The Skin Pause

Kari Gran: Clean Beauty, Midlife Skin, and the Truth About Oil-Based Skincare

What does “clean beauty” really mean, and is it enough for midlife skin? In this episode of The Skin Pause, I sit down with Kari Gran, founder of Kari Gran, to explore the philosophy behind green beauty, the power of oil-based skincare, and how to think about skincare in a more intentional way, especially in your 40s and beyond. If you’ve ever looked at your skincare routine and wondered why it suddenly stopped working, this conversation connects the dots between evolving skin biology and the products we choose to use. Kari shares how her personal experience with dry, hormonally changing skin, and autoimmune conditions, led her to build a line rooted in simplicity, barrier support, and sensory experience. We dive into the science and nuance of plant oils, the importance of formulation (not DIY), and how to approach skincare in a way that prioritizes health over perfection. At the same time, we explore where clean beauty fits into a broader skincare strategy, and how to thoughtfully incorporate clinically proven actives like vitamin C, peptides, and retinoids alongside oil-based products. This is a grounded, practical conversation about building a routine that aligns with your values and delivers real results. Instagram: @karigranskin [https://www.instagram.com/karigranskin] Enjoy 15% off Dr. Erickson's recommended peri/menopause skincare [https://www.clearaestheticsmd.com/store/peri-menopause] with code PAUSE15 Instagram: @theskinpause [https://www.instagram.com/theskinpause] & @drcorinneerickson [https://www.instagram.com/drcorinneerickson] Website: theskinpause.com [https://theskinpause.com/]

What K-Beauty Teaches Us About Midlife Skin

K-beauty has taken the global skincare world by storm—and for good reason. From glass skin to multi-step routines, it offers a refreshing, thoughtful approach to caring for the skin. But what truly sets K-beauty apart isn’t just the products—it’s the philosophy behind them. In this episode, I share what I learned exploring K-beauty firsthand in South Korea—from walking the aisles of Olive Young to seeing how deeply skincare is integrated into daily life—and how we can thoughtfully apply those principles to midlife skin. We’ll talk about what K-beauty gets right, where it may need to be adapted, and how to build a routine that supports your skin’s function, not just its appearance. Because in midlife, skincare isn’t just about glow. It’s about supporting your skin as a vital, living organ. What You’ll Learn * Why K-beauty is rooted in philosophy—not just products * The power of prevention, consistency, and daily care * What the skin barrier actually is—and how to support it * Why hydration and barrier repair matter more than ever * How to thoughtfully incorporate K-beauty into a midlife routine * Ingredients K-beauty does especially well * What may need to be added for midlife skin (actives + hormones) * The difference between “glass skin” and truly healthy skin Enjoy 15% off Dr. Erickson's recommended peri/menopause skincare [https://www.clearaestheticsmd.com/store/peri-menopause] with code PAUSE15 Instagram: @theskinpause [https://www.instagram.com/theskinpause] & @drcorinneerickson [https://www.instagram.com/drcorinneerickson] Website: theskinpause.com [https://theskinpause.com/]

Matt Hyams: When Perimenopause Goes Viral

Perimenopause is finally being talked about—but not always with humor. In this episode, I sit down with comedian and content creator Matt Hyams, whose viral videos impersonating his perimenopausal wife have struck a nerve with millions of women (and quite a few men). What started as a single Instagram video quickly became a cultural moment, with women flooding the comments saying, “I am her.” So what is it about these videos that resonates so deeply? Is it the humor?  The validation?  Or the rare glimpse into how partners experience the hormonal shifts of midlife? In this conversation, we explore what happens when comedy meets a topic that, until recently, was barely discussed at all—and why laughter might actually be one of the most powerful tools we have in navigating this phase of life. Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / Facebook: @MattHyams Website: matthyams.com Enjoy 15% off Dr. Erickson's recommended peri/menopause skincare [https://www.clearaestheticsmd.com/store/peri-menopause] with code PAUSE15 Instagram: @theskinpause [https://www.instagram.com/theskinpause] & @drcorinneerickson [https://www.instagram.com/drcorinneerickson] Website: theskinpause.com [https://theskinpause.com/]

Hair Loss in Perimenopause: Why It Happens and What Actually Helps

Hair loss is one of the most distressing symptoms women experience in midlife—and one of the least talked about. Many women expect hot flashes when they enter perimenopause. They don’t expect their ponytail to get smaller, their part to widen, or to suddenly see more scalp in photos. In this solo episode of The Skin Pause Podcast, board-certified dermatologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Dr. Corinne Erickson breaks down why hair loss becomes so common in the perimenopausal years—and what women can actually do about it. You’ll learn: * Why estrogen decline and androgen signaling affect hair follicles * The difference between female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium * Why heavy periods in perimenopause can contribute to hair thinning * The key labs that may be helpful to check * When inflammatory or scarring hair loss should be evaluated quickly * Evidence-based treatments including minoxidil, spironolactone, and other options * Styling strategies to protect hair while it regrows * Hair loss myths (including the truth about biotin) Hair loss in midlife is common—but that doesn’t mean it’s something women simply have to accept. Understanding the underlying causes is the first step toward stabilizing hair loss and supporting healthy regrowth. Enjoy 15% off Dr. Erickson's recommended peri/menopause skincare [https://www.clearaestheticsmd.com/store/peri-menopause] with code PAUSE15 Instagram: @theskinpause [https://www.instagram.com/theskinpause] & @drcorinneerickson [https://www.instagram.com/drcorinneerickson] Website: theskinpause.com [https://theskinpause.com/]

Why Midlife Weight Gain Isn’t Just Willpower: GLP-1s, Hormones, and Menopause

Menopause doesn’t happen in isolation. For many women, it arrives during one of the most demanding phases of life — when careers are peaking, leadership responsibilities are expanding, children still need support, and aging parents require care. At the exact moment women are expected to perform at their highest level, their biology is shifting beneath them. In this episode, Dr. Corinne Erickson sits down with Dr. Jada Moore-Ruffin, board-certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, to explore the intersection of menopause, metabolism, hormones, and professional performance. Together they discuss: * How menopause symptoms affect high-achieving women in the workplace * Why many symptoms are misdiagnosed or treated individually rather than hormonally * The role of hormone optimization in midlife health * How GLP-1 medications work and who benefits most * The importance of lifestyle strategies alongside medication * The connection between insulin resistance, inflammation, and chronic disease * Why a holistic approach to health is essential in midlife Dr. Moore-Ruffin also shares a powerful patient story that highlights what can happen when women receive the right metabolic and hormonal support. Because midlife isn’t a decline — it’s a recalibration. Dr. Jada Moore-Ruffin's Instagram: @drjadamd [https://www.instagram.com/drjadamd] Enjoy 15% off Dr. Erickson's recommended peri/menopause skincare [https://www.clearaestheticsmd.com/store/peri-menopause] with code PAUSE15 Instagram: @theskinpause [https://www.instagram.com/theskinpause] & @drcorinneerickson [https://www.instagram.com/drcorinneerickson] Website: theskinpause.com [https://theskinpause.com/]