Learn Skin with Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar

By LearnSkinMedicine Health & Fitness

Learn Skin with Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar episodes

August 13 Episode 235: Integrative Dermatology Approaches
Ever feel a little something was missing in your derm education? You're not alone. This week, we're joined by Dr. Jesse Schwartzberg as she walks us through a variety of integrative dermatology approaches. Listen in as she discusses the importance of patient histories, the most effective tests for derm conditions, and how to balance curiosity and expertise. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com.

Jesse Schwartzberg, MD is a board-certified integrative dermatologist with over 21 years in private practice and founder of Skin Project in Mexico City. She is a graduate of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City. She completed her internship at Hospital Virgen de la Macarena in Seville, Spain, her internal medicine training at Hospital ABC, and her dermatology specialty at Centro Dermatológico Dr. Ladislao de la Pascua.

Her integrative journey began with the AFMCP program through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), followed by Root Cause Dermatology with Julie Greenberg, then LearnSkin and Practitioner's Blueprint. Since then, her practice has shifted to a fully integrative approach, incorporating extensive bloodwork, GI Map, DUTCH, OAT, and other testing. This approach applies both to pathologies and to aesthetic patients, as she believes it is the route to healthy, beautiful skin.
36 min
August 06 Episode 234: Skin Longevity and Facial Aging: Collagen, Volume Loss, and Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine
Curious about the future of longevity? We're curious too. This week, we're joined by Dr. Kay Durairaj as she dives into skin longevity and regenerative medicine. Listen in as she discusses the benefits of peptides, how to look for aging factors, and where longevity medicine might be going. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com.

Kay Durairaj, MD, FACS is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and head and neck surgeon based in Pasadena, California, where she founded Beauty by Dr. Kay. Her practice focuses on facial rejuvenation, injectables, and biostimulatory treatments, with an emphasis on aesthetic approaches that support healthy aging and skin longevity. She is also an educator and hosts Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, a podcast where she shares evidence-informed insights on beauty, wellness, and aesthetic care with both patients and providers.
32 min
July 30 Episode 233: Beyond Topicals: Peptides, Regenerative Medicine, and the Future of Skin Longevity
How long would you want to live well? We've got just the expert to help. This week, we're joined by Melissa Grill-Petersen as she dives into the science of longevity. Listen in as she discusses the latest news on peptides, actions you can take as a clinician, and how to reframe our understanding of aging. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Dr. Melissa Grill-Petersen is Founder & CEO of Human Longevity Global and President of Peptide University. A global authority in longevity medicine and metabolic innovation, she advises enterprises on responsibly scaling GLP-1s, peptides, and regenerative therapeutics into sustainable health systems. A TEDx speaker and best-selling author, Dr. Melissa helps reframe aging as design - building models where breakthrough medicine meets long-term human flourishing.
36 min
July 23 Episode 232: Alternative Career Pathways in Dermatology
Feeling a little burnt out? We've got just the breath of fresh air. This week, we're joined by Dr. Omer Ibrahim as he discusses alternative careers in dermatology. Listen in as he discusses professional pivoting, how to ask yourself the important questions, and what it means to be burnt out. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Dr. Omer Ibrahim, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics. He completed medical school at Yale University, dermatology residency at Cleveland Clinic, and fellowship training in cosmetic, laser, and dermatologic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston. He is also Medical Director of KGL Skin Study Center, a dermatology clinical research center. Dr. Ibrahim is passionate about bridging science, skincare, and beauty through innovation, research, and education. His work focuses on helping people feel confident in their skin through evidence-based dermatology and thoughtfully developed products.
33 min
July 16 Episode 231: Integrative Mental Health and Dermatology
Interested in the intersection between mental health and dermatology? Well, so are we. This week, we're joined by Dr. Diana Hurwitz as she dives into the topic of psychodermatology. Listen in as she discusses just how psychoderm can help both you and your patients, how to incorporate an integrative mindset, and how we can all avoid burnout. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Board certified dermatologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. Completed undergraduate education at Harvard College and spent a gap year working on psychopharmacology at Massachusetts General Hospital before starting medical school at Mount Sinai. Internal medicine at Yale, and dermatology residency at University of Miami. Chief of dermatology at a large multispecialty group for over 10 years, named one of New York's best doctors multiple times. Currently completing an integrative medicine fellowship at University of Arizona this fall.
36 min
July 09 Episode 230: The Retention Revolution: Mastering the 12-Month Aesthetic Roadmap
Looking for retention strategies for your clients? We've got just the expert. This week, we're joined by Julie Frost-Acarregui as she walks us through her valuable experience in running a successful aesthetics practice. Listen in as she discusses a wide range of topics, including building a brand, establishing atmosphere, expanding your business, and clarifying client expectations. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com.
Julie Frost is a nationally renowned Aesthetic Cosmetic Specialist, the #1 Sculptra injector in Idaho, and the visionary Founder and Medical Director of PURE Medical Spa and PURE Vitality & Wellness. Under her leadership, the PURE brand has expanded to three premier locations across Idaho: Boise, Sun Valley, and Coeur d'Alene, establishing a statewide standard for clinical excellence, hormonal health, and holistic transformation. With a career rooted in high-acuity medical care as a Board-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist since 1996, Julie combines clinical mastery with a sophisticated artistic eye. A proud U.S. Army veteran who served 10 years on active duty, she brings a disciplined commitment to safety and meticulous detail that defines the PURE experience. A cornerstone of Julie's professional mission is the value of continuous growth. As a prestigious Galderma GAIN Business Educator, a member of the elite GEN NOW faculty, and a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for many of the industry's leading vendors, she is a "trainer of trainers" who influences the future of aesthetic medicine. Julie travels nationwide to mentor her peers, teaching practitioners how to move beyond transactional sales to become trusted aesthetic advisors. Further distinguishing her as a leader in the field, Julie educates on the pillars of operational success, entrepreneurship, and scaling businesses. She provides a roadmap for sustainable growth, sharing her expertise on building high-performing teams and establishing the systems required to scale a multi-location brand without compromising the guest experience. By bridging the gap between clinical excellence and business strategy, Julie is dedicated to elevating the professional standards of the entire aesthetic industry. Despite her national influence, Julie's heart remains in Idaho. She is the proud mother of three sons and finds her own "renaissance of self" in the outdoors with her husband, Steve. Whether she is fly-fishing, white-water rafting, camping, golfing, or skiing, Julie embodies the vibrant, healthy lifestyle she helps her clients and students achieve.
43 min
July 02Episode 229: Mast Cells in the Spotlight: MCAS Through a Dermatology Lens
Looking for the run down on mast cells? We've got you covered. This week, we're joined by Dr. Sonal Choudhary as she walks us through Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Listen in as she discusses the difficulty of diagnosis, what makes it controversial, and the latest science of MCAS. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Sonal Choudhary, MD is a Board certified Dermatologist and fellowship trained Dermatopathologist, who joined the Department of Dermatology in 2016 upon completion of her Dermatopathology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Choudhary received her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College in New Delhi India. She completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she remained to complete her Preliminary Internship in Internal Medicine, as well as her Residency Program in Dermatology. Dr. Choudhary is also undergoing a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology which will conclude in February of 2024. While she offers care for all dermatologic conditions, Her areas of clinical interest and research are atopic dermatitis, gut and skin microbiome, integrative dermatology, alternative therapies and approaches (herbs, supplements, functional medicine testing) to inflammatory skin diseases (Hidradenitis suppurativa, Acne, Psoriasis, hair loss), nutrition in cutaneous disease and dermatopathology. She is the director of the adult atopic dermatitis clinic, expert team member on hEDS/HSD group and member of the PCOS collaboration group at UPMC Magee. Given her areas of training, Dr. Choudhary offers a holistic and integrative approach for various skin conditions. She has extended collaborations with departments and specialties outside of Pitt Dermatology, such as Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Engineering department. Dr. Choudhary is very well published and has authored articles published in high impact journal on a wide spectrum of dermatological disease states and management approaches. Her publications can be reviewed on pubmed. She is constantly involved in training the next generation of physicians from medical students, residents (dermatology and medicine), fellows and Physician assistants under her supervision. Professional memberships

