Transforming dull, broken-out skin into a radiant glow through nutrition is the name of the game for Jolene Hart, author of Eat Pretty. As a beauty editor, Jolene knows all the best skincare and cosmetics. She rubbed elbows with skincare giants and was surrounded by experts at all times. But somehow, none of that changed her reality of over a decade of skin issues. “My approach was outside-in,” Jolene admits. “I was always looking for the products that were going to fix my skin problems. It took me a while to realize I was looking in the wrong place.”  Of course, using effective skincare products works wonders for our skin. But without a balanced diet full of clean, whole foods, some of that hard work on crafting the perfect skincare routine is going to waste. On this segment of Just Ask David, Jolene shares some of the nutrition tips that helped clear up her skin when no product could.  The Best Nutrients for Clear Skin  Taking a multivitamin may be the easiest way to add essential nutrients to your diet, but Jolene suggests eating a nutrient-rich diet as a more effective way of clearing your skin. “Zinc is a wonderful mineral for clear skin. I always recommend getting them from whole food sources,” Jolene says. “So getting pumpkin seeds or cashews or mushrooms in your diet everyday, those are all zinc-rich foods” Beta carotene is another important nutrient. “It creates Vitamin A in your skin to help balance your sebum production and increases the rate at which your cells turnover so you don’t have as many clogged pores,” she explains. Healthy fats are also essential to incorporate into your diet if your goal is flawless skin. They help to absorb all of the fat-soluble vitamins that are in the foods you’re eating. “If you’re not eating those fats, your body’s missing out on a lot of nutrition,” Jolene says. A Fresh, Scientific, Holistic Approach on Skincare The skincare industry depends on us not taking the initiative to research what we put on our skin. David Pollock is the beauty guru who is willing to take us behind-the-scenes to show us what works, what doesn’t, and what beauty trends are more about clicks than results. Get news on Safe Beauty, beauty science developments, wellness, and more by following @JustAskDavid on Instagram and Twitter!

Transforming dull, broken-out skin into a radiant glow through nutrition is the name of the game for Jolene Hart, author of Eat Pretty. As a beauty editor, Jolene knows all the best skincare and cosmetics. She rubbed elbows with skincare giants and was surrounded by experts at all times. But somehow, none of that changed her reality of over a decade of skin issues. “My approach was outside-in,” Jolene admits. “I was always looking for the products that were going to fix my skin problems. It took me a while to realize I was looking in the wrong place.” Of course, using effective skincare products works wonders for our skin. But without a balanced diet full of clean, whole foods, some of that hard work on crafting the perfect skincare routine is going to waste. On this segment of Just Ask David, Jolene shares some of the nutrition tips that helped clear up her skin when no product could. The Best Nutrients for Clear Skin Taking a multivitamin may be the easiest way to add essential nutrients to your diet, but Jolene suggests eating a nutrient-rich diet as a more effective way of clearing your skin. “Zinc is a wonderful mineral for clear skin. I always recommend getting them from whole food sources,” Jolene says. “So getting pumpkin seeds or cashews or mushrooms in your diet everyday, those are all zinc-rich foods” Beta carotene is another important nutrient. “It creates Vitamin A in your skin to help balance your sebum production and increases the rate at which your cells turnover so you don’t have as many clogged pores,” she explains. Healthy fats are also essential to incorporate into your diet if your goal is flawless skin. They help to absorb all of the fat-soluble vitamins that are in the foods you’re eating. “If you’re not eating those fats, your body’s missing out on a lot of nutrition,” Jolene says. A Fresh, Scientific, Holistic Approach on Skincare The skincare industry depends on us not taking the initiative to research what we put on our skin. David Pollock is the beauty guru who is willing to take us behind-the-scenes to show us what works, what doesn’t, and what beauty trends are more about clicks than results. Get news on Safe Beauty, beauty science developments, wellness, and more by following @JustAskDavid on Instagram and Twitter!

Episode 113: Beauty From the Inside Out: How to Eat for Flawless Skin

Probiotics are king in the health and wellness industry, reigning for the last few years now. They’re best known for improving the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut, as well as gut health overall. And since diet is tied so closely to skin health, it would make sense that eating probiotics would make your skin clearer, right? But what would happen if we were to use probiotics topically? Dr. Rajini Raj, world-class dermatologist and founder of the probiotic skincare brand TULA, joins Just Ask David to give us the real facts on what probiotics can do for our skin. Beauty Breakthrough: Topical Probiotics Skincare “Probiotics have been on my radar for a while in terms of digestive health. But now just in the last couple years there’s been some really interesting studies looking at topical probiotics on the skin for different benefits,” Dr. Raj shares. Topical probiotics skincare has been shown to improve all sorts of skin conditions, from rosacea to acne. Probiotics also contribute to overall skin health and beauty. “Just to be clear, probiotics usually mean live bacteria. The products that we’re talking about… don’t have actually live bacteria being put on the face,” Dr. Raj clarifies.  “What they do have is those bacteria being centrifuge, which means they’ve been stirred up, released all of their good elements, and mixed with other peptides and other things that are good for your skin.” Follow Just Ask David on Instagram! Want to keep looking behind the curtain of the beauty industry? Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more Safe Beauty!

Probiotics are king in the health and wellness industry, reigning for the last few years now. They’re best known for improving the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut, as well as gut health overall. And since diet is tied so closely to skin health, it would make sense that eating probiotics would make your skin clearer, right? But what would happen if we were to use probiotics topically? Dr. Rajini Raj, world-class dermatologist and founder of the probiotic skincare brand TULA, joins Just Ask David to give us the real facts on what probiotics can do for our skin. Beauty Breakthrough: Topical Probiotics Skincare “Probiotics have been on my radar for a while in terms of digestive health. But now just in the last couple years there’s been some really interesting studies looking at topical probiotics on the skin for different benefits,” Dr. Raj shares. Topical probiotics skincare has been shown to improve all sorts of skin conditions, from rosacea to acne. Probiotics also contribute to overall skin health and beauty. “Just to be clear, probiotics usually mean live bacteria. The products that we’re talking about… don’t have actually live bacteria being put on the face,” Dr. Raj clarifies. “What they do have is those bacteria being centrifuge, which means they’ve been stirred up, released all of their good elements, and mixed with other peptides and other things that are good for your skin.” Follow Just Ask David on Instagram! Want to keep looking behind the curtain of the beauty industry? Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more Safe Beauty!

Episode 112: Probiotics: The New Beauty Superfood with Special Guest Dr. Rajini Raj

Carol Alt

Have you ever heard of the philosophy: “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin”? Consumers are realizing that what we put on our bodies matters just as much as what we put in them.  So it’s not surprising that more and more of us are reaching in our pantries for our skin care routines rather than than emptying our wallets for the latest luxury skin care. The industry shift toward Safe Beauty inspires the crafty, creative side in many of us (or just made us paranoid about the transparency of the beauty brands we support). I’m talking about D.I.Y. beauty - it’s more popular than ever! Carol Alt joins Just Ask David for a few of her favorite D.I.Y. skin care tips! The Best Beauty Mask is One You Can Eat We all know that diet can have a huge impact on our skin. Even the best skin care products in the world can’t eliminate the issues caused by a poor diet. So it makes sense that there are some foods out there that can make a positive impact not just on our diets, but on our skin and hair, too. “Yogurt is a great mask or even kefir, which is what I prefer because kefir has more probiotic,” Carol shares. “But if you eat it, it’s great because it repopulates the probiotics in your intestine… it’s great on your face and the lactic acid helps keep your skin really smooth and soft.” A popular skincare ingredient that can surprisingly be eaten for its benefits is bentonite clay.  We know that bentonite is great at drawing out toxins in our skin, but did you know it can do the same thing in your gut? “I always keep [bentonite clay] in the refrigerator because if you get any kind of bacterial infection in your stomach… a little bit of bentonite three times a day, a tablespoon, will soothe that.”  Want more D.I.Y. beauty tips? Keep listening! Follow Just Ask David on Social Media Find all the Safe Beauty tips and beauty hacks you could ever want! Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more industry secrets!

Have you ever heard of the philosophy: “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin”? Consumers are realizing that what we put on our bodies matters just as much as what we put in them. So it’s not surprising that more and more of us are reaching in our pantries for our skin care routines rather than than emptying our wallets for the latest luxury skin care. The industry shift toward Safe Beauty inspires the crafty, creative side in many of us (or just made us paranoid about the transparency of the beauty brands we support). I’m talking about D.I.Y. beauty - it’s more popular than ever! Carol Alt joins Just Ask David for a few of her favorite D.I.Y. skin care tips! The Best Beauty Mask is One You Can Eat We all know that diet can have a huge impact on our skin. Even the best skin care products in the world can’t eliminate the issues caused by a poor diet. So it makes sense that there are some foods out there that can make a positive impact not just on our diets, but on our skin and hair, too. “Yogurt is a great mask or even kefir, which is what I prefer because kefir has more probiotic,” Carol shares. “But if you eat it, it’s great because it repopulates the probiotics in your intestine… it’s great on your face and the lactic acid helps keep your skin really smooth and soft.” A popular skincare ingredient that can surprisingly be eaten for its benefits is bentonite clay. We know that bentonite is great at drawing out toxins in our skin, but did you know it can do the same thing in your gut? “I always keep [bentonite clay] in the refrigerator because if you get any kind of bacterial infection in your stomach… a little bit of bentonite three times a day, a tablespoon, will soothe that.” Want more D.I.Y. beauty tips? Keep listening! Follow Just Ask David on Social Media Find all the Safe Beauty tips and beauty hacks you could ever want! Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more industry secrets!

Episode 111: Delicious DIY Beauty with Special Guest Carol Alt

There’s one thing you can always be certain of when it comes to skincare trends: here today, balm tomorrow. But it makes sense.  As technology and our understanding of the human body evolves, so does our skincare.  Just a few decades ago, we didn’t know how catastrophic the effects of smoking cigarettes on our skin. We had no idea. Even the most beautiful, fresh-faced actresses in Hollywood went through cartons of cigarettes like they were potato chips - completely unsuspecting of the havoc they were wreaking on their skin and overall health. Can you imagine that now? So what does the skincare industry look like in 2018? What trends are shaping skincare at the moment? Life Imitates Skincare? Or the Other Way Around... With Safe Beauty becoming more of a priority for consumers, skincare addicts are endlessly searching for the most effective and least harmful ingredients.  Many skincare brands are now using ingredients that already exist in our bodies naturally, like collagen and hyaluronic acid. We naturally have an abundance of these youth-preserving substances, but their production decreases dramatically when we get older.  So not only are these skincare ingredients surprisingly effective, but they’re completely non-toxic!  The Best Oil for Your Skin You’ve Never Heard Of It seems that every few years, the beauty industry totes a new oil as the most effective and valuable oil for our skin (only to be denounced as the worst possible thing for your skin a year later). But red palm fruit oil is different. There are a ton of reasons why this oil is a couple of steps above the industry’s most beloved fats, like coconut oil and shea butter. Red palm fruit oil is packed with omegas, antioxidants, micro-nutrients, trace minerals, and tons of other goodies! And that’s not even it! Red palm fruit oil can be effective whether you ingest it or apply it topically, making it versatile for skincare or beauty supplements. Probiotic and Fermented Skin Care Even with superfoods like red palm fruit oil breaking the skincare scene, formulators are taking it a step even further by experimenting with fermentation. Skincare researchers are finding that when skincare ingredients undergo the fermentation process, the body absorbs the nutrients remarkably faster. So you’d better believe that skincare formulators like David are already testing the effectiveness of fermented red palm fruit oil and others. Follow Just Ask David for More! David is your behind-the-scenes beauty guru, giving you the inside scoop on the latest science and trends in the industry. Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more!

