In this episode of Skinside Out, Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney continue their Dermatology Through the Decades series by tackling one of the most challenging stages of skin health: the teenage years. 

From acne and oily skin to dandruff, excessive sweating, sports-related skin conditions, sunburns, and social media skincare trends, the team explores the physical and emotional changes that impact teenagers during puberty.

The conversation dives into why acne can have such a profound effect on confidence, the importance of early treatment to prevent scarring, and how parents can support teens navigating skin concerns during these formative years. The hosts also discuss tanning beds, hyperhidrosis, hair loss, athlete's skin infections, and why social media isn't always the best source for skincare advice. 

Whether you're a parent, teenager, coach, or simply looking to better understand adolescent skin health, this episode offers practical, evidence-based advice for navigating the teenage years with confidence.

00:00 – Welcome back to Dermatology Through the Decades
01:00 – Puberty, hormones, and teenage skin changes
02:00 – Why acne dominates the teenage years
03:00 – The emotional impact of acne and self-confidence
04:00 – Why acne shouldn't be dismissed as "just a phase"
05:00 – Severe acne, scarring, and Accutane conversations
06:00 – Sports, sweat, and acne mechanica
07:00 – Hygiene habits and teenage skincare challenges
08:00 – Building healthy skincare habits early
09:00 – Simple skincare routines that actually work
10:00 – Social media, influencers, and skincare misinformation
11:00 – Keratosis pilaris (KP) and rough, bumpy skin
12:00 – Sunburns and tanning culture among teens
13:00 – The dangers of tanning beds
14:00 – Melanoma and skin cancer in younger patients
15:00 – Dandruff, scalp health, and oily skin
15:30 – Hair loss in teenagers and early intervention
16:00 – Hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating and treatment options
16:30 – Common teen skin conditions beyond acne
17:00 – Final advice for teens and parents

In this episode of Skinside Out, Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney kick off a new series: Dermatology Through the Decades. The team starts with the first decade of life, discussing the most common skin conditions seen in babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. 

From cradle cap and baby acne to eczema, birthmarks, warts, molluscum, and sun protection, this episode helps parents understand what's normal, what's treatable, and when it's time to see a dermatologist.

The discussion also covers common misconceptions about "natural" skincare products, how to build a healthy skin barrier, the truth about sunscreen in infants, and practical advice for keeping children's skin healthy as they grow. 

Whether you're a new parent, grandparent, caregiver, or simply curious about pediatric dermatology, this episode provides expert guidance on navigating some of the most common skin concerns during childhood.

00:00 – Introducing Dermatology Through the Decades
01:00 – Common newborn skin concerns parents encounter
02:00 – Dry skin, peeling skin, and newborn eczema
03:00 – Building and protecting the skin barrier
04:00 – Ceramides, moisturizers, and infant skincare basics
05:00 – Natural products vs. evidence-based skincare
07:00 – Cradle cap: causes and treatment options
09:00 – Understanding milia and heat rash (miliaria)
11:00 – Baby acne and the role of maternal hormones
12:00 – Common birthmarks and café-au-lait spots
14:00 – Port wine stains and when they matter
17:00 – Infantile hemangiomas and modern treatment options
19:00 – Best skincare practices for infants
20:00 – Sun protection and sunscreen recommendations for babies
21:00 – Preschool years: warts, molluscum, and eczema
23:00 – When should warts and molluscum be treated?
25:00 – Impetigo and common childhood infections
26:00 – Severe eczema and newer treatment options
27:00 – Insect bites, tick bites, and Lyme disease concerns
30:00 – Cuts, scrapes, and proper wound care
31:00 – School-age children and contact dermatitis
33:00 – Poison ivy, poison oak, and outdoor skin hazards
34:00 – Teaching children lifelong sun protection habits
35:00 – When it's time to see a dermatologist
37:00 – Closing thoughts and preview of the teenage years

What happens when a skin cancer diagnosis goes beyond the dermatologist's office?

In this episode of Skinside Out, Dr. Zain Husain is joined by two leading medical oncologists to discuss advanced squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and the future of cancer treatment. The conversation explores how dermatologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists work together to create personalized treatment plans for patients with complex skin cancers.

