What’s actually worth it when it comes to midlife skin?

Because between facials, lasers, injectables, luxury creams, and every trending treatment in between… it’s easy to spend a lot of money without really knowing what’s working.

So instead of another long conversation, we did something different.

In this episode of The Iconic Midlife, Roxy Manning puts skin specialist Erica Marie Gatt, founder of EM Skin Studio, in the hot seat for a rapid-fire game of Face Off—where she has to choose between two options… and defend her answer.

No “it depends.”

No middle ground.

Just real opinions on what actually works for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

This one is fast, honest, and surprisingly revealing.

• Botox vs. retinol—what’s actually more effective?

• Facials vs. lasers—where should you spend your money?

• Luxury skincare vs. drugstore—does price really matter?

• Filler—worth it or overhyped?

• What treatments deliver real results for midlife skin

• The biggest misconceptions women have about anti-aging

Erica Marie Gatt is a skin specialist and the founder of EM Skin Studio in Hermosa Beach, California.

Known for her customized, results-driven approach, Erica blends advanced skincare treatments with a holistic philosophy to support long-term skin health—especially for women navigating hormonal changes in midlife.

Her work has been featured in Vogue, Angeleno, and California Wedding Day.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericamiegatt

Studio: https://www.instagram.com/emskinstudiola

Website: https://www.emskinstudio.com

Join the Inner Circle: https://the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning.kit.com/3433416614

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The Iconic Midlife is where smart, stylish women over 40 come to rebrand midlife on their terms.

New episodes every Tuesday. Bonus game episode drops on Thursdays.

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Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning/id1817484587

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FRDzq3AalXaqfpfWq7dlm?si=7e91db12ba1f4bfa

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff905ad8-332f-430e-a040-ce1ba5047483/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning

Let’s Connect

Social media: @theiconicmidlife (show) | @redcarpetroxy (host)

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theiconicmidlife

If your skincare routine suddenly feels like it stopped working overnight… you’re not imagining things.

During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts can dramatically change the skin. Collagen production slows, elasticity decreases, dryness increases, and breakouts can return even if you haven’t had acne since high school. Products that once worked beautifully may suddenly feel ineffective.

In this episode of The Iconic Midlife, host Roxy Manning sits down with esthetician and skin specialist Erica Marie Gatt, founder of EM Skin Studio in Hermosa Beach, to break down what’s actually happening to women’s skin during midlife—and what to do about it.

Erica has been featured in Vogue, Angeleno, and California Wedding Day, and is known for her custom facial treatments that combine clinical skincare with a holistic approach. She works closely with women navigating hormonal skin changes and has seen firsthand what truly works—and what’s just expensive hype.

This conversation covers the science, the myths, and the practical solutions that can help women take control of their skin during this stage of life.

• Why skin suddenly changes during perimenopause and menopause

• The hormonal shifts that impact collagen, elasticity, and hydration

• Why the skincare products that worked in your 30s may stop working in your 40s

• The biggest skincare mistakes women over 40 are making

• The treatments that actually improve midlife skin

• Where to invest your money in skincare—and what may not be worth it

• Simple, practical ways to support your skin during hormonal change

Erica Marie Gatt is a skin specialist and the founder of EM Skin Studio, a results-driven skincare studio located in Hermosa Beach, California.

Known for her personalized approach to skincare, Erica blends advanced facial treatments with a holistic understanding of skin health. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Angeleno, and California Wedding Day, and she has built a loyal following of clients seeking natural, radiant, long-term skin health.

Her treatments incorporate modalities such as HydraFacial, oxygen therapy, microdermabrasion, LED therapy, and dermaplaning—customized for each client’s unique skin concerns.

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ericamiegatt

EM Skin Studio:

https://www.instagram.com/emskinstudiola

Website:

https://www.emskinstudio.com

Join the Inner Circle: https://the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning.kit.com/3433416614

Want bold guests, unfiltered stories, and iconic midlife insight in your inbox?

Listen & Follow

The Iconic Midlife is where smart, stylish women over 40 come to rebrand midlife on their terms.

New episodes every Tuesday. Bonus game episode drops on Thursdays.

