Dermatologist Talks: Science of Beauty

Dr. Teo Wan Lin
Dermatologist Talks: Science of Beauty

A beauty podcast by dermatologist Dr Teo Wan Lin on the science of beauty in the art of expression. The author of "On Thoughts, Emotions, Facial Expressions & Aging” in the International Journal of Dermatology¹, Dr TWL expounds on neuroaesthetics, the science of how the brain perceives beauty and the particular influence of art on the brain. Master Your Beauty Game A brand new perspective on how-to beauty. Discover how to be beautiful by embracing your most authentic self. Get Beautiful Inside Out For 2025.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Who is That in the Mirror? Self-awareness Affects How We See Our Own Faces

    Did you know that the way you see yourself in the mirror is different from the self in photos? This episode touches on  fascinating research on the different pathways involved in what scientists call the mirrored versus the non-mirrored self. Ever wondered what’s actually going on in your mind when you look at yourself in the mirror? According to science, our faces in the mirror versus our faces seen on photographs of ourselves are supposed to be nearly identical. Yet, the truth is we know we somehow look different. Why is that so? The rise of mental health disorders related to body-image has been linked to social media use, in particular following and engaging with celebrity accounts. Being excessively concerned about how we are portrayed on social media, the overvaluation of likes and comments also puts us at risk. But there a deeper root to the problem—what actually happens when we take on our digital identities? It all boils down to thinking of what others are thinking of us, and that proves to be a psychologically risky path In a 2008 paper, Self-awareness affects vision, Eric et al. wanted to determine if high level mental factors such as states of self-awareness can influence perception— and it turns out that our consciousness can be manipulated to cause us to “see” our faces differently. More specifically, in this experiment he wanted to see if there was a difference between how we see the mirrored self, versus the one in a photograph for example. In essence, what he found was that when we are looking at ourselves in the mirror, our awareness is directed internally, the same for instance when we are told to focus on our own breathing, which was what he asked the participants to do. On the other hand when we look at our faces on photographs our awareness is directed externally. Now what exactly does that mean? An example is when we are told to think about our strengths and weaknesses. When we do so we are actually thinking of ourselves through the eyes of others i.e. what are others thinking when they look at me? So the researchers actually found the fascinating shift in our self-awareness when we are looking at images of our faces, which change from internally-drected self-awareness in the case of our faces in the mirror,  to externally, socially directed self-awareness. Now what do you think are the implications of this? The experiment was performed way the advent of social media–Instagram was launched in 2010 but really took off about 2014 or so. The digital self on social media is the epitome of the image that is primarily perceived by an externally-directed self-awareness. And that of course raises questions as to what happens to our psyches when we become obsessed instead with what others think of us? Instagram has been linked to body-image related mental health burden like anxiety, depression and body dysmorphic disorder. But what research really shows is that it is not the platform itself but the following of celebrity accounts, engaging with them and excessively curating photos that puts one at risk. Also, back in 2008, smartphones were still not invented, and selfies were not possible the way it is now. Do you think the brain perceives selfies via internally-directed self-awareness, like one looking into a mirror, or via externally directed self-awareness i.e. thinking of what others think of you? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts so the podcast can be enjoyed by more people! Want more of our podcast? Episode Recaps and Notes: https://www.scienceofbeauty.net/⁠⁠; Instagram: ⁠⁠@drteowanlin

    4 min

  2. 12/05/2024

    Decoding the Mysteries of Perception: Strange-Face-in-the-Mirror Illusion

    The Strange-Face-in-the-Mirror Illusion is an unexplained phenomenon where  after staring at your reflection in a dimly lit room your face may begin to morph, distort or even turn into a monstrous creature, leaving you unsettled and questioning what you see. Join me, board-certified dermatologist Dr Teo Wan Lin as I unravel mysterious perceptual phenomena on this brand new season of Dermatologist Talks: Science of Beauty, as part of our quest to understand the science behind perception and how we truly see ourselves. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts so the podcast can be enjoyed by more people! Want more of our podcast? Episode Recaps and Notes: https://www.scienceofbeauty.net/⁠⁠; Instagram: ⁠⁠@drteowanlin⁠⁠

    5 min

  3. 04/13/2024

    Ask a Dermatologist: The Secret to the Perfect Medifacial

    Bonus Flash Tutorial The rise of aesthetic practice in Asia was a phenomenon fuelled by K-beauty. Korean celebrities with impeccable glass skin and even every day men and women on the streets became the envy of all their Asian counterparts. What was their secret? Well, there is indeed a science-backed reason for this phenomenon. Dermatology clinics were highly accessible in South Korea, and professional skincare was the norm for the everyday South Korean. As a dermatologist, I’m going to spill the beans on how the medifacial experience can be exactly replicated in the comfort of your own home, the complete home facial steps at less than a fraction of the cost, thanks to the advances in home beauty devices. There are a few types of clinical grade facials you can “hack”. Get the full workshop complete with lecture notes https://www.twlskin.com/home-facial-steps-dermatologist-korean-medifacial/ Dr.TWL®️ Pro Facial Systems https://drtwlderma.com/dermatologist-tools/ Sign up for our free Skincare Blueprint: Glow Up From Within newsletter to receive our welcome gift pack https://drtwl.substack.com/ New Release Skincare Decoded Complete Skin Science & Basic Dermatology for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/9Lhe2Sh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare & Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary & Workbook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/fqr1qmZ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Courses Skincare Expert and Medi-Facial Certificate Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-expert-course/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Ingredients & Cosmeceutical Compounding Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-ingredients-course-cosmeceuticals/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    5 sec