The team explains how melanoma spreads, the role of sentinel lymph node biopsies, why immunotherapy has transformed cancer care, and the promising new therapies being developed through clinical research. They also share their perspectives on the future of cancer treatment and whether cancer may someday become a manageable chronic disease rather than a terminal diagnosis.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply interested in the latest advances in cancer care, this episode provides an informative look at the rapidly evolving world of oncology.

Learn more about Noor Dermatology:
https://www.noorderm.com/

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and guest introductions

00:40 – Meet the medical oncologists and their backgrounds

02:00 – How dermatologists and oncologists work together

03:00 – When skin cancer requires advanced treatment

04:00 – The multidisciplinary approach to skin cancer care

06:00 – How treatment decisions are made for complex cases

08:00 – Understanding advanced squamous cell carcinoma

09:00 – Features that make squamous cell carcinoma high-risk

10:00 – Tumor size, location, and recurrence risk

11:00 – Pathology findings that influence treatment

12:00 – Risk classification systems for squamous cell carcinoma

14:00 – Treatment options for advanced squamous cell cancer

15:00 – How immunotherapy works

16:00 – Why immunotherapy changed cancer treatment forever

17:00 – Organ transplant patients and skin cancer risk

18:00 – Jimmy Carter, melanoma, and the impact of immunotherapy

19:00 – Neoadjuvant immunotherapy and treatment before surgery

20:00 – Why timing matters in melanoma treatment

20:30 – Key pathology findings in melanoma

22:00 – Melanoma staging and depth of invasion

22:30 – What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

24:00 – How melanoma spreads through the lymphatic system

25:00 – Why sentinel lymph node biopsies matter

26:00 – Benefits and limitations of lymph node evaluation

27:00 – Comparing melanoma and squamous cell treatment approaches

29:00 – The future of skin cancer therapies

30:00 – EGFR inhibitors and emerging treatments

31:00 – Injectable immunotherapy and localized treatments

32:00 – Melanoma vaccines and personalized cancer treatment

33:00 – New clinical trial results and cancer research

34:00 – Current clinical trials at Duke

35:00 – New approaches to immune therapy

36:00 – Genomic sequencing and targeted therapies

37:00 – BRAF mutations and precision medicine

38:00 – Gene expression profiling and cancer risk assessment

39:00 – Will we cure cancer in our lifetime?

40:00 – Recent breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer research

41:00 – Why cancer is actually hundreds of diseases

42:00 – Cancer as an evolving biological opponent

43:00 – The future of cancer as a chronic disease

44:00 – Hope, innovation, and improving quality of life

45:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale has been a cornerstone of dermatology for decades, but how much does it really tell us about your skin?

In this episode of Skinside Out, the team breaks down the six Fitzpatrick skin types, explains the difference between tanning and burning, and discusses why skin type is about much more than skin color alone. They explore how dermatologists use the scale to assess sun sensitivity, skin cancer risk, and laser treatment safety, while also examining its limitations in today's increasingly diverse population.

You'll learn why ethnicity, genetics, and individual skin behavior matter, how misconceptions about tanning can affect skin health, and why newer classification systems may provide a more personalized approach to dermatologic care in the future.

Whether you're curious about your own skin type, considering laser treatments, or simply want to better understand how your skin responds to sun exposure, this episode offers valuable insights from the experts.

Learn more about Noor Dermatology:
https://www.noorderm.com/

00:00 – Introduction to the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale

00:35 – What the Fitzpatrick Scale actually measures

01:00 – Why skin tone and skin type are not the same thing

01:45 – Understanding Fitzpatrick Skin Type I

02:20 – Fitzpatrick Skin Type II explained

02:45 – Fitzpatrick Skin Type III explained

03:00 – Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV explained

03:10 – Fitzpatrick Skin Type V explained

03:20 – Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI explained

03:35 – How dermatologists use the scale in clinical practice

04:05 – Why patient history matters more than appearance alone

05:00 – The importance of discussing ethnicity before laser treatments

06:00 – Common misconceptions about tanning and sun exposure

07:20 – Tanning vs. burning: what's actually happening in your skin?

08:10 – How skin type affects sun protection recommendations

08:45 – Limitations of the Fitzpatrick classification system

09:10 – Emerging alternatives and newer skin classification methods

10:00 – How AI may help personalize skin analysis in the future

10:40 – The importance of diverse representation in dermatology research

11:30 – Why skin-of-color education is becoming increasingly important

12:00 – Should dermatology move beyond the Fitzpatrick Scale?

