Skincare Made Simple

Ella Elston

As a licensed esthetician, certified acne specialist, and someone who has dealt with acne since I was 12 I know the struggle and just how crippling it can feel to not love your skin. In today's world its easy to find information but it can be so overwhelming and hard to tell which advice you should ACTUALLY listen to! That's where Skincare Made Simple comes in! in this weekly podcast we're going to cover all the basics - and more advanced - topics so you can confidently walk into a store and know exactly what your skin needs and which products will do the trick! Life is difficult, skincare shouldn't be!

  1. 03/11/2025

    How to Gently Add Actives Back In + Seasonal Survival Tips

    Your barrier’s on the mend—but now what? In this week’s episode, Ella breaks down how to tell when your skin is truly healing and how to safely reintroduce actives like exfoliants, retinoids, and vitamin C without undoing your progress. You’ll learn: ✨ The top signs your skin barrier is bouncing back (beyond just “it feels less dry”) ✨ How to reintroduce actives like a pro—without flaking, burning, or purging all over again ✨ Three must-know skincare tweaks to survive the seasonal shift and keep your glow steady Whether you’ve been on a full skin detox or just trying to baby your barrier through the colder months, this episode will help you get back to actives confidently and keep your skin calm, clear, and hydrated. Let’s stay connected: 💻 Book Your 1:1 Virtual Consultation Today! 📲 Come say hi on TikTok & Instagram @your.estie.ella 💌 Join the Clear by New Year email list for bonus tips & exclusive resources 🛍️ Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/2766760 🧪 Barrier Loving Ingredients to Know Beta-Glucan: A powerful humectant that deeply hydrates and soothes irritation while strengthening the skin barrier. Centella Asiatica (Cica): A calming botanical that speeds up healing, reduces redness, and supports collagen production. Panthenol (Vitamin B5): A moisture magnet that softens, smooths, and restores the skin’s protective barrier. Ectoin: A stress-protective molecule that shields skin from pollution, temperature changes, and dehydration. Allantoin: A gentle soothing agent that helps calm irritation and promote skin cell regeneration. Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother texture. Growth Factors: Bio-identical proteins that encourage cell renewal and repair, improving tone, texture, and resilience.

    16 min
  2. 09/10/2025

    Is your skin damaged or just a little angry? (and how to fix it)

    Is your skin barrier actually damaged — or is it just throwing a little tantrum? In this episode, Ella breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in skincare: how to tell the difference between temporary irritation and true barrier damage. You’ll learn what your barrier really is, how it protects you, the common mistakes that wreck it, and simple, science-backed steps to heal and strengthen your skin again. 🛍 Shop Ella’s Barrier-Safe Picks: ShopMyShelf Barrier Collection 💕 Connect with Ella: Instagram: @Your.Estie.EllaTikTok: @Your.Estie.EllaClear by New Year Hub 1:1 Skin Consultations: Book Here✨ If You Loved This Episode: Share it with a friend who’s overdoing their exfoliation!Tag Ella in your stories and let her know your biggest takeaway @your.estie.ellaLeave a review — it helps more people learn how to simplify skincare the smart way. 🧴 Ingredients to Know Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) These are the ingredients that make cleansers foam and remove dirt, oil, and makeup. The right surfactant will cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Gentle surfactants to look for: Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateSodium Lauroyl Methyl IsethionateSodium Lauroyl SarcosinateCoco-Glucoside / Decyl GlucosideDisodium / Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateStripping surfactants to avoid (especially as the first ingredient): Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)Ammonium Lauryl SulfateTEA-Lauryl SulfateHumectants (Hydration Magnets) Humectants are ingredients that attract and hold onto water in the skin — kind of like a sponge pulling moisture from your environment or your deeper skin layers. They keep your complexion plump, soft, and hydrated. Common humectants to look for: GlycerinHyaluronic AcidBeta-GlucanPanthenol (Vitamin B5)Sodium PCASoothing + Calming Ingredients When your barrier is feeling sensitive or reactive, these ingredients help calm inflammation and support repair. They can be found in toners, serums, or moisturizers. Soothing superstars: Centella Asiatica (Cica)EctoinAllantoinMadecassosideBisabololGreen Tea ExtractPDRN (for advanced skin repair)

    20 min
  3. 28/09/2025

    Is Period Acne Avoidable?! And The Clear by New Year Challenge!

