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.

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Key Questions Answered:

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⁠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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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:

Key Questions Answered:

Products Mentioned:

Find The Times article mentioned in the episode here.

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After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid

Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne

TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic

YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

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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:

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Producer: Ella Blaxill

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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We all know exercise is good for our heart, muscles and mental health, but what does it do for our skin?

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Sunburn isn't just red, sore skin...

Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain what happens to your skin when UV radiation causes sunburn, why repeated UV exposure increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, and what you can actually do if you've been caught out.

You'll learn:

Products mentioned:

Don't forget to follow and subscribe so you don't miss another episode!

You can watch us on YouTube and find us on Instagram too.

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, Consultant Dermatologist Dr Ellie Rashid explains why scalp health is so important for healthy hair, from dandruff and oily scalps to hair growth, shedding and scalp inflammation.

She tackles the biggest hair and scalp myths, including whether dirty hair grows better, whether you can "train" your scalp to produce less oil, and whether rosemary oil really works for hair growth.

In this episode:

Products mentioned:

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare and hair advice.

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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Psoriasis affects around 125 million people worldwide but there's still so much misunderstanding around the condition.

In this special Psoriasis Awareness Month episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologist Dr Ellie Rashid explains what psoriasis is, what causes it, and the treatment options available today.

Alongside a personal story (special thanks to Alys for sharing her experience), Ellie discusses common triggers, the different types of psoriasis, whether diet plays a role, and how treatments such as phototherapy, topical therapies and biologics can help manage the condition.

You'll learn:

If you've recently been diagnosed or have lived with psoriasis for years, or know someone who needs help or reassurance, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice from a consultant dermatologist.

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

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid discuss why misleading skincare advice spreads so quickly online, how social media algorithms reward sensational claims, and what to look for when deciding who to trust.

In this episode:

If you've ever wondered who you should believe when it comes to skincare advice, this episode will help you separate fact from fiction.

👇 Have you come across skincare misinformation online? Let us know in the comments.

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🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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What are milia? Should you squeeze them? And why do they keep coming back?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain everything you need to know about milia, the tiny white bumps that commonly appear around the eyes, cheeks and face.

Often mistaken for whiteheads or spots, milia are one of the most common skin concerns dermatologists are asked about. Emma and Ellie explain what causes them, why they won't pop like a pimple, when they disappear on their own, and the safest way to remove them.

They also tackle some of the biggest myths circulating on social media, including DIY extraction techniques, home remedies and whether certain skincare products can make milia worse.

Whether you've had milia yourself, noticed them on your baby, or are simply wondering what those tiny white bumps on your skin actually are, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice from two consultant dermatologists.

This episode covers:

Emma and Ellie also explain why milia become more common with age, why they often develop around the eyes, and what they personally recommend to patients in clinic.

If you've ever searched "How do I get rid of milia?" or "What are the tiny white bumps on my face?", this episode is for you.

👇 Let us know your skincare questions in the comments.

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Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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Are you washing your face the right way? Is double cleansing

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast,

From acne-prone skin and eczema to rosacea and sensitive

You'll learn why cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare, how easy it is to get wrong, and how using the incorrect

This episode covers:

Emma and Ellie also explain why cleanser is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, how to avoid over-cleansing, and the

This episode includes a paid partnership with @cerave, a skincare brand developed with dermatologists, focused on repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. Emma and Ellie discuss the different CeraVe cleanser formulations and how they may suit different skin types and concerns.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the number of cleansers

👇 Let us know your skincare questions in

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Find us on Instagram and TikTok @afterhoursskinclinic.

Products mentioned:

Dr Emma and Dr Ellie’s Cleanser cheat-sheet…

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Gently removes dirt while helping support the skin barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Sensitive

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

A gentle, non-stripping formula that's suitable for easily irritated skin.

Eczema-prone

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight or "squeaky clean".

Rosacea-prone

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

A gentle cream cleanser that's less likely to disrupt an already sensitive skin barrier.

Normal skin

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Foaming Cleanser

Choose based on your preferred texture—cream or foam.

Combination skin

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Removes excess oil while helping maintain the skin barrier.

Oily skin

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Cleanses away oil and impurities without leaving skin stripped.

Breakout-prone

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

Contains 2% salicylic acid & Niacinamide. It Unclogs pores & helps regulate excess oil. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne.

Blackheads & clogged pores

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

Contains 2% salicylic acid. It penetrates & unclogs pores to help clear congestion.

Bumpy Body Skin

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

Contains 2% Salicylic acid. It gently exfoliates while moisturising to help support the skin barrier. Also suitable for those prone to Keratosis Pilaris (KP).

Body Breakouts

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

A practical body cleanser for breakout-prone areas. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne on their body.

Disclaimer: This cheat sheet is not part of the episode sponsorship, recommendations are Emma & Ellie’s own.

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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