Episode Summary

We opened the floor to our community and invited you to ask anything: skincare, treatments, products, wellness, business ownership, boundaries, and the realities of running a skin clinic. What followed was a conversation filled with the advice we wish clients could hear more often — the kind that doesn’t always fit neatly into a treatment room appointment.

We talk about unrealistic expectations, underrated treatments, the disconnect between what clients want and what skin can realistically do, and the invisible emotional and mental load of clinic ownership. If you’re here for quick fixes, this episode may challenge you. If you’re here for real understanding, you’re in the right place.

What We Cover in This Episode

✨ The things we’d tell new clients if we weren’t worried about hurting feelings
Why your skin isn’t “broken,” why consistency matters more than trends, and why one treatment can’t undo years of inflammation.

✨ The most underrated treatments (and why hype isn’t the same as results)
Why microneedling and corrective, intentional facials still outperform many viral treatments — and how pairing them with the right home care actually changes outcomes.

✨ The biggest misconception about “hormonal skin”
Yes, hormones matter — but lifestyle, stress, sleep, nutrition, and inflammation are usually the missing pieces no one wants to look at.

✨ If you could only commit to ONE treatment
Why consistency with a customizable facial approach can outperform sporadic, high-intensity treatments.

✨ Why “basic” skincare often works better than complicated routines
And why adding more products is rarely the answer.

✨ The biggest disconnect between client expectations and skin biology
Skin heals in months, not days. Progress is cumulative, not instant — and maintenance isn’t optional.

✨ Boundaries we’ve had to learn the hard way
From saying no to the wrong clients, to not bending policies out of guilt, to learning that compassion without boundaries leads

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Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...

Host: Natasha
Guest: Natalie Anchondo — Microneedling Educator, Acne Specialist & Founder of Lux n Lav

✨ Episode Summary

In this episode of Balanced Beauty Talks, Natasha sits down with Natalie Anchondo, founder of Lux n Lav and a leading educator in advanced microneedling techniques.

Known for trailblazing microneedling protocols for acne and teaching safe, inclusive treatment across all skin types and tones, Natalie shares why microneedling became her signature modality — and why proper education, technique, and restraint are what truly drive results.

Together, they break down the science behind collagen induction, address common misconceptions, and explain why microneedling continues to be one of the most powerful tools in skin health when done correctly.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Natalie’s career evolved and led her to build Lux n Lav
• Why microneedling became her ride-or-die treatment
• What’s actually happening in the skin during microneedling
• Why microneedling for acne was once controversial — and why it shouldn’t be
• When microneedling is (and isn’t) appropriate
• Why microneedling can be safely performed on all skin tones with proper protocols
• The biggest myths practitioners and clients still believe
• What separates a good microneedling treatment from a great one

🎧 Final Takeaways

Microneedling isn’t about being aggressive — it’s about being intentional. Natalie shares who microneedling is best suited for, who should proceed with caution, and what excites her most about the future of this modality.

📍 Connect with Natalie Anchondo

Learn more about Natalie’s work, education offerings, and microneedling philosophy through Lux n Lav.

IG: Luxnlav Website:www.myluxnlav.com

🎧 Hit subscribe and join us for new episodes each week!

Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...

In this fun, candid, and educational episode, Natasha and Khadijah take listeners behind the scenes of Natology, sharing what really happens before, during, and after treatments, the moments that make them laugh, the ones that move them, and the magic that clients rarely see.

From prepping treatment rooms to client rituals to the tiny details that make a facial feel like therapy, the duo opens up about the care, intention, and sheer artistry that goes into every appointment.

Then, they shift into educator mode, breaking down why facials are one of the most underrated tools for repairing the skin, how microneedling works beneath the surface to transform texture and function, and why consistency, not quick fixes, is the foundation of aging gracefully.

It’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply informative—a true window into the Natology approach and the people who bring it to life.

Behind the Scenes at Natology

• Treatments start long before a client walks in—the prep, intention, and energy matter.
• Aestheticians notice everything (in the sweetest way) because small details shape the client experience.
• There’s a rhythm to the treatment room: the flow, the lighting, the conversations, the quiet moments.
• Some of the funniest and most heartwarming moments happen off-camera and between appointments.
• Clients often don’t realize how much education, planning, and customization happens behind the scenes.

Facials & Microneedling Deep Dive

• Facials are seriously underrated—they heal the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and create long-term change.
• Microneedling is a slow burn with huge payoff—think collagen, firmness, acne scars, texture, and real regeneration.
• Immediate results are not the goal with microneedling; long-term skin function is.
• Consistency is the quiet superstar behind every glowing complexion.
• Facials and microneedling are complementary—one nurtures, the other rebuilds.
• Your homecare rou

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Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Natasha and Dr. Khadijah break down how to create a skincare routine from scratch - whether you’re brand new to skincare, feeling lost in a 10-step routine, or ready to switch from “chaotic product collecting” to results-driven simplicity.

We walk through the fundamentals of building a routine that actually works for your skin concerns, how to choose the right products, what to skip, and how to get treatment-level results at home. This is your practical, calming, no-nonsense guide to skincare that doesn’t require a degree in chemistry (or a bathroom cabinet full of half-used bottles).

Key Takeaways

1. Start With Your Skin GOALS, Not Your Skin Type

• Skin types matter far less than the concerns you want to address.
• Choose one primary and one secondary goal (acne, pigmentation, redness, lines, texture, barrier repair).
• Targeted routines work better than “everything for everyone” routines.