  4. 03/23/2024

    Face Serum Recommendations by a Dermatologist: How to Choose Face Serums for Your Skin Type

    In today’s episode, Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin teaches you how to choose the ideal face serum for your skin type. Face serums are essentially lightweight formulations that contain water-soluble active ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid instead of ceramides or lipids which are typically present in cream formulations. What are the advantages of using a face serum in your skincare routine and what is the ideal face serum? Listen on as Dermatologist Dr.TWL explains these face serum recommendations in this video. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts so the podcast can be enjoyed by more people! Sign up for our free Skincare Blueprint: Glow Up From Within newsletter to receive our welcome gift pack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtwl.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare & Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C551C9VW Dr.TWL Pharmacy Face Serum Recommendations: Vitá C Gold™ Serum ⁠https://drtwlderma.com/product/vita-c-goldtm-serum/⁠ Elixir-v™ Total Recovery Serum ⁠https://drtwlderma.com/product/elixir-vtm-total-recovery-serum/⁠ Hyaluronic Acid Serum ⁠https://drtwlderma.com/product/hyaluronic-acid-in-house-formula/⁠ New Release The Hormonal Acne Book - Holistic Acne Treatment & DIY Home Facials for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/1AgwzrI⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Decoded Complete Skin Science & Basic Dermatology for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/9Lhe2Sh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Courses Skincare Expert and Medi-Facial Certificate Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-expert-course/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Ingredients & Cosmeceutical Compounding Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-ingredients-course-cosmeceuticals/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Holistic Acne Treatment—Botanicals, Advanced Cosmetology ⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/esthetics-cosmetology/⁠

    8 min

  5. 03/13/2024

    Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Creams, Benzene & Carcinogenicity

    Benzoyl Peroxide: A Dermatologist on Science-splaining Benzoyl peroxide in acne creams generating carcinogenic benzene, is there cause for concern or not? It’s trendy now to defend science, but what is science, when it is practiced to the exclusion of all viewpoints?  Let’s go through the actual paper to better consider the validity of viewpoints that have emerged, namely that the extreme temperatures involved in benzene byproduct generation are unrealistic scenarios. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts so the podcast can be enjoyed by more people! The "Maskne" microbiome - pathophysiology and therapeutics ⁠https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijd.15425⁠ Diagnostic and management considerations for “maskne” in the era of COVID-19 https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2820%2932664-5/fulltext Sign up for our free Skincare Blueprint: Glow Up From Within newsletter to receive our welcome gift pack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtwl.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New Releases Skincare Decoded Complete Skin Science & Basic Dermatology for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/9Lhe2Sh⁠⁠ The Hormonal Acne Book - Holistic Acne Treatment & DIY Home Facials for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/1AgwzrI⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Courses Holistic Acne Treatment—Botanicals, Advanced Cosmetology ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/esthetics-cosmetology/⁠⁠ Skincare Ingredients & Cosmeceutical Compounding Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-ingredients-course-cosmeceuticals/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    6 min

  6. 03/04/2024

    How to Get Perfect Lips: A Dermatologist’s Lip Care Ritual

    In this workshop we will be covering the following - Why skin on the lips is different - Common skin conditions affecting the lips - Step by Step dermatologist designed lip care protocol - How the right lip product can treat lip dryness and aging  The following is a lip care routine I designed, as part of my work on developing lip cosmeceuticals.  Get the full workshop complete with lecture notes https://www.twlskin.com/best-lip-treatment-for-dry-lips-an-expert-guide/ Secrets behind the best lip treatment for dry lips: choose the right lipstick base! Dermocosmetics are the gold standard for skincare makeup, combining the best of pharmaceutical benefits with ideal cosmetic effects. The Signature Cosmeceutical  Lip Base is now available for bulk purchase for those who wish to try their hand at making their own lipsticks ⁠https://drtwlderma.com/product/diy-lipstick-kit-singapore/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts so the podcast can be enjoyed by more people! Sign up for our free Skincare Blueprint: Glow Up From Within newsletter to receive our welcome gift pack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtwl.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New Releases The Hormonal Acne Book - Holistic Acne Treatment & DIY Home Facials for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/1AgwzrI⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Decoded Complete Skin Science & Basic Dermatology for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/9Lhe2Sh⁠ Skincare Courses Skincare Expert and Medi-Facial Certificate Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-expert-course/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Ingredients & Cosmeceutical Compounding Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-ingredients-course-cosmeceuticals/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Holistic Acne Treatment—Botanicals, Advanced Cosmetology ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/esthetics-cosmetology/⁠