There’s one thing you can always be certain of when it comes to skincare trends: here today, balm tomorrow. But it makes sense. As technology and our understanding of the human body evolves, so does our skincare. Just a few decades ago, we didn’t know how catastrophic the effects of smoking cigarettes on our skin. We had no idea. Even the most beautiful, fresh-faced actresses in Hollywood went through cartons of cigarettes like they were potato chips - completely unsuspecting of the havoc they were wreaking on their skin and overall health. Can you imagine that now? So what does the skincare industry look like in 2018? What trends are shaping skincare at the moment? Life Imitates Skincare? Or the Other Way Around... With Safe Beauty becoming more of a priority for consumers, skincare addicts are endlessly searching for the most effective and least harmful ingredients. Many skincare brands are now using ingredients that already exist in our bodies naturally, like collagen and hyaluronic acid. We naturally have an abundance of these youth-preserving substances, but their production decreases dramatically when we get older. So not only are these skincare ingredients surprisingly effective, but they’re completely non-toxic! The Best Oil for Your Skin You’ve Never Heard Of It seems that every few years, the beauty industry totes a new oil as the most effective and valuable oil for our skin (only to be denounced as the worst possible thing for your skin a year later). But red palm fruit oil is different. There are a ton of reasons why this oil is a couple of steps above the industry’s most beloved fats, like coconut oil and shea butter. Red palm fruit oil is packed with omegas, antioxidants, micro-nutrients, trace minerals, and tons of other goodies! And that’s not even it! Red palm fruit oil can be effective whether you ingest it or apply it topically, making it versatile for skincare or beauty supplements. Probiotic and Fermented Skin Care Even with superfoods like red palm fruit oil breaking the skincare scene, formulators are taking it a step even further by experimenting with fermentation. Skincare researchers are finding that when skincare ingredients undergo the fermentation process, the body absorbs the nutrients remarkably faster. So you’d better believe that skincare formulators like David are already testing the effectiveness of fermented red palm fruit oil and others. Follow Just Ask David for More! David is your behind-the-scenes beauty guru, giving you the inside scoop on the latest science and trends in the industry. Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more!

Episode 110: The Latest Trends in Natural Skincare

We’re smarter consumers than we used to be.  In 2018, we check the ingredients in the things we eat and put on our bodies. We avoid certain chemicals that we know can hurt us. We have a better understanding of how what we put in and on our bodies has a direct impact on our health.  For this reason, a lot of us have decided to stick with “natural” products.  Because natural ingredients should be a lot safer than a chemical made in a laboratory, right? Well… no. And here’s why. Is Natural Really Better? Don’t let the beauty industry fool you. When it comes to the regulation of using the word “natural” on personal care products… there is none. The FDA allows brands to describe their products as natural, even if it isn’t true. Your “all-natural” toiletries may actually only contain a minimal amount of natural ingredients. How to See if Your Products are Safe - the RIGHT Way There’s nothing wrong with natural products. In fact, botanicals have a lot to offer in skincare. But what us consumers should be actually concerned about is if our products are safe. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe. (You wouldn’t be thrilled if your new moisturizer had poison ivy in it, would you?) If you’re serious about a toxin- and carcinogen-free lifestyle, the best thing you can do is to learn how to read an ingredient label.  Certain chemicals build up toxins in our bodies over time. It’s much more important to know what these chemicals are than to be lured into a false state of security with “natural” products. To get you started, here are some hints that a chemical in the ingredient label is harmful. If you have any of these chemicals in your beauty products, throw them away! Ends in -glycol PEGs Ends in -paraben Sodium laureth (or lauryl) sulfate Is Your Beauty Empowered? Want to find out what the industry is hiding from consumers? Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more beauty and wellness secrets!

We’re smarter consumers than we used to be. In 2018, we check the ingredients in the things we eat and put on our bodies. We avoid certain chemicals that we know can hurt us. We have a better understanding of how what we put in and on our bodies has a direct impact on our health. For this reason, a lot of us have decided to stick with “natural” products. Because natural ingredients should be a lot safer than a chemical made in a laboratory, right? Well… no. And here’s why. Is Natural Really Better? Don’t let the beauty industry fool you. When it comes to the regulation of using the word “natural” on personal care products… there is none. The FDA allows brands to describe their products as natural, even if it isn’t true. Your “all-natural” toiletries may actually only contain a minimal amount of natural ingredients. How to See if Your Products are Safe - the RIGHT Way There’s nothing wrong with natural products. In fact, botanicals have a lot to offer in skincare. But what us consumers should be actually concerned about is if our products are safe. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe. (You wouldn’t be thrilled if your new moisturizer had poison ivy in it, would you?) If you’re serious about a toxin- and carcinogen-free lifestyle, the best thing you can do is to learn how to read an ingredient label. Certain chemicals build up toxins in our bodies over time. It’s much more important to know what these chemicals are than to be lured into a false state of security with “natural” products. To get you started, here are some hints that a chemical in the ingredient label is harmful. If you have any of these chemicals in your beauty products, throw them away! Ends in -glycol PEGs Ends in -paraben Sodium laureth (or lauryl) sulfate Is Your Beauty Empowered? Want to find out what the industry is hiding from consumers? Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more beauty and wellness secrets!

Episode 109: Are Your Skincare Products Natural?

We all love splurging on skincare. Some of us live for the latest luxury celebrity-approved skincare trends. Others spend their coins on ethically sourced, cruelty-free, the cleanest, greenest skincare you can find. But all of that’s for nothing if you’re not using your skincare in the right order. You’re practically throwing that money away. Step 1: Cleanse TWICE Every Day! You should be cleansing your face every day and night.  A lot of people seem to think that washing your face in the morning when you already washed it the night before is a bit overkill.  Some skincare experts even say that it’s best not to wash your face when you wake up in the morning to preserve the healthy, natural oils our skin produced overnight. Even though your skin’s natural oils may be good for it, washing your face in the morning is essential to unclogging pores and sloughing off dead skin cells. Avoid cleansing with hot water, which will be sure to strip away those healthy oils. Using an ultra-gentle exfoliator, like the Rice Face Wash from my PUR attitude line is an effective way to really get rid of dead skin without irritating your skin. Keep Listening for the Next 3 Steps! Can’t get enough of David Pollock’s beauty advice?  Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram and share his tips with your fellow skincare addicts!

We all love splurging on skincare. Some of us live for the latest luxury celebrity-approved skincare trends. Others spend their coins on ethically sourced, cruelty-free, the cleanest, greenest skincare you can find. But all of that’s for nothing if you’re not using your skincare in the right order. You’re practically throwing that money away. Step 1: Cleanse TWICE Every Day! You should be cleansing your face every day and night. A lot of people seem to think that washing your face in the morning when you already washed it the night before is a bit overkill. Some skincare experts even say that it’s best not to wash your face when you wake up in the morning to preserve the healthy, natural oils our skin produced overnight. Even though your skin’s natural oils may be good for it, washing your face in the morning is essential to unclogging pores and sloughing off dead skin cells. Avoid cleansing with hot water, which will be sure to strip away those healthy oils. Using an ultra-gentle exfoliator, like the Rice Face Wash from my PUR attitude line is an effective way to really get rid of dead skin without irritating your skin. Keep Listening for the Next 3 Steps! Can’t get enough of David Pollock’s beauty advice? Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram and share his tips with your fellow skincare addicts!

Episode 108: Are You Using Your Skincare Products in the Right Order?

All breakouts aren’t created equal. In fact, the location of a cluster of acne can tell you a lot about your body. Forehead breakouts mean something different than chin breakouts, for example.  Nutrition expert Susan Ciminelli returns to map out the causes behind our acne breakouts. Forehead Acne:  The forehead is one of the most common places for acne. But no one likes rocking a tiara of zits. To understand forehead breakouts, Susan says to look to the small intestine. “Your digestive system is not on autopilot,” she says. “Just because there’s food in your stomach does not mean that you’re going to digest your food.” Anxiety, eating too quickly, and eating right before bed can all cause stress to the digestive enzymes in your system. Since your digestive and nervous systems are not running optimally, neither is your skin. Remember that the next time you eat a snack before bed. The Rub on Rosacea “Rosacea comes from overly acidic blood,” Susan explains. “The typical American diet is very high in acid, like sugar, meat, and all kinds of processed foods.  But there are other reasons to avoid a highly acidic diet. An acidic environment facilitates bacterial growth and depresses the immune system. “Brown rice is a neutralizer for your gut. And fermented foods can really help with rosacea,” Susan suggests. More dietary suggestions in the podcast! Wellness and Beauty Secrets 24/7! Follow @JustAskDavid on Twitter and Instagram for more secrets of the beauty and wellness industry!

All breakouts aren’t created equal. In fact, the location of a cluster of acne can tell you a lot about your body. Forehead breakouts mean something different than chin breakouts, for example. Nutrition expert Susan Ciminelli returns to map out the causes behind our acne breakouts. Forehead Acne: The forehead is one of the most common places for acne. But no one likes rocking a tiara of zits. To understand forehead breakouts, Susan says to look to the small intestine. “Your digestive system is not on autopilot,” she says. “Just because there’s food in your stomach does not mean that you’re going to digest your food.” Anxiety, eating too quickly, and eating right before bed can all cause stress to the digestive enzymes in your system. Since your digestive and nervous systems are not running optimally, neither is your skin. Remember that the next time you eat a snack before bed. The Rub on Rosacea “Rosacea comes from overly acidic blood,” Susan explains. “The typical American diet is very high in acid, like sugar, meat, and all kinds of processed foods. But there are other reasons to avoid a highly acidic diet. An acidic environment facilitates bacterial growth and depresses the immune system. “Brown rice is a neutralizer for your gut. And fermented foods can really help with rosacea,” Susan suggests. More dietary suggestions in the podcast! Wellness and Beauty Secrets 24/7! Follow @JustAskDavid on Twitter and Instagram for more secrets of the beauty and wellness industry!

