The Healthy Doc Podcast
Welcome to The HealthyDoc Podcast, where naturopathic doctor, author, and global wellness expert Dr. Nigma Talib dives into the powerful connection between your gut, hormones, skin, and longevity.
Each week, Dr. Nigma sits down with trailblazers, creatives, and thought leaders—from celebrities and CEOs to scientists and healers—for honest, eye-opening conversations about aging well, healing from the inside out, and reclaiming your health.
Expect a blend of science, soul, and a lot of real talk about topics most people shy away from—like menopause, peptides, burnout, inflammation, intuition, and how to truly glow from within.
New episodes every Sunday at 10:00 AM PST
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
Follow, rate, and share if you’re ready to take your health into your own hands.
#TheHealthyDocPodcast #DrNigmaTalib #GutSkinHormoneConnection #WellnessWisdom #AgingWell
The Healthy Doc Podcast
Episode 11: Shani Darden
Skincare Myths, Retinol Secrets & Founder Truths with Shani Darden
In this episode, Dr. Nigma sits down with celebrity esthetician and skincare expert Shani Darden, the woman behind some of the most glowing faces in Hollywood and the cult-favorite Retinol Reform. Shani opens up about her unconventional path—from modeling and music videos to becoming one of the most trusted names in skincare.
They dive deep into:
- How Shani built her brand from scratch (and her advice for beauty founders)
- Why multi-step skincare routines can be harmful
- The truth about retinol and when to use it
- Building a business during the pandemic and getting into Sephora
- How internal health impacts glowing skin
This is a candid, no-BS conversation about beauty, wellness, and resilience.
Thank you to our sponsors
Genova Diagnostics: https://www.gdx.net/
Oxyhealth: https://www.oxyhealth.com/
Rani Lounge: https://ranilounge.com/
Koala Eco: https://koala.eco/
Timestamps
00:00 – 03:00 – Introduction: Who is Shani Darden? From music videos to skincare
03:01 – 07:00 – Life before skincare: modeling, misconceptions, and moving to LA
07:01 – 12:30 – Discovering her passion for skincare & working in spas
12:31 – 16:50 – Training under a dermatologist and the lessons she learned
16:51 – 21:00 – Building her business while raising two kids
21:01 – 25:30 – Opening her Beverly Hills studio, then facing the pandemic shutdown
25:31 – 29:50 – Creating her cult-favorite peel during lockdown
29:51 – 33:20 – Why less is more: breaking down multi-step routines
33:21 – 38:00 – Retinol myths: when to use it, what’s new, and sensitive skin tips
38:01 – 44:00 – How Shani formulates products and why it’s harder than people think
44:01 – 48:30 – Advice for beauty founders: “Stay small as long as you can”
48:31 – 53:00 – The beauty industry now: trends vs. quality
53:01 – End – Inside-out beauty: supplements, probiotics, and gut health
Follow Shani Darden:
Instagram: @shanidarden
Shani Darden Skin Care Instagram: @shanidardenskincare
Shani Darden Studio Instagram: @shanidardenstudio
Website: www.shanidarden.com
Follow Dr. Nigma:
Instagram: @drnigmatalib
Podcast Instagram: @thehealthydocpod
Facebook: nigma.talib
Website: www.healthydoc.com