    In today’s episode, we’ll walk through all four phases of the cycle — menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal — and break down what’s happening hormonally, how your skin tends to behave during each phase, and how to better support your skin and body with targeted care, foods, movement, supplements, and habits. Whether you’re dealing with monthly breakouts, dullness, dryness, or inflammation — understanding your cycle can be the missing link in building a routine that actually works with your skin, not against it. PLUS, this episode also marks the soft launch of my Clear by New Year Challenge, a free 90-day skin health reset starting October 1st. AND I’ve got the inside scoop on the Clearstem 23% off sitewide sale, happening Sept 29–30 only 👀 Join the Clear by New Year Challenge today!! Join HERE Clear by New Year Bundle Flash Sale through Friday 10/3 ClearStem Flash Sale 9/29 & 9/30 23% off with code YOURESTIEELLA Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/2457168 Murad Acne Control Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384657 TOPICALS | Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mask : https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384670 Mindbodyskin: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384718 Mindbodyskin 2: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384743 ZITSTICKA | Undercover: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26384755 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

    42 min
  4. 24/09/2025

    Ectoin, PDRN, & Growth Factors....Worth it or just trendy??

    Today we’re diving into three powerhouse ingredients that are changing the game in skin health and rejuvenation: Ectoin, PDRN, and Growth Factors. These aren’t your everyday skincare buzzwords—they’re science-backed, clinically researched actives that are showing real promise in calming inflammation, repairing the skin barrier, and even supporting long-term anti-aging. You’ll learn what the science says about their effectiveness, the best types of formulas to look for, and how they fit into a well-rounded skincare routine. Whether you’re an esthetician, skincare enthusiast, or someone curious about the next generation of treatments, this episode will give you a clear, approachable understanding of these advanced ingredients—without the fluff. Let's Work Together! 🌸 Services at a Glance Virtual Skin Analysis – 60 min consult + 5–7 page custom PDF.Express Skin Analysis – Intake form + 3–6 page personalized PDF.Coaching Call – 30 min Q&A (no full routine).Skin Boot Camp – 3 sessions over 3–6 months for long-term results.Bundles ✨ Skin Analysis + Coaching Call – Includes 60 min session + 30 min follow-up.Skin Success Series – Three 30 min coaching calls. Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/2430340 MEDIK8 | Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105796 INNBEAUTY PROJECT | Elastic Skin Firming & Plumping Refillable Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105805 DR. WHITNEY BOWE BEAUTY | Peptide + HA Plumping Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105820 Ecto-Pdrn 10% Extreme Dose (1.014 Fl.oz) Korean Anti-Aging Serum With Vegan Pdrn, Ectoin & Panthenol : https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105883 BIODANCE | Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105890 ALLIES OF SKIN | Multi Peptides & Gf (Growth Factor) Advanced Lifting Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26105910 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

    22 min
  5. 25/01/2025

    How to Actually Build a Skincare Routine

    Ready to demystify the world of skincare routines? Whether you're a total newbie or a dedicated skincare junkie, this episode of Skincare Made Simple is for you! Join me as I break down how to build an effective, personalized skincare routine step by step. From understanding the basics like cleansing and moisturizing to layering serums and choosing the right treatments, you'll learn how to create a regimen that fits your skin's unique needs without feeling overwhelmed. I'll also share tips for simplifying your routine, debunking common myths, and adapting your skincare as your skin evolves. Tune in to discover how to achieve glowing, healthy skin no matter where you are on your skincare journey. Lets be friends on ⁠TikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@your.estie.ella?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc ⁠Work with me 1-1⁠ https://stan.store/YourEstieElla Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/1207252 Clearstem New Drop With Alyssa Lynchnew Drop With Alyssa Lynch: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12391945 IOTA | Supermatcha Body Lotion+: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12391870 IOTA | Supervitamin Body Wash+ Brightening: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12391876 IOTA | Superplant Body Serum + 2% Niacinamide: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12391884 COCOKIND | Electrolyte Water Cream: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12391909 Bowe Glowe Cleanser: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410550 DR. WHITNEY BOWE BEAUTY | Retinal Night: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410547 DR. IDRISS | Major Fade Hyper Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410549 DR. IDRISS | Major Fade Flash Mask: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410551 REMEDY SKIN | Remedy For Pore Size: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410553 REMEDY for Dark Spots: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410555 PAULA'S CHOICE | Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410558 PAULA'S CHOICE | Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment : https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410559 Olive Young | Abib Dark Spot Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410715 COCOKIND | Chlorophyll Discoloration Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410718 Asta C: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410829 Clearstem BounceBack Peptide Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410855 Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410868 Matkas Korean Niacinamide Serum For Face Antioxidant Ampoule - For Excess Oil, Large Pores, Uneven Skin Tone, Dullness: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410874 BEEKMAN 1802 | Milk Drops Ceramide Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12410889 Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

    31 min

About

As a licensed esthetician, certified acne specialist, and someone who has dealt with acne since I was 12 I know the struggle and just how crippling it can feel to not love your skin. In today's world its easy to find information but it can be so overwhelming and hard to tell which advice you should ACTUALLY listen to! That's where Skincare Made Simple comes in! in this weekly podcast we're going to cover all the basics - and more advanced - topics so you can confidently walk into a store and know exactly what your skin needs and which products will do the trick! Life is difficult, skincare shouldn't be!