Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon™

Are you ready to discover the next massive breakthrough in skincare and immunology? In this episode of Beauty Bytes, I am joined by Dr. Jocelyn Strand, a naturopathic physician and the Vice President of Clinical Education and Research at BWH Labs. Dr. Strand breaks down the incredible, largely untapped science behind beta glucan, a complex polysaccharide molecule that acts as a powerful biological signal for your innate immune system.  We dive deep into why the skin should be viewed as an immune organ and how specific 1,3/1,6 beta glucan molecules—isolated from yeast cell walls—perfectly bind to pattern recognition receptors on our immune cells. Dr. Strand explains the fascinating concept of "trained immunity," where beta glucan creates functional epigenetic changes that awaken and coordinate our first responder cells, creating a broader, more efficient readiness against environmental stressors. We also discuss how applying beta glucan topically can accelerate wound healing after cosmetic procedures, instantly soothe severe sunburns, improve overall barrier hydration, and clear out damaged tissue caused by inflammaging.  
Guest Information:
Dr. Jocelyn Strand is a naturopathic physician and the VP of Clinical Education and Research at BWH Labs. You can explore her research and clinical education at bwhlabs.com or find consumer beta glucan products at BetterWayHealth.com.

Harmful UV rays, oxidative-stress, and solar-damaged skin- these are all the things you want to try to avoid this summer. With the season getting hotter and the rays getting harsher, you may also want to consider tweaking your beauty regimen. Not only will it help protect your skin from accelerated aging, but it’ll also decrease your risk of cancer. Listen to this episode to find out what photodamage consists of, how to avoid it, and how to treat it if you've already been exposed.

Are you spending a fortune on complex skincare routines but still struggling with acne, inflammation, or dull skin? In this episode of Beauty Bytes, I am joined by Dr. Felice Chen, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neuroscientist, and the co-founder of the holistic skincare brand Moonbow. Dr. Chen bridges the gap between Eastern and Western philosophies, explaining why you can only truly heal your skin when your nervous system feels calm and safe. We discuss the ancient practice of facial mapping, revealing how breakouts on specific areas of your face—like your chin or between your eyes—directly correspond to internal inflammation in organs like the uterus or liver.  Dr. Chen also shares actionable holistic advice to help modern audiences calm their chronic fight-or-flight responses. We dive into why you should stop drinking ice water, the specific herbal teas that detox the liver and balance the blood, and how you can manually stimulate your vagus nerve at home without acupuncture needles. If you want to stop fighting your body and start healing it from the root cause, this conversation will completely change your approach to wellness and beauty.  
Guest Information: Dr. Felice Chen is a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor and the co-founder of Moonbow. You can explore her holistic skincare line at moonbowskin.com or visit her integrative clinic, Felice Acupuncture, located in Culver City.

Dewy Blush, Sunscreen, Natural Hair - Join us in this week's Five Minute Friday as Dr. Kay explores the summer trend of "low maintenance luxury" for a relaxed and effortless beauty routine! Dr. Kay emphasizes the appeal of natural, minimalistic makeup looks and shares her personal preference for a skin-breathing, low-maintenance approach. From tinted lip balms with skincare benefits to mineral sunscreens that can double as concealer, we discuss the importance of multitasking products that streamline your regimen. She also touches on the growing popularity of air-drying hair to embrace natural textures, and the significance of a comprehensive body care routine, including exfoliation and hydration. Tune in to learn how to simplify your beauty routine while achieving a polished, radiant look for the summer!

Are you struggling with infertility or looking to optimize your longevity by slowing down your reproductive aging? In this episode of Beauty Bytes, I am joined by Rachel Swanson, a registered dietitian, clinical nutrition expert, and the author of Trying. Rachel introduces us to "Fertility 2.0," a proactive, science-backed approach that treats reproductive issues as a canary in the coal mine for our overall systemic health and future disease risk. We discuss why Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is now being recognized as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS), with up to 95% of these patients suffering from insulin resistance. Rachel breaks down the exact metabolic biomarkers you need to track—including fasting insulin, HbA1c, and waist circumference—and explains why the "normal" lab range is not always optimal. We also explore the fascinating connection between fertility and three different microbiomes (oral, vaginal, and gut), how to use Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to flatten your spikes, and the everyday endocrine disruptors you need to throw away right now.
Guest Information: Rachel Swanson is a clinical nutrition expert and the author of Trying. You can find her on Instagram at @RachelsRX or visit her website at rachelswanson.com.