Beauty Bytes With Dr. Kay: Secrets Of A Plastic Surgeon

In this Five Minute Friday, I am revealing the one supplement most women avoid because they think it causes bloating or bulk—but a new study proves it might actually be the missing link for your brain health . If you are struggling with "menopause brain," afternoon fatigue, or sudden anxiety, the solution might not be a prescription or an expensive wellness trend, but something incredibly simple that has been hiding in the bodybuilding aisle all along . Tune in to find out why this specific compound is a game-changer for the frontal cortex (the decision-making part of your brain) and hear the specific dosing protocol I use to stay sharp during jet lag and all-nighters . We are redefining what it means to be strong—mentally and physically

In this visionary episode of Beauty Bytes, I am saying goodbye to the "filler fatigue" of 2025 and unveiling my Top 10 Aesthetic Predictions for 2026. This isn't just about trends; I’m mapping out a paradigm shift toward hyper-personalization and regenerative medicine that will change how we treat aging forever. I explain why the era of overfilling is dead and how I am pivoting to "undetectable" results using micro-tox, strategic lifting, and collagen biostimulators. I also explore the cutting-edge future of AI diagnostics, where digital avatars will allow me to simulate your aging trajectory and show you treatment outcomes years in advance . We dive deep into the science of skin senescence, targeting "zombie cells" to restore resilience rather than just treating wrinkles . From turning on your body's mTOR cycles for cellular repair to the rise of collagen banking for Gen Z, I’m sharing exactly where the world of aesthetics is heading next year.

Resolutions, better habits, and goals- In this Five Min Friday, we'll be going over my new year resolutions for 2024! With just a little over a week left until we dive into a brand new year, people are beginning to create lists with goals they want to achieve. As we prepare for the classic New Year, New Me posts to flood social media, let's take a look at what meaningful changes I have planned for myself! 

Join me for an uplifting conversation with Petra Kolber, author of The Perfection Detox, a DJ, and a positive psychology performance coach. We tackle the concept of the "Ambitious Procrastinator"—having big dreams but being paralyzed by self-doubt—and why perfectionism actually distances us from others rather than connecting us. Petra shares her powerful "STOP" method for halting anxiety in its tracks and reframes Imposter Syndrome not as a weakness, but as a clear signal that you are stepping into your greatness and out of your comfort zone. As a two-time cancer survivor, she offers a profound perspective on aging, urging us to "chase the feeling, not the number" and to strength train not just for vanity, but for the vitality of our future selves.

On this week's Five Minute Friday, I give you some of my best tips for dry winter skin. Even in Southern California, it isn't uncommon to experience dry skin in the colder months. Cold weather often causes symptoms like itchiness, redness, bumps, and rough patches. I love incorporating moisturizing creams and serums along with scrubs and gentle cleansers to combat these symptoms. In this episode, I go over some of the ways that a good skin care regimen can lessen irritation and increase moisture retention. If you're someone that suffers from dry, irritated skin, this episode is for you! Whether you have sensitive skin or acneic, maintaining your skin's natural mositure barrier will always be key.

Join me for an empowering conversation with Dr. Amy Killen, a board-certified emergency physician turned longevity expert, as we explore how women can thrive in their "Queen Phase"—the years following the loss of the protective "estrogen shield" . We dive deep into the nuances of Hormone Replacement Therapy, celebrating the recent FDA updates on estrogen and dispelling myths about testosterone for women . Dr. Killen breaks down the science of stem cells, explaining the difference between autologous (bone marrow/fat) and allogeneic sources, and shares vital red flags to watch for in regenerative clinics . We also discuss the critical link between mitochondrial health and sexual longevity, the potential of peptides like PT-141 and GHK-Cu, and why heavy lifting and sleep are non-negotiable for aging well . Guest Information: Dr. Amy Killen is the Co-Founder of Humanaut Health and the founder of the Human Optimization Project. You can find her at https://biorestoration.com/dt_team/person-01/ and on Instagram @Dr

This holiday season, Dr. Kay tackles the reality of cortisol face and how stress takes a toll on our skin and beauty. Discover how cortisol affects collagen, triggers acne, causes puffiness, and impacts overall skin health—and learn how to combat it. Dr. Kay shares her tips for managing holiday stress, including skincare routines and lifestyle hacks to keep you glowing. Tune in to unwrap the festive chaos and turn holiday stress into an opportunity for self-love! 

