After Hours Skin Clinic

By Raconteur StudiosMedicine Health & Fitness Arts Fashion & Beauty

After Hours Skin Clinic episodes

October 29Blood Facials: Vampire PRP, Menstrual Masking & Spooky Season Skincare
Would you put menstrual blood on your face if it made your skin glow? Should we all be Menstrual Masking? Or, is it actually causing more harm than good?
Halloween is just around the corner, so in this episode Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explore the more unusual skincare practices. Stuff involving the use of human blood! What's the evidence? Should a Vampire Facial (PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma injections) be on your list this Halloween? ...They also cover the absolute non-negotiables for staying safe under the knife or the needle!
Plus, in the spirit of spooky season, they look at DIY face mask ingredients like pumpkin, garlic, and eggs to ascertain whether they’re worth the effort - or not. SPOILER: one of them frequently causes contact allergies!
Key Questions Answered:
Does applying menstrual blood to your face actually improve skin quality or glow? And what are the risks?

Vampire facials: Do PRP injections live up to the hype or claims?

What are the clinical infection risks of getting a blood-related procedure in an unregulated setting?

Can household items like garlic, pumpkin or egg whites safely treat acne or tighten skin? Are the DIY Halloween themed skincare trends worth following?
Episode Highlights:
The Menstrual Blood Mask Trend: Deconstructing why viral period blood skincare makes zero physiological sense and introduces severe bacterial risks.

The 500 Dalton Rule: Why your skin’s natural barrier keeps large pathogens and proteins out.

The Truth About Vampire Facials: How PRP (platelet-rich plasma) works, the "buffy layer" separation, and lessons from the Albuquerque clinic outbreak.

Microneedling & Bloodletting Safety: Why sterile CQC-registered environments are non-negotiable for any procedure breaking the skin barrier.

Lasers vs. Blood: How modern fractional and ablative lasers (like UltraClear) create intentional clinical micro-injuries compared to DIY methods.

Kitchen Skincare Fails: Why garlic causes fingertip contact dermatitis and why pumpkin enzymes belong in cleansers, not raw DIY masks.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]

Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: ⁠⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠⁠
Dr Ellie Rashid: ⁠⁠@drellierashid⁠⁠
Dr Emma Craythorne: ⁠⁠@dremmacraythorne⁠⁠
TikTok: ⁠⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠After Hours Skin Clinic Channel⁠⁠

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
26 min
October 22The 5 Biggest Collagen Killers: Sun, Smoking & The One You Never Thought Of
Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid separate scientific fact from marketing fiction to reveal the top 5 lifestyle and environmental factors actively breaking down your skin's collagen scaffolding.
In this episode, Emma and Ellie examine how 95% of accelerated skin aging stems from UVA radiation, why perimenopausal hormone drops impact skin texture, and what sugar has to do with collagen loss. Plus, they explore the impact of urban air pollution (particulate matter) on pigmentation and share expert evidenced based ways to preserve and stimulate your collagen.
Episode Highlights:
Collagen Anatomy 101: How fibroblast cells manufacture your skin's scaffolding.

The #1 Collagen Killer (UVA & Infrared): Why cloud-cover UV rays degrade collagen and elastin long before your skin burns.

The Smoking & Vaping Factor: Why plastic surgeons test for nicotine before surgery due to compromised wound healing and micro-vascular constrictions.

Hormones, HRT & Menopause: Differentiating between systemic hormone replacement benefits and estrogen creams.

The Sugar-Glycation Connection: How high blood sugar stiffens collagen and why topical "anti-glycation" creams fail to reach deep dermal layers.

The Hidden Enemy (Air Pollution): How PM2.5 and PM10 soot particles trigger oxidative stress, collagen breakdown, and dark spot formation.

The ultimate collagen defense strategy.
Key Questions Answered:
What are the top 5 things that destroy skin collagen?

Do topical estrogen creams or anti-glycation moisturizers actually work to restore collagen?

How does daily resistance training exercise increase dermal skin thickness?
👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]

Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠
Dr Ellie Rashid: ⁠@drellierashid⁠
Dr Emma Craythorne: ⁠@dremmacraythorne⁠
TikTok: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠
YouTube: ⁠After Hours Skin Clinic Channel⁠

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
28 min
October 15Is Social Media Ruining Your Skin? Misinformation, Filters, and Selling Hope in a Jar
Is social media helping your skin or making it worse? Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid expose how algorithms, fake experts, and viral trends are wrecking skin barriers.
Drawing on the latest research presented at the British Association of Dermatologists meetings, Emma and Ellie examine the double-edged sword of online beauty culture.
In this episode, they break down how mechanisms on social media are amplifying fake medical advice, how big skincare brands and high-end magazines inadvertently validate non-expert voices, and why the algorithm pushes controversial content to your feed. Plus, they explore a shocking new study connecting social media screen time to destroyed skin barriers, discuss the hyper-targeting of 13-year-olds with unnecessary active ingredients, and outline how consumers can verify real clinical expertise.
Episode Highlights:
The Three-Layer Misinformation Trap: Why engagement algorithms and exaggerated claims trick even savvy consumers.

Brand & Media Endorsements: How major skincare brands and top magazines accidentally legitimize non-experts by failing to do basic due diligence.

The Filter vs. Reality Gap: Decoding the psychological impact of invisible retouching tools alongside the positive rise of "skin realism" accounts.

The 13-Year-Old TikTok Study: What happened when researchers analyzed the first 100 videos served to teenage accounts (and why 6+ active ingredients are wrecking skin barriers).

The Screen-Time & Skin-Barrier Correlation: Shocking new clinical findings linking higher social media consumption directly to increased product purchases and worse acne/barrier damage.

Reclaiming Digital Skin Health: The three pillars of responsibility required from creators, consumers, and social platforms to fix online medical advice.
Key Questions Answered:
How can I tell if someone offering skincare advice on TikTok or Instagram is a real dermatologist?

Why using viral skincare products could be making your skin barrier worse instead of better

Does social media screen time actually correlate with worse skin conditions like acne?
👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]

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

Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic
Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid
Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne
TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic
YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15 min
October 08You Might Be Damaging Your Nails Permanently: Gel Manicures & UVA Real Talk
Is your monthly gel manicure damaging your skin and triggering hidden face allergies?
From gel manicures causing mysterious eye eczema to the concerning rise of methacrylate allergies and the UK’s brand-new chemical ban on TPO, our nails are undergoing more clinical scrutiny than ever. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid lift the lid on the hidden risks hiding inside your monthly manicure routine and expose why cutting your cuticles is a recipe for permanent damage.
In this episode, Emma and Ellie unpack the crucial anatomical role of the proximal nail fold (the 'true' cuticle), why DIY gel nail kits are driving a massive surge in contact allergies, and how un-cured acrylates can trigger reactions on your eyelids. Plus, they examine the UVA radiation emitted by gel curing lamps, the clinical rise of periungual warts, and practical steps to protect your hands without ditching your favorite gel polish.
Episode Highlights:
The Anatomy of a Nail: Why everyone confuses the proximal nail fold with the cuticle and why removing it breaks your nail’s waterproof seal.

The UK TPO Chemical Ban: What the new restriction on Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide means for your nails.

The Rise of Acrylate Allergies: How improperly cured home gel kits are causing severe contact dermatitis across the face and eyes.

The Danger of Periungual Warts: How moisture traps and aggressive cuticle removal propagate stubborn viral infections around the nail.

Eczema Awareness Connection: Why mysterious eyelid rashes are increasingly linked to nail polish and cosmetic glues.

UVA Lamps & Skin Damage: Dermatologist-approved strategies (including UV-blocking gloves) to protect your hands during gel treatments.
Key Questions Answered:
Why should you tell your nail technician never to push back or cut your cuticles?

Can using a DIY UV gel nail kit at home cause long-term skin allergies?

