The Beauty Brains
Discover the beauty and cosmetic products you should use and avoid
Real scientists answer your beauty questions
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 19, 2016 • 30min
Do you really need 3 kinds of conditioner? Episode 142
Send us Fan MailDo I really need to use 3 kinds of conditioner? Dev asks… Is it absolutely essential to use a leave in, a rinse out, and a deep conditioner? I’ve been washing my hair and appling a regular rinse out conditioner and then I leave it in until the next time I wash my hair about […]Support the show
Jul 12, 2016 • 25min
Can Coca Cola give you a better sun tan? Episode 141
Send us Fan MailCan Coca Cola give you a better tan? Nanda asks…Will Coca Cola give you a better sun tan? When I first head this I thought it was an obscure, ridiculous rumor. But I was wrong. it turns out it’s a very pervasive, ridiculous rumor. Yeah, if you Google “using coca cola to tan” you get […]Support the show
Jul 4, 2016 • 33min
Is fabric softener a good hair conditioner? Episode 140
Send us Fan MailDoes blotting oily sunscreen reduce SPF? Emma asks in Gmail…I don’t like the oily skin I get from using sunscreen so I blot off the excess with an oil absorbing sheet. Is this reducing the SPF of the sunscreen? Yes, blotting some of the sunscreen off your face will reduce the UV protection, to some […]Support the show
Jun 28, 2016 • 32min
Can hair really be sensitive to protein? Episode 139
Send us Fan MailIs the NIOD brand really “ultra-scientific?” Saania says…I have a question about a skincare brand that’s gained a cult status amongst serious skin care junkies. The brand NIOD, under the umbrella brand Deciem, claims to be “skincare for the hyper-educated”. Their star product is called Copper Amino Isolate Serum. I wanted to know what you […]Support the show
Jun 21, 2016 • 29min
Are boar bristle brushes better for your hair? Episode 138
Send us Fan MailAre boar bristle brushes better for your hair? Georgina asks…Are boar bristle brushes better for your hair? I’m looking at a Mason Pearson brush that’s about $100 and I want to know if it’s worth it. It’s tough to give a definitive answer because as you might imagine there aren’t many double blind, peer reviewed […]Support the show
Jun 14, 2016 • 32min
Are super foods good for your skin? Episode 137
Send us Fan MailAre super foods effective beauty ingredients? Jana asks…What are your thoughts on super foods in skin care? Ingredients like acacia, coconut, grapeseed oil, berries, green tea, avocado, turmeric and resveratrol. What the heck IS a super food? There is no scientific or medical definition. Typically you’ll see them described like this: “superfoods are nutrient powerhouses […]Support the show
Jun 7, 2016 • 34min
Can I use clay to shampoo my hair? Episode 136
Send us Fan MailCan I use clay to shampoo my hair? Joneen says…I have a question about rhassoul clay. I’ve heard great things about using it as a shampoo. My concern, though, is mineral buildup. This is one of the results of hard water that has a negative impact on hair, and something I am currently experiencing and […]Support the show
May 31, 2016 • 32min
Do anti-aging patches really work? Episode 135
Send us Fan MailDo anti-aging patches really work? Julia asks…Can micro needle patches really work to deliver anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid? Coincidentally I just read a study about a new technology for lightening age spots that involves, get this, Dissolving Micro Needles. This research was published by a Korean team in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and here’s […]Support the show
May 24, 2016 • 34min
Should you be worried about aluminum in deodorants? Episode 134
Send us Fan MailShould we be worried about aluminum in deodorants? Erin asks…Should we be worried about aluminum in deodorants? First of all don’t get confused between anti-perspirant and deodorants. Anti-perspirants contain aluminum salts that help plug your pores so you don’t sweat as much. Deodorants do not contain aluminum and they don’t stop you from sweating. They […]Support the show
May 17, 2016 • 32min
Will silicone ruin a coconut oil hair treatment? Episode 133
Send us Fan MailIs the “Remedy” hair treatment by Rita Hazan really magic? Lizzy asks…Does the Rita Hazan Remedy have any magic in it? My hair feels soft and shiny after I use it, but it didn’t do anything for my sister. I must say I’ve never seen a product quite like this before. It’s a two part […]Support the show