    6 min

  7. 02/22/2024

    Dermatologist Talks: How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin

    Did you know that the best foam cleanser for oily skin is one that actually shouldn’t dry out your skin? In this week’s podcast I’m going to spill the beans on how to harmonize oily skin from the outside in. We’ll cover my top criteria for choosing a face wash for oily skin, the science behind sebaceous gland activity and the dangers behind drugstore foam cleansers that may in fact harm the skin barrier.  Get the full tutorial complete with lecture notes and slides at https://www.twlskin.com/the-1-best-foam-cleanser-for-oily-skin/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts so the podcast can be enjoyed by more people! Sign up for our free Skincare Blueprint: Glow Up From Within newsletter to receive our welcome gift pack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtwl.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New Releases Skincare & Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary & Workbook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/fqr1qmZ⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Hormonal Acne Book - Holistic Acne Treatment & DIY Home Facials for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/1AgwzrI⁠⁠ Skincare Decoded Complete Skin Science & Basic Dermatology for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/9Lhe2Sh Skincare Courses Skincare Expert and Medi-Facial Certificate Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-expert-course/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Ingredients & Cosmeceutical Compounding Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-ingredients-course-cosmeceuticals/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Holistic Acne Treatment—Botanicals, Advanced Cosmetology ⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/esthetics-cosmetology/⁠ Miel Honey™ Cleanser https://drtwlderma.com/product/miel-honeytm-cleanser/ Sonic Cleanser https://drtwlderma.com/product/sonic-cleanser/ SilkPeel Microdermabrasion Kit https://drtwlderma.com/product/silkpeel-home-facial-peel-system/

    10 min

  8. 02/08/2024

    Skincare Decoded: Complete Skincare Course for Experts

    On-Demand Workshop on Skincare Routine Steps Welcome to The Slide Show with Dr.TWL Episode 2, where we present skin science in bite-sized formats. Today we will be covering the first, fundamental step in skincare routines, makeup removal. Makeup removal What are the two main formulation options for makeup removers?The first is a micellar formulation. The second, an oil-based cleanser or an emulsion, sometimes known as a “milk” cleanser. I will go through the pros and cons of each but first let us define some terms. How does micellar water work? Micellar water works by hydrophobic (water-hating) and hydrophilic (water-loving) properties of a micelle. The makeup residue is attracted to the water-hating aspect, this is best thought of as a ball that is wrapped up which continues to roll on skin grabbing the residual pigment and dirt. To remove the ball which is a micelle, you use a cotton pad. Friction or rubbing is inevitable and this can be harsh for sensitive skin. What is the downside to oil cleansers? Pure oil cleansers are often too greasy, my choice is an emulsion or a milk cleanser. Milk cleansers are oil in water formulations, the oil component dissolves makeup pigments and removes excess sebum. The “like for like” principle here is that oil soluble pigments are dissolved in a similar substance—an oil in water emulsion. What is the difference between emulsion vs oil cleansers? The benefits of an emulsion are that it is less greasy than pure oil formulations. It is also effective as a humectant if formulated with moisturising ingredients. When you physically rub off the makeup on a cotton pad, the oil component protects your skin. It acts as a barrier between the cotton pad and skin, hence reducing friction unlike with micellar solution. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple podcasts so the podcast can be enjoyed by more people! Sign up for our free Skincare Blueprint: Glow Up From Within newsletter to receive our welcome gift pack ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtwl.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Decoded Complete Skin Science & Basic Dermatology for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/9Lhe2Sh⁠⁠⁠ New Release The Hormonal Acne Book - Holistic Acne Treatment & DIY Home Facials for Aestheticians Skincare Professionals ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/1AgwzrI⁠⁠ Teen Girls Home Spa Lab Skincare Secrets: Teen Survival Guide Series Skincare Simplified Edition With 36 Skincare Routine Planner Templates ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/106AKT1⁠⁠ Skincare Courses Skincare Expert and Medi-Facial Certificate Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-expert-course/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Skincare Ingredients & Cosmeceutical Compounding Course ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/skincare-ingredients-course-cosmeceuticals/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Holistic Acne Treatment—Botanicals, Advanced Cosmetology ⁠⁠https://www.udemy.com/course/esthetics-cosmetology/⁠ Le Lait™ Milk Cleanser Make-up remover https://drtwlderma.com/product/le-laittm-milk-cleanser/

    2 min
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6 Ratings

About

A beauty podcast by dermatologist Dr Teo Wan Lin on the science of beauty in the art of expression. The author of "On Thoughts, Emotions, Facial Expressions & Aging” in the International Journal of Dermatology¹, Dr TWL expounds on neuroaesthetics, the science of how the brain perceives beauty and the particular influence of art on the brain. Master Your Beauty Game A brand new perspective on how-to beauty. Discover how to be beautiful by embracing your most authentic self. Get Beautiful Inside Out For 2025.

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