Join me for a fascinating deep dive into the science of immune aging with Dr. Natalia Mitin, founder and CEO of Sapere Bio. We explore why the aging of the immune system is the primary driver of aging for the entire body and unpack the concept of cellular senescence—often called "zombie cells"—where stressed cells persist and create chronic inflammation. Dr. Mitin explains why consumer tests that assign a specific "biological age" in years are often scientifically lacking compared to measuring where you stand within a population's trajectory. We also discuss cutting-edge longevity targets, including T-cell exhaustion (and how drugs like Rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors address it), the critical role of gut health (where 70% of the immune system resides), and how mitochondrial function in stem cells can correlate with an extra 15 years of healthspan.

Period, Pregnancy, and Menopause - Ever faced the dreaded "period breakout" or wondered why your skin behaves differently during pregnancy or menopause? Our latest podcast dives deep into how hormones pull the strings of your skin's destiny. From the monthly rollercoaster to the miraculous journey of pregnancy and the graceful transition of menopause, we decode the influence of hormones on your skin. Join us as we uncover the signs, effects, and skincare tips to keep your skin glowing, no matter the hormonal twist and turn

In this episode of Beauty Bytes, Dr. Kay sits down with transformative business coach and launch strategist Epic Aprille Franks to decode the future of content marketing. With a background in managing eight-figure portfolios and helping thousands of entrepreneurs build profitable brands, Aprille explains why the digital landscape has shifted from "social media" to "interest-based media," requiring a fresh approach to how we connect with audiences . Together, they dismantle the overwhelm of daily posting by introducing the "Batch 14-27" protocol and exploring the power of "Cred Clips"—short B-roll videos that build authority without requiring you to speak on camera . The conversation dives deep into the technical side of modern marketing, revealing why hashtags are dead on Instagram and how to pivot toward an SEO-driven strategy using keywords and AI tools like Claude, Hedra, and Kling . Beyond the tactics, Epic Aprille shares profound insights on the entrepreneur's mindset, advocating for intentional abundan

Red Light Therapy, PRP, Balanced Diet, Stem Cell Injections - Join us in this week's Five Minute Friday where we discuss the hair growth cycle and different methods we can use to avoid hair loss! Some of these methods include taking supplements such as biotin and collagen peptides, along with maintaining a balanced diet that is high in iron and protein. Hairstyles, heat application, and excessive bleaching are factors that can effect hair growth as well. Tune in to learn more! 

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Felix Bertram, a Swiss dermatologist and entrepreneur who turned a near-fatal motorcycle accident at age 19 into a driving force for resilience and success . We dive deep into the business of aesthetics, where Felix explains why he built the Skinmed brand rather than a personal clinic to allow for true scaling and why practices must avoid the "squeezed middle"—either staying small and profitable or scaling large enough for C-level infrastructure . We also explore the shifting trends in Europe, specifically "filler fatigue" and the pivot toward biostimulation, and discuss the gender divide in longevity, where men prioritize performance while women focus on hormonal health . Guest Information: Dr. Felix Bertram is the founder of Skinmed and a serial entrepreneur. You can find him on Instagram @drfelixbertram and learn more about his clinics at skinmed.ch.

Flashback to this popular topic from the last Thanksgiving! On this week’s episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, I am talking all about the Turkey Neck! Thanks to Botox and fillers, our faces can now look younger than ever, but the neck is a different story. The neck is such an under-appreciated part of the body, and you need to look after it as much as you look after your face. Keep listening as I explain why the neck is so important, along with treatments you can receive to prevent it from sagging. 

