Episode 2: Diet & Beauty Trends
Why You Can't Trust Everything You Read — Or Watch — Online!

We’re doing it. We’re calling out the biggest myths in your feed and giving you real advice that can save your skin, hormones and relationship with food.
In this episode of Asking For A Friend, host Carrie Esposito is joined by functional medicine expert Dr. Marguerite Weston, licensed medical aesthetician Nikki Rucinsky and Liz Donaldson — a very real mom who sees some of the craziest trends come her way through her kids. Together, they unravel the hype surrounding some of the latest advice promoted by beauty and wellness influencers.
What Trends Are Wrong – Or Just Outright Dangerous?
- Skipping The Morning Wash: Your skin detoxes overnight. A quick cleanse in the morning helps clear that debris and sets the stage for your daytime skincare. Do not skip this.
- Tweens + Acids = Trouble: Kids don’t need active skincare. A moisturizer and a gentle cleanser are enough. Save the retinol for later after your skin has fully matured.
- Hormone Therapy For All: We believe that not enough people are leveraging this life-changing treatment. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Work with a provider who looks at the whole picture.
“I’ll be scrolling & have to take a deep breath. I think, ‘Should I report you? Stop telling people this!’”
— Nikki Rucinsky, LME | Skin Health Expert
Which Beauty Trends Actually Work?
- The Sunscreen Renaissance: Sunscreen is finally cool, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your skin’s future. We recommend a mineral sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
- Let Your Hair Thrive: Washing daily? Oil production varies from person to person (often driven by hormones), but it might be making your hair greasier. Give your scalp a break and let your body do what it naturally does. At the very least, you’ll save on product.
- Pimple Patch Kids: Young adults are starting to embrace acne care with zero shame, with some wearing pimple patches to school or at work. We strongly support this liberating and functional trend.

Which Beauty Gadgets Are Worth It?
Gadgets can work—but only if you actually use them consistently.
- Ice Roller: Great for calming inflammation, especially with acne-prone skin.
- Dry Brushing: Promotes lymphatic flow and smoothens skin — plus, it feels great.
- Jade Rollers & Gua Sha Tools: Can help with circulation and tension relief. Just be gentle.
- Red Light Masks: Promotes collagen production, reduce skin inflammation and promote healing.
- High Frequency Devices: Effective for acne flare-ups — use with intention, not obsession.
Why Do Fad Diets Fail?
Fad diets are usually very easy and they get results fast — neither of which is good.
When a diet causes rapid weight loss, it’s usually water and muscle, not fat. This results in unsustainable results, hormone disruption and a metabolism that’s left trying to catch up. Dr. Weston explains what to prioritize instead: nutrient density, gut health and long-term metabolic support.
“Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you should give advice about it — especially without discussing risks & benefits. What’s best for Halle Berry is likely not right for you!”
— Dr. Weston | Functional Medicine Expert | Not Halle Berry
The Good, The Bad & The Potentially Dangerous
This episode is a social media reality check for all the beauty and diet trends we see in our feeds. This one is for you if you’ve ever asked, “Wait … should I be doing this?”
About The “Asking For A Friend” Podcast
From rising trends to skin health as we age to the delicate balance of work, motherhood and sanity — Asking For A Friend dives into the real struggles women don’t get to talk about enough. Hosted by Carrie, each episode blends real-world experiences with expert insights, featuring candid conversations (and a little cabernet) with a trusted lineup of healthcare professionals, including your favorite providers Nikki Rucinsky, LME, Stacie Isler, PA-C, Dr. Marguerite Weston and Dr. Michelle Sieffert.
No question is off the table — because chances are, if you’re wondering about it, so is someone else!
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