Member of Integrative Dermatology with Integrative Dermatology Certification Program/LearnSkin

Fellow of Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology

Fellow of Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology

Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology

Fellow of American Academy of Dermatopathology

Education & Training

MBBS, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India

Clinical Internship, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India

Post Doctoral Fellowship, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Internship, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital

Residency, Dermatology, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital

Fellowship, Dermatopathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Fellowship, Integrative Dermatology
30 min
June 25 Episode 228: Skin of Color and Cultural Considerations in Dermatology
Looking for a little more nuance for your skin of color patients? We've got just the expert. This week, we're joined by Lakshi Aldredge as she walks us through a multi-colored approach to dermatology. Listen in as she discusses the importance of skin of color curriculum, the limitations of the Fitzpatrick skin typing system, and the importance of proper diagnosis in skin of color. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, FAANP, is a dermatology nurse practitioner who has practiced at the Portland VA in Portland, Oregon for the past 36 years, including 24 years in the Dermatology Service, specializing in patients with immune-mediated chronic dermatoses. She has served as past president of SDNP and DNA, and as a past member of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Advisory Board.

36 min
June 18 Episode 227: The Courage to Rise: Mindset, Business & Becoming Who You're Meant to Be
Looking for a dose of clarity in a muddled mind? We've got just the expert. This week, we're joined by Yvonne Dellos, FNP-BC as she walks us through the power of your mindset. Listen in as she recounts her own humble beginnings, how to be open to new and divergent paths, and ultimately how to reframe failure. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Yvonne Dellos, FNP-BC, is a sought-after speaker, author of From Food Stamps to Fortunes, elite aesthetic injector, and founder of multiple successful brands, including Medical Aesthetic Art Institute and The Best of Yvonne. She specializes in helping women elevate their mindset, scale their income, and build powerful, purpose-driven lives. Her work blends strategy, confidence, and transformation to create lasting success.
28 min
June 11 Episode 226: Photoprotection and DNA Damage Repair
Looking for the latest on photoprotection? We've got the expert. This week, we're joined by Dr. Naiem Issa as he walks us through the cutting edge research surrounding sun protection and DNA damage repair. Listen in as he discusses the effects of ultraviolet light, proper sun protection, and new therapies for repairing sun damaged skin. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com.

Naiem Issa, MD PhD FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist, Director of Clinical Research & Academics with Forefront Dermatology, USA practicing in Vienna, Virginia, Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, Clinical Assistant Professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Clinical Instructor at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
28 min

About Learn Skin with Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar

From the publisher's feed

The Learn Skin Podcast investigates the intersection of Eastern and Western medicine to inform an Integrative approach to Dermatology. Join co-hosts Dr. Raja Sivamani and Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov as they…