Biohacking Beauty: The Anti-Aging Skincare Podcast
Episode: Can Skincare Really Reverse Aging? Let’s Look at the Science
Host: Anastasia Driver
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Introduction to Skin Aging
In this insightful episode, Anastasia Driver delves into the scientific underpinnings of skin aging and explores whether skincare can truly reverse its effects. Anastasia emphasizes that understanding the biological processes behind skin aging is crucial for developing effective anti-aging strategies. She states, “Skin aging isn't just superficial. At its core, it reflects 12 hallmarks of cellular aging.”
Cellular Mechanisms of Aging
Anastasia breaks down the 12 hallmarks of cellular aging, which include mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced NAD levels, increased senescent cells, oxidative stress, and impaired protein homeostasis. These factors contribute to common skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity. She highlights the advantage of skin being accessible for topical interventions: “Because skin is accessible, we can intervene early and effectively using topically delivered bioactive compounds” (05:30).
Key Anti-Aging Ingredients
The discussion shifts to the four pivotal ingredients that can reverse skin aging, forming the foundation of Young Goose's formulations:
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Topical NAD Precursors (NML and NR): These compounds restore cellular energy, boost DNA repair, and activate longevity genes like sirtuins. Anastasia notes, “[Topical NAD precursors] restore cellular energy, boost DNA repair and activate longevity genes such as sirtuins” (07:15).
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Topicum Spermidine: Unique to Young Goose, this ingredient induces autophagy, clears cellular debris, and maintains youthful skin function. She mentions, “We're still the first and the only skincare company to offer Topicum Spermidine” (08:00).
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GHK Copper Peptides: These stimulate collagen production, accelerate healing, and reduce inflammation. “[GHK copper peptides] stimulate collagen, accelerate healing and reduce inflammation” (09:45).
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Vitamin C (THDs, Orbit, and MAP): Stable, penetrating antioxidants that brighten the skin, boost collagen, and offer protection. Anastasia emphasizes, “[Vitamin C] brightens, boosts collagen and protects” (11:20).
Additionally, she discusses the role of photosomes, light-activated enzymes that repair UV-induced DNA damage, particularly effective when used with red and near-infrared light therapy in their product, Ladder.
Building a Personalized Skincare Routine
Anastasia outlines a daily skincare protocol with essential steps and product recommendations:
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Cleansing: The foundation of any skincare routine. Young Goose’s adaptogenic cleanser, rich in chamomile essence and ginger oil, purifies without stripping essential oils while boosting NAD levels through apigenin in chamomile. “[Our cleanser] is built on chamomile essence and ginger oil. It’s very anti-inflammatory” (13:10).
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Treatment: The most crucial step, where serums play a pivotal role. Anastasia recommends the Youth Reset Serum as a comprehensive daily longevity serum containing NAD precursors, Spermidine, GHK Copper Peptides, and MAP Vitamin C. “If you could only do one serum, I would recommend our Youth Reset for everyone” (16:05).
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Moisturizing: Post-treatment, applying a suitable moisturizer is essential. The Youth Daily Moisturizer offers hydration without greasiness, enriched with NAD boosters and copper peptides. “[Youth Daily] is hydrating, it’s quite rich but doesn’t leave you greasy” (17:40).
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Protection: SPF is non-negotiable. The BioShield SPF 40 not only offers mineral sun protection but also guards against blue light, EMFs, and pollution. “BioShield SPF 40 protects from blue light as well as EMFs and pollution.”
Anastasia summarizes the non-negotiables: “The Genius cleanser, the Youth Reset serum, the Youth Daily moisturizer, and the BioShield SPF 40” (18:50).
Customizing the Routine by Indication
For specific skin concerns, Anastasia suggests tailored additions:
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Hyperpigmentation: Incorporate Bioretinol at night using the sandwich technique or gradually increase usage frequency. Additionally, the Exfoliant with pomegranate enzymes and coconut shell particles can brighten dark spots. “Exfoliating helps clear out your pores and brighten existing hyperpigmentation” (21:30).
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Acne or Oily Skin: Use Procure for its antimicrobial and oil-balancing properties, or Ladder in conjunction with red light therapy to reduce breakouts. “[Procure] is very antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory” (23:15).
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Rosacea or Sensitive Skin: Add Bio Barrier or Amplifying Essence to strengthen the skin’s defense and improve hydration. “Bio Barrier helps fill up the existing holes and mitigates leaky skin” (24:40).
Professional Treatments
Anastasia introduces professional-grade products available through licensed estheticians:
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Longevity Enzyme Peel: An enzymatic exfoliant suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin.
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Copper Peptide Pills: Available in two phases; Phase One includes buffered glycolic acid plus peptides, and Phase Two offers unbuffered glycolic acid with GHK-Cu for deeper skin resets.
She notes, “Our products are for professionals only; they provide thorough training for in-office treatments” (26:10).
Listener Q&A
Anastasia addresses common listener questions:
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Can NAD Precursors Be Overused?
- Generally well-tolerated when used as directed. “They’re like Saturn fuel your skin uses when it needs it” (28:00).
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When to Expect Results?
- Initial changes within four weeks, with significant mitochondrial and barrier repairs over 12 weeks. “Profound results happen over the course of a couple of cell cycles” (29:45).
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Best Protocol for Post-Procedure Skin Care?
- Use the Deptogenic Cleanser and Bio Barrier immediately post-procedure to protect and repair the skin barrier. Introduce the Hyperbaric Mask after a few days to aid recovery. “Always protect your skin from the sun” (31:20).
Conclusion
Anastasia wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to approach skincare with the same scientific rigor as they do with supplements. She emphasizes, “Support your skin's longevity like you do for your brain or your muscles” (32:50). She invites feedback and underscores the importance of consistency in achieving skin health and longevity.
Notable Quotes:
- “Skin aging isn't just superficial. At its core, it reflects 12 hallmarks of cellular aging.”
- “If you could only do one serum, I would recommend our Youth Reset for everyone.”
- “BioShield SPF 40 protects from blue light as well as EMFs and pollution.”
- “They’re like Saturn fuel your skin uses when it needs it.”
This episode of Biohacking Beauty provides a comprehensive look into the science of skin aging and the advanced formulations designed to counteract it. Anastasia Driver effectively combines scientific insights with practical skincare advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in achieving and maintaining youthful, healthy skin.