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

Are you looking to optimize your skin health from the inside out? In this episode of Beauty Bytes, I am joined by Dr. Mark Tager, a physician, integrative aesthetics educator, and co-founder of the Vagal Nerve Society. Dr. Tager has authored 12 books, including Feed Your Skin Right and Integrative Aesthetics, and brings decades of expertise in personalized nutrition and regenerative medicine. We explore the true meaning of integrative aesthetics, noting that 5 to 10% of your blood flow goes to your skin, making internal nutrition the ultimate foundation for beauty.  We dive deep into the gut-skin connection, exploring how the standard American diet glycates your collagen and why maintaining a healthy microbiome with dietary fiber is essential for producing neurotransmitters. Dr. Tager also breaks down the incredible science of the vagus nerve, explaining its role in the body's inflammatory reflex and how tools like 4-7-8 breathing and the Truvaga transcervical device can calm a "wired and tired" nervous system. Finally, we discuss the "wild west" of peptides, the importance of genetic testing for personalized supplementation, and the psychological hardiness required for a long, passionate life.  
Guest Information:
Dr. Mark Tager is the CEO of ChangeWell and an expert in integrative aesthetics. You can find his books on Amazon or connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DRMTager.

Lipid Barrier Repair, Dryness, Inflammation - Join us in this week's podcast episode as we discuss the impact of summer heat on the skin, particularly focusing on issues such as dryness, irritation, and barrier disruption. We explain the importance of maintaining the skin's hydro lipid barrier, which acts as a protective layer against environmental aggressors. With summer coming to a close, we offer practical advice on how to care for the skin after these hot months, including the benefits of moisturizing soaks, the use of ceramide-rich products, and the importance of avoiding over-exfoliation. From the role of diet to end-of-summer chemical peels, we provide a comprehensive guide to maintaining a healthy skin barrier to rejuvenate and repair sun-damaged skin as we step into fall!

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.