In Your Skin

In this episode of In Your Skin, we’re joined by Dr Leona Yip, one of Australia’s leading dermatologists and a sub-specialist in alopecia and hair scalp disorders. If you’ve ever wondered why your hair is thinning, whether that expensive shampoo is actually doing anything, or if your dad is really to blame for your receding hairline, this episode is for you. Dr Leona cuts through the social media noise to bring us the hard science behind hair growth, scalp health, and the emotional impact of hair loss. Dr Leona explains the complex world of genetics and epigenetics - revealing that hair thinning can come from both parents and is influenced by everything from stress to pollution. We dive deep into the specific challenges women face, including postpartum hair loss (telogen effluvium), perimenopause, and why the temple area is often the first to show signs of age. Host Anna also shares a raw, personal account of navigating her daughter’s struggle with hair-pulling (trichotillomania) and the unconventional solution that finally worked. From debunking the "haircuts make it grow faster" myth to explaining why you should actually be blow-drying your hair instead of air-drying it, this chat is a masterclass in hair care. Whether you’re curious about medical treatments like Minoxidil, considering a hair transplant, or just want to know how to brush your hair without breaking it, Dr Leona provides a realistic, expert roadmap to feeling confident in your skin - and your hair. Episode Breakdown: 1:13 – Meet Dr Leona Yip: Why dermatologists are the real medical experts for hair 3:03 – The identity of hair: Why hair loss impacts self-esteem more than many skin conditions 8:33 – The "Dad Myth": Unpacking the polygenic nature of balding and environmental influences 11:10 – "Snake Oils" vs. Science: Rosemary oil, caffeine shampoos, and the truth about LED helmets 12:15 – Minoxidil deep dive: Topical solutions, oral prescriptions, and managing side effects 15:40 – Trichotillomania in children: Anna's personal story and Dr Leona’s advice on hair-pulling habits 20:10 – Postpartum hair loss: Hormonal fluctuations and the "recurrent shedding" cycle 23:04 – Temple thinning and receding hairlines: Can you actually grow it back? 26:39 – Hair transplants: Why it’s "cosmetic camouflage," not a permanent fix 33:08 – Anti-androgen medicines: The "handbrake" for female pattern hair loss 38:23 – Proper towelling and brushing: Why wet hair is at its most fragile 40:10 – Japanese Scalp Therapy: Dr Leona’s new brush and "Skin Partners" philosophy 41:41 – Traction Alopecia: The danger of tight buns and "flight attendant" hair 46:11 – Confidence and blemishes: Dr Leona’s perspective on ageing gracefully Connect with us on Instagram @inyourskin.podcast Connect with Christie Whitehill on Instagram @christiewhitehill Connect with Anna Robards on Instagram @annaheinrich1 The content in this In Your Skin podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. If listeners use the information, it is at their own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, or any other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person is unique, and listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the thing you check 207 times a day is quietly rewiring your brain, disconnecting you from the people you love, and killing your desire for intimacy? In this episode of In Your Skin, we sit down with lead neuroscientist and author of The Dose Effect, TJ Power, for one of the most confronting and eye-opening conversations we've ever had. TJ doesn't just explain what's happening to our brains, he lived it. From spooning brown sugar out of the kitchen cupboard as a toddler to addiction to alcohol, weed and pornography as a teenager, TJ's personal story makes the science feel deeply human. Now, having trained 50,000+ people through Oxford University and beyond, he's on a mission to free us from what he calls the "Dopamine Prison" of modern life. Using his DOSE framework: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins. TJ breaks down exactly how the intensity of life in 2026 is dysregulating our brain, preventing us from finally switching off at night. Whether you're a parent worried about iPad addiction, or someone struggling to focus on a single task, this conversation offers a clear roadmap to taking back control of your mind. Episode Breakdown: 0:00 – Why our phones are more addictive than a "deer in the bushes" 4:56 – Helping kids find "Flow State" and real-world passions outside the screen 10:36 – The "Black and White" phone hack to kill dopaminergic activation 12:26 – What is the DOSE Effect? Motivation, relationships, and energy explained 16:01 – Substituting addictions: Why high-performers often jump from alcohol to health 18:44 – Testing your dopamine: Motivation levels and attention spans 21:11 – How the phone is training the entire population into addiction 23:22 – The relationship between trauma, stress, and the need for a "fix" 32:58 – Hyperactive dopamine systems in children & the "YouTube vs. TV" debate 47:12 – Brainwaves 101: Moving from Beta (stimulated) to Alpha (relaxed) 49:31 – The Nightly Protocol: Phone off, shower, and clean to reset your mind 53:18 – Oxytocin: How listening and asking questions calms the nervous system 57:12 – Dating in 2026: Why you can't get oxytocin from a text message 1:01:05 – How digital dopamine is "taxing" our sex lives and intimacy 1:05:43 – What makes TJ feel confident in his skin Connect with us on Instagram @inyourskin.podcast Connect with Christie Whitehill on Instagram @christiewhitehill Connect with Anna Robards on Instagram @annaheinrich1 Connect with TJ Power @tjpower https://thedoseeffect.co.uk/ The content in this In Your Skin podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. If listeners use the information, it is at their own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, or any other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person is unique, and listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices