Allure: The Science of Beauty – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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

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 Science of Beauty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)