Derm Next Door
Derm Next Door is your go-to skin fix from the girlies who get it. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ali Dempsey and Dr. Reem Nabti in the heart of New York City, we’re breaking down skin science, busting beauty myths, and talking all things lifestyle—like your downtown derm besties. Whether it's acne, SPF debates, or skincare trends we love (or don’t), we’re here to keep it real, smart, and always skin-deep.Tune in for honest conversations, expert takes, and a little NYC chaos on the side.
The First New Sunscreen Filter Since 1999 + Are Skin Boosters Worth It? | S2E1
Season two is here. Reem and Ali, two board-certified NYC dermatologists, break down the newest FDA-approved sunscreen filter in 25 years and what it means for finally getting European-level SPF in the US.
This episode covers what's hot and what's not in dermatology right now: bemotrizinol and how to actually read a sunscreen label (PA+ ratings, broad spectrum, why avobenzone degrades in your bag), whether spicule "microneedling in a bottle" treatments do anything, and an honest take on skin boosters like Skinvive and Profhilo versus Sculptra, PRF, and lasers. Reem and Ali also rate the celebrity-favorite Ivan Pohl "...
Ep 19: PicoToning 101, Vampire Facial Red Flags & The Great Filler Reversal
Reem and Ali are back from their Euro summer adventures (London! Copenhagen!) with a packed episode 19 — the season one finale.
What's Hot: PicoToning We break down the PicoWay laser — how picosecond technology differs from heat-based lasers like Clear + Brilliant, why its photoacoustic mechanism means minimal downtime, and why it's safe for all skin types. We cover what it treats: acne scarring, melasma, sunspots (face, hands, and arms), pore size, tattoo removal, and overall rejuvenation. Plus the "pico glow," collagen banking, and what to expect (about 3 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart).
Side-Eyeing: Vampire Facials PRP + microneedling is legit...
Ep. 18 — Peptide Deep Dive, Met Gala Skin Moments & Skin Tightening in the GLP-1 Era
Episode 18 of Derm Next Door is a packed one. We're breaking down the peptide conversation from every angle — what signal peptides, neuropeptides, and carrier peptides are actually doing to your skin at the cellular level, how topical delivery compares to injectable peptides, and which ones have real clinical backing vs. just good marketing.
In What We're Side-Eyeing, we get into PP405 — the hair loss drug everyone is talking about. Phase 2a data just dropped, and we have thoughts on what the results actually show, what's still missing, and why the hype might be getting ahead of the scie...
Episode 17: Sunscreen Contouring, Kylie Jenner's K2O & Summer Skincare Mistakes
Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Reem and Dr. Ali break down the viral "sunscreen contouring" TikTok trend, review Kylie Jenner's new K2O drinkable skincare, debate PDGF injections, and share their summer skincare swaps, baby skincare essentials, and Sephora Spring Sale picks.
Chapters (approximate)
(00:00) Welcome back to Derm Nextdoor(01:00) What's Hot: NYC heatwave & the science of why your skin gets oily(03:30) Summer skincare swaps: retinol, salicylic acid, niacinamide, foaming cleansers(05:30) Sunscreen layering, tinted SPF & powder reapplication(08:00) What's NOT Hot: the viral "sunscreen contouring" TikTok trend(11:00) Side-Eye: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) injections(14:00) Derm in the Wild: Coachella, UV index...Episode 16: Derm Decoded: Skin Longevity, Alix Earle's Brand & the Real Talk on AI Skincare
This week we're covering what's trending (and what's tanking) in skincare right now — from the growing obsession with skin longevity to the at-home device everyone needs to put down immediately. We also weigh in on Alix Earle's new brand launch, reflect on the spectacle that was AAD 2026, and round things out with our current product picks for transitioning your routine into spring.
The Rundown
What's hot
Skin longevity is having a moment — and for good reason. We break down what "aging well" actually means from a dermatology perspective, why simplified routines are outperforming 10-ste...
Episode 15: NYC Wellness Culture, GLP-1 Controversy, Skincare Hot Takes with Fitness Influencer Ceren
In this episode of Derm Next Door, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ali Dempsey and Dr. Reem welcome their first ever guest: fitness trainer, Equinox instructor, and wellness influencer Ceren
Together they dive into the intersection of NYC wellness culture, skincare trends, and influencer beauty routines.
From GLP-1 weight loss medications to Sculptra, Botox, and viral skincare hacks, the conversation gets honest about what’s actually worth it-and what dermatologists are side-eyeing.
They also break down Ceren's real skincare routine (and give it a brutally honest derm score), discuss the pressure of influencer culture, and ex...
