Do mineral sunscreens really work better than chemical sunscreens? Are chemical filters actually harmful? And what should you believe when sunscreen misinformation is everywhere?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid tackle one of the most controversial topics in skincare: the debate between mineral and chemical sunscreens.

From TikTok myths and conspiracy theories to concerns about ingredient absorption, coral reefs, vitamin D, and skin cancer, Emma and Ellie break down what the evidence actually says about sunscreen safety and effectiveness.

They explain why sunscreen remains one of the most important tools we have for preventing skin cancer, pigmentation, and premature ageing — and why fear-based misinformation could be putting people at risk.

This episode covers:

Emma and Ellie also share the sunscreens they regularly recommend in clinic, discuss why sunscreen technology has improved dramatically over the past decade, and explain why the "mineral versus chemical" debate isn't actually a competition at all.

This episode includes a paid partnership with Eucerin, a skincare brand with a long history of dermatological research. During the episode, Emma and Ellie discuss Eucerin Oil Control Gel Cream SPF50+ and the formulation features that may make it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. All opinions expressed remain those of the hosts.

If you've ever felt confused by conflicting sunscreen advice online, this episode will help you separate evidence from misinformation.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

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Products mentioned:

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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Why do some people blush more than others? When is facial redness simply normal, and when could it be rosacea?

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid discuss the causes of facial flushing, blushing and persistent redness, and explain the treatments available for rosacea and other common triggers.

They cover the science behind emotional blushing, menopause-related flushing, alcohol flush reactions, visible facial blood vessels and chronic facial redness. They also share practical skincare advice, treatment options and dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

Topics covered:

Products and Treatments Mentioned:

Follow & Connect:

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

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

A Raconteur Studios Production.

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Wish you had all the skincare advice and information you need in one place?

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Dry hands are not just a winter problem and if your skin is cracking, stinging or constantly flaring, there is usually more going on than “just dryness.”

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack the different types of hand dermatitis, why some people are genetically prone to eczema, and how everyday habits like over-washing, wet work and even handling receipts can quietly damage the skin barrier.

They explain the difference between atopic eczema, irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and pompholyx eczema, including the hidden allergens that can keep hand eczema going for years without people realising it.

They explore:

There are also practical recommendations throughout the episode, including favourite dermatologist-approved hand creams, cleansers and barrier repair strategies that can genuinely improve painful fissures and chronic dryness.

Products mentioned include:

If your hands are persistently dry, cracked, itchy or inflamed - especially if treatments never seem to fully work - this episode explains what might be missing.

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YouTube: http://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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Are you over-exfoliating your skin without realising it?

In this episode, consultant dermatologists Dr Ellie Rashid and Dr Emma Craythorne explain what exfoliation actually does, how to get glowing skin safely, and why so many people damage their skin barrier chasing “glass skin”.

They cover:

If you want evidence-based skincare, honest dermatologist advice, and real answers about acne, pigmentation, ageing and skin health, this is the podcast for you.

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️

YouTube: http://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.

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

Why does your ponytail suddenly feel thinner? Why does your parting look wider in photos? And why are so many women told that hair thinning is “just part of ageing” ... with very little guidance on what to do next?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic , consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack the science, myths and emotional reality of female pattern hair loss.

From hormonal shifts and nutritional deficiencies to stress, postpartum shedding and scalp inflammation, they explain why female hair thinning is often misunderstood and why early diagnosis matters more than most people realise.

Expect evidence-based advice, practical treatment insights, and a few unexpectedly funny moments involving ketoconazole shampoo and a very confused patient.

Inside this episode:

This episode is for anyone who has ever looked at their hairbrush, widened parting or thinning ponytail and wondered: is this normal and what can I do about it?

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️

YouTube: http://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.

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

Are retinoids ruining your skin, or transforming it?

From viral misinformation to real clinical evidence, this episode tackles the biggest retinoid myths, like whether they thin your skin or cause inflammation.

Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid give you a step-by-step guide to using prescription retinoids safely and effectively.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to manage:

How to Use Retinoids (Dermatologist-Approved Routine)

A step-by-step approach to minimise irritation:

Retinoid Side Effects Explained

Retinoid dermatitis: dry, red, flaky patches (often around nose/mouth)

Products mentioned:

⁠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 with us ⬇️

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

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Send in your questions!

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

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid tell us absolutely everything we need to know about shampoo and what it is doing to our scalps.

They answer all our most-asked questions on choosing the right shampoo and preventing and fixing scalp issues, as well as how to avoid over-spending. This includes:

Products mentioned:

Send in your questions! [email protected]

Watch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic

Follow & Connect with us on socials ⬇️

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

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

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

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️

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.

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