Derm-it Trotter! Don't Swear About Skincare.

SPF labels can feel reassuring until you do everything “right” and still end up red, tan, or blotchy. We sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. George Martin  to unpack a missing piece in everyday sun protection: visible light and high-energy visible (HEV) light. If you’ve ever wondered what broad spectrum sunscreen truly covers, why UVA and UVB are treated differently, or why pigmentation seems to “break through” even your best routine, this conversation connects the dots with clear, practical skin science.

We start by mapping the UV spectrum in plain language: UVB as the classic burning ray tied to...

In this episode, we talk about the psychology of tanning. I’m joined by Sherry Pogato, a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, and social media researcher at the University of Connecticut, to break down why indoor tanning and outdoor sunbathing can feel so rewarding – and why melanoma risk warnings barely register. We get into the real drivers: appearance motivation, social rewards, stress relief, and the immediate “feel good” effects people report after UV exposure.

We also zoom out to tanning culture and access. As laws restrict minors in tanning salons, tanning beds don’t just vanish, they pop up in gyms...

“Off-label” can sound like a red flag, but in dermatology it’s often the most practical way to treat real people with real problems. Dr. Trotter sits down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Victoria Farley to explain what FDA approval actually means, why many effective skin treatments never get a specific label, and how we talk through safety, side effects, and expectations – so patients feel confident rather than confused.

We walk through concrete examples you may recognize from your own care: spironolactone for hormonal acne and androgen-related conditions, finasteride and dutasteride considerations for women, and why low-dose oral minoxidi...

Your hair can feel like a small thing until cancer treatment threatens to take it away. We sit down with board-certified hematologist-oncologist Dr. Tiffany Pompa to talk honestly about chemotherapy hair loss, why it happens, and why the emotional impact is often underestimated by everyone except the people living it. We also dig into how immunotherapy differs, why hair loss is usually uncommon with many immunotherapy regimens in real practice, and where the published numbers can be confusing without context.

From there, we get practical about scalp cooling and cold cap therapy: who benefits most, when to...

Dark spots can be frustrating, especially when they seem to stick around despite your best efforts. Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd joins us to break down what causes hyperpigmentation, the differences between melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sunspots, and how dermatologists approach treatment.

We discuss the role of sunscreen, visible light, hydroquinone alternatives, chemical peels, and evidence-based skincare ingredients that can help fade discoloration. If you're tired of guessing what works, this episode offers a practical roadmap to treating hyperpigmentation more effectively.

You can feel the tension the moment a patient says, “I want that medication.” From SkinTok trends to viral skincare advice, dermatologist Dr. Jim Del Rosso joins us from the AOCD meeting to break down how dermatologists navigate treatment requests while still building trust. We talk about acne, rosacea, topical steroid fears, antibiotic resistance, and why the right diagnosis matters more than chasing internet trends.

We also unpack the communication skills that actually improve outcomes, from setting realistic skincare timelines to explaining systemic treatments for eczema in a less intimidating way. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by con...

Chronic hives can hijack your sleep, focus, mood, and confidence, and the hardest part is often not knowing why it’s happening. Board-certified dermatologist and Northwestern associate professor Dr. Walter Liszewski joins us to break down the biggest myths around urticaria, explain the difference between acute and chronic hives, and walk through common patterns like dermatographism, pressure hives, heat-triggered flares, and exercise-induced hives.

We also get practical about treatment: when allergy testing actually helps, why Benadryl and steroids are not great long-term solutions, and how newer therapies like omalizumab, dupilumab, and remibrutinib are changing care for people st...

Joint pain with psoriasis is easy to brush off until it starts affecting your daily life. We sit down with Mark Lebwohl to break down the early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis, from nail pitting and heel pain to swollen “sausage” fingers and morning stiffness. We also explain how doctors diagnose it, why it is often mistaken for osteoarthritis, and why catching it early matters.

We also unpack the rapidly changing treatment landscape, including biologics that protect joints and improve skin disease, plus the major role inflammation and obesity play in worsening symptoms. If you have psoriasis and...