Episode 14: 2026 Skincare Trend Predictions
Derm Next Door is back with Episode 14 and we’re breaking down Allure’s 2026 Beauty Trends Report from a dermatologist’s perspective.
Board-certified dermatologists Ali & Reem go trend-by-trend to separate marketing from medicine, including:
The rise of retinal (retinaldehyde) over retinolVitamin C upgrades and what happens now that the SkinCeuticals patent has expiredPre- and post-procedure skincare (and what’s actually worth the splurge)The future of sunscreen, luxury mineral formulas, and the new UV filter bemetrizinol (BEMT)The estrogen cream debate in perimenopause & menopause skincareBiohacking, longevity culture, and what that even means for your skinInjectable-inspired skincare (exosomes...Episode 13: Sculptra Is Having a Moment, Facials Are Overrated & Our 2025 Skincare Favorites
Derm Next Door is back after a brief hiatus and we’re coming in hot.
In Episode 13, board-certified dermatologists Ali & Reem break down what’s actually trending in dermatology right now, what we’re officially side-eyeing, and the skincare products that earned a permanent spot in our 2025 routines.
We cover:
Why Sculptra is having a major comeback and how it differs from traditional fillerWho Sculptra is actually for (and when it’s not the right move)Why the industry is shifting toward more natural, collagen-stimulating treatmentsOur honest take on mesotherapy and why the data just isn...Episode 12: Laser Caps, Ozempic Face, Brow Laminations & NYC Recs
Ali and Reem break down what’s actually worth it in beauty and skincare this week- from laser caps for hair loss to the Neutrogena makeup wipe recall to the sudden surge in GLP-1–related skin issues they’re seeing in clinic. The derms also dissect a TikToker’s “glow-up” routine (Face Gym, lymphatic massage, lash lifts), talk about brow lamination, share their current makeup favorites, and end with curated NYC restaurant and bar recommendations.
00:00 — Intro01:00 — Laser Caps 101: What They Are & Who They Help04:30 — Do Laser Caps Work? How Derms Actually Use Them08:30 — Pricing, Brands & Why Amazon Caps Are… Questionable10...Episode 11: Radiofrequency Risks, Estrogen Cream Myths & Viral Beauty Trends
In Episode 11, we break down the truth about radiofrequency devices and why the FDA just issued a warning about their risks and unlicensed operators. We also debunk the newest TikTok craze: estrogen creams for facial rejuvenation- spoiler: zero long-term data, and possible melasma triggers. Then we side-eye knee Botox (do we secretly want to try it? yes). We also review the $650 “Red Sculpt Facial” celebrities swear by and share our current product obsessions and NYC fall favorites.
🎥 Watch the full studio episode on YouTube: @dermnextdoor
Episode 10: Acids 101, Thread Lifts (No Thanks), Korean Head Spas, and a Peel Gone Wrong
We hit double digits! In this milestone episode, Ali and Reem dig into why acids are everywhere right now- how glycolic, salicylic, and TCA actually work in skin and how to fit them into a skincare routine without annihilating your barrier. Then they explain (plainly) why thread lifts keep dermatologists unamused, unpack a Korean head spa visit, and break down the viral Victoria Nelson chemical-burn case as a cautionary tale about credentials and aftercare. They wrap with Asian beauty favorites and a few NYC spots they’re loving.
Chapters below for quick skipping. Rate/review if you le...
Episode 9: Facial Acupuncture, FDA Sunscreen Drama & More
We’re officially on camera! In our first filmed episode, we dive into the skincare trends that have everyone talking, from celebrity-loved facial acupuncture to FDA warnings on sunscreen mousse. We side-eye gel manicures after the EU ban on TPO, break down what peptides really do (and how to use them), and talk FDA approval + under-eye microneedling with salmon sperm. Plus, our favorite products of the month, a summer travel recap and the NYC spots we’ve been loving.
Whether you’re here for derm pearls, NYC chaos, or skincare tea, this one has it all.
Time...
Episode 8: The Truth About Acne Supplements, Annoying Rashes & Risky Beauty Tourism
Ali and Reem break down omega-3s for acne (and Accutane side effects), vent about periorificial dermatitis, side-eye Korean spa tourism (hi, shoulder filler and salmon-sperm injectables), and get real about freckles vs. lentigines and tattooed moles. Then it’s listener Qs on loose skin and sunburns, a quick NYC Legionnaires’ PSA, and their current Lower East Side/river-cruise recs.