How do gel nail chemicals cause allergic reactions around your eyes and face?
Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic
Dr Ellie Rashid Instagram: @drellierashid
Dr Emma Craythorne Instagram: @dremmacraythorne
TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic
YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction: The UK Chemical Ban on TPO & Nail Health
02:26 - Cuticle Anatomy 101: The Protective Waterproof Seal
04:02 - The Real Danger of Cutting Cuticles (Rashes, Infections & Warts)
07:34 - The Rise of Gel Nail Acrylate Allergies & DIY UV Kits
13:13 - Why Gel Nail Allergies Show Up on Your Eyelids
13:50 - Eczema Awareness Month & Contact Dermatitis Triggers
14:00 - UVA Lamps & How Dermatologists Protect Their Hands
17:55 - UK ban on a chemical (TPO) used in nail hardening products
22:01 - Supplements for nail growth & surprising truth about biotin

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29 min
October 01DIY Peptide Injections: The Dark Side of Injectable Peptides & Copper Hype
From Jennifer Aniston’s peptide confessions to unregulated online vials sold for £5, teenagers asking for acne fixes, and DIY under-the-skin injections, peptides are e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid pull back the curtain on the worrying, unregulated world of injectable "longevity" peptides and separate real pharmaceutical science from social media hype.
In this episode, Emma and Ellie break down what a peptide actually is, why GLP-1 weight-loss medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro) have created a halo effect for unsafe knock-offs, and why DIY under-the-skin injections carry massive unmonitored risks. Plus, they examine the truth behind copper peptides (GHK-Cu), why that viral blue liquid injection might be a complete waste of money, and the startling results of clinical studies that the beauty industry ignores.
Episode Highlights:
The Jennifer Aniston Effect: How celebrity skincare confessions can fuel an unregulated online frenzy.

What Is a Peptide? Deconstructing the science of amino acid chains, from essential insulin to GLP-1s.

The Unregulated Black Market: Why £5 internet vials labeled "for research purposes only" are a health disaster waiting to happen.

BPC-157 & Small Animal Studies: Why rat tendon research does not translate to human safety or skin rejuvenation.

The Truth About Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu): Debunking the myths around wound healing, acne, wrinkles, and reversing gray hair.

The "No Side Effects Reported" Trap: Why non-drug products lack mandatory reporting systems for adverse events.

Topical vs. Injectable: Why that viral blue copper peptide serum looks pretty on TikTok but lacks solid clinical backing.
Key Questions Answered:
Are injectable peptides bought online safe or effective for skin aging and longevity?

Do topical copper peptides (GHK-Cu) actually cure acne, reduce wrinkles, or stop gray hair?

What is the difference between prescription GLP-1 peptides and unregulated DIY peptide vials?
Want to learn more about peptides? Listen to our episode 'Peptides: What Are They, How Do They Work, and Should You Use Them?' on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic
Dr Ellie Rashid Instagram: @drellierashid
Dr Emma Craythorne Instagram: @dremmacraythorne
TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic
Listen on Spotify: After Hours Skin Clinic
Listen on Apple Podcasts: After Hours Skin Clinic

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
24 min
September 23Pregnancy Skincare: The Safe Ingredients & The Hard No’s According to Experts
Navigating skincare during pregnancy can feel like an overwhelming minefield of misinformation, fearmongering, and conflicting advice. This week on the After Hours Skin Clinic, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack the latest clinical evidence to bring expectant mothers complete peace of mind.
In this episode, Emma and Ellie run down a definitive A-to-Z list of popular skincare ingredients: from tretinoin, retinol, and hydroquinone to azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. They explain the difference between localised skin application and systemic absorption, break down why you shouldn't panic if you used a retinoid before finding out you were pregnant, and share the exact ingredients dermatologists rely on to manage pregnancy acne, melasma, and rosacea safely.
Episode Highlights:
The Anxiety of Pregnancy Skincare: Why fear-based advice causes unnecessary stress and how science guides safe choices.

