Podcast Summary: The blondEST – "Skincare Glow-Up Essentials"

Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Savanna Boda, The Dallas Aesthetician

In the "Skincare Glow-Up Essentials" episode of The blondEST, Savanna Boda delves deep into her extensive skincare knowledge, addressing a wide array of questions from her devoted followers. This solo episode, presented in Tyler’s absence due to illness, maintains the podcast’s signature blend of candidness and expertise. Savanna covers everything from product recommendations and usage tips to her personal experiences and favorite fragrances, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their skincare routines.

1. Product Recommendations and Comparisons

Jan Marini vs. Skin Better Retinol

Savanna begins by discussing the effectiveness of Jan Marini products compared to Skin Better Retinol, particularly for estheticians without access to an MD's Skin Better Retinol. She shares her personal experience, stating, “I wasn’t the biggest fan, but I don’t think they’re bad products” (00:45). Despite her preference for Skin Better, she acknowledges Jan Marini as a viable option for clinics unable to access higher-end retinols.

Glass Skin Liquid Exfoliant vs. Ondo

Addressing the popular question about the differences between glass skin liquid exfoliant and Ondo, Savanna explains the distinct benefits of each product:

• Ondo contains 10% azelaic acid, ideal for rosacea, acne, and congestion, combined with polyhydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation (02:15). Savanna emphasizes the importance of balancing exfoliation with hydration, stating, “If you want good skin, it’s hydration and exfoliation. You can’t have one without the other” (03:10).

• Glass Skin Toner features Bulgarian rose, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, making it slightly more exfoliating than Ondo. Savanna recommends starting slow, using the toner every other day while incorporating Ondo daily before gradually combining both for enhanced results (04:00).

2. Serum Solutions: Sieve, Intense Serum, and Lipid Serum

Savanna breaks down the differences among three of her favorite serums:

• Sieve: A biome-balancing serum designed to communicate with skin cells and leave without lingering, perfect for conditions like rosacea and eczema. Savanna likens it to a “one night stand” that effectively addresses skin concerns (06:30).

• Intense Serum: An exosome serum acting as “little messages in a bottle,” which promotes cell repair and anti-aging benefits over time. She highlights its role in reversing damaged cells and enhancing skin texture (07:15).

• Lipid Serum: Contains tetramethyl hexyl succinyl cysteine (TSC), an anti-inflammatory molecule she describes as “liquid ibuprofen.” It targets inflammation, which is the root cause of many skin issues, including melasma and pigmentation (08:00).

3. Addressing Persistent Skin Concerns

Ondo vs. Prescription Azelaic Acid

When comparing Ondo to prescription azelaic acid, Savanna favors Ondo for its comprehensive formulation, incorporating lactobionic acid for soothing and higher non-prescription azelaic acid concentrations (09:00). She recommends Ondo over prescriptions due to its additional beneficial ingredients.

Cures for Chin Irritation

For persistent chin irritation, Savanna advises using Sieve and Lipid Serum, as conventional medical advice often falls short. Her approach focuses on reducing inflammation and balancing the skin barrier to alleviate ongoing irritation (09:45).

4. Optimizing Skincare Routines

Order of Using Gloss Skin Toner and Clearing Serum

Savanna outlines the optimal sequence for applying skincare products: use the gloss skin toner in the morning and the clearing serum at night. She cautions against using both simultaneously to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation, emphasizing the necessity of hydration alongside exfoliation (10:30).

Clearing Serum for Acne-Prone Skin

She recommends clearing serum for anyone with acne-prone or oily skin, except for those allergic to salicylic acid or aspirin. Savanna shares her personal sensitivity to salicylic acid, suggesting alternatives like Alpharette for individuals with similar reactions (11:50).

Usage Frequency for Corrective Body Duo

Savanna advises using the Corrective Body Duo—comprising the Perfect Body Wash and Refining Foam Scrub—twice daily. She emphasizes the products' versatility and effectiveness for maintaining smooth and refined skin (12:20).

5. Lip Care: Hydrinity’s Lip Luxe vs. Anfisa’s On Gloss

Savanna compares two popular lip treatments:

• Hydrinity Lip Luxe: Focuses on hydration with dual-weight hyaluronic acid (high and low molecular weight), targeting both surface and deeper skin layers to combat trans-epidermal water loss. Ideal for severely dry or cracked lips (13:10).

• Anfisa On Gloss: Offers a blend of five skin-identical ceramides with a glossy, buttery texture. It provides a subtle peach sheen and is perfect for those seeking aesthetic enhancement alongside lip health (14:00).

She recommends using On Gloss for everyday wear and Lip Luxe for intensive nighttime treatment (14:45).

6. Fragrance Favorites and Personal Anecdotes

Savanna shares light-hearted insights into her favorite fragrances for herself and her friends, including humorous stories about how certain scents have become associated with less pleasant memories (15:30). Her favorite from Tyler is Hypnotizing Fire, while Lance prefers fragrances like Hermes' H24. These personal touches add a relatable dimension to her expertise (16:20).

7. Integrating Intense Serum into Your Routine

Savanna advises that Intense Serum should be the first serum applied in a skincare regimen, following the principle of “thinest to thickest.” She suggests applying it after toner and Sieve, ensuring optimal absorption and effectiveness (17:10).

8. Choosing the Right Moisturizer

For a lifelong moisturizer choice, Savanna recommends Trio All Day, Every Day, complemented by the Double Cleanse Duo Cleansing Gel and Refining Foam. She praises these products for their universal applicability and outstanding performance (18:00).

9. Applying Perfume Correctly

Offering a playful take on fragrance application, Savanna humorously describes her method of spraying perfume extensively: “I spray like 50,000 sprays all over myself every day” (18:45). She covers various areas, including hair, neck, wrists, and even more unexpected spots, ensuring a lasting and pervasive scent.

10. Combining Face Reality Products

Savanna provides guidance on using Face Reality’s 8% mandelic and Glymed Brilliant Tone together, recommending the application of Brilliant Tone first due to its more watery consistency (19:20). She also addresses the use of Eye Max or Renewing HA, highlighting their respective benefits in targeting fine lines and puffiness (20:00).

11. Retinol Alternatives for Sensitive Skin

For those intolerant to retinol, Savanna champions Alpharet, a gentler retinoid formulated with ethyl lactyl retinoate. She underscores its effectiveness without the common side effects like dryness and irritation: “With Alpharet, you get to have your cake and eat it too” (21:30). Savanna critiques the concept of skin cycling, advocating for consistent retinoid use to achieve optimal results (22:00).

Concluding Insights

Throughout the episode, Savanna emphasizes the importance of a balanced skincare routine that harmonizes exfoliation with hydration. Her practical advice is rooted in both professional experience and personal anecdotes, making complex skincare science accessible to her audience. By addressing individual skin concerns with tailored solutions, Savanna empowers listeners to achieve healthier, more radiant skin through informed product choices and consistent care.

For those seeking to enhance their skincare knowledge, "Skincare Glow-Up Essentials" offers a wealth of information delivered with Savanna’s characteristic dedication and authenticity. Whether you’re navigating product selections, dealing with specific skin issues, or simply looking to refine your daily regimen, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to achieving your best skin yet.

Stay tuned for more episodes of The blondEST as Savanna continues to blend her social media charisma with deep skincare expertise, guiding listeners on their journey to aesthetic excellence.