Episode 107: Breaking the Code of Breakouts: What Does Your Acne Mean?

As the seasons change, our skincare needs change, too. Cool, dry air isn’t the only thing autumn brings. After a lazy summer of vacationing and spending time with the kids, back-to-school chaos may wreak more havoc on your skin than you realize. Plenty of us are so busy running around and adjusting to our new schedules that we neglect our skin. Stick to Your Skincare Routine If the stressful transition from a beach bum summer to a fast-paced fall semester isn’t enough to break you out, skimping out on your routine will. A lot of us skip parts of our skincare regimen to save time while we adjust to our new schedules. While this may shave off a few minutes while getting ready in the morning, you’re not going to be happy with your skin. Keep Eating Clean &amp; Using Clean Skincare Noticing a pattern? Fall is a an easy time to fall back into bad habits. Don’t stop making your own meals at home. Keep researching the ingredients in your beauty products. Don’t let a change in your routine be the reason why your skin is missing its usual glow. Don’t Wash Your Face With a Bar of Soap The fall air is notorious dry. So we know you wouldn’t dare leave the house without a moisturizer. But if you’re washing your face with a bar of soap, you might as well be skipping your moisturizer.  Bars of soap tend to disrupt our skin’s natural pH balance, not to mention strip your skin of all of its natural oils. That’s a recipe for skin as dry as autumn leaves. You need to use a moisturizing cleanser, like micellar water or diluted essential oils. They’re also great for removing makeup! Can’t Get Enough of  David’s Beauty Tips? Follow @justaskdavid on Instagram for more!

As the seasons change, our skincare needs change, too. Cool, dry air isn’t the only thing autumn brings. After a lazy summer of vacationing and spending time with the kids, back-to-school chaos may wreak more havoc on your skin than you realize. Plenty of us are so busy running around and adjusting to our new schedules that we neglect our skin. Stick to Your Skincare Routine If the stressful transition from a beach bum summer to a fast-paced fall semester isn’t enough to break you out, skimping out on your routine will. A lot of us skip parts of our skincare regimen to save time while we adjust to our new schedules. While this may shave off a few minutes while getting ready in the morning, you’re not going to be happy with your skin. Keep Eating Clean &amp; Using Clean Skincare Noticing a pattern? Fall is a an easy time to fall back into bad habits. Don’t stop making your own meals at home. Keep researching the ingredients in your beauty products. Don’t let a change in your routine be the reason why your skin is missing its usual glow. Don’t Wash Your Face With a Bar of Soap The fall air is notorious dry. So we know you wouldn’t dare leave the house without a moisturizer. But if you’re washing your face with a bar of soap, you might as well be skipping your moisturizer. Bars of soap tend to disrupt our skin’s natural pH balance, not to mention strip your skin of all of its natural oils. That’s a recipe for skin as dry as autumn leaves. You need to use a moisturizing cleanser, like micellar water or diluted essential oils. They’re also great for removing makeup! Can’t Get Enough of David’s Beauty Tips? Follow @justaskdavid on Instagram for more!

Episode 106: 3 Fall Skincare Secrets for Weather-Proof Skin

Cobie Smulders

Breast Cancer Awareness Month just ended, but cancer is a topic that never stops affecting our lives. On this episode of Just Ask David, actress Cobie Smulders of “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Avengers” shares her struggles with ovarian cancer struggles and how it led to her partnership with TESARO to create Not On My Watch. Not On My Watch is an ovarian cancer education organization dedicated to empowering women to take their health into their own hands. “I believe that having knowledge about your disease is empowering,” Cobie shares. “It’s nice to build a community to start more of a discussion about this and to be more proactive.” Listen to the podcast for the full interview - you won’t want to miss this one! Just Ask David Cares About Safe Beauty Most of us put a lot of care into our looks, but your health is the most valuable thing you have. Don’t risk your health by using cosmetics with toxic chemicals. For more information on safe beauty products, follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram and check out our blog!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month just ended, but cancer is a topic that never stops affecting our lives. On this episode of Just Ask David, actress Cobie Smulders of “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Avengers” shares her struggles with ovarian cancer struggles and how it led to her partnership with TESARO to create Not On My Watch. Not On My Watch is an ovarian cancer education organization dedicated to empowering women to take their health into their own hands. “I believe that having knowledge about your disease is empowering,” Cobie shares. “It’s nice to build a community to start more of a discussion about this and to be more proactive.” Listen to the podcast for the full interview - you won’t want to miss this one! Just Ask David Cares About Safe Beauty Most of us put a lot of care into our looks, but your health is the most valuable thing you have. Don’t risk your health by using cosmetics with toxic chemicals. For more information on safe beauty products, follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram and check out our blog!

Episode 105: Ovarian Cancer? Not On My Watch! with Celebrity Guest Cobie Smulders

While a good skincare regimen helps with keeping your skin clear and glowing, your diet plays a bigger role than you may realize. Lisa Davis chats with nutrition expert Susan Ciminelli to get the low-down on how to clear up your skin through your diet.  You Are What You Eat! Did you know that your skin is one of several eliminative organs in our bodies used to push waste out through? Along with organs like the liver and intestines, the skin is responsible for filtering some of the things we ingest. “If you want to have healthy skin from within, you have to have a nutrient-dense diet,” Susan explains. “So that means foods that are deep with color like carrots and deep green vegetables and deep red berries...  full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, [and] trace elements.” The perfect plate of food in front of you should have every color on it - like beets for the red, or  The Best Herbs to Cleanse Your System Eating herbs regularly is a great way for your skin to absorb the nutrients it needs to bring out its inner glow. Eating fresh, uncooked herbs is kind of like ingesting essential oils, but in a way that’s healthy and easy for our bodies to digest. “I like to use basil - it’s a blood purifier,” Susan suggests. “Cilantro gets rid of metal poisoning in the body… [and] oregano is so important for you, especially when the weather is changing because it’ll boost your immune levels.” Get Expert Beauty Advice 24/7! Can’t get enough of the beauty hacks the industry is hiding?  Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more!

While a good skincare regimen helps with keeping your skin clear and glowing, your diet plays a bigger role than you may realize. Lisa Davis chats with nutrition expert Susan Ciminelli to get the low-down on how to clear up your skin through your diet. You Are What You Eat! Did you know that your skin is one of several eliminative organs in our bodies used to push waste out through? Along with organs like the liver and intestines, the skin is responsible for filtering some of the things we ingest. “If you want to have healthy skin from within, you have to have a nutrient-dense diet,” Susan explains. “So that means foods that are deep with color like carrots and deep green vegetables and deep red berries... full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, [and] trace elements.” The perfect plate of food in front of you should have every color on it - like beets for the red, or The Best Herbs to Cleanse Your System Eating herbs regularly is a great way for your skin to absorb the nutrients it needs to bring out its inner glow. Eating fresh, uncooked herbs is kind of like ingesting essential oils, but in a way that’s healthy and easy for our bodies to digest. “I like to use basil - it’s a blood purifier,” Susan suggests. “Cilantro gets rid of metal poisoning in the body… [and] oregano is so important for you, especially when the weather is changing because it’ll boost your immune levels.” Get Expert Beauty Advice 24/7! Can’t get enough of the beauty hacks the industry is hiding? Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for more!

Episode 104: The Connection Between What You Eat and Your Skin

The “Just Ask David” audio podcast takes a deep dive into health and beauty in just 10 minutes during each interview. The show features David Pollock, beauty industry veteran and the chemist behind some of the top- performing beauty products of all time. On his show, he candidly shares his expertise and invites his talented roster of guests to do the same.

Do not &#34;just ask David&#34;. If you attempt to microneedle at home after just hearing this, you&#39;re in for a world of trouble. If this man had any sense, he would STRESS to listeners to do their homework before attempting rolling at home. This podcast is a careless presentation of material, and his guest should be ashamed.

Careless presentation. Lacking.

Just Ask David

Episode 103: Combating Winter Skin

When we talk about anti-aging skin care, we’re usually thinking about products for our faces. But our faces aren’t the only part of us that reveals our true age. And even with a face as smooth as a 25-year-old’s, a crepey decolletage or age spot covered hands can easily give you away. Lucky for us, beauty &amp; fashion writer Aja Mangum joins Just Ask David to divulge all of her anti-aging secrets -- specifically the lips, hands, and decolletage. Aja has written for the likes of Bloomberg Businessweek, Men’s Fitness, MANHATTAN, Angeleno, Brides, and more. Prior to freelancing, she served as the Beauty &amp; Market Editor at New York magazine. How to Maintain Youthfulness in More Than Just Your Face Though many of have anti-aging skin care routines, few of us actually do more than treat the skin on our faces. By the time wrinkles and age spots start to appear in our hands and chests, the damage is already done. “I was watching television and saw this fabulous actress,” Aja recalls. “You can tell she spent a lot of work on her face. She looked amazing, but then, her neck… and I just kind of had that moment of, not feeling bad for her, but [her hands] were clearly an afterthought.” We know that prevention is the best approach when it comes to anti-aging, but we need to be paying attention to more than just a youthful face. Neglecting other parts of our body is a dead giveaway for our age. Anti-Aging Treatments That Aren’t For Your Face As discouraged as you may be at first, don’t believe that your hands, lips, and chest are doomed forever. There are anti-aging treatments out there that can really make the difference in the appearance of your skin. For hands, Aja recommends the occasional hand masks to rehydrate the skin. After seeing the results on a colleague, she’s a fan. “The extra step of using a hand mask made a world of difference,” Aja says. “If you want to take time out for  yourself, it takes ten minutes.”   The decolletage can be protected from future wrinkles with sunscreen, but if the damage is already done, Aja recommends using overnight collagen patches. “Basically, you cleanse your chest with these cleansing disks that contain glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate,” she explains. “Wait for it to dry, and then you put these silicone patches on your chest. Stick ‘em on -- super easy -- go to sleep.” Anti-Aging, Beauty, and Fashion on Your Social Media Feed Want to stay up-to-date with Aja? Follow her on Twitter @AjaMangum for more fashion and beauty secrets!