Topical vs. Oral Retinoids: Why you should stop prescription tretinoin and why over-the-counter retinol are not advised, but why accidental use of topical retinoids isn't a reason to panic.

The Hard No Ingredient: Why hydroquinone must be strictly avoided during pregnancy due to high systemic absorption into the bloodstream.

Managing Hormonal Acne & Melasma Safely: Why azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and low-dose glycolic acid are dermatologist-approved pregnancy powerhouses.

Navigating Acids & Bakuchiol: Understanding the safety thresholds for salicylic acid (2% limit) and the latest 2026 data on bakuchiol.

Nipple Balms & Newborn Safety: The single evidence-backed ingredient safe for breastfeeding babies (and why it makes the ultimate lip balm).

Key Questions Answered:
What skincare ingredients are strictly unsafe to use during pregnancy?

Is it safe to use salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or azelaic acid while pregnant?

What should I do if I accidentally used a retinoid before realizing I was pregnant?
Products Mentioned:
Klira (Custom prescription skincare formulated by Dr Emma Craythorne)

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream / Lip Balm

Azelaic Acid (Topical treatment evaluated for pregnancy safety)

Hydroquinone (Prescription agent strictly not advised in pregnancy)

Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical antibacterial ingredient cleared for pregnancy)

Salicylic Acid (up to 2%) & Glycolic Acid

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, 10–15% at pH 2.5)

Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic
Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid
Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne
TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic
YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]
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
13 min
September 17Bone-Smashing to Jaw Fracturing: The Dark World of ‘Looksmaxxing’
From jaw pain caused by "mewing" to extreme internet trends where young men take hammers to their face, the internet’s obsession with "looksmaxxing" is going far beyond a basic skincare routine. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid investigate the bizarre, dark, and often dangerous underworld of extreme aesthetic manipulation.
In this episode, Emma and Ellie unpack the medical realities behind softmaxxing vs. hardmaxxing, the psychological impact of online body ideals, and why trying to "mew" or "bone-smash" your way to a chiselled jawline is a recipe for permanent damage. Plus, they explore how these online trends exploit vulnerability, the dangerous black-market use of prescription skin-bleaching ingredients like hydroquinone, and why true attraction is so much more than skin deep.
Episode Highlights:
The Medical Reality of 'Mewing': How a 15-year-old’s unexplained jaw pain led Dr Ellie down the internet rabbit hole of DIY facial re-shaping.

Softmaxxing vs. Hardmaxxing: Breaking down the line between healthy self-care and extreme physical alteration.

The Danger of 'Bone Smashing': Why hitting your face with a hammer triggers soft-tissue trauma and swelling rather than structural bone growth.

Facial Nerve Damage & Fracture Risks: The permanent clinical consequences of unmonitored facial trauma.

Black-Market Hydroquinone: The dangerous rise of unsupervised skin bleaching and the risk of irreversible ochronosis.

Beyond 2D Aesthetics: Why online image trends exploit psychological vulnerabilities and distort real-world human connection.
Key Questions Answered:
What is looksmaxxing, and why are young men resorting to dangerous DIY face reshaping?

Is "mewing" or "bone smashing" medically safe or effective for creating a stronger jawline?

What are the clinical dangers of using hydroquinone without a dermatologist's supervision?
👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]

Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid

Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne

TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic

YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel
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
21 min
September 10What Dermatologists Actually Spend Their Money On (From Luxuries to Cheap Finds)
From high-end night creams to cheap and effective cleansers, what do skin specialists actually buy with their own money? This week, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid pull back the curtain on their personal shopping lists, revealing where they like to splurge and where they save the most when it comes to skin health and the right products or procedures.
In this episode, Emma and Ellie unpack the truth about luxury vs. high-street skincare, why muscle-building exercise changes dermal thickness, and the surprising mental health "glow" that comes from joy, relaxation and movement. Plus, they break down why expensive collagen powders fail to deliver, which in-office laser technologies are actually worth the investment over home gadgets, and their favorite budget-friendly drugstore staples.
Episode Highlights:
The Science of Exercise & Dermal Thickness: How resistance training releases muscle myokines that directly boost skin structure and sleep quality.

