The *New* Rules of Skin Brightening, Laser “Stacking” and Why Everyone is Freaking Out Over Xerf with Dermatologist Dr. Tia Paul

What if your best skin ever had nothing to do with Botox, fillers or even fancy skincare? This week we welcome Dr. Tia Paul, a Harvard- and MIT-trained, board-certified dermatologist—and major skin laser aficionado. As the founder of Balanced Skin Dermatology and Aesthetics in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Paul treats everything from acne, hyperpigmentation, eczema and psoriasis to skin cancer and she has earned over 400K followers on social media.Tune in to find out how to achieve glass skin the non-gimmicky way, as Dr. Paul reveals everything to know about the most effective at-home brightening solutions, how-to navigate the world of professional lasers, and the “pyramid” framework she designed for a brighter skin game plan that won’t shock your skin or your credit card.In this episode, we discuss:Hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide — the new rules for skin brightening skincare in 2026Lasers 101 — the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers, vascular lasers and why the term “laser” itself is one of the most misused words in the beauty industryWhat is laser “stacking” and why Dr. Paul says that combining technologies is where you get the best resultsWhat’s all the fuss about Xerf? The new tightening device that's giving people snatched jawlines with zero downtime —  Dr. Paul shares her experience.Myth or reality? The truth about lasers on skin of colour — and what to ask before your appointmentWhy the Fitzpatrick scale is outdated — according to Dr. Paul — and what she thinks should replace it to treat a full range of skin tonesDr. Paul’s go-to’s: The laser that she personally swears by for glass skin, and the favourite sunscreen the derm will be using to maintain clear skin results all summer longDisclaimer: Please note the discussion in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.   Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes!  For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/  Related episodes like this: K-Beauty Secrets: Dermatologist Dr. David Kim on Salmon DNA, Glass Skin & Anti-AgingStress and Your Skin: Decoded with Dr. Amy WechslerSkincare Terms to Know Before Your Next Dermatologist Visit with Dr. Samantha Ellis PROMO CODES:  When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!  One SkinBorn from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin’s OS-01 Peptide™ is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code BREAKINGBEAUTY at oneskin.co/BREAKINGBEAUTY. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Qualia Life SciencesExperience the most trusted magnesium for purity, potency, and performance. Plus it’s non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free making it a choice you can feel good about. Go to qualialife.com/BEAUTY for 50% off.  And here’s a bonus, use the code BEAUTY for an additional 15% off your order. Thanks to Qualia for sponsoring this episode! QuinceElevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com/breakingbeauty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Dove Discover the new Dove Serum+ Oil Body Wash — available in “Radiance” with notes of jojoba and monoi flower and “Soothing” with almond oil and sandalwood — at www.dove.com/ca. Now available on Amazon and in stores nationwide.*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*  Hosts: Carlene Higgins and Jill Dunn Theme song, used with permission: Cherry Bomb by Saya
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