2. The Core Four: Your Non-Negotiable Routine

A simple, effective routine only requires four steps:

• Cleanser - gentle, non-stripping, matched to your lifestyle
• Treatment Step - the hero product for your concern (retinol, vitamin C, exfoliant, azelaic acid, peptides, etc.)
• Moisturizer - supports barrier repair and ingredient tolerance
• Sunscreen - the ultimate anti-aging + pigment prevention tool

When in doubt: do less, but with intention.

3. Layering Doesn’t Need to Be Confusing

• Apply from thinnest to thickest.
• Water-based → serums → creams → SPF.
• Retinol always on dry skin.
• Vitamin C in the morning; retinol at night.
• Avoid mixing too many actives at once - your skin will protest.

4. When to Upgrade Your Routine

Once your basics are consistent, you can gently build:

• Weekly exfoliation
• Eye cream (if you want it)
• Neck/chest care
• Advanced serums (growth factors, antioxidant cocktails)

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Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...

Episode Summary
In this episode, we get real about the messy, modern reality of self-care - the pressure, the perfectionism, and the performative routines that leave us feeling more depleted than grounded. Instead of chasing every trendy ritual the internet swears will “fix your life,” we explore what it means to build a wellness practice that actually supports you.
Expect a grounded conversation on slowing down, choosing what truly nourishes you, and letting go of the idea that self-care is a productivity project. Because wellness isn’t supposed to feel like another to-do list - it’s supposed to feel like coming home to yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Wellness was never meant to stress you out - if it is, something’s off.
• Somewhere along the way, self-care became a full-time job…and that’s not the vibe.
• Bring in what aligns with your life, not what trends tell you to do.
• “Optimizing everything” will burn you out faster than it will ground you.
• Nourishment > performance.
• Not every wellness trend is meant for everyone - and that’s okay.
• Supportive wellness is foundational to long-term health and emotional balance.
• Personalizing your self-care is where true transformation happens.
• If self-care feels like a chore, it’s time to recalibrate.
• The goal is balance: rituals that fill you up, not drain you.

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Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...

In this episode, Natasha and Dr. Khadijah dive into the fascinating connection between your gut and your skin — two powerful immune systems that are constantly communicating behind the scenes. When one is off-balance, the other often shows it. From inflammation and breakouts to sluggish healing, this conversation reveals how true beauty starts with immune harmony from the inside out.

They explore how the Natology Method blends naturopathic medicine and advanced skin therapy to treat the root causes of imbalance — not just the surface symptoms. Because when you support your gut, nourish your immune system, and calm inflammation at its source, your skin naturally follows suit.

What You’ll Learn

• How the gut and skin act as mirrors of your internal health
• Why your immune system is the hidden link between inflammation, breakouts, and barrier damage
• The power of the Natology Method’s inside-out approach to treating chronic skin issues
• How stress, diet, and environment influence immune function (and your glow)
• Why true healing requires both internal and external care
• The importance of cross-collaboration between disciplines — from naturopathic to medical aesthetics — for optimal results

Beauty from Balance

When your body systems are in conversation — not competition — your skin can finally heal. A balanced gut means a calmer immune system, a stronger barrier, and a complexion that reflects the harmony happening underneath.

🎧 Hit subscribe and join us for new episodes each week!

Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...

Episode Summary

Mornings set the tone for everything - your energy, mood, focus, and yes, even your skin. In this episode of Balanced Beauty Talks, Natasha unpacks how chaotic mornings can throw off your nervous system, stress hormones, and ultimately your glow.

She shares how to build a grounded, flexible morning ritual that nourishes both your skin and your soul - from sunlight and hydration to mindful skincare and nutrition. You’ll learn why perfection isn’t the goal, how screens sabotage your circadian rhythm, and small intentional habits that help you show up as your best self every day.

Key Takeaways

• A consistent morning ritual supports your skin, hormones, and mood.
• Cortisol and nervous system regulation start with how you wake up.
• Chaotic mornings = chaotic skin.
• Flexibility beats perfection - build a routine that fits your season of life.
• Screens can mess with your circadian rhythm (and your glow).
• Morning sunlight is nature’s free nervous system reset.
• Protein-rich breakfasts support hormonal and energy balance.
• Intentionality creates momentum - your mornings shape your mindset.

🎧 Hit subscribe and join us for new episodes each week!

Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...

✨ Show Notes

As the temperature drops and the air gets drier, your skin starts sending subtle SOS signals - tightness, dullness, and sensitivity creep in before you even realize it. In this episode, Natasha, Khadijah & Alicia share how to transition your skincare routine from summer to fall and winter without sacrificing your glow.

They unpack the seasonal changes that impact your skin barrier, why your moisturizer might suddenly not be cutting it anymore, and how to layer hydration and protection the right way. You’ll also hear about:

💧 The key ingredients your skin craves in cold weather
🔥 Why fall is the best time for corrective treatments like laser and peels
☀️ The truth about SPF in the winter
🥣 Simple ways to support your skin from the inside out (hello, hydration and omegas!)
🕯 How to reset your routine without overcomplicating it

This episode is all about balance - nurturing your skin through seasonal shifts and listening to what it truly needs.

And while things are also shifting a little behind the mic (you’ll hear a small change in the podcast moving forward), the mission of Balanced Beauty Talks remains the same: helping you feel confident, connected, and radiant from the inside out.

🎧 Hit subscribe and join us for new episodes each week!

Connect with us:
Book a consultation at Natology: Book Online | Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness

Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbeautytalks
Natasha's IG: instagram.com/natology.natasha
Khadijah's IG: instagram.com/natology.drkhadijah
Natology - Aesthetics & Wellness Webpage: ...