Tap “Follow” so you never miss a moment.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning/id1817484587

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FRDzq3AalXaqfpfWq7dlm?si=7e91db12ba1f4bfa

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff905ad8-332f-430e-a040-ce1ba5047483/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning

Let’s Connect

Social media: @theiconicmidlife (show) | @redcarpetroxy (host)

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theiconicmidlife

Menopause is having a moment — but with all the conversation comes a lot of confusion.

From hormone therapy fears to hot flash folklore, women have been told a lot of things about menopause… and not all of them are true.

In this fun game-style episode of The Iconic Midlife, we separate fact from fiction and put some of the most common menopause myths to the test.

Because midlife shouldn’t be navigated with outdated information.

Together, we tackle questions women hear all the time:

• Does hormone therapy cause cancer?

• Is weight gain during menopause inevitable?

• Are hot flashes the only symptom of menopause?

• Does menopause mean your sex life is over?

• Is brain fog “just part of aging”?

Some of these answers might surprise you.

Whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or simply curious about what’s ahead, this episode is designed to give you clear, honest insights about what’s really happening in midlife.

Because understanding your body shouldn’t feel like guesswork.

And when women have the right information, they’re empowered to make better decisions about their health.

• The biggest myths women hear about menopause

• What science actually says about hormone therapy

• Why menopause symptoms can look very different from woman to woman

• The surprising ways midlife health affects sleep, mood, and metabolism

• Why better conversations about menopause are finally happening

• What’s fact vs fiction when it comes to menopause

• How to better understand what your body is experiencing

• Why midlife health deserves more attention and better information

Join the Inner Circle: https://the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning.kit.com/3433416614

Want bold guests, unfiltered stories, and iconic midlife insight in your inbox?

Listen & Follow

The Iconic Midlife is where smart, stylish women over 40 come to rebrand midlife on their terms.

New episodes every Tuesday. Bonus game episode drops on Thursdays.

Tap “Follow” so you never miss a moment.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning/id1817484587

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FRDzq3AalXaqfpfWq7dlm?si=7e91db12ba1f4bfa

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff905ad8-332f-430e-a040-ce1ba5047483/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning

Let’s Connect

Social media: @theiconicmidlife (show) | @redcarpetroxy (host)

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theiconicmidlife

Links referenced in this episode:

1. drlouisenewson.co.uk
2. theiconicmidlife
3. redcarpetroxy

What happens when you take real-life financial decisions women face in midlife… and turn them into a game?

In this bonus episode of The Iconic Midlife, I’m joined again by wealth advisor and financial life designer Hayley Dickson for a rapid-fire round of “Worth It… or Not?”

We put some of the most common midlife money dilemmas on the table — the kinds of choices many women quietly wrestle with:

Should you prioritize experiences now or build more long-term wealth?

Is it worth staying in a high-paying job you’ve outgrown?

How much risk actually makes sense in midlife?

And when does a financial decision stop being strategic… and start being emotional?

There aren’t always obvious answers — which is exactly why these conversations matter.

Hayley shares how she helps clients think through these trade-offs so their financial decisions support the life they actually want to live.

Because at the end of the day, money isn’t just about accumulating wealth.

It’s about designing a life.

Hayley Dickson, CFP®, CEO & Founder of RIPPL Wealth Management

Hayley Dickson, CFP®, is the CEO & Founder of RIPPL Wealth Management. A former SVP of Global Acquisitions at Fremantle Media who walked away from a six-figure entertainment career to revolutionize wealth management, Dickson became the fastest-growing advisor in Northwestern Mutual's history before launching Rippl Wealth Management in 2025.

As a financial life designer, Dickson provides truly comprehensive planning, democratizing sophisticated strategies for everyone from first-generation wealth builders to self-made entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals seeking discerning counsel that’s often reserved for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Unconventional and bold in her approach, she builds her practice on radical transparency and trust.

Hayley is offering our listeners a complimentary 30-minute one-on-one Life Design & Wealth Strategy Session (a $500 value). This private offer is capped at 30 individuals – simply mention this episode when you reach out to reserve your spot.

