What if “that’s just how it is” wasn’t good enough when it comes to childhood eczema?
In this episode of the Skincarma Pod, Carmine sits down with Jemila Alharazim, a Physician’s Assistant in asthma and allergy care and the founder of Ocean Olive, to explore how personal experience and clinical insight led to the creation of a new kind of eczema treatment for kids.
For years, Jemila prescribed topical steroids to eczema patients while hearing the same question from parents: Is there a gentler alternative? When her own son developed eczema, that question became personal. What followed was a three-year journey to develop Ocean Olive’s Whipped Gel Nourishing Eczema Spot Treatment — a microbiome-friendly, fragrance-free, OTC product designed for babies and children three months and up.
In this conversation, Carmine and Jemila discuss:
What topical steroids actually do — and why some families hesitate to use them long-term;
Why eczema is far more than “just a rash,” impacting sleep, school, confidence, and family life;
The science behind Ocean Olive’s pink-hued formula (yes, it’s vitamin B12 — and no, it doesn’t stain);
The role of the skin microbiome and Staphylococcus aureus in eczema flare-ups;
Why “less is best” when formulating for sensitive, eczema-prone skin;
What it really takes to bring an OTC product to market — from FDA requirements to clinical safety testing.
Beyond the science, Jemila opens up about how building a brand reshaped her identity — challenging her belief system, strengthening her persistence, and giving her what she describes as “another level of consciousness.”
The episode closes with a lighthearted lightning round — from salsa dancing and Spanish fluency to the Real Housewives of Potomac — and a simple but powerful reflection: “Joy to me looks like being with my loved ones and having the freedom to be whoever and do whatever.”
If you care about responsible skincare, children’s skin health, or the intersection of clinical practice and entrepreneurship, this episode is not to be missed.
Connect with Jemila and Ocean Olive on Instagram at @ocean_olive_ ( and on LinkedIn here ( . Explore Ocean Olive and learn more about the products and brand ethos at ocean-olive.com. (
Follow Skincarma on Instagram ( and on TikTok ( . Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. ( You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here ( and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here ( .
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, ( Substack ( , or Spotify ( to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.
Product links:
Ocean Olive Whipped Gel Nourishing Eczema Spot Treatment (
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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, t…
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