When we talk about anti-aging skin care, we’re usually thinking about products for our faces. But our faces aren’t the only part of us that reveals our true age. And even with a face as smooth as a 25-year-old’s, a crepey decolletage or age spot covered hands can easily give you away. Lucky for us, beauty &amp; fashion writer Aja Mangum joins Just Ask David to divulge all of her anti-aging secrets -- specifically the lips, hands, and decolletage. Aja has written for the likes of Bloomberg Businessweek, Men’s Fitness, MANHATTAN, Angeleno, Brides, and more. Prior to freelancing, she served as the Beauty &amp; Market Editor at New York magazine. How to Maintain Youthfulness in More Than Just Your Face Though many of have anti-aging skin care routines, few of us actually do more than treat the skin on our faces. By the time wrinkles and age spots start to appear in our hands and chests, the damage is already done. “I was watching television and saw this fabulous actress,” Aja recalls. “You can tell she spent a lot of work on her face. She looked amazing, but then, her neck… and I just kind of had that moment of, not feeling bad for her, but [her hands] were clearly an afterthought.” We know that prevention is the best approach when it comes to anti-aging, but we need to be paying attention to more than just a youthful face. Neglecting other parts of our body is a dead giveaway for our age. Anti-Aging Treatments That Aren’t For Your Face As discouraged as you may be at first, don’t believe that your hands, lips, and chest are doomed forever. There are anti-aging treatments out there that can really make the difference in the appearance of your skin. For hands, Aja recommends the occasional hand masks to rehydrate the skin. After seeing the results on a colleague, she’s a fan. “The extra step of using a hand mask made a world of difference,” Aja says. “If you want to take time out for  yourself, it takes ten minutes.”   The decolletage can be protected from future wrinkles with sunscreen, but if the damage is already done, Aja recommends using overnight collagen patches. “Basically, you cleanse your chest with these cleansing disks that contain glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate,” she explains. “Wait for it to dry, and then you put these silicone patches on your chest. Stick ‘em on -- super easy -- go to sleep.” Anti-Aging, Beauty, and Fashion on Your Social Media Feed Want to stay up-to-date with Aja? Follow her on Twitter @AjaMangum for more fashion and beauty secrets!

Episode 45: The #1 Anti-Aging Beauty Secret with Special Guest Aja Mangum

Beauty Blogger Meets Academia Are the ingredients in expensive, luxury skin care and makeup better than those in cheaper brands? Rachel Anise joins us today to make a case for both drugstore and luxury cosmetics. Rachel is the editor-in-chief of the highly acclaimed luxury beauty blog, the Beauty Professor and is also a full-time Communication Studies professor in the Los Angeles area. After scoring a publishing deal with a fellow professor, Rachel discovered her love of writing to an audience. By becoming a luxury beauty blogger, Rachel’s academic and beauty worlds converged so well that she found her calling. How Effective are Luxury Cosmetics Really? Rachel’s blog is dedicated to giving honest reviews on beauty products, specifically luxury brands. Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, and Burberry Beauty are just a few of the designer luxury brands that grace her blog. “Luxury brands aren’t necessarily better than drugstore brands,” she says. Rachel cites her allergy to lanolin, a common beauty product ingredient, as the initial reason she was drawn to more expensive cosmetics. “To me, their limited nature makes them, in addition to their price, ingredients, and company, a luxury brand.” For honest reviews on designer cosmetics and clothing, visit Rachel’s website at www.beautyprofessor.net.

Beauty Blogger Meets Academia Are the ingredients in expensive, luxury skin care and makeup better than those in cheaper brands? Rachel Anise joins us today to make a case for both drugstore and luxury cosmetics. Rachel is the editor-in-chief of the highly acclaimed luxury beauty blog, the Beauty Professor and is also a full-time Communication Studies professor in the Los Angeles area. After scoring a publishing deal with a fellow professor, Rachel discovered her love of writing to an audience. By becoming a luxury beauty blogger, Rachel’s academic and beauty worlds converged so well that she found her calling. How Effective are Luxury Cosmetics Really? Rachel’s blog is dedicated to giving honest reviews on beauty products, specifically luxury brands. Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, and Burberry Beauty are just a few of the designer luxury brands that grace her blog. “Luxury brands aren’t necessarily better than drugstore brands,” she says. Rachel cites her allergy to lanolin, a common beauty product ingredient, as the initial reason she was drawn to more expensive cosmetics. “To me, their limited nature makes them, in addition to their price, ingredients, and company, a luxury brand.” For honest reviews on designer cosmetics and clothing, visit Rachel’s website at <a href="http://www.beautyprofessor.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.beautyprofessor.net</a>.

Episode 5: The REAL Difference Between Designer and Drugstore Skincare Products with Guest Rache Anise

Personal care products we use on a regular basis like shaving cream, body wash, and even toothpaste can have toxic chemicals hidden in their ingredient lists.  In fact, the European Union recently banned over 1,100 chemicals from being used in any beauty or personal care products. The United States, on the other hand, has only banned 11.  Hidden Ingredients and How to Look for Them Some of the chemicals commonly used in our personal care products create a by-product called 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane is a carcinogen.  But because it’s a by-product created through a process called ethoxylation, it’s not included in the ingredients list.  And actually, the big brands could spend the extra money to purify these chemicals from cancerous byproducts. There are even safer and equally effective (and slightly more expensive) chemicals that could substitute for chemicals that create hazardous by-product. But many brands refuse to change their formulas. While the Safe Beauty movement is amping up the standards for chemicals used in our products, there is still much work to be done. Empower yourself by remembering these 3 rules the next time you shop for beauty products.  Avoid PEG/Polyethylene/Polyethylene Glycol PEGs, also known as Polyethylene Glycol, is used as a solvent in many of our common toiletries. Anything ending in ‘eth’ is TOXIC Chemicals that end in “-eth” usually help a product foam. So look for this hint on shampoos, hand soaps, and body washes. Stay Away From Chemicals With “-oxynol”  Follow Just Ask David on Instagram! Stay up-to-date with Safe Beauty news and non-toxic DIY beauty tips!  Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for beauty essentials on your feed 24/7.

Personal care products we use on a regular basis like shaving cream, body wash, and even toothpaste can have toxic chemicals hidden in their ingredient lists. In fact, the European Union recently banned over 1,100 chemicals from being used in any beauty or personal care products. The United States, on the other hand, has only banned 11. Hidden Ingredients and How to Look for Them Some of the chemicals commonly used in our personal care products create a by-product called 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane is a carcinogen. But because it’s a by-product created through a process called ethoxylation, it’s not included in the ingredients list. And actually, the big brands could spend the extra money to purify these chemicals from cancerous byproducts. There are even safer and equally effective (and slightly more expensive) chemicals that could substitute for chemicals that create hazardous by-product. But many brands refuse to change their formulas. While the Safe Beauty movement is amping up the standards for chemicals used in our products, there is still much work to be done. Empower yourself by remembering these 3 rules the next time you shop for beauty products. <ol> <li>Avoid PEG/Polyethylene/Polyethylene Glycol PEGs, also known as Polyethylene Glycol, is used as a solvent in many of our common toiletries.</li> <li>Anything ending in ‘eth’ is TOXIC Chemicals that end in “-eth” usually help a product foam. So look for this hint on shampoos, hand soaps, and body washes.</li> <li>Stay Away From Chemicals With “-oxynol”</li> </ol> Follow Just Ask David on Instagram! Stay up-to-date with Safe Beauty news and non-toxic DIY beauty tips! Follow @JustAskDavid on Instagram for beauty essentials on your feed 24/7.

Episode 102: Steer Clear of These Ingredients

Lauryn Evarts

Imagine an online community where women from all across the world can share their health and beauty tips and tricks -- the ultimate “Girl Code,” if you will. Add a beautiful, ambitious, and business-savvy blogger as the creative director, and you’ve got the Skinny Confidential. Lauryn Evarts created the Skinny Confidential blog a few years ago. It’s become so popular that the Skinny Confidential is now also a podcast, a book, an app, and has even been featured in the likes of Women’s Health Magazine, the Huffington Post, and many others. Tried and True Beauty Tips For Women, By Women Even though Lauryn is the creator of the Skinny Confidential, her blog is not only about her. The Skinny Confidential is about encouraging women to march to the beat of their own drums and live unapologetically. How do you do that? By sharing the beauty tips women really want to hear, like alternative options to cotton tampons or the pros and cons of getting cosmetic surgery. A lot of topics featured on the blog are beauty secrets shared by readers. Although some are too controversial to be seen on a commercial blog, women still want to know the answers to some of their questions. Look no further than The Skinny Confidential. “[The Skinny Confidential] represents the movers, the shakers, and the ones who without a doubt want to be the best damn version of themselves,” Lauryn says. Want to keep up with Lauryn? Follow her @lauryneverts on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Imagine an online community where women from all across the world can share their health and beauty tips and tricks -- the ultimate “Girl Code,” if you will. Add a beautiful, ambitious, and business-savvy blogger as the creative director, and you’ve got the Skinny Confidential. Lauryn Evarts created the Skinny Confidential blog a few years ago. It’s become so popular that the Skinny Confidential is now also a podcast, a book, an app, and has even been featured in the likes of Women’s Health Magazine, the Huffington Post, and many others. <h3>Tried and True Beauty Tips For Women, By Women</h3> Even though Lauryn is the creator of the Skinny Confidential, her blog is not only about her. The Skinny Confidential is about encouraging women to march to the beat of their own drums and live unapologetically. How do you do that? By sharing the beauty tips women really want to hear, like alternative options to cotton tampons or the pros and cons of getting cosmetic surgery. A lot of topics featured on the blog are beauty secrets shared by readers. Although some are too controversial to be seen on a commercial blog, women still want to know the answers to some of their questions. Look no further than <a href="https://www.theskinnyconfidential.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Skinny Confidential.</a> “[The Skinny Confidential] represents the movers, the shakers, and the ones who without a doubt want to be the best damn version of themselves,” Lauryn says. Want to keep up with Lauryn? Follow her @lauryneverts on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Episode 15: The Skinny on Beauty Tips with Special Guest Lauryn Evarts

David Q

Episode 69: Just Ask David Q&A

Jobs in the Makeup Industry are Changing The professional makeup artist industry is a lot different than it used to be. Gone are the days when amateurs’ only path to being a celebrity makeup artist is to go to beauty school and beg trendy fashion magazines for exposure. These days, YouTube and Instagram makeup artists are dominating the industry with their diverse, crafty, and creative ways of applying makeup. Social media is promoting a generation of self-starting makeup artists -- all you need is talent and a few thousand followers. Our special guest this morning is Rose Hill, an award-winning celebrity makeup artist with an impressive portfolio -- from the likes of Bill Clinton to Hugh Jackman. Rose is the founder of Make Up Crew and is most recently the professional makeup artist behind America’s Got Talent. Protecting Your Business as a Social Media Makeup Artist Being in the industry for so many years, Rose has plenty of tips for freelance makeup artists -- like the importance of legitimizing your business beyond social media. “The best way to get work… you have to find out the rules and regulations of the state you’re working in,” Rose shares. In some states, professional makeup artists may be required to obtain certification, makeup insurance, and even a business permit. These weren’t even concerns for makeup artists in the past -- they were typically hired by huge cosmetic corporations who took care of the fine print. Social media makeup gurus are essentially freelance makeup artists and need to be able to protect their rights. Want to learn more professional makeup artist tips and stay updated with Rose? Follow her on Twitter @RoseHillCrew or visit her website at www.MakeUpCrew.com

