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Tired of falling for marketing hype and wondering if that $200 serum is actually worth it? This week’s episode will change how you think about everything from drugstore finds to "medical grade" products. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Patti Farris, a board-certified dermatologist who's spent decades in clinical practice, research, and education before pivoting to full-time consulting with major cosmetic companies.
Dr. Farris pulls back the curtain on how brands actually develop and test products, the importance of including all skin tones in research, and why the clean beauty movement isn’t as clear-cut as it seems. The conversation also touches on how social media is shaping unrealistic beauty standards, the rise of skin minimalism, and the cutting-edge innovations like AI-driven formulations, new sunscreen filters, and regenerative ingredients that are set to transform the industry.
Key Takeaways:✓ Major drugstore brands often have better research backing than luxury products
✓ "Clean beauty" has no standardized definition
✓ Natural doesn't always mean better
✓ Medical grade simply means designed for use under medical supervision - It's not FDA-approved or necessarily more effective than over-the-counter options
✓ New ingredient development takes 7+ years
✓ The "democratization of skincare" means effective products are now accessible to everyone, not just those with luxury budgets
✓ If you're worried about "clean" beauty, just use less - The environmental impact of constant product cycling is worse than most ingredient concerns
If you’ve ever felt lost in the skincare aisle or wondered which claims you can actually trust, this episode gives you the insider’s perspective you need.
Dr. Patti Farris is a board certified dermatologist with 35 years of clinical, research and teaching experience. She left her private practice three years ago and now works full time as a consultant for cosmetic companies. Dr. Farris is well known for her expertise in cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals and has lectured internationally and published extensively on these subjects. She edited and authored a textbook Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice and her consumer book the Sugar Detox was a best-seller. She is co-founder and co-director of the Science of Skin Summit, an educational meeting held in Austin, Texas designed to educate Health Care Professionals on the science behind skincare and skin therapeutics. She also co-hosts the podcast Skincare Confidential that gives listeners a 360 degree look at the skincare industry.
Follow Dr. Farris here:
https://www.instagram.com/dermdocpatti/
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Thanks for tuning in. And remember—real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.