In this power-packed episode, I sit down with longevity expert Dr. Elizabeth Yurth to dismantle popular biohacking trends and get down to the cellular root of aging. We dive deep into why mitochondrial dysfunction is often the culprit behind chronic fatigue—especially post-viral exposure—and Dr. Yurth walks me through her safety-first "replacement strategy" for cycling peptides like Thymosin Alpha-1, BPC-157, and GHK-Cu to restore what we naturally lose with age . We also have a critical conversation about the NAD+ craze, where I learn why filling the "bucket" with infusions might be fueling inflammation if we don't block the leaks first using compounds like Apigenin . Finally, we explore the game-changing role of plasmalogens for insulating our nerves against brain fog and why we are moving away from Metformin to protect our muscle gains . Guest Information: Dr. Elizabeth Yurth is the Medical Director of the Boulder Longevity Institute. You can find her educational resources at bli.academy and on Instagram

Happy Friday, Beauty Byters!  In this week’s Five Minute Friday, I am joined by my patient Samantha who is the co-founder of Links Financial! We talk about starting small with filler because you want people to take you seriously, to pick lips that fit your branding- but to not get tied to a stereotype. Samantha believes that looking more powerful and attractive can make her feel even more confident in the boardroom, and at the end of the day who doesn't appreciate a pretty business woman. However, I believe is a fine line between sexy and porn star and lately I have been talking people down from getting too much lip filler. Listen in to hear our conversation about lip filler! I love informing my Beauty Byters with new information! Have a question or something you’d like covered on the podcast? Send me a DM or email info@beautybydrkay.com! 

Join Dr. Kay for a deep dive into cosmetic science with Patricia "Trish" Boland, SVP of R&D at Colorescience. This episode explores the critical importance of the skin barrier, its surprising connection to systemic health (including the gut and brain), and the latest innovations in mineral sunscreens that protect against UV, HEV (blue light), and IR. The main focus is a revolutionary new concept: stimulating the skin's own Vitamin D production. Trish explains how a unique chronopeptide can activate the skin's Vitamin D receptors (VDR) and synthesize Vitamin D in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, all without UV exposure, a groundbreaking approach to achieving barrier health and skin luminosity. 

Join Dr. Kay and renowned female longevity expert Kayla Barnes for a comprehensive discussion on optimal health, moving far beyond "normal" lab ranges to an optimal state. Kayla breaks down essential longevity strategies, from tailoring sleep and exercise protocols to the female cycle and structuring supplements into three categories (baseline, protocol-based, and longevity molecules), to pursuing advanced testing like NMR panels. The episode explores cutting-edge therapies like Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) for enhanced healing and blood flow, and Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) for reducing the total toxic burden. Finally, Dr. Kay and Kayla align on an approach to aesthetic longevity that advocates for a moderated use of pure core neurotoxins like Xeomin in combination with powerful collagen biostimulation and DNA-repairing molecules, such as polynucleotides, for true inside-out rejuvenation.

In this Five Minute Friday, we dive into the incredible health benefits of sea moss, a nutrient-dense superfood making waves in the wellness world. From boosting immunity to enhancing skin health and digestion, sea moss offers a natural remedy for a variety of concerns. Tune in to discover how incorporating sea moss into your daily routine can elevate your overall well-being. 

Is your skin missing that extra boost, that oomf? On today's episode of Five Minute Friday, we're getting into Peptides- the science, the benefits, and the POWER they contain.

Today I'm sharing my conversation with the amazing Alisha Merlo on her podcast, Know Your Skin, and an energizing conversation on practical longevity tools, how and when to use peptides, and which supplements support your journey to healthier skin, better energy, and long-term wellness; we covered simple daily habits, safety and monitoring, and how to personalize a smart, evidence-based plan—listen now and share a friend who’s on this path of wellness with you!