Jobs in the Makeup Industry are Changing The professional makeup artist industry is a lot different than it used to be. Gone are the days when amateurs’ only path to being a celebrity makeup artist is to go to beauty school and beg trendy fashion magazines for exposure. These days, YouTube and Instagram makeup artists are dominating the industry with their diverse, crafty, and creative ways of applying makeup. Social media is promoting a generation of self-starting makeup artists -- all you need is talent and a few thousand followers. Our special guest this morning is Rose Hill, an award-winning celebrity makeup artist with an impressive portfolio -- from the likes of Bill Clinton to Hugh Jackman. Rose is the founder of Make Up Crew and is most recently the professional makeup artist behind America’s Got Talent. Protecting Your Business as a Social Media Makeup Artist Being in the industry for so many years, Rose has plenty of tips for freelance makeup artists -- like the importance of legitimizing your business beyond social media. “The best way to get work… you have to find out the rules and regulations of the state you’re working in,” Rose shares. In some states, professional makeup artists may be required to obtain certification, makeup insurance, and even a business permit. These weren’t even concerns for makeup artists in the past -- they were typically hired by huge cosmetic corporations who took care of the fine print. Social media makeup gurus are essentially freelance makeup artists and need to be able to protect their rights. Want to learn more professional makeup artist tips and stay updated with Rose? Follow her on Twitter @RoseHillCrew or visit her website at <a href="http://www.MakeUpCrew.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.MakeUpCrew.com</a>

Episode 7: How to Be a Successful Freelance Makeup Artist With Guest Rose Hill

Men are getting swept up in the skin care craze. And who can blame them? Who doesn’t want clear, healthy skin?  But as the beauty industry is adjusting to more of a male consumer presence, a lot of men are left wondering where to start.  What skin type do you have? How many products do you need? How long do you have to wait to see if a product works?  According to men’s grooming expert and Just Ask David favorite Barret Wertz, all you need to do is look inside your girlfriend or bestie’s beauty cabinet. “There are a lot of these products that sort of cross into categories if you can look past the marketing of them all,” he says. Wait, Men and Women Can SHARE Beauty Products?  When it comes down to it, most skin care products can work just fine for both men and women. “Most of the skin care products… that women are going to use are going to be sort of more fluffed-up versions of the stripped-down versions available for men,” Barret explains. The only difference is, some products are geared toward women to meet female consumers’ demands. But male consumer demands can change, too. For example, Barret points out that many women’s moisturizers include some type of SPF. This is from decades of women knowing that sunscreen is great for anti-aging, heavily influencing expectations for moisturizers.  What does that mean for men? Just that using women’s moisturizer will probably protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays better than a men’s moisturizer. “It’s definitely going to be something that will likely work for you,” Barret says. “These products are going to be made and intended to be very transparent and very sheer and lightweight. So it wouldn’t be something that would bother a lot of mens’ skin.”  Follow Barret on Social Media Can’t get enough of Barret’s grooming tips? Visit his website The Grooming Editor and don’t forget to follow him on Instagram and Twitter @BarretWertz!

Men are getting swept up in the skin care craze. And who can blame them? Who doesn’t want clear, healthy skin? But as the beauty industry is adjusting to more of a male consumer presence, a lot of men are left wondering where to start. What skin type do you have? How many products do you need? How long do you have to wait to see if a product works? According to men’s grooming expert and Just Ask David favorite Barret Wertz, all you need to do is look inside your girlfriend or bestie’s beauty cabinet. “There are a lot of these products that sort of cross into categories if you can look past the marketing of them all,” he says. Wait, Men and Women Can SHARE Beauty Products? When it comes down to it, most skin care products can work just fine for both men and women. “Most of the skin care products… that women are going to use are going to be sort of more fluffed-up versions of the stripped-down versions available for men,” Barret explains. The only difference is, some products are geared toward women to meet female consumers’ demands. But male consumer demands can change, too. For example, Barret points out that many women’s moisturizers include some type of SPF. This is from decades of women knowing that sunscreen is great for anti-aging, heavily influencing expectations for moisturizers. What does that mean for men? Just that using women’s moisturizer will probably protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays better than a men’s moisturizer. “It’s definitely going to be something that will likely work for you,” Barret says. “These products are going to be made and intended to be very transparent and very sheer and lightweight. So it wouldn’t be something that would bother a lot of mens’ skin.” Follow Barret on Social Media Can’t get enough of Barret’s grooming tips? Visit his website The Grooming Editor and don’t forget to follow him on Instagram and Twitter @BarretWertz!

Episode 67: For the Guys: Raid Your Partner’s Beauty Cabinet for These 3 Items With Special Guest Barret Wertz

Irritable bowel syndrome, often shortened to IBS, is a common condition that causes abdominal pain and excessive gas. Many people who suffer from IBS don’t realize that a simple change of diet can alleviate or even get rid of many symptoms. Colleen Francioli joins us today to share how digestive health is important for everyone, even if you don’t have IBS. Colleen is the founder of FODMAP Life, one of the best online resources available about low FODMAP diets, FODMAP recipes, and living with functional gastrointestinal disorders. She is also certified nutritionist and a Digital Marketing Consultant for the Health &amp; Wellness sector. What is FODMAP? FODMAPs are a group of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols found in many of our food and drinks. Adopting a low FODMAP diet has been proven to help the symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and overall gut health. But what does FODMAP stand for? Each letter in the acronym stands for the chemical properties of food to avoid -- fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. FODMAPs are highly fermentable and osmotic, which can cause excessive flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain -- all reasons to avoid them if you’re suffering from gastrointestinal problems. Benefits of a Low FODMAP Diet You don’t have to have a gastrointestinal problem to reap the benefits of a low FODMAP diet -- in fact, you may find that you have more energy than you’ve had in years! When following a low FODMAP diet, high FODMAP foods are eliminated from your diet for a period of about 2-6 weeks. And the results are promising -- studies show that about 70% of people who suffer from IBS experienced reduced symptoms. That’s groundbreaking! To learn more about gastrointestinal health and tasty low FODMAP recipes, follow @fodmaplife on Instagram and Twitter.

Irritable bowel syndrome, often shortened to IBS, is a common condition that causes abdominal pain and excessive gas. Many people who suffer from IBS don’t realize that a simple change of diet can alleviate or even get rid of many symptoms. Colleen Francioli joins us today to share how digestive health is important for everyone, even if you don’t have IBS. Colleen is the founder of FODMAP Life, one of the best online resources available about low FODMAP diets, FODMAP recipes, and living with functional gastrointestinal disorders. She is also certified nutritionist and a Digital Marketing Consultant for the Health &amp; Wellness sector. What is FODMAP? FODMAPs are a group of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols found in many of our food and drinks. Adopting a low FODMAP diet has been proven to help the symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and overall gut health. But what does FODMAP stand for? Each letter in the acronym stands for the chemical properties of food to avoid -- fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. FODMAPs are highly fermentable and osmotic, which can cause excessive flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain -- all reasons to avoid them if you’re suffering from gastrointestinal problems. Benefits of a Low FODMAP Diet You don’t have to have a gastrointestinal problem to reap the benefits of a low FODMAP diet -- in fact, you may find that you have more energy than you’ve had in years! When following a low FODMAP diet, high FODMAP foods are eliminated from your diet for a period of about 2-6 weeks. And the results are promising -- studies show that about 70% of people who suffer from IBS experienced reduced symptoms. That’s groundbreaking! To learn more about gastrointestinal health and tasty low FODMAP recipes, follow @fodmaplife on Instagram and Twitter.

Episode 16: Eating for Gastrointestinal Health with Special Guest Colleen Francioli

Episode 70: Weightlifting for Anti-Aging and Other Fitness Beauty Secrets With Special Guest Tatiana Hoover

The makeup industry is just one of many markets that have been transformed by the internet and social media in recent times. Sheila Arkee is this morning’s special guest, and she’s here to talk about the makeup industry boom in the last few years, thanks to social media. Sheila has over 15 years of experience as a professional makeup artist and is the owner of the blog, Painted Ladies. Makeup News Spreads Faster Than Ever Before the internet and social media became accessible to virtually everyone around the world, makeup news and breakthroughs traveled a lot more slowly -- via commercials and magazines. In the past five years, the makeup industry has experienced tremendous growth. From celebrities to internet makeup sensations, everyone can promote their favorite new makeup brands and products to the entire world. Now, we don’t have to rely on the makeup recommendations of our family and friends -- we can make an educated decision ourselves by just hopping online. How Has the Makeup Industry Changed? Everyone is more educated about makeup quality in general because of how quickly people can exchange ideas through social media. From professional makeup artists and makeup lovers alike, everyone is more conscious of their makeup ingredients and how well a product suits their skin. Both corporate and independent makeup brands are making their products more accessible to a larger audience -- that’s because our makeup needs have been heard on social media. Many professional makeup brands are being more inclusive and releasing foundation lines that suit almost all skin tones on the spectrum. “I love learning about makeup,” Sheila says. “I know from what I’ve learned from meeting people on social media, it’s a way to bring people together. It’s nice way to share our passion for something creative… it’s just very exciting to see, not just as a makeup artist, but as a makeup lover.” For makeup tips and ideas, visit Sheila’s website at www.painted-ladies.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The makeup industry is just one of many markets that have been transformed by the internet and social media in recent times. Sheila Arkee is this morning’s special guest, and she’s here to talk about the makeup industry boom in the last few years, thanks to social media. Sheila has over 15 years of experience as a professional makeup artist and is the owner of the blog, Painted Ladies. Makeup News Spreads Faster Than Ever Before the internet and social media became accessible to virtually everyone around the world, makeup news and breakthroughs traveled a lot more slowly -- via commercials and magazines. In the past five years, the makeup industry has experienced tremendous growth. From celebrities to internet makeup sensations, everyone can promote their favorite new makeup brands and products to the entire world. Now, we don’t have to rely on the makeup recommendations of our family and friends -- we can make an educated decision ourselves by just hopping online. How Has the Makeup Industry Changed? Everyone is more educated about makeup quality in general because of how quickly people can exchange ideas through social media. From professional makeup artists and makeup lovers alike, everyone is more conscious of their makeup ingredients and how well a product suits their skin. Both corporate and independent makeup brands are making their products more accessible to a larger audience -- that’s because our makeup needs have been heard on social media. Many professional makeup brands are being more inclusive and releasing foundation lines that suit almost all skin tones on the spectrum. “I love learning about makeup,” Sheila says. “I know from what I’ve learned from meeting people on social media, it’s a way to bring people together. It’s nice way to share our passion for something creative… it’s just very exciting to see, not just as a makeup artist, but as a makeup lover.” For makeup tips and ideas, visit Sheila’s website at <a href="http://www.painted-ladies.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.painted-ladies.com</a> or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Episode 3: How the Social Media Boom Influence the Beauty Industry with Guest Sheila Arkee

