Feeling overwhelmed by today’s beauty and wellness trends? In this episode of Skin Talks, Beate and Natascha are joined by special guest Raquel Merlini, a registered nurse, IFBB pro bodybuilder, and medical-spa owner, to cut through the noise. From Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs to protein myths, body-image pressure, and the latest non-surgical treatments, they cover it all.

What you’ll learn:

• GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy) – how they work, pros, cons, and long-term questions

• The connection between weight loss drugs, muscle mass, and skin laxity

• Why strength training and protein are crucial for women (and how to budget for clean eating)

• Emotional eating, body-image trauma, and building a healthy relationship with food

• Sculptra vs. dermal fillers, when to choose collagen stimulators and when to opt for instant volume

• PDO threads – the red flags, costs, and realistic outcomes

• CO₂ resurfacing vs. Fotona and how exosomes can speed healing

• Tips for finding an ethical, experienced aesthetic provider and managing realistic expectations

Connect With Us

Hosts:

Beate → https://www.instagram.com/beatevonhuene/

Natascha → https://www.instagram.com/nataschaschillinger/

Guest:

Raquel Merlini → https://www.instagram.com/rskinadmission/

Website & Shop:

🌐 https://bskinenvie.ca/

Stay Connected

New episodes every Wednesday

📱 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/skintalkspod/

🧴 Feeling confused by all the retinol talk? In this episode of Skin Talks, we demystify vitamin A, from its surprising origins in skin-cancer research to why your skin actually needs it every day.

💡 Hosts Beate and Natascha of Boutique Skin Envie sit down with Dr. Des Fernandes, pioneering plastic surgeon and founder of Environ Skin Care. Learn how vitamin A works at the cellular level, why sun exposure depletes your stores, how to choose true retinol products (and avoid the marketing hype), and exactly how to build a safe, effective routine, no more burning, peeling, or wasted dollars.

👇 Watch, subscribe & join the skincare conversation.

In this episode:

00:00:00 Podcast Introduction & Hosts

00:01:44 Melanoma Case Sparks Prevention Focus

00:03:23 1959 Vitamin A & Early Skin Cancer Paper

00:05:07 First Harsh Retinoid Reaction

00:10:05 Retinoid Forms & Skin Actions

00:12:18 UV-Induced Vitamin A Deficiency

00:17:28 Sunlight’s Cumulative Depletion

00:19:02 Topical Vitamin A Restores Levels

00:22:20 Daily Topical & Oral Recommendation

00:23:20 Pregnancy & Vitamin A Dilemma

00:29:08 Long-Term Users vs Non-Users

00:36:47 IU vs Percentage Comparison

00:38:10 Packaging & Manufacturing Tips

00:44:50 Building Retinol Tolerance

00:48:33 Retinol Benefits at Any Age

00:50:59 Sun Sensitivity & Application Timing

00:52:10 Start Low, Go Slow Frequency Guide

00:54:50 Debunking Retinol Myths

00:56:35 Signature Rapid-Fire Q&A

01:00:09 Closing Remarks & Resources

Connect With Us

Hosts:

Beate → https://www.instagram.com/beatevonhuene/

Natascha → https://www.instagram.com/nataschaschillinger/

Our Website:

🌐 https://bskinenvie.ca/

Mentioned in This Episode

Environ Skin Care → https://www.environskincare.com/ca/

Stay Connected

New episodes every Wednesday

📱 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/skintalkspod/

🧴 Ready to simplify your routine and cut through the skincare noise? In this episode of Skin Talks, Beate & Natascha dive into what 2026 has in store, from the rise of minimalism and ingredient transparency to decoding retail vs. professional vs. medical-grade skincare.

💡 Learn why “less is more” matters, how to question marketing claims (yes, even tampons!), and why expert guidance is key when you pick your next serum or SPF.

👇 Watch, subscribe & join the skincare conversation!

What do we talk about in this episode?

• Top skincare trends for 2026: minimalism, personalization, transparency

• The real differences between retail, pharmacy, professional & medical-grade lines

• Why so many brands defy easy labels, and when you need medical direction

• How AI & ChatGPT are changing the way we research ingredients

• The one habit that will transform your skin: daily SPF

Get ready for honest, science-backed insights and practical tips you can use today.

Connect With Us

Hosts:

Beate → https://www.instagram.com/beatevonhuene/

Natascha → https://www.instagram.com/nataschaschillinger/

Our Website:

🌐 https://bskinenvie.ca/

Stay Connected

New episodes every Wednesday

📱 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/skintalkspod/