12:45 – The future of personalized skin assessments

13:20 – Why the Fitzpatrick Scale remains useful despite its limitations

14:00 – Final thoughts and key takeaways

14:40 – Closing remarks

In this “girls’ edition” episode of Skin Side Out, the hosts share what they’d buy on a Sephora skincare shopping spree, category by category, and explain why—after realizing a full routine under $100 wasn’t realistic. They compare cleanser picks (Mara Aura Cleanse for dry skin and Torriden Dive In Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam), vitamin C serums (Paula’s Choice C15 and Skinfix 15% Vitamin C with THD), moisturizers (Alpine Barrier Repair Cream and First Aid Beauty Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream), sunscreens (tinted Saie Slip Tint, Innisfree Daily UV Mineral, and Isdin Eryfotona Actinica), and retinol options (Alpine Clarifying Retinol Facial Oil and StriVectin Advanced Retinol moisturizer). They also share splurge items (La Mer night cream and YSE glycolic pads), accessories (Slip silk pillowcase and sleep mask), and tips on vitamin C packaging, skin-type differences, and checking ingredients with a provider.

00:00 Sephora Spree Setup

01:02 Cleanser Picks

02:26 Vitamin C Serums

04:18 Moisturizer Favorites

05:53 Sunscreen Picks

09:53 Retinol Choices

12:30 Splurge Items

15:12 Accessories and Sleep

19:01 Wrap Up and Tips

On Skinside Out, the hosts discuss how to maximize in-office skin treatments with smart at-home skincare and optional in-office boosters. They explain that results depend heavily on what you do days to weeks before and after procedures, emphasizing sunscreen, hydration, barrier support, avoiding over-exfoliation, disclosing relevant medications/supplements (including fish oil and vitamin E), and avoiding tanning or self-tanner. They warn against scheduling aggressive treatments too close to major events due to downtime risks like swelling, bruising, flaking, redness, blistering, and crusting. Post-procedure, they stress following specific aftercare instructions, using gentle hydrating products (hyaluronic acid, ceramides, growth factors, peptides, exosomes), restarting actives cautiously, not picking or scrubbing, limiting heat/sweat and workouts, and being patient for collagen-building results. They also cover boosters like PRP, exosomes, targeted serums, tranexamic acid, and red light therapy, noting personalization and melasma considerations.

00:00 Maximize Treatment Results

01:58 Why Prep Matters

02:52 Pre Treatment Essentials

05:46 Pre Treatment Donts

08:09 Post Treatment Care

13:31 Post Treatment Donts

17:18 Key Ingredients After Healing

19:49 In Office Boosters

23:03 Personalize Your Plan

23:50 Final Takeaways

Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney discuss the top 10 benign findings commonly seen on skin exams, describing how they look, where they appear, and when they may be confused with skin cancer. They cover seborrheic keratoses, cherry angiomas (and related vascular lesions), skin tags (including DPNs), benign moles/nevi with the ABCDEs and “ugly duckling” concept, lentigines (“liver spots”) versus freckles and the risks of cosmetic laser treatment without proper evaluation, dermatofibromas and the malignant DFSP, milia and look-alikes, sebaceous hyperplasia and its overlap with basal cell carcinoma, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, and fibrous papules/angiofibromas. They emphasize avoiding at-home removal, using dermoscopy and biopsy when warranted, and getting lesions checked if changing or symptomatic.