Sensory Joy vs. Active Ingredients: The real reason Dr Ellie splurges on her night cream (and how to layer it with prescription actives).

In-Office Lasers vs. At-Home Gadgets: Why dermatologists skip handheld home devices in favor of Alexandrite, Nd:YAG, and CO2 in-clinic treatments.

The Lymphatic Drainage Myth: How targeted massage techniques support fluid flow and overall relaxation.

Dietary Collagen vs. Eating the Rainbow: Why expensive collagen supplements fall short compared to whole-food nutrition.

Dermatologist-Approved Budget Staples: The exact drugstore cleansers, body creams, and anti-dandruff shampoos Emma and Ellie buy on repeat.
Key Questions Answered:
Do expensive night creams work better than drugstore moisturisers, or are you just paying for fragrance?

Are at-home skincare devices and laser gadgets worth your money?

What are the best affordable cleansers and body moisturizers recommended by dermatologists?
Products Mentioned:
Klira (Bespoke prescription skincare formulated by Dr Emma Craythorne)

Niance Night Care Regenerate

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M

Byredo Hair Perfume

Dyson Airwrap & GHD Hairdryer

Ziip (Nano-current facial device)

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser & Cetaphil Rich Night Cream

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

E45 Cream

QV Skincare Range

Head & Shoulders Shampoo (Classic Original & Citrus Fresh)
Find The Times article mentioned in the episode here.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]

Connect with us:
After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic
Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid
Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne
TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic
YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

This is a Raconteur Studios Production. ⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16 min
September 03Collagen & Supplements: Everything You Need to Know
Do collagen supplements actually work?
Collagen powders, drinks and supplements promise plumper skin, fewer wrinkles and more collagen, but what does the science actually show?
In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid break down what collagen is, why we lose it as we age, and whether taking collagen orally can really improve your skin.
They examine the evidence behind collagen supplements, discuss UV exposure and lifestyle factors that damage collagen, and explain which skincare ingredients and treatments have stronger evidence for supporting collagen.
You'll learn:
Whether collagen supplements are worth the money

What happens to collagen as you age

How UV exposure damages collagen

Whether collagen can reduce wrinkles

Why food and protein may matter more

The evidence behind tretinoin, vitamin C and peptides

How in-clinic treatments can stimulate collagen
👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions [email protected]
🤍 Follow us on Instagram
👀 Watch us on ⁠Youtube⁠
🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.

Producer: Ella Blaxill
Series Editor: Eve Streeter
Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
18 min
August 27Can Exercise Actually Improve Your Skin?
We all know exercise is good for our heart, muscles and mental health, but what does it do for our skin?
In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid answer the question: Can exercise actually make your skin healthier?
They explore the surprising connection between exercise and skin health, including how resistance training may increase dermal thickness and collagen, why exercise is linked with less severe psoriasis, and whether sweating really “detoxes” your skin.
They also discuss the potential downsides of exercise for conditions including rosacea, hives and sweat-related rashes, and what you can do if exercise triggers your skin.
In this episode:
Can exercise make your skin thicker?

Exercise, collagen and skin ageing

Why resistance training may benefit your skin

The relationship between exercise and psoriasis

Does sweating actually detox your skin?

Exercise, blood flow and the post-workout glow

Can exercise make rosacea worse?

Exercise-induced hives and sweat rashes

Why movement throughout the day matters

How exercise can support better sleep and healthier skin
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.
Producer: Ella Blaxill
Series Editor: Eve Streeter
Music: Simon Elms
This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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

About After Hours Skin Clinic

From the publisher's feed

After Hours Skin Clinic is the expert-led skincare podcast hosted by consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid. It’s laid-back and information-packed, covering everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your skin and how to look after it.