Allure: The Science of Beauty

Allure: The Science of Beauty

Join Allure as we explore the inextricable link between science and beauty — and don't be surprised if you discover your next favorite serum, hair mask, or scalp treatment along the way. Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, and Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor, are asking the tough questions and getting the straight answers from dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and at least one expert on climate change (we said the questions were tough). So if you’ve always wondered what a wrinkle actually is (and how retinol can make it go away), or why your hair is curly (and which polymers will give it the most spring), come get nerdy with us!

Episodes

December 23, 2021 30 mins

It's our final episode of the year! After reviewing the colorful — pun very-much intended — history of hair dye, Jenny and Dianna team up with cosmetic chemist Dr. Anne Wagner to answer all your burning (well, hopefully not burning) questions about coloring your hair. 


This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target.


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This week, we're covering the topic holding this whole season together: our scalps. Join Jenny, Dianna, and guest Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, principal scientist for Head & Shoulders, as they get to the root of dandruff, dryness, and every other scalp issue imaginable.


This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Head & Shoulders, available at Target.


Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The ...

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December 9, 2021 31 mins

As we speak, there are about 30 million women in the United States who are experiencing hair loss and thinning as caused by genetics — yet the topic remains taboo. So this week, Jenny and Dianna called in dermatologist Nazanin Saedi to investigate the different causes of hair loss and review the many treatment options available — while getting real about the costs.

This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented ...

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December 2, 2021 25 mins

This week, Jenny and Dianna are going to battle with a universal enemy: frizz. Join them — along with cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas — as they dive deep into what causes frizz and how to prevent it, plus share the frizz-fighters we should all add to our arsenal.


This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene.


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November 25, 2021 32 mins

Be honest — have you ever wondered what conditioner is actually... doing? This week, Jenny and Dianna are exploring the MVP of any in-shower routine with help from Dr. Jeni Thomas, global principal scientist for Pantene. 


This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene.


Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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November 18, 2021 29 mins

Our second season is off to a spooky start, as we investigate a vilified ingredient... that's probably on your skin right now. Eek! But don't worry — cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski is here to help Jenny and Dianna bust some myths about silicones.


This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Pantene.


Don’t miss out on new episodes of Allure: The Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or whe...

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Did you miss us? The Science of Beauty, a podcast from Allure, is back for a second season. And this time, things are getting... hairy. Join Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director, and Dianna Mazzone, senior beauty editor, as they investigate all the hair tips, tricks and myths that you've always wondered about.

Season 2 launches Thursday, November 18th, with new episodes releasing weekly. Subscribe now so you don't miss o...

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July 13, 2021 7 mins

These tiny chains of amino acids are among the most powerful topical tools we have to help smooth wrinkles and restore skin firmness — here’s why. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Cindy Bae)

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July 6, 2021 7 mins

This clinically-proven vitamin B3 derivative can help treat acne, brighten dark spots, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. No wonder it’s taken TikTok by storm. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Shari Marchbein)

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June 29, 2021 6 mins

This natural oil has a funny-sounding name, but it’s got serious benefits for skin and hair—especially if yours feel parched. Best of all, you can easily snag a bottle on your next grocery-store run. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Rita V. Linker)

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June 22, 2021 6 mins

This essential oil is a triple-threat against breakouts, but if you want to reap the benefits, you’ve got to take it slow. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Alyx Rosen Aigen)

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June 15, 2021 7 mins

This skin brightener is one of few ingredients that can help reduce the dark spots and discoloration also known as hyperpigmentation—but there’s more to the story. Listen in, then read this investigative report on skin lightening products published by Allure last year: https://www.allure.com/story/end-of-skin-whitening-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Evan Rieder)

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June 8, 2021 5 mins

This moisturizing lipid has a complicated backstory, but it’s worth sifting through the facts to uncover the hydrating benefits, particularly if you have oily skin. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank)

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June 1, 2021 6 mins

This soothing ingredient has a fascinating origin story—and compelling research on why it works so well to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and help accelerate wound healing. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll definitely want to check out this list of our favorite cica-infused products: https://www.allure.com/gallery/cica-skin-care-products (Special thanks to cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou)

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May 25, 2021 7 mins

Without our body’s natural ceramides, our skin cells would dry up and shrivel. Apply ceramides topically, and these lipids help your skin cells not just survive, but thrive. Here are some of our favorite ceramide-enriched products to get you started: https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-ceramide-skin-care-products (Special thanks to Dermatologist Elyse Love)

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May 18, 2021 6 mins

Biotin has earned a reputation as the “it” supplement if you’re looking to grow out your hair or strengthen your nails — though surprisingly, there’s very little clinical research behind its supposed beauty benefits. But we do know about the B vitamin might very well surprise you... (Special thanks to Dermatologist Annie Chiu)

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May 11, 2021 8 mins

We have natural collagen to thank for our skin’s resilience and firmness… or lack thereof. Collagen depletes as we age, but can applying it topically — or even ingesting it — make a difference in the quality of your skin? Let’s find out! (Special thanks to Dermatologist Melanie Palm)

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May 4, 2021 4 mins

The skin benefits of sulfur are often overshadowed by its rather... stinky reputation. But we suspect you’ll quickly get over the smell when you learn what this ingredient can do to help fight acne. (Special thanks to Dermatologist Corey L. Hartman)

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April 27, 2021 7 mins

This week, we're exploring an ingredient with a storied past — and a promising future. Turmeric is spiked with curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from damaging free radicals. It can also treat inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema, which is why you'll often find turmeric in calming lotions and serums. Listen in, then shop our turmeric-infused favorites here: https://www.allure.com/gallery/turmeric-b...

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April 20, 2021 6 mins

For our debut episode, we're setting the record straight on one of the most polarizing ingredients out there: cannabidiol, also known as CBD. While there's a lot we still don't know about what it can do for your skin — because neither do scientists and researchers — there are some widely-agreed upon rules of thumb to keep in mind when buying a CBD-infused product. Here's a list of Allure editors' favorites to get you start...

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