A biopsy is still the gold standard for diagnosing skin cancer, but it is far from perfect. From the AOCD meeting in Orlando, Dr. Laura Ferris, Chair of Dermatology at the University of North Carolina, joins us to break down how skin cancer detection is evolving and why tools like dermoscopy, mole mapping, and total body photography are changing the way dermatologists evaluate suspicious lesions.

We also explore the growing role of AI and FDA-cleared technologies like Nevisense and Dermasensor, plus the challenges of access to dermatology care, especially in rural communities. From smarter screening to reducing...

Insurance denials are one of the most frustrating parts of modern healthcare, and in dermatology, they can delay medically necessary treatment for weeks or even months. Recorded live from the AOCD meeting in Florida, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kristi Hawley joins us to explain what’s really happening behind prior authorizations, PBMs, formulary restrictions, and “peer-to-peer” reviews.

We talk about the real impact these delays have on patients living with eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin diseases, along with what patients can actually do to advocate for themselves. If you’ve ever been told your medication “isn’t covered,” th...

Squamous cell carcinoma is the skin cancer most people shrug off until it stops playing by the rules. From the AOCD meeting in Orlando, I sit down with board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Carlos Gomez Mead to talk about why cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can be far more dangerous than its reputation and why, on a population level, it can lead to more deaths than melanoma.

We dig into what actually makes a squamous cell carcinoma “high risk” in real life: rapid growth, pain with pressure that can hint at perineural invasion, and high risk head and...

Acne can feel mysterious until you zoom out and see the pattern: your skin is responding to signals from blood sugar, hormones, inflammation, stress, and even your environment. Dr. Shannon C. Trotter sits down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katie Varman of Shine Functional Dermatology to unpack what’s happening under the surface, and why treating acne is often about finding your biggest driver rather than hunting for a single “bad” ingredient. 

We dig into the science linking insulin to acne, including how frequent high-glycemic foods can activate growth pathways (including mTOR and insulin-like growth factor signaling) that increas...

Skincare on social media can feel like a nonstop emergency: one day red light masks are “the secret,” the next day exosomes are “the future,” and somewhere in the middle you’re told sunscreen is poison. We wanted to slow that down. We’re joined by board-certified dermatologist Dr Dustin Portella to talk through why people are increasingly turning to TikTok, Instagram, and quick searches for skincare answers and what that shift looks like inside real clinic visits.

We dig into red light therapy with a clear lens: where it may help, what at-home devices can realistically do, and why...

That Oscars moment put the word “alopecia” on everyone’s lips, but the real story is what happens when hair loss is autoimmune and how quickly it can change someone’s life. I sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eric Dominguez to explain alopecia areata in plain language, from the classic coin-shaped patches to the tougher presentations like diffuse thinning, ophiasis patterns, and isolated eyebrow or eyelash loss that can be even harder to hide.

We get practical about diagnosis and next steps: what we look for on exam, when a scalp biopsy helps confirm the cause, and why...

Cheap Botox ads and “natural Botox” hacks are everywhere, but the real story is what happens behind the syringe. I sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldenberg to explain neuromodulators in plain language: what Botox actually does, how it softens forehead lines, crow’s feet, and the glabellar “11s,” and why the best results leave you looking rested, not overdone.

We also get into the safety questions people are often afraid to ask. While the word neurotoxin can sound alarming, cosmetic dosing is tiny and highly controlled. Today, the bigger concern is counterfeit product and questionable sourcing...

Remission in psoriasis and eczema is no longer just theoretical—it’s becoming a real treatment goal. In this episode, Dr. Joe Tung explains why chronic inflammatory skin diseases act more like high blood pressure than a one-time rash, and why clear skin doesn’t always mean the disease is gone—especially when considering stopping biologics or systemic therapy.

We break down what remission actually means, why flares return (even after skin looks clear), and how immune “memory” drives recurring inflammation. We also explore differences in atopic dermatitis, the impact of early treatment, and what emerging research says about t...