Timestamps
00:05 – Welcome + what’s on deck00:30 – HOT: Omega-3s for acne, Accutane lipid/dryness support02:56 – BOTHERED: Periorificial dermatitis (triggers, what NOT to do, low-dose iso)07:31 – SIDE-EYEING: Korean spa tourism (shoulder filler), PDRN “salmon sperm” warning13:11 – Derm in the Wild: Freckle...Episode 7: Hair Loss Deep Dive
In this deep-dive edition, Ali and Reem unpack everything you think you know about hair loss and a lot you probably don’t. From sudden shedding to subtle thinning, they break down what’s normal, what’s not, and what’s worth your time (and money). Whether you’re dealing with postpartum fallout or just suspicious of your widening part, this one’s for you.
Expect myth-busting, treatment truths, and a few personal confessions, including a certain derm’s failed mayonnaise mask moment.
⏱️ Highlights
00:02 – Welcome back & intro to the deep-dive format
03:30 – Hair anatomy & growth...
Episode 6: Lasers, Scalp Voodoo & 'Hot Girl' Tips
Ali and Reem are back from vacation and diving headfirst into a summer-themed episode of Derm Next Door. From debunking scalp DIY disasters to decoding laser lingo and sharing the not-so-glamorous realities of NYC in July, this episode blends skin science with real-life derm takes.
They break down the evidence behind polypodium leucotomos supplements, explain why your apple cider vinegar hair rinse probably isn’t doing much (except stinking), and walk through the lasers you’ve seen on TikTok but never truly understood. Also: hypochlorous acid spray—is it just diluted bleach or a post-Pilates lifesaver? And finall...
Episode 5: The Vitamin C War, Hair Growth Scams, and Lindsay Lohan’s Glow-Up
00:02 – Welcome back to Derm Next Door! Your fave NYC derm duo is back with Episode 5. Let’s get into it.00:55 – HOT: Vitamin C — she’s not new, but she’s still That Girl.03:08 – Favorite serums: Dr. Idriss, CE Ferulic, Silymarin… and some that smell like hot dog water.06:35 – Drugstore dupes, Sephora staples, and why Amazon is the Wild West of skincare.09:50 – Vitamin C fails: oxidized goo, milia, and the great orange face rub incident.12:42 – BOTHERED: Kava (with a K) is trending… and giving people lizard skin. Let’s discuss.15:56 – SIDE-EYEING: Nutrafol. The pills are massive. The price? Offensive. The science? Funded by… Nutrafol.21:10 –...
Episode 4: Botox, Beef Tallow & Sunscreen Myths: Summer Skincare and Scandals
In this jam-packed episode of Derm Next Door, board-certified dermatologists Ali and Reem dive into the latest in cosmetic dermatology, viral TikTok trends, and skincare safety with their signature mix of science, sass, and snark. From buzzy Botox placements like trap tox and the infamous scrotox (yes, really), to a deep dive on beef tallow moisturizers and why sunscreen isn’t the villain RFK Jr. claims it is, the docs are here to set the record straight. Plus: drugstore skincare faves, myths about vitamin D, how to tackle dark spots, and juicy NYC recs—soft serve, Philharmonic sunsets, and why...
Episode 3: The Retinoid Rant, Sculptra Shade & $30 Smoothies
In Episode 3, Dr. Ali and Dr. Reem break down the exosome hype, defend Sculptra from online slander, and tackle the myth that retinoids thin your skin (they don't). Ali braves the $30 colostrum smoothie trend, and the duo unpacks Anne Hathaway’s Met Gala glow. Plus, they share tips for layering skincare, call BS on the NuFACE device, and drop their latest NYC recs.
00:00 – Intro
Welcome to Derm Next Door with Dr. Ali and Dr. Reem00:17 – Hot: Exosomes
What they are, how they work, why they’re trendingConcerns with medspas and lack of FDA appr...Episode 2: Salmon Sperm, Softwave, and Side-Eyes: A Derm Deep Dive
Dr, Ali and Dr. Reem are officially in podcast mode—and they are not holding back. In this jam-packed episode of Derm Next Door, the duo dishes on the science and skepticism around salmon sperm skincare, share their personal PRP and softwave experiences, and issue a PSA about La Mer that might save your skin (and wallet). From at-home laser disasters to masseter Botox debates to TikTok water dunking rituals, nothing is off the table. Bonus: a juicy Lower East Side bar/restaurant showdown and NYC recs you’ll actually want to write down. It’s educational, it’s unfilter...
Episode 1: Meet Your Derm Besties
In our very first episode, get to know the dermatologists behind the mic—Dr. Ali Dempsey and Dr. Reem Nabti. We’re sharing how we got into dermatology, what it’s really like practicing in NYC, and why we started Derm Next Door. Expect a little skincare, a little sass, and a whole lot of honesty. Come hang with us—we’re just getting started. 💅✨