From Science to Aesthetics: Exploring Embryonic Stem Cells in the Cosmetic Industry

Welcome to Difficult Conversations About Beauty, a podcast hosted by Anita East — author of the book Beautiful Unique Faces and a Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in dermatology, primary care, non-surgical cosmetic medicine, women’s health, and nutritional medicine.

This podcast explores the science, psychology, and social impact of beauty through honest and evidence-based conversations.

Before we begin, please note that the information shared in this podcast is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s health needs are unique, and listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from a qualified health-care professional who understands their personal medical history.

If medicines or prescription-only products are discussed in this episode, that information is intended solely for registered health-care professionals and is provided in accordance withAHPRA and TGA regulations. These discussions are not advertisements, endorsements, or recommendations for use.

By continuing to listen, you acknowledge that Difficult Conversations About Beauty provides professional discussion and education — not direct clinical advice.

My interview with Dean revealed some eye-opening insights about our relationship with food and our bodies. Dean suggests that we often eat poorly because we're disconnected from our physical selves. Instead of viewing our bodies as a "skin bag," he encourages us to approach our health objectively. This mindset shift can lead to a more intuitive, mindful approach to eating, where we listen to our bodies and nourish them accordingly. Dean reminds us that our bodies are not just a means to an end but an integral part of our well-being.

Dean also emphasized the importance of movement in our daily lives. He notes that we often sit for prolonged periods, leading to stiffer joints and poor posture. Dean suggests incorporating more natural movement throughout the day, such as taking short walks or doing gentle stretches. This keeps our bodies limber and boosts our mental clarity and mood. Dean describes how our physical and mental well-being go hand in hand and that caring for both is crucial for holistic health.

One significant takeaway from Dean's interview is the idea of "stop caring so much.' We spend so much time caring about our thoughts and feelings, but they're just that, thoughts and feelings. They are not us. They do not define us. This may sound flippant, but it's a powerful mindset shift that can help us overcome roadblocks in our health journey. Dean explains that we often create stories in our minds that hold us back from making positive changes. We may believe we're not disciplined enough or that a healthy lifestyle is too expensive or time-consuming. However, Dean suggests that we can choose to let go of these stories and focus on our "why"—our underlying motivation for wanting to improve our health. Doing so allows us to break through these roadblocks and create lasting change. 

Finally, Dean emphasizes the importance of being up to something bigger than ourselves. He notes that we see a greater purpose in our health journey when we shift our focus from internal struggles to external impact. This purpose can provide the motivation and inspiration to continue pursuing a healthier lifestyle, even when challenging. Dean encourages us to find a cause or community that resonates with us and use that to drive positive changes.