Marisel Salazar

Microneedling probably sounds terrifying. Even though the results are so fantastic that most of us would sit through the pain, anyway - microneedling is actually pretty painless.  Marisel Salazar joins Just Ask David once again to give us all the details on the newest skin care craze. This time, it’s all about microneedling. Marisel is a New York City based lifestyle writer and photographer. She contributes to various publications like PureWow, Martha Stewart Living, Tasting Table, and NYC GO. What is Microneedling? “Microneedling has steadily been gaining traction,” Marisel says.  Indeed, most skin care addicts have not shied away from the intimidating-sounding procedure. (Not even when Kim K showed Instagram her blood-streaked “vampire facial” - a type of microneedling that uses platelet-rich plasma to enhance its healing effects.)  But that’s the scariest version of microneedling. What is a general microneedling procedure like, and what does it do? “In the office, microneedling uses a mechanized device called a dermapen and it makes thousands of miniscule needle punctures in the outermost layers of the skin,” Marisel explains.  “From these hole punctures, you get a healing response which generates collagen, alleviates acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. “ The price of a microneedling treatment at a doctor’s office? About $1,500. For a lot of us, that’s pretty steep. Microneedling at Home At over $1,000 per session, going to a dermatologist or esthetician for microneedling treatment is definitely an investment. So for those of us who want to know what we’re getting into, you’ll be relieved to know that you can buy a microneedling roller for use at home. And it’s only $30. Of course, at-home microneedling rollers are not as effective as what a doctor has in their office. But it does show visible results.  “The results that you get from rolling it a couple times a week across your face… are truly incredible. It improves the performance of your serums,” Marisel says. “Pairing [a serum] with a microneedle roller… is really the ultimate way to go in terms of making sure that your skin care is maximized.”   Follow Marisel Salazar on Social Media Wanna stay updated with Marisel’s latest skin care and travel adventures? Visit her website and follow her on Twitter @MariselSalazar and Instagram @BreadButterNYC!

Microneedling probably sounds terrifying. Even though the results are so fantastic that most of us would sit through the pain, anyway - microneedling is actually pretty painless. Marisel Salazar joins Just Ask David once again to give us all the details on the newest skin care craze. This time, it’s all about microneedling. Marisel is a New York City based lifestyle writer and photographer. She contributes to various publications like PureWow, Martha Stewart Living, Tasting Table, and NYC GO. What is Microneedling? “Microneedling has steadily been gaining traction,” Marisel says. Indeed, most skin care addicts have not shied away from the intimidating-sounding procedure. (Not even when Kim K showed Instagram her blood-streaked “vampire facial” - a type of microneedling that uses platelet-rich plasma to enhance its healing effects.) But that’s the scariest version of microneedling. What is a general microneedling procedure like, and what does it do? “In the office, microneedling uses a mechanized device called a dermapen and it makes thousands of miniscule needle punctures in the outermost layers of the skin,” Marisel explains. “From these hole punctures, you get a healing response which generates collagen, alleviates acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. “ The price of a microneedling treatment at a doctor’s office? About $1,500. For a lot of us, that’s pretty steep. Microneedling at Home At over $1,000 per session, going to a dermatologist or esthetician for microneedling treatment is definitely an investment. So for those of us who want to know what we’re getting into, you’ll be relieved to know that you can buy a microneedling roller for use at home. And it’s only $30. Of course, at-home microneedling rollers are not as effective as what a doctor has in their office. But it does show visible results. “The results that you get from rolling it a couple times a week across your face… are truly incredible. It improves the performance of your serums,” Marisel says. “Pairing [a serum] with a microneedle roller… is really the ultimate way to go in terms of making sure that your skin care is maximized.” Follow Marisel Salazar on Social Media Wanna stay updated with Marisel’s latest skin care and travel adventures? Visit her website and follow her on Twitter @MariselSalazar and Instagram @BreadButterNYC!

Episode 83: Microneedling: the Newest Anti-Aging Solution With Special Guest Marisel Salazar

You can’t talk about celebrity hair without talking about Oscar Blandi. Hailing from Italy, Oscar Blandi’s eponymous, iconic New York salon was opened shortly after he moved to America about 20 years ago.  Since then, he’s obtained an A-list clientele, featuring the likes of Jessica Alba, Jimmy Fallon, and Naomi Watts. His work has been featured in countless fashion magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Esquire, and many more! Oscar Blandi stands out from most other hairstylists for one reason. In his own words: “I’ve been an innovator for this long because I believe in education.”  This time, he’s educating us on a few different ways we can protect our hair this summer. Come fall, your hair will still have that summer vacation glow! Sunkissed Locks, not Chlorine Green The summertime is when we go to the nearest beach, play with our kids in the pool, and generally soak up the sun. We KNOW you’re slathering on sunscreen every time you leave the house, especially during the sunny summer months.  But your hair can sustain a damage, too. The sun’s rays, the chemicals in a swimming pool - these things can dry out your hair and leave it brittle. “I always tell every client, treat your hair like you treat your skin,” Oscar says. “In the summer, it becomes much more hot. So make sure you’re constantly moisturizing your hair.” Some of us don’t like moisturizing our hair because it sometimes weighs it down and makes it lose some of its body. But Oscar says it’s important to moisturize anyway. Unhealthy hair won’t hold much body, either. “A lot of people... think that conditioner is not good because it makes their hair flat,” Oscar adds. “Your hair will go flat no matter what. The conditioner helps to moisturize your hair so it won’t become brittle, it won’t break.”   Follow Oscar Blandi and Co. on Social Media Thinking about visiting one of Oscar’s salons? Or maybe you’re interesting in learning more about the kind of hair education he encourages at his salons. Visit the Oscar Blandi website to learn more about getting the 5-star celebrity treatment! You can also follow on Instagram @OscarBlandiSalon and “like” on Facebook!

You can’t talk about celebrity hair without talking about Oscar Blandi. Hailing from Italy, Oscar Blandi’s eponymous, iconic New York salon was opened shortly after he moved to America about 20 years ago. Since then, he’s obtained an A-list clientele, featuring the likes of Jessica Alba, Jimmy Fallon, and Naomi Watts. His work has been featured in countless fashion magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Esquire, and many more! Oscar Blandi stands out from most other hairstylists for one reason. In his own words: “I’ve been an innovator for this long because I believe in education.” This time, he’s educating us on a few different ways we can protect our hair this summer. Come fall, your hair will still have that summer vacation glow! Sunkissed Locks, not Chlorine Green The summertime is when we go to the nearest beach, play with our kids in the pool, and generally soak up the sun. We KNOW you’re slathering on sunscreen every time you leave the house, especially during the sunny summer months. But your hair can sustain a damage, too. The sun’s rays, the chemicals in a swimming pool - these things can dry out your hair and leave it brittle. “I always tell every client, treat your hair like you treat your skin,” Oscar says. “In the summer, it becomes much more hot. So make sure you’re constantly moisturizing your hair.” Some of us don’t like moisturizing our hair because it sometimes weighs it down and makes it lose some of its body. But Oscar says it’s important to moisturize anyway. Unhealthy hair won’t hold much body, either. “A lot of people... think that conditioner is not good because it makes their hair flat,” Oscar adds. “Your hair will go flat no matter what. The conditioner helps to moisturize your hair so it won’t become brittle, it won’t break.” Follow Oscar Blandi and Co. on Social Media Thinking about visiting one of Oscar’s salons? Or maybe you’re interesting in learning more about the kind of hair education he encourages at his salons. Visit the Oscar Blandi website to learn more about getting the 5-star celebrity treatment! You can also follow on Instagram @OscarBlandiSalon and “like” on Facebook!

Episode 84: 3 Ways to Keep Your Hair Healthy this Summer (Plus MORE Hair Care Tips!) With Special Guest Oscar Blandi

Just Ask David: Can I Make My Pores Smaller? Large pores are a confidence killer. If you feel too embarrassed to get up close and personal with people because of your large pores, this segment is for you. What Pores Actually Do Pores are necessary. “Let’s face it - pores contain hair follicles. It’s also an outlet for perspiration and sebum. So it’s part of the natural function of the skin… When we get overheated, it’s a way for the body to perspire so we can balance out our body temperature What Causes Pores to Enlarge Pores contain hair follicles and are also outlets for perspiration and sebum. Our skin is in a constant state of renewal. When we’re younger it’s every 28 days meaning Follow Just Ask David on Social Media! For more beauty tips and the skincare science, visit Just Ask David and follow @JustAskDavid on Twitter and Instagram.

Just Ask David: Can I Make My Pores Smaller? Large pores are a confidence killer. If you feel too embarrassed to get up close and personal with people because of your large pores, this segment is for you. What Pores Actually Do Pores are necessary. “Let’s face it - pores contain hair follicles. It’s also an outlet for perspiration and sebum. So it’s part of the natural function of the skin… When we get overheated, it’s a way for the body to perspire so we can balance out our body temperature What Causes Pores to Enlarge Pores contain hair follicles and are also outlets for perspiration and sebum. Our skin is in a constant state of renewal. When we’re younger it’s every 28 days meaning Follow Just Ask David on Social Media! For more beauty tips and the skincare science, visit Just Ask David and follow @JustAskDavid on Twitter and Instagram.

Episode 82: Just Ask David: Can I Make My Pores Smaller?

Laura Klein

America’s recent organic food craze may be just what we need to combat the country’s obesity epidemic. But is switching to an organic diet possible for all of us? Trained organic chef Laura Klein has all the answers you’ve been wondering about -- and then some. Laura is the cofounder of the natural lifestyle brand Organic Authority and is known for making the transition to organic food easy-to-understand, and above all, delicious. She’s written for some of the most powerful media outlets around, including the Huffington Post, the Food Network, and Oprah.com. Is Organic Food Really Better? While organic food is becoming more popular, it does seem like a bit of an extra hassle. In fact, Laura thought the same thing when she first started culinary school. “I was not into organic food at all at the time,” she says. “I was interested in what produces the best tasting food.” But then she learned the secret among the best chefs - they use organic produce. They just don’t brag about it. “I really felt that America had been lied to about how food is grown, processed, and packaged and sold to us,” Laura adds, citing this misinformation as one of the reasons for America’s health crisis. Organic Food’s Biggest Barriers: Accessibility and Cost Even though organic food is more available than it’s ever been, not everyone has the option to buy it. “It’s definitely growing, but there are still parts of the country where it is not readily available,” Laura says. Although the organic grocery industry is booming in metropolitan cities, they simply don’t exist in other places. Organic food is also notoriously expensive, making it impossible for some families to be able to buy quality produce. But there are ways around these tall hurdles. For example, Laura suggests choosing one or two groceries you buy frequently and buying those organic. “Depending upon where you live, it can be really tough,” she says. “If you start by picking your favorite foods and buying those organic, that is a great way to get started.” Make Adding Organic Food to Your Diet Your Resolution for 2018! Another roadblock for a lot of us when it comes to organic food is putting it all together into a delicious meal. I strongly encourage you to visit Laura’s website, Organic Authority - they post new recipes every day! Don’t forget to follow on Twitter @OrganicAuthorit and Instagram @OrganicAuthority for advice on going organic on your social media feed.

America’s recent organic food craze may be just what we need to combat the country’s obesity epidemic. But is switching to an organic diet possible for all of us? Trained organic chef Laura Klein has all the answers you’ve been wondering about -- and then some. Laura is the cofounder of the natural lifestyle brand Organic Authority and is known for making the transition to organic food easy-to-understand, and above all, delicious. She’s written for some of the most powerful media outlets around, including the Huffington Post, the Food Network, and <a href="http://Oprah.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oprah.com</a>. Is Organic Food Really Better? While organic food is becoming more popular, it does seem like a bit of an extra hassle. In fact, Laura thought the same thing when she first started culinary school. “I was not into organic food at all at the time,” she says. “I was interested in what produces the best tasting food.” But then she learned the secret among the best chefs - they use organic produce. They just don’t brag about it. “I really felt that America had been lied to about how food is grown, processed, and packaged and sold to us,” Laura adds, citing this misinformation as one of the reasons for America’s health crisis. Organic Food’s Biggest Barriers: Accessibility and Cost Even though organic food is more available than it’s ever been, not everyone has the option to buy it. “It’s definitely growing, but there are still parts of the country where it is not readily available,” Laura says. Although the organic grocery industry is booming in metropolitan cities, they simply don’t exist in other places. Organic food is also notoriously expensive, making it impossible for some families to be able to buy quality produce. But there are ways around these tall hurdles. For example, Laura suggests choosing one or two groceries you buy frequently and buying those organic. “Depending upon where you live, it can be really tough,” she says. “If you start by picking your favorite foods and buying those organic, that is a great way to get started.” Make Adding Organic Food to Your Diet Your Resolution for 2018! Another roadblock for a lot of us when it comes to organic food is putting it all together into a delicious meal. I strongly encourage you to visit Laura’s website, Organic Authority - they post new recipes every day! Don’t forget to follow on Twitter @OrganicAuthorit and Instagram @OrganicAuthority for advice on going organic on your social media feed.

Episode 38: How to Start Eating Organic Food in 2018 with Special Guest Laura Klein

Kimmie Smith

Unlike most fashion trends, athleisure hasn’t gotten any less popular as time passes.  In fact, it’s still super common to see people wearing athleisure clothing everywhere you go. From to the gym, to college campuses -- even the mall. Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Co-founder/Creative &amp; Style Director of Athleisure Mag Kimmie Smith joins this segment to explain the hype behind this lasting fashion trend. Kimmie is also the Fashion Editor of DJ Mag and the designer of her own romper line, ROMPER Ugly Romper. What’s New with Athleisure Trends in 2018 There are two big reasons why athletic leisure wear has remained en vogue for so long: it’s stylish and it’s versatile. “Some items are worn to the gym and those are of course the core fitness function,” Kimmie explains. “But athleisure is also great transitional wear. Its items can be layered upon and [you can] go out to brunch or even the office.”  With how fast-paced our lifestyles have become, athleisure is the fashion industry’s natural response.  “It’s awesome to see over the last few years that it’s gone from the gym to other things you can wear out-and-about,” Kimmie adds. “It’s really functional, moving-type fabric, which is what makes athleisure so nice.” The fabric used in athleisure wear tends to be breathable, comfortable, and surprisingly stylish. Perfect for - well, pretty much everything! “What I love about it is, I can run around town in New York,” Kimmie shares. “And as a stylist, as a style director, as someone who is constantly meeting with clients, I am literally running all the time! So I need clothing that moves with me and is comfortable, stays in place, and allows me to still be presentable.” Follow Kimmie Smith on Social Media! Want more fashion tips on all things athleisure? Check out Athleisure Mag and don’t forget to follow on Instagram and Twitter @athleisuremag.  For celebrity beauty tips and to keep up-to-speed with Kimmie, follow her on Twitter @sheskimmie and Instagram @shes.kimmie_.

Unlike most fashion trends, athleisure hasn’t gotten any less popular as time passes. In fact, it’s still super common to see people wearing athleisure clothing everywhere you go. From to the gym, to college campuses -- even the mall. Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Co-founder/Creative &amp; Style Director of Athleisure Mag Kimmie Smith joins this segment to explain the hype behind this lasting fashion trend. Kimmie is also the Fashion Editor of DJ Mag and the designer of her own romper line, ROMPER Ugly Romper. What’s New with Athleisure Trends in 2018 There are two big reasons why athletic leisure wear has remained en vogue for so long: it’s stylish and it’s versatile. “Some items are worn to the gym and those are of course the core fitness function,” Kimmie explains. “But athleisure is also great transitional wear. Its items can be layered upon and [you can] go out to brunch or even the office.” With how fast-paced our lifestyles have become, athleisure is the fashion industry’s natural response. “It’s awesome to see over the last few years that it’s gone from the gym to other things you can wear out-and-about,” Kimmie adds. “It’s really functional, moving-type fabric, which is what makes athleisure so nice.” The fabric used in athleisure wear tends to be breathable, comfortable, and surprisingly stylish. Perfect for - well, pretty much everything! “What I love about it is, I can run around town in New York,” Kimmie shares. “And as a stylist, as a style director, as someone who is constantly meeting with clients, I am literally running all the time! So I need clothing that moves with me and is comfortable, stays in place, and allows me to still be presentable.” Follow Kimmie Smith on Social Media! Want more fashion tips on all things athleisure? Check out Athleisure Mag and don’t forget to follow on Instagram and Twitter @athleisuremag. For celebrity beauty tips and to keep up-to-speed with Kimmie, follow her on Twitter @sheskimmie and Instagram @shes.kimmie_.

Episode 74: Athleisure is Sticking Around for 2018 With Special Guest Kimmie Smith

A scent can be just as distinctive as a face. Yet when it comes to picking one, there are a lot of things we don’t consider before we buy. Veteran journalist Deborah Fulsang joins Just Ask David to give us the inside scoop on the fragrance industry and lend us some helpful advice on how perfume can be used. Deborah has been a beauty journalist and expert for Canada’s top news outlets for over 20 years. How to Pick a Perfume for Someone Else Picking a fragrance as a gift can be daunting. With so many different scents on the market, it’s hard to pick out one that your loved one will like. Deborah has a few tips to get you started. “It’s best to do a bit of homework first, and if you can snoop around a little bit and see what [the person] is really into right now,” she says. “One thing I say to people when they’re trying to find something new is, think about the other person and think about their happy place… If their whole thing is that they love the beach, then look for a scent or talk to somebody in the store about a scent that has what they call ‘ozonic’ notes. They smell like the ocean, sand, and the beach, maybe a little salt.” Fragrance Can Help You De-Stress If you’ve heard of aromatherapy, you already know how the relaxing effect smells can have. If you train your mind, just a whiff of a fragrance can help your body wind down after work in minutes. “It’s really interesting because it’s so connected to your limbic system,” Deborah adds. “You can really use fragrance to help you destress and create a little ritual at home where you have a scent that you love - let’s say it’s scented candles. So create a pattern where maybe you light a few candles and that’s a prelude to relaxing, getting your head away from work.” A certain fragrance can also provide a mental escape when you need to go to your happy place. “Perfume has this ability to transport you in time and to a different place,” Deborah says. Spring Fragrance Trends With the skin care industry going the clean and organic route, perfume is breaking into the “natural” trend as well. “There’s definitely a movement to herbal notes [and] different floral notes, especially white floral, [and] a lot of citruses,” Deborah shares.  Perfume packaging is taking a hint from skin care, too. Unique, eye-catching packaging with “really gun graphics and interesting bottles” are becoming more prevalent with fragrances.” The biggest difference between skin care and perfume trends right now? Most perfumes are made of synthetic fragrances these days, according to Deborah. Follow The Whale &amp; The Rose on Social Media! Want more perfume and beauty advice?  Visit Deborah Fulsang’s perfume blog, The Whale &amp; The Rose! Don’t forget to “Like” on Facebook and follow @thewhaletherose on Instagram and Twitter!

A scent can be just as distinctive as a face. Yet when it comes to picking one, there are a lot of things we don’t consider before we buy. Veteran journalist Deborah Fulsang joins Just Ask David to give us the inside scoop on the fragrance industry and lend us some helpful advice on how perfume can be used. Deborah has been a beauty journalist and expert for Canada’s top news outlets for over 20 years. How to Pick a Perfume for Someone Else Picking a fragrance as a gift can be daunting. With so many different scents on the market, it’s hard to pick out one that your loved one will like. Deborah has a few tips to get you started. “It’s best to do a bit of homework first, and if you can snoop around a little bit and see what [the person] is really into right now,” she says. “One thing I say to people when they’re trying to find something new is, think about the other person and think about their happy place… If their whole thing is that they love the beach, then look for a scent or talk to somebody in the store about a scent that has what they call ‘ozonic’ notes. They smell like the ocean, sand, and the beach, maybe a little salt.” Fragrance Can Help You De-Stress If you’ve heard of aromatherapy, you already know how the relaxing effect smells can have. If you train your mind, just a whiff of a fragrance can help your body wind down after work in minutes. “It’s really interesting because it’s so connected to your limbic system,” Deborah adds. “You can really use fragrance to help you destress and create a little ritual at home where you have a scent that you love - let’s say it’s scented candles. So create a pattern where maybe you light a few candles and that’s a prelude to relaxing, getting your head away from work.” A certain fragrance can also provide a mental escape when you need to go to your happy place. “Perfume has this ability to transport you in time and to a different place,” Deborah says. Spring Fragrance Trends With the skin care industry going the clean and organic route, perfume is breaking into the “natural” trend as well. “There’s definitely a movement to herbal notes [and] different floral notes, especially white floral, [and] a lot of citruses,” Deborah shares. Perfume packaging is taking a hint from skin care, too. Unique, eye-catching packaging with “really gun graphics and interesting bottles” are becoming more prevalent with fragrances.” The biggest difference between skin care and perfume trends right now? Most perfumes are made of synthetic fragrances these days, according to Deborah. Follow The Whale &amp; The Rose on Social Media! Want more perfume and beauty advice? Visit Deborah Fulsang’s perfume blog, The Whale &amp; The Rose! Don’t forget to “Like” on Facebook and follow @thewhaletherose on Instagram and Twitter!

