In this episode of The Skincarma Pod, Carmine welcomes Karen Ballou, founder of Immunocologie Skincare, to explore the powerful connection between skin health and overall wellbeing. An oncology-trained esthetician with more than 30 years in the beauty industry, Karen shares the deeply personal journey that inspired her to create a skincare line rooted in immune support and natural resilience.

Together, they unpack the science behind Immunocologie’s bioavailable mineral formulations, the importance of ingredient transparency, and why hydration and plant-based actives are essential for healthy, radiant skin. Karen also highlights the urgent need for consumer awareness around harmful ingredients, the value of a consistent skincare regimen, and how Immunocologie’s philosophy has earned recognition from the Blue Zones for its alignment with holistic living.

It’s an inspiring conversation that reframes beauty as a reflection of balance, healing, and vitality.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify to help Carmine reach more interested listeners.

Follow @immunocologie on Instagram here and learn more about the brand and product innovation at immunocologie.com.

Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma blog. And explore Carmine’s extensive work in beauty on his website here.

Product links:

Immunocologie Vital Ionic Mist

Immunocologie Vital Clay Mask

Immunocologie Super 7 Elixir Serum

Learn more about the Blue Zones and the Immunocologie Blue Zones Retreat here.

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Product reviews on the Skincarma blog:

Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.

Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.

Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.

Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.

Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.

Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.

The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.

The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.

With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™

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