00:00 Welcome Skin Side Out

00:18 Seborrheic Keratoses

03:20 Cherry Angiomas

07:54 Skin Tags Basics

09:55 Dont DIY Removal

11:33 Giant Skin Tag Story

15:05 Benign Moles ABCDEs

18:02 Dermoscopy and raised moles

19:29 New moles and normal changes

20:33 Trust symptoms and biopsy

21:30 Lentigines and sun spots

23:43 Laser risks and melanoma

24:42 Freckles vs liver spots

26:10 Dermatofibroma and dimple sign

28:46 DFSP warning signs

29:58 Milia and safe extraction

33:06 Sebaceous hyperplasia lookalikes

36:42 Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

39:15 Fibrous papule on the nose

40:53 Final takeaways and skin checks

Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney explain Mohs surgery as a tissue-sparing, in-office procedure for skin cancers—most commonly basal and squamous cell carcinoma—highlighting its microscopic margin control, same-day cure confirmation, and 99% cure rate. They compare Mohs to standard excision, radiation therapy, ED&C, and other destructive methods, emphasizing the reassurance of immediate histologic proof and reduced removal of healthy tissue. The episode walks through a typical Mohs day from consent, marking, local anesthesia, staged tissue removal and slide processing, to reconstruction options including second-intent healing, linear closure, flaps, and grafts. They discuss appropriate-use criteria, post-op wound care (keep moist and covered), sutures, antibiotics in select cases, continuing blood thinners, expected pain/swelling, activity restrictions to prevent dehiscence, and scar care with sun protection and silicone-based treatments.

00:00 Creative Mohs Intro

00:31 What Is Mohs

01:15 Why Mohs Wins

02:20 Other Treatments Downsides

03:22 Step By Step Procedure

05:47 Waiting Between Stages

06:18 Reconstruction Options

08:07 Who Needs Mohs

09:48 Aftercare Basics

11:50 Antibiotics And Blood Thinners

15:17 Pain Swelling Expectations

17:02 Scar Care And Sun

21:29 Misconceptions And Melanoma

23:39 Wrap Up And Subscribe

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, this episode explains what a full-body skin exam (skin check) is, why annual exams are recommended for most people, and what patients can expect at the visit, including gowning, the role of a medical assistant, and common comfort concerns. They outline how providers systematically examine the entire skin surface—including scalp, between toes, and sometimes genital areas—and discuss what dermatologists look for, from benign lesions to melanoma using the ABCDE criteria, plus basal cell, squamous cell, and precancerous actinic keratoses, often aided by a dermatoscope. The episode covers biopsies, liquid nitrogen freezing, risk factors like sun exposure, blistering sunburns, and certain occupations, and offers practical prep tips such as minimizing makeup and nail polish, bringing photos, and obtaining prior biopsy records.

00:00 Sun Exposure Risk Jobs

00:15 Skin Cancer Awareness Intro

00:58 What Is a Skin Check

01:55 Arrival and Gowning

03:56 Exam Steps and Chaperone

05:31 Surprising Areas Checked

06:31 What Dermatologists Spot

07:54 Melanoma ABCDEs Explained

10:20 Other Skin Cancers

12:59 Derm Exam Vocabulary

14:34 Biopsy Basics Demystified

16:14 First Visit Worries

18:28 Other Skin Issues and Time

19:25 Skin Exam vs Rash Visit

20:56 How Long It Takes

21:43 How to Prepare

23:39 Bring Records and History

24:41 How Often to Check

26:30 Risk Factors and Sun Exposure

28:18 When a Spot Looks Suspicious

30:18 Liquid Nitrogen Freezing

33:19 Final Tips and Encouragement

Welcome to the live Skinside Out Q&A with Dr. Zain, Courtney, and Heather at the Blossom Into Beauty event, where they answer audience and online dermatology questions. They compare RF microneedling and traditional microneedling, highlighting benefits, add-ons like serums, PRP, exosomes, and PDRN, and risks such as fat atrophy from overly deep or high-energy RF treatments and hyperpigmentation if too superficial, stressing the importance of qualified providers. They discuss sun precautions post-procedure, IPL’s uses and limitations (especially in darker skin types), and melasma management with sunscreen (including tinted mineral), topicals like hydroquinone, peels, selected lasers, and oral tranexamic acid, noting triggers like hormones, heat, and blue light. They cover milia extraction, laser hair removal vs electrolysis, pregnancy/breastfeeding procedure considerations, topical estrogen for perimenopausal dryness, and facial balancing with Botox and fillers.

00:00 Live Q&A Kickoff

00:53 RF vs Traditional Microneedling

01:53 RF Risks and Morpheus8

04:34 Traditional Microneedling Benefits

06:30 Serums PRP and Exosomes

10:32 Sun Safety After Treatments

11:28 IPL Basics and Pairing Treatments

16:53 Growth Factor Serums and Plated

21:59 Exosome Age and Topical Estrogen

23:08 Topical Estrogen Hydration

24:13 Where to Apply It

24:46 Milia Eye Bumps

26:54 Melasma Treatment Plan

29:48 Facial Hair Removal Options

34:28 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safety

36:51 Facial Balancing Explained

41:35 Final Wrap Up