Podcast Title: The blondEST
Host: Savanna Boda
Episode: Skincare & Therapy
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Introduction
In this deeply personal and informative episode of The blondEST, host Savanna Boda delves into a blend of skincare expertise and heartfelt therapy. Balancing her role as a trusted aesthetician and a relatable individual, Savanna addresses a multitude of listener questions while openly sharing her own struggles with mental health and family relationships.
Skincare Q&A
1. Favorite Perfume Recommendation
Savanna kicks off the episode by answering a listener's question about her preferred long-term fragrance:
“Auris 22 from Letta. I love that scent. It is, like, this most creamy iris fragrance. I've never smelled anything quite like it. And it's only $98.”
[00:50]
She elaborates on her collaboration with Letta, highlighting other popular fragrances such as vanilla and Isla Coco, praising their sophisticated and chic notes.
2. Tackling Milia on the Eyelash Line
A listener inquires about removing milia:
“Typically, you'd want to go get that extracted at, like, a derm office or a medical aesthetic spa.”
[02:15]
Savanna emphasizes the importance of professional extraction and recommends IMAX from Skin Better for preventing and treating milia, boasting a 99% success rate.
3. Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
Addressing concerns about safe skincare during pregnancy, Savanna provides detailed guidance:
“Anything that is 2% salicylic and under is pregnancy safe. Benzoyl peroxide, that's 2.5%, 5 and under is pregnancy safe.”
[04:20]
She discusses retinoids extensively, clarifying misconceptions:
“Retinoic acid does not need to be converted in the body. So it is the most potent and most strong... Alpharet conjures it, making it more tolerable and gentle for sensitive skin.”
[05:00]
Savanna passionately defends the safety of topical retinoids during pregnancy, urging listeners to consult their doctors and highlighting the inefficacy of certain marketing claims.
4. Retinoids: Tretinoin vs. Alpharet
The conversation deepens as Savanna contrasts traditional tretinoin with Alpharet, her preferred retinoid:
“Why would you use tretinoin when you can get the same results with Alpharet and not have dry, peeling, flaky, irritated skin?”
[24:56]
She praises Alpharet for its efficacy without the harsh side effects, positioning it as a superior alternative for those seeking gentle yet effective skincare solutions.
5. Product Usage and Recommendations
Savanna shares insights on various products, emphasizing proper usage to maximize benefits:
-
Carboxy Mousse:
“If you're using it twice a day, literally, a little goes a long way.”
[09:08] -
Sulfur Masks:
“Actually, it doesn't have a smell to it, in my opinion.”
[25:35]
She advises caution to avoid overuse and highlights the importance of incorporating products based on individual skin needs.
6. Supplement Advice
Addressing internal health's role in skincare, Savanna mentions her regimen:
“I take the clear skin supplements and then I take glutathione and magnesium, and all of those are on our website.”
[10:35]
She underscores the synergy between internal supplements and external skincare practices for achieving healthy skin.
Personal Therapy and Mental Health
Transitioning from skincare to personal well-being, Savanna opens up about her strained relationship with her parents, particularly her mother.
1. Relationship with Parents
Savanna candidly discusses her evolving relationship dynamics:
“My mom has taken up a lot of accountability for everything, which was like, really big and all I ever wanted. My dad is getting there... he's like, bury your head in the sand and pretend nothing bad is happening kind of guy.”
[12:07]
She reflects on the emotional turmoil stemming from her childhood, emphasizing the long-term impact on her mental health and current relationships.
2. Emotional Struggles and Healing
Delving deeper, Savanna shares her emotional battles and journey towards healing:
“When someone hurts you so badly and you don't even know how badly you're hurt till, like, years later, you just feel really guarded.”
[13:13]
She discusses the difficulty of reconciling with her parents, the lingering pain from past abuse, and her guardedness in current relationships.
3. Balancing Personal Sharing and Professional Role
Savanna navigates the complexity of sharing personal issues on a professional platform:
“I'm not talking shit. I'm just telling a story. And if you look bad in the story of what happened, you know, that's on you.”
[21:09]
She emphasizes the dual truth of experiencing personal pain while providing valuable insights to her audience, balancing vulnerability with professionalism.
Conclusion
In a heartfelt and multifaceted episode, Savanna Boda masterfully intertwines expert skincare advice with authentic discussions on mental health and familial relationships. Her transparency offers listeners both practical solutions for their skin concerns and a relatable narrative on personal healing, embodying the essence of The blondEST—a blend of beauty, ethics, and genuine human experience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
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On Pregnancy-Safe Retinoids:
“Retinoic acid does not need to be converted in the body. So it is the most potent and most strong.”
[04:50] -
On Mental Health and Guardedness:
“I'm trying to get to this place in life where like two things can be true at the same time.”
[07:00] -
On Personal Healing:
“Time heals wounds.”
[14:58] -
On Relationship Dynamics:
“When someone hurts you so badly... you just feel really guarded.”
[13:14]
Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this summary are based on the transcript provided and aim to faithfully represent the content discussed in the podcast episode. For personalized skincare or mental health advice, consult a professional.