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Beauty culture isn't just about looking good – it's sometimes a sophisticated coping mechanism for avoiding deeper pain. When licensed therapist Alicia Racine Fink returns for her second appearance, our conversation quickly moves beyond skincare into the fascinating psychological territory where beauty meets trauma.

What happens when self-care transforms into something darker? We explore how post-breakup "glow-ups" and revenge bodies often serve as armor against truly feeling our grief. "People should grieve the fuck out of a loss before they actually go glow up," Alicia notes, highlighting how our cultural obsession with transformation often masks an inability to process difficult emotions.

The discussion takes a particularly fascinating turn when examining how filtering has warped our perception of ourselves. We're now so accustomed to seeing enhanced versions of our faces that encountering our natural reflection can feel jarring or even traumatic. This creates what therapists call "ego dystonic" responses – where even when loved ones compliment our appearance, we simply cannot believe them because their perception doesn't match our internal narrative.

Perhaps most provocatively, we question whether beauty standards themselves have created a "compound complex trauma" affecting us daily. For women especially, appearance remains intrinsically linked to credibility and worth. This raises essential questions about motivation: "Am I doing this because I love myself, or am I trying to avoid feeling something deeper?"

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What if the secret to glowing skin isn't another expensive serum, but something more... herbal? We're diving deep into the cannabis-skincare connection with returning guest and comedic powerhouse Tania Estrada, exploring the science-backed benefits of CBD for your complexion.

CBD isn't just trending—it's transforming skincare with legitimate anti-inflammatory properties that combat acne, redness, and even signs of aging. Our candid conversation unpacks fascinating research showing how cannabinoids reduce inflammatory cytokines, promote collagen production, and interact with your skin's natural systems for potentially remarkable results. Beyond the buzzwords, we explore how topical applications deliver compounds directly to your skin layers, bypassing the inefficiency of oral consumption.

But it's not all green lights. We examine the downside of smoking on skin health, discussing how any smoke—cannabis included—causes vasoconstriction and oxidative stress that accelerates aging. Tania shares her personal skincare journey with refreshing honesty, from treating desert-induced hyperpigmentation to her adventures with CBD products, providing real-world context to our scientific discussion.

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What do strippers, adult film performers, and exotic dancers know about skincare that the rest of us don't? Turns out, quite a lot. When your appearance directly impacts your income and you work under harsh conditions, you quickly develop effective skincare strategies that stand up to extreme challenges.

We dive into the specialized routines sex workers use to maintain glowing skin despite stage lights, heavy makeup, constant friction, and back-to-back performances. These professionals have mastered techniques to combat issues that would leave most people's skin in distress. From Vietnamese-American makeup artist Nam Vo (who developed her famous "dewy dumpling" technique while working with strip club dancers) to current adult performers who've shared their post-shift recovery rituals, the adult entertainment industry has become an unexpected source of practical skincare wisdom.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about treating "friction zones," preventing irritation from frequent waxing, and the importance of post-shift cleansing routines. We explore how performers use specific products like waterproof setting sprays during shows and rich body butters afterward, creating an effective skincare sandwich that protects and repairs. Beyond just products, we discuss how many sex workers incorporate holistic recovery practices, including epsom salt baths and "comfort meals" that nourish both body and spirit after demanding performances.

Whether you wear heavy makeup, exercise intensively, or simply want more effective skincare, these industry secrets offer valuable lessons that anyone can apply. As we conclude, the most important takeaway remains: consistency is everything. Treat your skin like it's your job to care for it - because it is. Subscribe to Sex, Drugs, and Skincare for more unexpected beauty insights delivered with a healthy dose of humor!