing to the Facial Aging of Identical Twins."(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19337100/) - The sunscreen-absorption study I mentioned — Matta et al., JAMA (2019), (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2733085) - The follow-up absorption study — Matta et al., JAMA (2020), (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2759002) 🧴 What I personally use + recommend - My everyday sunscreen: InnBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow (PA+++, tinted to counteract white cast, three shades) - Body sunscreen I actually enjoy: Hempz SPF 30 and SPF 50 body lotions (smells like their regular lotions, not like sunscreen) - Kids' sunscreen sticks: Skin1004 and Cell Fusion C sticks — easy enough for my five- and eight-year-old to apply themselves - Touch-up for oily skin: Naked Sundays setting spray SPF 30 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com And if you have someone in your life who still isn't wearing one — send this their way. You care about them. I care about them. We just want everyone protected. Get your annual skin check. Reapply when you're outside. Don't forget your ears.

If you haven't listened to the copper peptides episode yet — go back and start there. This mini episode builds directly on it, and it'll make a lot more sense with that context. This week we're zooming in on one specific molecule involved in how copper peptides actually repair the skin: decorin. It doesn't get nearly enough airtime in the skincare conversation, and for acne-prone skin especially, it's a pretty big deal. 📌 What we cover: What decorin actually is Why just stimulating collagen isn't enoughWhat happens during prolonged inflammation like acne?Why cystic acne scars more severely How decorin changes with age — and why this is part of the aging story almost nobody is talking aboutCan topical options that can actually influence decorin?🔗 Resources mentioned: 🗂️ The Peptide Database — find products with Tripeptide-10 Citrulline (and GHK-Cu) at meaningful levels, without the marketing noise📚 Skincare Made Simple: The Course — build a routine that addresses all of this in the right order for your specific skin

GHK-Cu — aka copper peptides — has been crowned the "beauty peptide," but the real story is way bigger than anti-aging marketing. In this episode, we go deep on why this molecule (one your body already makes and relies on for repair) might be one of the most important things you can add to both your skincare routine and your supplement stack. In this episode: What GHK-Cu actually is and why it's different from signal peptidesHow your natural GHK-Cu levels drop by more than half between ages 20–60 — and why that mattersThe vitamin C + retinoid compatibility conversation — what actually matters and what you can stop worrying aboutHow to work copper peptides into your routine and what to look for on the ingredient list (hint: copper tripeptide-1)🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com Products Mentioned PEACH & LILY | Copper Peptide Pro Firming Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564947 INNBEAUTY PROJECT | Elastic Skin Firming Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46892245 MEDIK8 | Liquid Peptides: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564326 BIOSSANCE | Squalane + Copper Peptide Plumping Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46892540 Literature to read: The big one: PMC4508379 — "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration"PMC6073405 — "Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide"MDPI Cosmetics 2018 — "Skin Regenerative and Anti-Cancer Actions of Copper Peptides" — has some fascinating context on Lester Pickart who basically discovered GHK-Cu

Peptides are one of the most hyped skincare ingredients right now—but what do they actually do? In this episode, we break down peptides in simple, no-BS terms. You’ll learn what peptides are, the different types used in skincare, what results are realistic, how to choose a peptide serum, and whether you really need peptides in every product. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite peptide products at both luxury and budget-friendly price points. If peptides have ever confused you—or felt overpromised—this episode will make it click. 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com Peptides mentioned in this episode Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564299 DR. WHITNEY BOWE BEAUTY | Peptide + HA Plumping Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564313 MEDIK8 | Liquid Peptides: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564326 COSRX | The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564355 GOOD MOLECULES | Super Peptide Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564899 NATURIUM | Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564915 PEACH & LILY | Copper Peptide Pro Firming Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564947 BUBBLE SKINCARE | Water Slide Hydrating Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564997 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston A few relevant peptide studies (more linked in the Peptide Database) Lee E, Ahn DK, Kim JH, et al. Skin Anti-Aging and Moisturizing Effects of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025;35:e2507008. Published 2025 Sep 11. doi:10.4014/jmb.2507.07008 Skibska A, Perlikowska R. Signal Peptides - Promising Ingredients in Cosmetics. Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2021;22(10):716-728. doi:10.2174/1389203722666210812121129 Badilli U, Inal O. Current Approaches in Cosmeceuticals: Peptides, Biotics and Marine Biopolymers. Polymers (Basel). 2025 Mar 18;17(6):798. doi: 10.3390/polym17060798. PMID: 40292641; PMCID: PMC11946782.