A rash after you eat something feels simple, but skin allergy rarely is. We sit down with board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Carsten Hamann to break down systemic contact dermatitis, a lesser-known form of allergic contact dermatitis where reactions can be triggered not just by skin contact, but sometimes by ingestion. We unpack how this differs from true food allergy, why eczema and allergy can look identical, and why nickel—found in both products and foods—is such a common and surprising culprit.

We also cover other rare triggers like cobalt, chromium, and fragrance components like Bals...

Fillers are everywhere, but the real question is what problem you’re trying to solve. We sit down with Dr. Lisa Akintilo, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at NYU, to break down dermal fillers in a way that actually makes sense. From when neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport are the better option for movement-based lines, to understanding who’s a good candidate, this conversation clears up the confusion around “filler” as a catch-all term.

We also simplify the different types—hyaluronic acid fillers vs. collagen stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse—and touch on trends like “Ozempic face,”...

Your skin starts telling the story of aging earlier than you think. We sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dan Butler to break down what’s happening beneath the surface, from intrinsic aging (your genetic timeline) to extrinsic aging (sun exposure, pollution, and daily wear). This framework explains why collagen and elastin weaken over time, how the skin barrier changes, and why aging skin is both a medical and emotional experience.

We also get practical, covering common concerns like chronic itch and easy bruising, why they happen, and what actually helps. We wrap with a simple, realistic ro...

HS isn’t “just boils.” It’s a chronic autoinflammatory disease that often begins in the teens or 20s and affects sensitive areas of the body. We sit down with double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Harrison Wen to explain what HS is, why it’s frequently misdiagnosed, and how recognizing it early can change the course of the disease.

We break down the immune and hormonal drivers behind HS, what progression looks like, and where treatments like biologics fit into care. From medical therapy to lifestyle strategies that support long-term management, this episode offers practical guidance f...

A tan isn’t a glow—it’s your skin raising the alarm. We sit down with runner and melanoma survivor Leah Adams to unpack the myths behind tanning culture and why sun damage is cumulative at any age. From social pressure to trending tan lines, we explore how beauty standards clash with biology—and what it really means to protect your skin.

Leah shares a realistic, outdoor-friendly routine: broad-spectrum SPF 30–50, proper reapplication, and simple add-ons like UPF clothing and shade. We break down common sunscreen mistakes, better formulas for every skin tone, and the truth about vitamin D...

What if skincare felt effortless enough to repeat—and effective enough to trust? We sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lily Park to explore how K-Beauty’s prevention-first mindset, featherlight layers, and rapid innovation reshaped modern skincare. From cultural habits to ingredient trends like snail mucin and centella asiatica, we break down what actually works, what’s overhyped, and how to build a routine that supports long-term skin health.

We also dive into why Korean sunscreens stand out, featuring advanced UVA filters in ultra-light textures that make daily SPF easy to stick with. Plus, we simplify the 10-step...

Thinking about your first tattoo or how to choose the right artist? We sit down with Morgan Benson of Hollow Earth to break down the path into tattooing, from apprenticeships to today’s highly specialized styles like realism, botanical work, and dark illustrative design. You’ll learn how artists and clients collaborate to create pieces that fit your story, placement, and skin tone—so your tattoo not only looks great now, but ages well over time.

We also cover what really matters for safety and results: what to look for in a clean studio, how inks and skin t...

Most people were never taught how to care for vulvar skin, and online advice can be confusing or harmful. We sit down with Dr. Emily Murphy, dermatologist and director of a vulvar health program, to separate myths from facts and share a simple, science-based routine that actually works.

We break down anatomy (vulva vs. vagina), why different areas get different conditions, and how to simplify daily care: gentle cleanser only on hair-bearing skin, wash with hands, skip douching and wipes, and use plain petrolatum for barrier support. We cover hormones and low estrogen, causes of itch and...

Psoriasis doesn’t just affect the skin — it shapes daily life, confidence, and mental health. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Scott Drew about how modern treatments reduce inflammation, improve mood, and help patients return to work, relationships, and everyday moments they once avoided. When care truly works, you see it: posture lifts, eye contact returns, and people start saying yes to life again.

