We've all been there—a breakout pops up at the worst possible time, and suddenly, we're scrambling to find a way to make it disappear overnight. And of course, that's where spot treatments come in! But with so many options out there, from medicated treatments to pimple patches to DIY tricks, how do you know what actually works?

In today's episode, we're breaking down the most popular spot treatments—what's worth using, what's a waste of time, and what could actually be making your breakouts worse. So, if you've ever found yourself dabbing toothpaste on a zit or wondering if those trendy little pimple patches actually do anything, this episode is for you!

• Why medicated spot treatments are still the fastest way to treat breakouts, and how to use them for best results

• The truth about pimple patches—how they can help and where they fall short

• Common DIY spot treatments that do more harm than good (and what to use instead)

• Emme's Recommended Spot Treatment (The Pink Potion): https://emmediane.com/products/the-pink-potion

• Pregnancy Safe Spot Treatment (Annihilate): https://emmediane.com/products/annihilate-spot-treatment

• Emme's Recommended Hydrocolloid Patches: https://amzn.to/3XUCcBk

• Emme's High Frequency Device Recommendation (NuDerma Clinical Skin Therapy Wand): https://amzn.to/3DBQ9Kg

• Existing Client Check-In Form: https://emmediane.com/pages/check-in

• New Client Consultation: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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If you've ever wondered whether Vitamin C is really worth the hype, let me just say—yes, a thousand times yes! But as amazing as it is, not all Vitamin C products are created equal, and if you're not using it correctly, you might not be getting the full benefits. So in today's episode, I want to break it all down for you—the science behind why Vitamin C is so powerful, how to use it properly for maximum results, and of course, what to avoid so you don't end up wasting your time or money.

• Why Vitamin C is a must-have in every skincare routine

• How to choose the right form of Vitamin C for your skin (especially if you're sensitive or acne-prone)

• The do's and don'ts of using Vitamin C—what to pair it with and what to avoid for best results

• Emme's Vitamin C Recommendation (Brilliant-C Serum): https://emmediane.com/products/brilliant-c-serum

• Existing Client Check-In Form: https://emmediane.com/pages/check-in

• New Client Consultation: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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Be honest—have you ever found yourself staring in the mirror, zeroing in on a pimple, knowing you shouldn't pop it…but somehow, you just have to? And before you know it, things have gone too far, and now you're left with an inflamed, irritated mark that looks even worse than before. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone!

In today's episode, we're diving into why we feel this urge to pick, what happens in our brains that makes it so satisfying, and most importantly, how to break the habit before it leads to more breakouts, scarring, and frustration.

• The Science Behind Skin Picking: Why our brains release dopamine when we pop a pimple (and why it makes the habit so hard to break!).

• What Happens to Your Skin When You Pick: The real damage picking does to your skin, from pushing bacteria deeper to causing long-term scarring.

• What Type of Picker Are You? Whether you're an Unconscious Picker, a Bathroom Mirror Picker, or an Idle Picker, recognizing your habit is the first step to breaking it.

• Best Tips to Stop Picking: From hydrocolloid patches to ice therapy, learn the best strategies to kick the habit for good.

• Emme's Favorite Spot Treatment (The Pink Potion): https://emmediane.com/products/the-pink-potion

• Emme's Recommended Hydrocolloid Patches: https://amzn.to/3XUCcBk

• NeuroLaunch. Pimple Popping Satisfaction: The Science Behind the Urge to Squeeze. Available at: https://neurolaunch.com/why-is-pimple-popping-so-satisfying/

• Cambridge University Press. The Science of Skin and Habitual Behaviors. Available at: https://assets.cambridge.org/97805211/16381/frontmatter/9780521116381_frontmatter.pdf

• WellWisp. Why Is It So Satisfying to Pop a Pimple? Available at: https://wellwisp.com/why-is-it-so-satisfying-to-pop-a-pimple/

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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Let's be real—sweating is just a part of life. Whether it's from an intense workout, a stressful moment, or stepping outside on a hot day, we all do it. But have you ever wondered what all that sweat is actually doing to your skin? Is it helping you achieve that healthy glow, or is it secretly causing those pesky breakouts? In today's episode, we're breaking it all down: how sweat really impacts your skin, the pros and cons, and how to protect your skin while still enjoying all the benefits of a good sweat session!

• How Sweat Affects Your Skin: Discover how sweat can benefit your skin—but also why it may lead to breakouts, irritation, and premature aging if not properly managed.

• Pre- and Post-Workout Skincare Tips: Discover the best ways to protect your skin before and after sweating to keep it clear and glowing.

• Game-Changing Tips for Managing Sweat: From staying hydrated and icing techniques to choosing the right workout gear to prevent body breakouts.

• Read the blog on pre- and post-workout skincare routines: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/pre-workout-post-workout-skincare-guide

• Learn more about biotin & breakouts: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/taking-biotin-for-your-skin-good-or-bad

• Discover why Hypochlorous Acid Spray is NOT a substitute for cleansing: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/3-reasons-to-rethink-hypochlorous-acid-sprays-for-acne-prone-skin

• My favorite Tinted Mineral SPF 40 for outdoor workouts: https://emmediane.com/products/tinted-mineral-sunscreen-spf-40

• Skincare Travel Set: https://emmediane.com/products/skincare-travel-set

• Kirkland Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes: https://amzn.to/3upsUPX

• Water Wipes Baby Wipes: https://amzn.to/34yVZ0i

• Silken Wipes: https://amzn.to/3szMUyd

• Mayo Clinic. Sweating and Body Odor: Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sweating-and-body-odor/symptoms-causes/syc-20353895

• American Academy of Dermatology. How Your Workout Affects Your Skin. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/workout-affect-skin

• Birch-Machin MA, Bowman A. Oxidative Stress and Ageing. British Journal of Dermatology. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-abstract/175/S2/26/6616318

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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Tretinoin is often hailed as the holy grail for acne and anti-aging—but what if it's secretly working against your skin goals? In this episode, we're diving into the hidden truths about tretinoin and why many prescription formulas might be causing more harm than good. Before you hop on the tretinoin train, listen in to learn what your derm might not tell you, how to recognize purging vs. clogging, and discover acne-safe alternatives that actually work.

• The Problem with Tretinoin Formulas: Why the inactive ingredients in prescription creams could be triggering breakouts.

• Purging vs. Clogging: How to tell if your skin is purging or if you're actually breaking out.

• Tretinoin + Other Products: What ingredients and treatments don't mix with tretinoin and what you might be missing out on.

• Acne-Safe Alternatives: Learn about gentler options like retinyl propionate, mandelic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.

• Tips for Tretinoin Users: How to introduce tretinoin slowly, minimize irritation, and avoid common mistakes.

• Read the blog on how to spot the difference between purging and reacting to a product: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/navigating-new-product-breakouts-the-purging-phenomenon

• Dive deeper into the different types of vitamin A in episode 26 of Skin Theory: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-theory-podcast/26-retinol-myths-misconceptions-and-mistakes

• Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker & List: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/pore-clogging-ingredients

• Acne-Safe Tretinoin Alternatives:

• • Pro-Retinol Serum (Retinyl propionate): https://emmediane.com/products/pro-retinol

  • Clarifying Serum (Mandelic acid): https://emmediane.com/products/clarifying-serum

  • Acne Eraser (Micronized benzoyl peroxide): https://emmediane.com/products/acne-eraser

• Build Your Perfect Skincare Routine: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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Have you ever gone down the rabbit hole of searching for a pore-clogging ingredient list, only to find a dozen different ones that don't match up? So frustrating, right? You're not alone—navigating conflicting advice about what's "safe" for acne-prone skin can feel like an impossible task.

In this episode of Skin Theory, we're tackling the chaos head-on. I'll break down why these discrepancies exist, what you really need to know about comedogenicity, and—most importantly—how to confidently decode ingredient labels without losing your mind (or clogging your pores). Trust me, this is the clarity you've been waiting for!

• What does "comedogenic" actually mean? Breaking down the science of pore-clogging ingredients and the comedogenicity scale.

• Why ingredient lists don't agree: The lack of regulation and inconsistencies that make navigating skincare so frustrating.

• Ingredient aliases and sneaky labeling tricks: How brands use alternative names to hide pore-clogging ingredients.

• Practical tools and tips: How to find trusted resources and use tools like online ingredient checkers effectively.

• Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker & List: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/pore-clogging-ingredients

• Build Your Perfect Skincare Routine: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

• Acne-Safe Makeup List: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/acne-safe-makeup-list

• WE Morris and SC Kwan, Use of the rabbit ear model in evaluating the comedogenic potential of cosmetic ingredients, J Soc Cosmet Chem 1983, 34, 215-225.

• American Academy of Dermatology. (2005). Limitations of comedogenicity testing methods. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

• JAMA Dermatology. (2018). Lack of standardization in comedogenicity testing: Implications for product labeling. JAMA Dermatology.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Summary of cosmetics labeling requirements. FDA.gov.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Cosmetics labeling guide. FDA.gov.

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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Silicones—are they skincare heroes or villains? Depending on who you ask, these ingredients are either a blessing for smooth, glowing skin or the root of all your beauty woes. From accusations of clogging pores to claims they disrupt hormones, silicones have become one of the most controversial topics in skincare and makeup. But how much of this is fact, and how much is fearmongering?

In today's episode, I'm diving into the world of silicones to bust the biggest myths, explain why they're in so many of your favorite products, and help you decide if they deserve a spot in your skincare routine.

• Silicones Explained: A breakdown of the science behind silicones and debunking common myths.

• Benefits for Skin and Hair: Exploring how silicones can improve the look and feel of skin and hair.

• Environmental Impact: Addressing concerns about the environmental impact of silicones.

• The Verdict: Weighing the pros and cons of using products with silicones.

• Build Your Perfect Skincare Routine: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

• Draelos ZD et al., The effect of vehicle formulation on acne medication tolerability, Cutis 2008, 82, 281-284.

• Mojsiewicz-Pieńkowska K et al., Direct human contact with siloxanes (silicones) – safety or risk part 1. Characteristics of siloxanes (silicones) (open access), Front Pharmacol 2016, 7, 132. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00132

• SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on cyclomethicone D4/D5, 22 June 2010

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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What if I told you that 2025 could be your best skincare year yet—with just a few simple changes? As we say goodbye to 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect, reset, and start fresh—especially when it comes to your skincare goals.

In today's episode, I'm sharing 10 effortless ways to achieve your best skin yet in 2025. From simple habits to game-changing tips, these ideas will help you glow all year long. Whether you're starting fresh or refining what's already working, there's something here for everyone.

• 4 tips for building a skincare routine: Learn how to choose proven ingredients, understand your skin's needs, and make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your day.

• 3 tips for optimizing your lifestyle: Discover how hydration, stress management, and quality sleep can transform your skin from the inside out.

• 3 tips for cutting through the noise: Avoid the pitfalls of viral skincare trends and focus on what truly works for your unique skin.

• AI Skin Analyzer + Routine Builder: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation

• Episode 52: What's Your Skin Type? https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-theory-podcast/52-whats-your-skin-type

• 3 Reasons to Rethink Hypochlorous Acid Sprays for Acne-Prone Skin: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/3-reasons-to-rethink-hypochlorous-acid-sprays-for-acne-prone-skin

• Acne-Safe Sunscreen Recommendations:

• • Tinted Mineral SPF 40: https://emmediane.com/collections/sunscreen/products/tinted-mineral-sunscreen-spf-40

  • Pure Protection Tinted SPF 40: https://emmediane.com/collections/sunscreen/products/pure-protection-tinted-spf-40

  • Clear Defense Non-Tinted SPF 30: https://emmediane.com/collections/sunscreen/products/clear-defense-non-tinted-spf-30

• Transepidermal Water Loss Blog: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/youre-likely-experiencing-transepidermal-water-loss-here-s-how-to-stop-it

• 3-Part Understanding Acne Series: https://emmediane.com/pages/understanding-acne-series

• Are These Foods Triggering Your Acne: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/are-these-foods-triggering-your-acne

• #EmmeApproved Skincare Tools: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-tips/emmeapproved-skincare-tools

• Episode 11: Skincare Tool DIYs and Don'ts: https://emmediane.com/blogs/skin-theory-podcast/11-skincare-tool-diys-and-donts

Have skin concerns or looking for help building a routine? Get a customized routine for FREE: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation?cnsltsrc=plpodcast

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