Menopause shifts more than moods—it transforms skin. We break down what really happens when estrogen drops, why hydration and barrier function decline, and how that leads to dryness, fine lines, acne, and new sensitivity. With Dr. Brenda Dintiman, a board-certified dermatologist, we dig into the truth behind topical estrogen, what’s promising, and what still needs research.

We explore modern hormone therapy options, why HRT is never one-size-fits-all, and where topical or vaginal estrogen can meaningfully help. If crepey skin or GLP-1–related changes are your new frustration, we outline realistic fixes—from sunscreen, retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides to targeted lasers like 1927 nm and 1550 nm. Clear priorities, fewer false promises, and a roadmap you can start today. If this episode helped, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend navigating midlife skin.

Ever wonder how a tattoo becomes part of you for life? We sit down with board-certified dermatologist and associate professor Dr. Walter Liszewski to break down the science, safety, and art of tattooing—from how ink settles into the dermis to what really happens during healing, fading, and removal. He shares what matters most: finding a reputable artist, spotting real hygiene, and understanding how regulations differ across states.

We also explore tattoo reactions and skin health, from red-ink allergies and pigment-holding macrophages to what lymph node staining actually means. Dr. Liszewski explains when skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, or sarcoidosis should shape your tattoo choices, and how medical tattooing—like areola recreation or scar camouflage—can restore confidence. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or removing one, this episode helps you make informed, skin-smart choices about your ink.

Sun, pollution, and even your phone screen constantly stress your skin. At the Science of Skin Summit, Dr. Patti Farris broke down what actually works to defend against that daily onslaught—and why vitamin C remains the MVP when formulated and used correctly. We translate the science into plain English, explaining how free radicals damage collagen and DNA, how oxidative stress shows up as wrinkles and brown spots, and why topical vitamin C outperforms diet alone by directly saturating skin and complementing SPF against visible and infrared light.

Dr. Farris also walks through how to pick the right formula: L-ascorbic acid for potency, THD ascorbate for sensitive skin, and the powerhouse combo of vitamins C + E + ferulic acid for all-day antioxidant defense. Expect clear, practical takeaways—a morning routine that starts with antioxidant serum, ends with mineral sunscreen, and shifts your mindset from “anti-aging” to everyday skin resilience.

A routine Saturday turned life-changing when Leah’s dad had a seizure behind the wheel—ER scans revealed brain lesions, and a full-body scan showed his lungs “lit up like a Christmas tree.” A biopsy confirmed stage four metastatic melanoma, forcing Leah and her mom into an accelerated crash course on brain radiation, immunotherapy, and caregiving. What began as a stage zero melanoma in 2019 suddenly escalated, rewriting everything they thought they knew about “being done” with cancer.

Leah shares the real story behind survival: seven rounds of gamma knife, twenty-one infusions, and the moment treatment had to stop to save his lungs. Stability came not by chance but through vigilance, monthly scans, and grace as the intervals lengthened to six months. Beyond medicine, Leah gets candid about the emotional and practical toll—losing independence, routines, and normalcy—and what caregivers and clinicians can do better: slow down, explain, listen, and humanize every stage. This conversation blends practical guidance with grounded hope for anyone navigating melanoma or supporting someone who is.

A white patch on the skin shouldn’t erase someone’s story—or their options. Live at the Science of Skin Summit, Dr. Seemal Desai breaks down what vitiligo really is: an autoimmune skin disease, not a cosmetic issue or something contagious. We trace his family’s journey from the anxiety of early PUVA treatments to today’s advanced options—topical ruxolitinib, phototherapy, oral JAK inhibitors, and promising IL-15–blocking biologics.

We bust myths, explain autoimmune links, and share practical tips for care—sun protection, gentle skincare, and avoiding skin trauma. Dr. Desai also tackles stigma and insurance barriers that mislabel vitiligo as cosmetic, spotlighting the Global Vitiligo Foundation’s advocacy for access and support.

Your skin doesn’t follow the calendar—it follows the weather. As temps cool and indoor heat kicks in, we share how to shift from summer’s light layers to a fall routine that restores hydration, strengthens the barrier, and fades post-sun pigment—without irritation.

Registered nurse and aesthetic nurse specialist Raquel Merlini joins us to break down hydration by skin type, smart retinoid use, and why SPF still matters in fall. We also cover post-summer pigment care, from vitamin C and azelaic acid to peels, IPL, and microneedling, for a smooth, balanced glow all season long.

A rough, sandpaper patch on your temple or ear isn’t just “dry skin”—it’s your skin whispering about years of sun you barely noticed. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Neal Bhatia joins us to unpack actinic keratoses (AKs): how to spot them, why they appear earlier than expected, and what truly reduces their risk of progressing to skin cancer.

From freezing visible spots to treating hidden sun damage, Dr. Bhatia explains what really works—field therapy, photodynamic therapy, and daily prevention that fits real life. Learn how to protect smarter with sunscreen, supplements, and simple habits that keep your skin healthier for years to come.

Contact dermatitis affects up to 20% of people and can appear as either irritant (like a chemical burn) or allergic (an immune response after years of safe use). Unlike typical allergies, it doesn’t improve with antihistamines, making patch testing the key to diagnosis.

Common culprits include nickel, preservatives, and even “natural” ingredients. Dr. Dathan Heyman shares cases—from plants to kitty litter—that highlight how hidden allergens trigger rashes, and how identifying them can bring lasting relief.

In this episode, dermatologist Dr. Katie Varmann explores advanced sun protection beyond sunscreen. From antioxidants like vitamin C and E to DNA repair enzymes, melatonin, and niacinamide, she explains how these ingredients fight oxidative stress, repair damage, and boost skin defense.

She also shares simple morning and evening routines tailored to your needs and budget. The takeaway: you don’t have to avoid the sun—just protect smarter with a layered approach.

Persistent facial redness isn’t always just sensitive skin. In this episode, Dr. Linda Stein-Gold unpacks rosacea — how it differs from acne, its wide range of symptoms, common triggers, and why it’s more than a cosmetic issue. She also shares practical skincare tips and highlights emerging links between rosacea and broader health conditions.

Whether you’re a patient, provider, or just curious, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of this complex condition.