We explore why mental health belongs in every psoriasis visit, how to talk about intimacy and emotional strain without stigma, and what the science really says about treatment safety. This conversation is a re...

Noticing hair shedding after starting a GLP-1? This episode explains why rapid weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium, how to tell temporary shedding from pattern thinning, and what timelines are normal. We break down what’s known about semaglutide and tirzepatide and how dermatologists evaluate hair changes.

You’ll learn when to wait, when to treat, and which options—like labs, minoxidil, or other therapies—may help. GLP-1s offer big health benefits, and with the right plan, your hair doesn’t have to be the tradeoff.

Boxed warnings can feel like a stop sign—but they don’t always reflect your personal risk. Dr. Nicholas Brownstone breaks down what these labels really mean, why they’re often added after approval, and how “association” (not proven causation) can still drive scary wording.

We also unpack class-wide warnings (like TB language on biologics and U.S. JAK inhibitor risks borrowed from older RA populations), why derm data can look very different, and how we counsel patients: put the warning in context, match it to your health profile, and monitor smartly—so fear doesn’t lead to undertreatm

Skin cancer doesn’t always look like a dark, jagged mole—it can be a faint freckle, a small pink bump, or a quiet spot you’d never notice. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Oberlin, board-certified dermatologist with a passion for skin cancer care and rural medicine, to break down what makes a skin check truly effective, comfortable, and potentially life-saving—and how a focused ten-minute exam can change everything.

We walk through exactly how to prepare (clean skin, no makeup or self-tanner, nail polish off, hair down), what to expect during the exam, an...

Join us for a deep dive into longevity with dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain. We unpack the difference between biological and chronological age, how epigenetic clocks work, and which habits actually support healthier aging — from building fitness and protecting sleep to managing stress and diet. We also look at emerging treatments and what’s truly evidence-based for skin, including antioxidants, retinoids, and sunscreen. If you want a clearer, science-grounded roadmap to aging well, this episode is for you.

Sun-kissed without the sun, tallow on your face, tape on your wrinkles, salmon sperm for “collagen”—2025 skincare got weird. We go trend by trend and ask the only question that matters: is it safe, effective, and worth your time?

We break down melanotan and drinkable tanning drops (hard no), give beef tallow a nuanced reality check, explain why double cleansing can help—or hurt—your skin, and dig into barrier repair, Cicaplast, diaper cream, and hydrating masks. We compare face taping to neuromodulators, cover when LED masks actually work, walk through smart skin cycling, and demystify hypochlorous acid as a...

What if the most inflammatory driver of psoriasis isn’t on the skin at all, but deep in visceral fat? We sit down with Dr. James Song to unpack how adipose tissue acts like a hormone-secreting organ, releasing cytokines that can fuel psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. From the brain’s weight “set point” to genetics linking obesity and psoriasis risk, we reframe weight as biology—not a moral failing—and explain why that matters for treatment.

We break down fat types, the cytokine cascade connecting metabolic health to skin disease, and what GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP therapies may be doing...

CBD is everywhere, but what does it actually do for your skin? We sit down with Adam Friedman, MD—dermatologist, chair, and translational researcher—to break down the real science. We clear up CBD vs THC confusion, map how the endocannabinoid system works in keratinocytes, sebocytes, immune cells, and nerves, and explain how CBD influences redness, itch, oil production, and inflammation. We also walk through the legal landscape, why cosmetics are the most realistic path forward, and how to spot mislabeling or contamination when choosing products.

Then we get into the data. You’ll hear about research showin...

Your best hair day starts where most routines stop: the scalp. In this episode, we break down the habits that truly help with flakes, itch, oil, and shedding. Dr. Shannon Trotter and Erica Ramos, DMSc, PA-C, unpack how inflammation and buildup disrupt growth and comfort, then lay out practical steps you can start using tonight. From medicated shampoo “masking” to washing frequency by scalp type, you’ll learn techniques that actually work without sacrificing softness or shine.