To claim your session, send an email to rippl@nm.com mentioning the podcast in the subject line or fill out the contact form directly on their website:

https://rippl.nm.com/contact.htm

Connect with Hayley:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-dickson

Instagram: @hayleywdickson

Join the Inner Circle: https://the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning.kit.com/3433416614

Want bold guests, unfiltered stories, and iconic midlife insight in your inbox?

Listen & Follow

The Iconic Midlife is where smart, stylish women over 40 come to rebrand midlife on their terms.

New episodes every Tuesday. Bonus game episode drops on Thursdays.

Tap “Follow” so you never miss a moment.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning/id1817484587

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FRDzq3AalXaqfpfWq7dlm?si=7e91db12ba1f4bfa

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff905ad8-332f-430e-a040-ce1ba5047483/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning

Let’s Connect

Social media: @theiconicmidlife (show) | @redcarpetroxy (host)

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theiconicmidlife

The IDGAF attitude of midlife is a refreshing perspective that really takes center stage in our chat today with supermodel Veronica Webb. We're diving into the idea that as we age, we tend to care less about the little things that used to weigh us down, and honestly, it’s liberating! We share some wild stories from the modeling world, like a scorching Vogue shoot in Times Square that left one of us literally passing out—thank goodness for the pre-cell phone era, right? We also dish on the glamorous and not-so-glamorous moments of our careers, from rubbing elbows with royalty to the occasional makeup mishap. So, grab your headphones, kick back, and get ready for a friendly banter that’s all about embracing life with a little less care and a lot more laughter.

💌 Join the Inner Circle: https://the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning.kit.com/3433416614

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🎧 Listen & Follow

The Iconic Midlife is where smart, stylish women over 40 come to rebrand midlife on their terms.

New episodes every Tuesday. Bonus game episode drops on Thursdays.

Tap “Follow” so you never miss a moment.

🎙️ Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning/id1817484587

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FRDzq3AalXaqfpfWq7dlm?si=7e91db12ba1f4bfa

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff905ad8-332f-430e-a040-ce1ba5047483/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning

📲 Let’s Connect

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiconicmidlife

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theiconicmidlife

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Iconic-Midlife-61572430341428/

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theiconicmidlife

• Host: https://www.instagram.com/redcarpetroxy

Supermodel Veronica Webb joins The Iconic Midlife for a thoughtful and honest conversation about beauty, aging, and what perspective really looks like after decades in fashion.

As one of the most recognizable faces of the ’90s fashion world — and the first Black model to land a major exclusive cosmetics contract with Revlon — Veronica helped redefine representation in the beauty industry. But beyond the campaigns and runway moments, this conversation focuses on what happens after the spotlight, and how confidence, identity, and power evolve over time.

Roxy and Veronica talk about the reality behind the fashion industry, how beauty standards shift with age, and what it means to move through midlife with clarity and self-possession. It’s a grounded, intelligent look at experience, reinvention, and the freedom that comes from truly knowing yourself.

This episode is reflective, insightful, and a reminder that style and substance only deepen with time.

• The reality behind the fashion industry and modeling world

• How beauty and confidence evolve with age

• What midlife perspective actually feels like

• Power, identity, and self-trust after decades in the spotlight

• The freedom that comes with experience

💌 Join the Inner Circle: https://the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning.kit.com/3433416614

Want bold guests, unfiltered stories, and iconic midlife insight in your inbox?

🎧 Listen & Follow

The Iconic Midlife is where smart, stylish women over 40 come to rebrand midlife on their terms.

New episodes every Tuesday. Bonus game episode drops on Thursdays.

Tap “Follow” so you never miss a moment.

🎙️ Listen on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning/id1817484587

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FRDzq3AalXaqfpfWq7dlm?si=7e91db12ba1f4bfa

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff905ad8-332f-430e-a040-ce1ba5047483/the-iconic-midlife-with-roxy-manning

📲 Let’s Connect

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiconicmidlife

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theiconicmidlife

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Iconic-Midlife-61572430341428/

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theiconicmidlife

• Host: https://www.instagram.com/redcarpetroxy