Your barrier’s on the mend—but now what? In this week’s episode, Ella breaks down how to tell when your skin is truly healing and how to safely reintroduce actives like exfoliants, retinoids, and vitamin C without undoing your progress. You’ll learn: ✨ The top signs your skin barrier is bouncing back (beyond just “it feels less dry”) ✨ How to reintroduce actives like a pro—without flaking, burning, or purging all over again ✨ Three must-know skincare tweaks to survive the seasonal shift and keep your glow steady Whether you’ve been on a full skin detox or just trying to baby your barrier through the colder months, this episode will help you get back to actives confidently and keep your skin calm, clear, and hydrated. 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com 🧪 Barrier Loving Ingredients to Know Beta-Glucan: A powerful humectant that deeply hydrates and soothes irritation while strengthening the skin barrier. Centella Asiatica (Cica): A calming botanical that speeds up healing, reduces redness, and supports collagen production. Panthenol (Vitamin B5): A moisture magnet that softens, smooths, and restores the skin’s protective barrier. Ectoin: A stress-protective molecule that shields skin from pollution, temperature changes, and dehydration. Allantoin: A gentle soothing agent that helps calm irritation and promote skin cell regeneration. Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother texture. Growth Factors: Bio-identical proteins that encourage cell renewal and repair, improving tone, texture, and resilience.

Is your skin barrier actually damaged — or is it just throwing a little tantrum? In this episode, Ella breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in skincare: how to tell the difference between temporary irritation and true barrier damage. You’ll learn what your barrier really is, how it protects you, the common mistakes that wreck it, and simple, science-backed steps to heal and strengthen your skin again. 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com ✨ If You Loved This Episode: Share it with a friend who’s overdoing their exfoliation!Tag Ella in your stories and let her know your biggest takeaway @your.estie.ellaLeave a review — it helps more people learn how to simplify skincare the smart way. 🧴 Ingredients to Know Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) These are the ingredients that make cleansers foam and remove dirt, oil, and makeup. The right surfactant will cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Gentle surfactants to look for: Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateSodium Lauroyl Methyl IsethionateSodium Lauroyl SarcosinateCoco-Glucoside / Decyl GlucosideDisodium / Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateStripping surfactants to avoid (especially as the first ingredient): Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)Ammonium Lauryl SulfateTEA-Lauryl SulfateHumectants (Hydration Magnets) Humectants are ingredients that attract and hold onto water in the skin — kind of like a sponge pulling moisture from your environment or your deeper skin layers. They keep your complexion plump, soft, and hydrated. Common humectants to look for: GlycerinHyaluronic AcidBeta-GlucanPanthenol (Vitamin B5)Sodium PCASoothing + Calming Ingredients When your barrier is feeling sensitive or reactive, these ingredients help calm inflammation and support repair. They can be found in toners, serums, or moisturizers. Soothing superstars: Centella Asiatica (Cica)EctoinAllantoinMadecassosideBisabololGreen Tea ExtractPDRN (for advanced skin repair)

In today’s episode, we’ll walk through all four phases of the cycle — menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal — and break down what’s happening hormonally, how your skin tends to behave during each phase, and how to better support your skin and body with targeted care, foods, movement, supplements, and habits. Whether you’re dealing with monthly breakouts, dullness, dryness, or inflammation — understanding your cycle can be the missing link in building a routine that actually works with your skin, not against it. PLUS, this episode also marks the soft launch of my Clear by New Year Challenge, a free 90-day skin health reset starting October 1st. AND I’ve got the inside scoop on the Clearstem 23% off sitewide sale, happening Sept 29–30 only 👀 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/2457168 Murad Acne Control Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384657 TOPICALS | Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mask : https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384670 Mindbodyskin: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384718 Mindbodyskin 2: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384743 ZITSTICKA | Undercover: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384755 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

Today we’re diving into three powerhouse ingredients that are changing the game in skin health and rejuvenation: Ectoin, PDRN, and Growth Factors. These aren’t your everyday skincare buzzwords—they’re science-backed, clinically researched actives that are showing real promise in calming inflammation, repairing the skin barrier, and even supporting long-term anti-aging. You’ll learn what the science says about their effectiveness, the best types of formulas to look for, and how they fit into a well-rounded skincare routine. Whether you’re an esthetician, skincare enthusiast, or someone curious about the next generation of treatments, this episode will give you a clear, approachable understanding of these advanced ingredients—without the fluff. 🔗 Links: 💌 Work with me one-on-one📲 Your free monthly skin tracker + Community Board📚 The Database Library🧪 Not sure where to start? Take the quiz🌐 yourestieella.com Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/2430340 MEDIK8 | Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105796 INNBEAUTY PROJECT | Elastic Skin Firming & Plumping Refillable Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105805 DR. WHITNEY BOWE BEAUTY | Peptide + HA Plumping Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105820 Ecto-Pdrn 10% Extreme Dose (1.014 Fl.oz) Korean Anti-Aging Serum With Vegan Pdrn, Ectoin & Panthenol : https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105883 BIODANCE | Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105890 ALLIES OF SKIN | Multi Peptides & Gf (Growth Factor) Advanced Lifting Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105910 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

Hey friends! I’m back behind the mic, and we’re kicking off this fresh podcast era with a juicy episode all about skincare trends—what’s hot, what’s not, and what I actually recommend to my clients. We’ll chat: Skincare Trends (and which ones I’m loving 👀)Why I paused the podcast + what to expect moving forwardA reminder that good skin isn’t built on hype—it’s built on consistency 💛💻 Links Mentioned: ✨ Shop my skincare faves: HERE📥 Download the Routine Builder: Let's Glow! 💬 Book a virtual consult: Work 1:1Thanks for being here. The Skincare Made Simple community is truly the best!!