We also dive into scalp sun protection, double cleansing, and exfoliation for product lovers and dry shampoo devotees. You’ll hear whe...

Psoriasis doesn’t look the same on every skin tone. In this episode, we break down how psoriasis appears on darker skin, lighter skin and mixed tones, why inflammation may look purple, brown or gray instead of red, and why these differences can delay diagnosis. We explore the limits of the Fitzpatrick scale, how ancestry shapes skin response, and what patients with melanin-rich skin should know about treatment, light therapy and pigment changes.

With dermatologist Dr. Mona Shariari, we explain how to recognize psoriasis on different skin tones, what symptoms to watch for, and how to advocate fo...

Psoriasis doesn’t look the same on every skin tone. In this episode, we break down how psoriasis appears on darker skin, lighter skin and mixed tones, why inflammation may look purple, brown or gray instead of red, and why these differences can delay diagnosis. We explore the limits of the Fitzpatrick scale, how ancestry shapes skin response, and what patients with melanin-rich skin should know about treatment, light therapy and pigment changes.

With dermatologist Dr. Mona Shahriari, we explain how to recognize psoriasis on different skin tones, what symptoms to watch for, and how to advocate fo...

Menopause shifts more than moods—it transforms skin. We break down what really happens when estrogen drops, why hydration and barrier function decline, and how that leads to dryness, fine lines, acne, and new sensitivity. With Dr. Brenda Dintiman, a board-certified dermatologist, we dig into the truth behind topical estrogen, what’s promising, and what still needs research.

We explore modern hormone therapy options, why HRT is never one-size-fits-all, and where topical or vaginal estrogen can meaningfully help. If crepey skin or GLP-1–related changes are your new frustration, we outline realistic fixes—from sunscreen, retinoids, vitamin C, and p...

Ever wonder how a tattoo becomes part of you for life? We sit down with board-certified dermatologist and associate professor Dr. Walter Liszewski to break down the science, safety, and art of tattooing—from how ink settles into the dermis to what really happens during healing, fading, and removal. He shares what matters most: finding a reputable artist, spotting real hygiene, and understanding how regulations differ across states.

We also explore tattoo reactions and skin health, from red-ink allergies and pigment-holding macrophages to what lymph node staining actually means. Dr. Liszewski explains when skin conditions li...

Sun, pollution, and even your phone screen constantly stress your skin. At the Science of Skin Summit, Dr. Patti Farris broke down what actually works to defend against that daily onslaught—and why vitamin C remains the MVP when formulated and used correctly. We translate the science into plain English, explaining how free radicals damage collagen and DNA, how oxidative stress shows up as wrinkles and brown spots, and why topical vitamin C outperforms diet alone by directly saturating skin and complementing SPF against visible and infrared light.

Dr. Farris also walks through how to pick the ri...

A routine Saturday turned life-changing when Leah’s dad had a seizure behind the wheel—ER scans revealed brain lesions, and a full-body scan showed his lungs “lit up like a Christmas tree.” A biopsy confirmed stage four metastatic melanoma, forcing Leah and her mom into an accelerated crash course on brain radiation, immunotherapy, and caregiving. What began as a stage zero melanoma in 2019 suddenly escalated, rewriting everything they thought they knew about “being done” with cancer.

Leah shares the real story behind survival: seven rounds of gamma knife, twenty-one infusions, and the moment treatment had to stop to save...

A white patch on the skin shouldn’t erase someone’s story—or their options. Live at the Science of Skin Summit, Dr. Seemal Desai breaks down what vitiligo really is: an autoimmune skin disease, not a cosmetic issue or something contagious. We trace his family’s journey from the anxiety of early PUVA treatments to today’s advanced options—topical ruxolitinib, phototherapy, oral JAK inhibitors, and promising IL-15–blocking biologics.

We bust myths, explain autoimmune links, and share practical tips for care—sun protection, gentle skincare, and avoiding skin trauma. Dr. Desai also tackles stigma and insurance barrie...