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Skincare Made Simple

Skincare Made Simple

By: Ella Elston
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About this listen

As a licensed esthetician, certified acne specialist, and someone who has dealt with acne since I was 12 I know the struggle and just how crippling it can feel to not love your skin. In today's world its easy to find information but it can be so overwhelming and hard to tell which advice you should ACTUALLY listen to! That's where Skincare Made Simple comes in! in this weekly podcast we're going to cover all the basics - and more advanced - topics so you can confidently walk into a store and know exactly what your skin needs and which products will do the trick! Life is difficult, skincare shouldn't be!Elston 2022 Art
Episodes
  • PDRN 101 — What It Is, Where It Comes From & How to Pick a Good One
    Mar 5 2026

    PDRN is having a major moment in skincare — and for good reason. In this bite-size episode, we're breaking down everything you actually need to know about polydeoxyribonucleotide (yes, that's a mouthful): what it does, why the source matters more than you might think, and how to read a label so you're not just buying the hype.

    🐟 What we cover:

    • What PDRN is and why it started in medicine, not beauty
    • How it works and what the studies say
    • Salmon-derived PDRN vs. Centella (plant-based/phyto) PDRN — the research gap, the biocompatibility argument, and what each does well
    • What to actually look for on a label (ingredient names, concentration clues, delivery systems)
    • Who each source is best suited for
    • & more!

    Favorite topical PDRN products

    REJURAN | Rejuran Turnover Ampoule C-PDRN 0.5% Renewing Serum for Smooth Texture & Glass Skin 1.01 Oz/30 mL: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008243

    REJURAN | Rejuran Turnover Mask C-PDRN 5-Pack for Uneven Texture & Brightening Dull Skin 1.35 Fl. oz./40 mL X 5 Sheets: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008254

    ANUA | PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008112

    ANUA | PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008122

    Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

    📚 Want to go deeper on peptides and DNA-based ingredients? Check out the Skincare Made Simple Peptide Database

    💬 Work with me 1:1: If you want personalized help building a routine around ingredients like PDRN, I'd love to work with you. Book your Virtual Session HERE

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    12 mins
  • Peptides Made Simple: Everything you need to know about adding a peptide product to your skincare routine
    Mar 3 2026

    Peptides are one of the most hyped skincare ingredients right now—but what do they actually do? In this episode, we break down peptides in simple, no-BS terms. You’ll learn what peptides are, the different types used in skincare, what results are realistic, how to choose a peptide serum, and whether you really need peptides in every product. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite peptide products at both luxury and budget-friendly price points.

    If peptides have ever confused you—or felt overpromised—this episode will make it click.

    Purchase the Peptide Database Here

    Work with Ella 1:1 to build and/or adjust your skincare routine

    Peptides mentioned in this episode

    Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564299

    DR. WHITNEY BOWE BEAUTY | Peptide + HA Plumping Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564313

    MEDIK8 | Liquid Peptides: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564326

    COSRX | The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564355

    GOOD MOLECULES | Super Peptide Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564899

    NATURIUM | Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564915

    PEACH & LILY | Copper Peptide Pro Firming Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564947

    BUBBLE SKINCARE | Water Slide Hydrating Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564997

    Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

    A few relevant peptide studies (more linked in the Peptide Database)

    Lee E, Ahn DK, Kim JH, et al. Skin Anti-Aging and Moisturizing Effects of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025;35:e2507008. Published 2025 Sep 11. doi:10.4014/jmb.2507.07008

    Skibska A, Perlikowska R. Signal Peptides - Promising Ingredients in Cosmetics. Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2021;22(10):716-728. doi:10.2174/1389203722666210812121129

    Badilli U, Inal O. Current Approaches in Cosmeceuticals: Peptides, Biotics and Marine Biopolymers. Polymers (Basel). 2025 Mar 18;17(6):798. doi: 10.3390/polym17060798. PMID: 40292641; PMCID: PMC11946782.

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    33 mins
  • How to Gently Add Actives Back In + Seasonal Survival Tips
    Nov 3 2025

    Your barrier’s on the mend—but now what? In this week’s episode, Ella breaks down how to tell when your skin is truly healing and how to safely reintroduce actives like exfoliants, retinoids, and vitamin C without undoing your progress.

    You’ll learn: ✨ The top signs your skin barrier is bouncing back (beyond just “it feels less dry”) ✨ How to reintroduce actives like a pro—without flaking, burning, or purging all over again ✨ Three must-know skincare tweaks to survive the seasonal shift and keep your glow steady

    Whether you’ve been on a full skin detox or just trying to baby your barrier through the colder months, this episode will help you get back to actives confidently and keep your skin calm, clear, and hydrated.

    Let’s stay connected:

    💻 Book Your 1:1 Virtual Consultation Today!

    📲 Come say hi on TikTok & Instagram @your.estie.ella

    💌 Join the Clear by New Year email list for bonus tips & exclusive resources

    🛍️ Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/2766760

    🧪 Barrier Loving Ingredients to Know

    Beta-Glucan: A powerful humectant that deeply hydrates and soothes irritation while strengthening the skin barrier.

    Centella Asiatica (Cica): A calming botanical that speeds up healing, reduces redness, and supports collagen production.

    Panthenol (Vitamin B5): A moisture magnet that softens, smooths, and restores the skin’s protective barrier.

    Ectoin: A stress-protective molecule that shields skin from pollution, temperature changes, and dehydration.

    Allantoin: A gentle soothing agent that helps calm irritation and promote skin cell regeneration.

    Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother texture.

    Growth Factors: Bio-identical proteins that encourage cell renewal and repair, improving tone, texture, and resilience.

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    16 mins
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