Podcast Summary: The blondEST – "The Acne Diaries"

Episode Information

• Title: The Acne Diaries
• Host/Author: Savanna Boda
• Release Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Savanna Boda delves deep into the multifaceted world of acne, sharing personal experiences, professional insights, and effective treatments to help listeners understand and combat acne effectively.

1. Introduction

The episode begins with Savanna Boda and her co-host (referred to as "A") setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about acne. Savanna, known for her expertise as a Medical Aesthetician, brings both personal and professional perspectives to the table, making the conversation relatable and informative.

Notable Quote:

"We're excited for today because today we're talking about acne." — Savanna Boda [00:08]

2. Understanding Acne: Causes and Factors

Savanna explains that acne is rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, it's often the result of a "perfect storm" of multiple triggers that converge simultaneously, exacerbating the condition.

• Genetic Predisposition: Acne-prone skin is typically rooted in genetic factors such as retention and hyperkeratosis.

• Hormonal Influences: Birth control methods, especially those containing progestin without estrogen, can increase oil production, leading to more acne flare-ups.

• Lifestyle and External Triggers: Diet, stress, and inconsistent skincare routines can significantly impact acne severity.

Notable Quotes:

"Acne is truly the perfect storm. It's usually not just one thing that's triggering your acne." — Savanna Boda [02:28]

"Retention, hyperkeratosis... it's a genetic thing." — Savanna Boda [02:38]

3. Personal Struggles with Acne

Savanna shares her personal battle with acne, highlighting how professional responsibilities as an esthetician can complicate her skin condition.

• Forehead Acne: A recent struggle with forehead acne prompted Savanna to reassess her skincare and lifestyle habits.

• Impact of Birth Control: She recounts her experience with an IUD that exacerbated her acne, leading to a significant improvement once removed.

• Professional Challenges: As an esthetician, Savanna frequently tests new products, making her skin more vulnerable to breakouts.

Notable Quotes:

"I have a 99% success rate when it comes to clearing acne, pigmentation, and acne scars." — Savanna Boda [Podcast Info]

"When you're the patient, I'm like, yeah, what do I do? I freak out." — Savanna Boda [04:08]

4. Treatments and Products Discussed

Savanna delves into various treatments and products that have been effective in managing her acne:

• Skincare Products:

  • Lipid Serum: Essential for healing forehead acne. Savanna emphasizes using only a "tiniest drop" to prevent pilling.
  • CBD Hydrotherapy Mask: Combines micro silver for killing bacteria and CBD for reducing inflammation. Recommended for both inflammatory and non-inflamed acne.
  • Restorative Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A dual-weight HA that hydrates deeply without irritation.
  • Mattifying Sulfur Mask: Contains 10% sulfur to kill bacteria and reduce redness.

• Supplementation:

  • Probiotics: Help improve gut health, which in turn can reduce forehead acne.
  • Vitamin B: Addressing deficiencies is crucial, even if supplements can trigger breakouts.

• Technological Treatments:

  • Omnilux LED Light: Red light therapy aids in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Notable Quotes:

"Probiotics help so much. Forehead acne, a lot of times can be linked to gut health issues too." — Savanna Boda [12:45]

"Hydrotherapy mask. It's micro silver, so kills bacteria and then CBD, which reduces inflammation." — Savanna Boda [16:46]

5. Lifestyle Factors Affecting Acne

Savanna discusses how various lifestyle choices and habits can influence acne:

• Dietary Triggers:

  • Sugar Consumption: Increased intake of sugary drinks and energy drinks can trigger acne and fungal acne due to excessive sugar.
  • Specific Food Allergies: Peanuts and shellfish are notable triggers for Savanna.

• Hydration:

  • Water Intake: Adequate water consumption is vital, though Savanna notes challenges with the quality of water available at her spa.

• Stress and Mental Health:

  • Impact of Stress: Stress can lead to inconsistent skincare routines and exacerbate acne.
  • Mental Health Management: Savanna mentions taking Zoloft for depression and the importance of prioritizing health over skin appearance.

Notable Quotes:

"Dehydration and constipation are like huge for acne. So if you're not pooping properly every day... you have to have good, healthy poop." — Savanna Boda [14:41]

"Your health is going to come before you." — Savanna Boda [05:58]

6. Consistency and Skincare Routines

A recurring theme in the conversation is the importance of consistency in skincare routines. Savanna emphasizes that staying on effective products and maintaining a disciplined regimen are key to managing acne.

• Routine Adherence: Missing steps or being inconsistent with treatments can lead to flare-ups.

• Icing and LED Therapy: Regular use of icing and LED light therapy at home significantly contributed to clearing her acne during a 12-day trip to the Maldives.

• Avoiding Over-Exfoliation: Over-exfoliating can worsen acne by irritating the skin and increasing inflammation.

Notable Quotes:

"If you want to maintain clear skin... you gotta stay doing the stuff that works." — Savanna Boda [02:45]

"I don't wash my face for 38 hours. Everything comes back and I'm in the Maldives and I'm like, depressed as fuck." — Savanna Boda [09:02]

7. Additional Triggers and Considerations

The conversation touches on less common triggers and personal anecdotes that highlight the complexity of acne management:

• Supplement-Induced Breakouts: Vitamin B shots, while necessary, can cause breakouts due to increased oil production.

• Hair Care Products: Certain leave-in conditioners and hair mists can trigger forehead acne.

• Alcohol Consumption: Increased alcohol intake can be inflammatory and contribute to acne, as shared through personal experiences.

Notable Quotes:

"If you're deficient, you need to take vitamin B. I don't care." — Savanna Boda [06:16]

"Hair care can be just as triggering. I've never had my acne triggered from hair products before, but it happened once." — Savanna Boda [07:35]

8. Community and Professional Stigma

Savanna addresses the stigma within the esthetician community regarding acne, emphasizing that having acne does not disqualify one from being a professional in the skincare industry.

• Shaming and Misconceptions: Some believe that estheticians with acne should not practice, which Savanna vehemently opposes.

• Balancing Professionalism and Personal Struggles: Managing clients' skincare while dealing with personal acne challenges requires resilience and dedication.

Notable Quotes:

"I don't like people that shame estheticians that struggle with acne... it's not your fault." — Savanna Boda [04:57]

"You can do the best we can do, but... it's hard to stay clear 100% of the time." — Savanna Boda [04:57]

9. Final Tips and Recommendations

Towards the end of the episode, Savanna offers actionable advice for listeners battling acne:

• Stay Consistent: Adhere to effective skincare routines and treatments.

• Monitor Diet and Supplements: Be mindful of dietary triggers and address any vitamin deficiencies under professional guidance.

• Hydrate and Manage Gut Health: Prioritize water intake and consider probiotics to enhance gut health, which can reflect on skin health.

• Utilize Effective Products Sparingly: Use potent products like lipid serum and CBD hydrotherapy masks in minimal amounts to prevent overuse and irritation.

• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with dermatologists or estheticians to tailor treatments specific to individual skin needs.

Notable Quote:

"You need to take care of yourself, and you're gonna make me mad." — Savanna Boda [05:57]

10. Conclusion

"The Acne Diaries" episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of acne. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Savanna Boda empowers listeners to take control of their skincare journeys, emphasizing the importance of consistency, proper treatment, and self-care.

For more information on the products discussed and to shop recommended treatments, visit savannahboda.com.

Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights shared during the podcast episode. For the full experience and additional context, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode directly.