Episode 60: How to Pick the Perfect Perfume With Special Guest Deborah Fulsang

Wellness is an important part of our overall health -- much more than we realize. We all need a breather from our stressful day-to-day lives.  Ava Roxanne Stritt, the most influential person in the world for spa &amp; wellness travel, joins Just Ask David to convince us that wellness adventures (especially wellness travel) are not a luxury, but essential to a healthy body and mind. What Can we learn from the europeans about wellness Did you know that taking a spa day is considered a necessity in other parts of the world? You can even get your health insurance provider to pay for it in some countries in Europe!  And all this time, we thought we were pampering ourselves by hunting for spa Groupons! “Europeans just have a totally different concept when it comes to going to the spa. For them, it’s more about their wellness and their health,” Ava explains. “It’s not seen as luxurious. They take their children.” Can Wellness Spas Really Help You Detox? You can’t read anything about health and wellness anymore without hearing the word “detox.” And it makes sense. We know now that toxins are everywhere -- in the air we breathe, the food we eat, even the containers we store our food in! So it’s not much of a stretch to suspect that spa treatments are ineffective or even a contributing factor. “We all want to have fun on vacation, so detox is a harsh word,” Ava says. Still, she says that there’s a way to detox on vacation without having to sacrifice your fun and relaxation. “You always want to do everything in moderation, including moderation,” she adds.   In fact, Ava says that you can do a wellness detox no matter what kind of vacation you’re on. You don’t have to go a spa retreat in Switzerland to improve your wellness.  “Do you really want to invest the time, effort, and money for the trip and come back feeling worse and heavy and weighted down? No!” Can’t argue with that. Follow Ava Roxanne Stritt on Social Media! Want advice on planning your next spa day from the world’s favorite wellness traveler?  Check out Ava’s website Spa Travel Gal and don’t forget to follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SpaTravelGal!

Wellness is an important part of our overall health -- much more than we realize. We all need a breather from our stressful day-to-day lives. Ava Roxanne Stritt, the most influential person in the world for spa &amp; wellness travel, joins Just Ask David to convince us that wellness adventures (especially wellness travel) are not a luxury, but essential to a healthy body and mind. What Can we learn from the europeans about wellness Did you know that taking a spa day is considered a necessity in other parts of the world? You can even get your health insurance provider to pay for it in some countries in Europe! And all this time, we thought we were pampering ourselves by hunting for spa Groupons! “Europeans just have a totally different concept when it comes to going to the spa. For them, it’s more about their wellness and their health,” Ava explains. “It’s not seen as luxurious. They take their children.” Can Wellness Spas Really Help You Detox? You can’t read anything about health and wellness anymore without hearing the word “detox.” And it makes sense. We know now that toxins are everywhere -- in the air we breathe, the food we eat, even the containers we store our food in! So it’s not much of a stretch to suspect that spa treatments are ineffective or even a contributing factor. “We all want to have fun on vacation, so detox is a harsh word,” Ava says. Still, she says that there’s a way to detox on vacation without having to sacrifice your fun and relaxation. “You always want to do everything in moderation, including moderation,” she adds. In fact, Ava says that you can do a wellness detox no matter what kind of vacation you’re on. You don’t have to go a spa retreat in Switzerland to improve your wellness. “Do you really want to invest the time, effort, and money for the trip and come back feeling worse and heavy and weighted down? No!” Can’t argue with that. Follow Ava Roxanne Stritt on Social Media! Want advice on planning your next spa day from the world’s favorite wellness traveler? Check out Ava’s website Spa Travel Gal and don’t forget to follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SpaTravelGal!

Episode 66: Turn a Spa Day Into a Wellness Adventure With Special Guest Ava Roxanne Stritt

The first time all natural skin care line owner Sarah Tay ate an orange from a grocery store, she was taken aback. She’d grown up eating organically grown fruit in her parents’ orchard and found that commercially grown fruit tasted… different. And not in a necessarily good way. So when you think about it, why wouldn’t the artificial ingredients we apply on our skin follow the same principle? Sarah Tay thought so. That’s why she only picks natural ingredients for skin care brand, TAY skincare. Why Choose Organic Skin Care? TAY skincare was created based on the idea that organic ingredients have different properties than their artificial or commercially grown counterparts. Sarah’s all-natural, organic skin care line is focused on sourcing ingredients for the best results on our skin. Sarah believes that what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies, which is why it’s important to read the ingredient labels of our beauty products just like we look at the nutrition facts of the food eat. This is especially true of the skin, which is the largest organ of our bodies. Taking Care of Your Body with Natural Ingredients for Skin Care Luckily, TAY skincare is effective on all skin types. The organic skin care ingredients in TAY aren’t likely to cause irritation even for sensitive skin. But using TAY products for the maintenance of your skin is just step one of taking care of your skin. Sarah suggests a holistic approach when it comes to skin care. You can maximize your organic skin care regimen just by taking preventative measures to protect your skin. “You can have the most impressive skin care products in the world, but if you’re not drinking enough water, it won’t be as effective,” Sarah says. To learn more, visit the Tay skincare website and stay in touch by following social media @tayskincare.

The first time all natural skin care line owner Sarah Tay ate an orange from a grocery store, she was taken aback. She’d grown up eating organically grown fruit in her parents’ orchard and found that commercially grown fruit tasted… different. And not in a necessarily good way. So when you think about it, why wouldn’t the artificial ingredients we apply on our skin follow the same principle? Sarah Tay thought so. That’s why she only picks natural ingredients for skin care brand, TAY skincare. Why Choose Organic Skin Care? TAY skincare was created based on the idea that organic ingredients have different properties than their artificial or commercially grown counterparts. Sarah’s all-natural, organic skin care line is focused on sourcing ingredients for the best results on our skin. Sarah believes that what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies, which is why it’s important to read the ingredient labels of our beauty products just like we look at the nutrition facts of the food eat. This is especially true of the skin, which is the largest organ of our bodies. Taking Care of Your Body with Natural Ingredients for Skin Care Luckily, TAY skincare is effective on all skin types. The organic skin care ingredients in TAY aren’t likely to cause irritation even for sensitive skin. But using TAY products for the maintenance of your skin is just step one of taking care of your skin. Sarah suggests a holistic approach when it comes to skin care. You can maximize your organic skin care regimen just by taking preventative measures to protect your skin. “You can have the most impressive skin care products in the world, but if you’re not drinking enough water, it won’t be as effective,” Sarah says. To learn more, visit the Tay skincare website and stay in touch by following social media @tayskincare.

Episode 17: Why Use Natural Skin Care Products with Special Guest Sarah Tay

Anne Danahy

We all want to be able to age gracefully and live active, independent lives when we get older. Nutrition and aging are deeply related, but many of us aren’t sure how to start a healthy diet -- some of us have been eating mostly processed foods for years. On this segment of Just Ask David, we have special guest Anne Danahy here to speak with us about how to have a healthy diet as we age. Anne is a registered dietician and nutrition communications consultant, specializing in women’s health. Anne has also written dietary pieces for numerous health and nutrition publications. Nutritional Needs for Middle-Aged Adults Diet impacts how you age, not just in terms of health and disease, but also how you look and feel. There are foods and diet patterns out there that make us feel better -- mentally and physically. Nutritional requirements for middle-aged adults are a bit different from that of younger adults. Our metabolisms tend to slow down when we age, making it easier for us to gain weight. But instead of focusing on eating less overall, Anne suggests focusing on what you can eat more of -- the foods that can speed up your metabolism -- in an effort to crowd out the food that slow it down. Healthy Diet Tips for Aging Gracefully There are thousands of diets out there, but many of the ones that have gained popularity in recent years demand that you cut out certain foods completely, like keto, paleo, or vegan diets. Still, Anne says that most diets don’t work -- lasting health comes from real, long-term life changes. So what’s the best diet plan for older adults? What are the people who are aging gracefully eating? “They’re not necessarily vegetarian or vegan or anything like that, but just people who have a more balanced diet and include more fruits and vegetables and plants and whole grains and leave out the processed and fried food,” Anne says. To stay up-to-date with what she’s doing, follow Anne’s blog, Craving Something Healthy, or follow her on Twitter @CraveSomeHealth.

We all want to be able to age gracefully and live active, independent lives when we get older. Nutrition and aging are deeply related, but many of us aren’t sure how to start a healthy diet -- some of us have been eating mostly processed foods for years. On this segment of Just Ask David, we have special guest Anne Danahy here to speak with us about how to have a healthy diet as we age. Anne is a registered dietician and nutrition communications consultant, specializing in women’s health. Anne has also written dietary pieces for numerous health and nutrition publications. Nutritional Needs for Middle-Aged Adults Diet impacts how you age, not just in terms of health and disease, but also how you look and feel. There are foods and diet patterns out there that make us feel better -- mentally and physically. Nutritional requirements for middle-aged adults are a bit different from that of younger adults. Our metabolisms tend to slow down when we age, making it easier for us to gain weight. But instead of focusing on eating less overall, Anne suggests focusing on what you can eat more of -- the foods that can speed up your metabolism -- in an effort to crowd out the food that slow it down. Healthy Diet Tips for Aging Gracefully There are thousands of diets out there, but many of the ones that have gained popularity in recent years demand that you cut out certain foods completely, like keto, paleo, or vegan diets. Still, Anne says that most diets don’t work -- lasting health comes from real, long-term life changes. So what’s the best diet plan for older adults? What are the people who are aging gracefully eating? “They’re not necessarily vegetarian or vegan or anything like that, but just people who have a more balanced diet and include more fruits and vegetables and plants and whole grains and leave out the processed and fried food,” Anne says. To stay up-to-date with what she’s doing, follow Anne’s blog, Craving Something Healthy, or follow her on Twitter @CraveSomeHealth.

Episode 11: Nutrition and Aging With Special Guest Anne Danahy

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