Skincare, haircare and deodorant - with Michelle Wong, PhD | The Proof Podcast EP 235

In Episode 235, cosmetic chemist Dr Michelle Wong returns for an extensive exploration of skincare. 👇 Visit The Proof website for supporting studies and the full show notes 👇 https://theproof.com/podcast/ In last week’s episode, Dr Michelle Wong introduced the topic of cosmetics to The Proof, with a focus on sunscreen. We explored the foundations of cosmetic chemistry, and today Dr Wong returns to look more closely at the products many of us use on a daily basis. If you’ve ever wondered about the safety and effectiveness of skincare products, haircare, and deodorant, this is the episode for you. Michelle Wong, PhD is a science educator and cosmetic chemist with a PhD in chemistry. She helps wide audiences understand the science behind beauty products through her website and social media presence, Lab Muffin Beauty Science. With an extensive education and a background in science communication, Dr Wong engages in this conversation with insight and evidence. This episode is jam-packed with topics, examined from a scientific lens. We explore acne, pigmentation, and how different skin tones age. Dr Wong breaks down many common active ingredients including niacinamide, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, explaining how these work and whether you will see results. She also offers her advice for skincare products at any budget, tips on building a skincare routine, and how to spot potentially misleading marketing claims. Specifically, we discuss: 0:00 Intro 2:17 Defining ‘Clean Beauty’ 7:14 ‘Natural’ vs synthetic 8:26 EWG’s Skin Deep Database 10:17 What to Avoid 15:32 Is the Risk worth the Reward? 20:25 PFAs 22:59 “Free From” Claims 30:08 Risk During Pregnancy 32:56 Effective Ingredients 35:05 Addressing the Root Cause of skin issues 36:11 Skin’s ability to Heal 38:06 Danger in Combining Ingredients 40:21 Aging & Collagen 52:02 Combining Multiple Products 54:16 Does Price Indicate Effectiveness? 59:31 Participants in Studies 1:01:57 Preventative Aging (collagen vs retinol) 1:07:49 Hyaluronic Acid 1:09:57 Exfoliation 1:15:14 Skin Microbiome 1:17:24 Pigmentation 1:19:27 Overrated Ingredients 1:21:27 Natural Plant Compounds 1:24:36 Acne 1:32:47 Hair Care 1:37:34 Shampoo/ Conditioner 1:40:41 Hair Loss 1:42:01 What to Avoid 1:44:49 Deodorants 1:51:12 Society’s Beauty Standards 1:55:29 Outro If you’ve ever felt lost amongst the sea of misleading claims and conflicting advice available online, I hope this episode provides some clarity to you. Importantly, I also hope our closing comments on beauty constructs and societal standards help position you to navigate this industry with an internal lens. Connect with Michelle Wong, PhD: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labmuffinbe... • TikTok:   / labmuffinbeautyscience   • Twitter:   / labmuffin   • YouTube:    / labmuffinbeautyscience   • For a comprehensive guide on skincare basics, Dr Wong has an eBook available for purchase here: https://labmuffin.com/lab-muffin-guid... • Listen to Dr Wong’s previous appearance on The Proof, focusing on sunscreen, at Episode 234: https://theproof.com/sunscreen-must-k... The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit http://theproof.com/friends Enjoy, friends. Simon ==== Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit https://theproof.com/friends/. • The Proof with Simon Hill - https://theproof.com/podcast/ • Book: The Proof is in the Plants - https://theproof.com/book/ • Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7bAIJCV... • Instagram -   / theproof   • Twitter -   / theproof   • Facebook -   / theproofwithsimonhill   • Two week meal plan - https://theproof.com/mealplan/ • Plant Performance - https://theproof.com/plant-performance/ • Use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. #theproof #theproofpodcast #simonhill #drmichellewong #labmuffinbeauty #skincare #haircare