Melasma can be one of the most frustrating skin conditions to treat and one of the easiest to accidentally make worse.

Emma and Ellie explore why melasma develops, why it’s so persistent, and the critical role that sun exposure, hormones, and genetics play in triggering and maintaining it.

From pregnancy-related pigmentation to the impact of visible light (not just UV), this episode explains why managing melasma requires a long-term, consistent approach, not quick fixes.

You’ll learn:

They also share practical advice on managing melasma day-to-day, including realistic expectations and ways to minimise its appearance.

Key takeaway: Melasma is manageable but only if you consistently address the root cause, especially UV exposure.

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How much sun do you actually need for vitamin D? Does SPF block vitamin D production? And can low vitamin D cause hair loss?

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explore the science behind vitamin D, its role in skin and overall health, and the truth about sun exposure.

From medical guidance to common myths about SPF and vitamin D deficiency, they break down what the evidence actually says, and what it means for your daily routine.

You’ll learn:

Emma and Ellie also discuss large-scale clinical studies exploring vitamin D’s potential role in reducing autoimmune disease risk and improving health outcomes.

💡 Key takeaway: You don’t need prolonged sun exposure for vitamin D and supplements are often the safest and most effective option.

⁠Klira⁠ - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to ⁠klira.skin⁠

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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic 

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Send us your questions! ⬆️

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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Thinking about dermal fillers? In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, London Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid break down everything you need to know about facial fillers, from benefits to serious risks.

As two leading experts, they get questions both in-clinic and out. In this video, they answer your most asked questions on fillers:

Plus: Would Emma and Ellie have filler themselves?

This episode is essential listening if you’re considering cosmetic injectables and want evidence-based, medically qualified, un-biased advice.

📍 Recorded in Central London

📩 Send your questions via Instagram or email

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic 

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

⚠️ This podcast is for information only and not a substitute for medical advice

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack one of the most talked-about trends in aesthetic dermatology: injectable moisturisers, also known as skin boosters.

They're marketed as the secret to glass skin, deep hydration, and radiant glow...but are they actually worth it?

We break down the science behind hyaluronic acid injections, how they differ from traditional dermal fillers, and what the evidence really shows when it comes to hydration, skin quality, and long-term results.

You’ll learn:

Emma and Ellie also discuss the limitations of current research, the role of marketing in aesthetic treatments, and why these procedures should never replace a solid skincare routine.

💡 Key takeaway: Skin boosters may offer temporary hydration and glow...but they are not a substitute for medical-grade skincare or more targeted treatments.

Follow & Connect:

⁠www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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Cleansing should be simple... but it's so easy to get wrong.

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain how choosing the wrong cleanser can damage your skin barrier, trigger eczema, worsen acne and rosacea, and leave your skin feeling dry, tight or irritated.

With so many options, from oil cleansers and micellar water to salicylic acid and exfoliating cleansers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The messaging can be unclear and complicated - what difference do additional ingredients and their so-called 'added-benefits' actually make? It is all just skincare marketing...?

This episode breaks down what's actually important whne it comes ot choosing the right cleanser for your skin type - based on the science of skincare and according to skin health experts.

Emma and Ellie also explore how factors like hard water in the UK and over-cleansing can impact your skin.

If your skin isn’t behaving the way you want it to, your cleanser might just be the problem, so we're here to help.

In this episode we cover:

Key takeaway:

The best cleanser removes dirt and SPF without disrupting your skin barrier.

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

Follow & Connect:

AHSC YouTube

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you need sunscreen every day ... even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors?

In this episode, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain the science behind daily SPF use and why consistent sunscreen application is one of the most effective ways to protect long-term skin health.

They break down how ultraviolet radiation affects the skin, including UVA, UVB, and visible light, and why damage accumulates over time, even without sunburn.

The conversation explores how sunscreen helps prevent pigmentation, premature ageing, and skin cancer, and why it’s particularly important for conditions like melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and rosacea.

You’ll also learn:

Do you actually need sunscreen every day?

Can UV really penetrate clouds and windows?

The difference between UVA, UVB, and visible light

Why pigmentation and skin tone are affected by UV exposure

The truth behind “24% younger skin” studies

How sunscreen prevents long-term skin damage

How to apply SPF correctly (most people underapply)

What to look for on the label (SPF vs UVA protection)

Why trusting the brand matters more than trends

How to find a sunscreen you’ll actually use consistently

The episode also discusses the importance of trusting well-tested brands and highlights Avène’s Ultra Fluid SPF range as part of a paid partnership, chosen for its broad-spectrum protection and lightweight, wearable formulas.

Products mentioned:

📩 Send your questions: [email protected]

📱 Instagram: @AfterHoursSkinClinic

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know pollution is bad for our lungs. But what is it actually doing to our skin?

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack the science behind pollution and skin ageing and explain why it might be affecting your skin far more than you realise.

From traffic fumes to candles, cooking fumes and indoor air quality, pollution isn’t just something you encounter on busy roads. In fact, the air inside your home may expose your skin to even higher concentrations of pollutants.

So how exactly does pollution accelerate ageing? What does it do to your skin barrier, pigmentation and collagen? And most importantly what can you actually do about it. What works to prevent the damage pollution causes - what actually helps protect your skin?

This episode, as always, focuses on the evidence-based strategies dermatologists actually recommend.

If you want healthier, calmer, more resilient skin, even if you live in a polluted place, this is what you need to know.

For more, weekly episodes covering dermatology, skincare science and skin health, don't forget to subscribe to After Hours Skin Clinic on YouTube and your favourite podcast platform!

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

Follow & Connect:Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinicEmail: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perioral Dermatitis: you might be making it worse without realising.

Red bumps around the mouth, skin that stings, tingles or won’t settle. A rash that improves with steroid cream… then comes back worse. This is perioral dermatitis and it’s being diagnosed (and misdiagnosed) more than ever.

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain what causes it and how to treat it properly. They break down what perioral dermatitis actually is, why it happens, and how to manage it without making it worse.

Emma & Ellie explain:

If you’re overwhelmed by products, confused by conflicting advice, or stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, this episode will help you reset and understand what your skin actually needs.

Send us your skincare myths and questions, we love hearing from you!

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production. 

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you care about healthy, resilient skin long-term, your neck deserves the same attention as your face...and this episode explains why.

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain how neck skin behaves differently and what actually supports it as we age, as well as why we might regret it if we don't give it the attention it needs.

Emma and Ellie break explain:

They also discuss the powerful case study of a 92-year-old woman whose face looked decades younger than her neck, simply because she applied sunscreen to her face for 40 years but, cruicially, she never extended it downwards.

If you want clearer, firmer, healthier-looking skin, don’t stop at your jawline!

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

Follow & Connect:Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinicEmail: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production. 

Products mentioned: RoC Derm Correxion Retinol Firming Serum Stick to Lift, Tighten & Smooth Fine Lines

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is deodorant dangerous?

Does aluminium in antiperspirant cause breast cancer?

Are we “blocking toxins” when we stop ourselves sweating?

This week on After Hours Skin Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid cut through one of the most persistent skincare myths on the internet: the safety of deodorants and antiperspirants.

From aluminium and breast cancer fears to “endocrine disruptors,” hormone myths and detox misinformation, Emma and Ellie break down what the science actually says (and what the noise on social media can get very wrong).

They explain:

They also discuss fragrance reactions, irritant dermatitis, and when stronger antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis are appropriate.

If you’ve ever felt worried about using antiperspirant or confused by clean beauty claims this episode will leave you informed and reassured.

Have a skincare myth you want us to tackle next? Send it in.

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

Follow & Connect:Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinicEmail: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices