The SkinDoctors

Chloasma. The mask of pregnancy. The pill mo. They're all names for melasma — one of the most common, most stubborn and most misunderstood pigmentation conditions we see.

In this episode, Dr Samantha Davidson, Dr Kate De Ambrosis and Dr Ryan De Cruz react to some genuinely alarming home remedies doing the rounds online, then break down what melasma actually is, what triggers it, and what treatments are worth your money.

We cover why it's almost exclusively women, why your laptop screen matters as much as the beach, the difference between superficial and deep melasma, the over-the-counter products with real evidence behind them, and why "just laser it off" is usually the worst advice you'll get.

Fair warning: there is no cure. There is very good control.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 Chloasma, the pill mo — what melasma actually is
00:29 Reacting to the lemon and lime face "hack"
02:46 How melasma shows up: forehead, top lip, cheeks
03:41 The three triggers — hormones, UV and heat
04:19 Why the light from your laptop counts
04:45 Oestrogen, the pill, and why it's almost always women
06:34 Sunscreen: zinc, titanium and the iron oxide trick
06:55 Tyrosinase inhibitors, explained without the jargon
07:38 Over-the-counter: what's worth buying at the chemist
08:50 Kojic acid, licorice, retinol and the tranexamic acid boom
09:47 Oral tranexamic acid
10:07 The Kligman formula — and why these derms split it up
11:27 The hard truth: control, not cure
12:08 Superficial vs deep vs combined melasma
13:02 Chemical peels and the ten-hour mud mask
14:14 Why one week in Bali undoes six months of work
14:53 Lasers: what works, and what makes it worse
16:15 IPL, BBL and infrared saunas — the warning list
17:06 Wrap up

Follow the SkinDoctors:
@drsamantha_dermatologist
@drkatedermatologist
@drryan_dermatologist

https://linktr.ee/skindoctorspod

🎧 LISTEN
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-skindoctors/id6799631221
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0344Ia3kMqTvfaD2X1EaVL?si=5c23cc6418714ce1&nd=1&dlsi=a31e458db4284238

📲 FOLLOW
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skindoctorspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skindoctorspod
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skindoctorspod

⚠️ As always, everything discussed is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personal medical advice. Please see your own healthcare professional.

#melasma #pigmentation #hyperpigmentation #dermatologist #skincare

Are you suffering from relentless, unexplained hives? You aren't alone. In this episode, we dive deep into urticaria—a condition commonly misdiagnosed and missed for up to five years. We break down the crucial difference between acute hives and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU), explaining why that frustrating rash is likely an autoimmune mistake rather than a food allergy. Discover the simple "pen hack" to identify hives at home, learn why hot showers might be making your symptoms worse, and explore the evolving treatment ladder—from safely maximising over-the-counter antihistamines to exciting new injectable and tablet therapies on the horizon.

Check out The Hive Guide: http://www.notjusthives.com.au
MORE EPISODES of The SkinDoctors HERE: http://linktr.ee/skindoctorspod

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@skindoctorspod
Follow SkinDoctors on Instagram: http://instagram.com/skindoctorspod

00:00 - Introduction: An Itch That Is Worse Than Pain
00:22 - The "Pen Hack" and Defining Urticaria
02:59 - Acute Hives vs. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)
03:48 - Mythbuster: Why Your Hives Aren’t an Allergy
05:26 - The Most Common Cause of Hives in Children
08:13 - The Psychological Toll and Sleep Impact of CSU
10:33 - Physical Triggers: Sweat, Pressure, and Hot Showers
12:11 - The Treatment Ladder and Antihistamine Dosing
14:32 - Recommended Resources (Survive Hives) and the UAS7 Score
15:43 - Future Hope: Advanced Therapies and Injectables

Disclaimer: All topics discussed are for educational purposes only and do not constitute personal medical advice. Please see your healthcare professional for treatment.

#Hives #Urticaria #Dermatology #ChronicIllness #SkinHealth #CSU #MedicalPodcast #SkincareEducation #SkinDoctorsPod #Australia

Sunscreen isn't as simple as slip, slop, slap anymore. In our latest episode, Dr. Ryan De Cruz, Dr. Sam Davidson, and Dr. Kate dive into the no-nonsense truths of Aussie sun protection.

In this episode, we uncover:

• The Gwyneth Paltrow Problem: Why her controversial sunscreen routine is missing the mark.
• The SPF 5 T-Shirt: Why your standard cotton tee leaves you completely exposed.
• The Korean SPF Hype: Why the viral sunscreens taking over your feed might not hold up down under.
• The Aerosol Trap: The hidden dangers of spray-on sunscreens.
• The Choice Controversy: The truth behind the recent sunscreen testing drama.

• 00:00 - Introduction: Australia's UV Index & Skin Cancer Rates
• 00:20 - Doctors React: Gwyneth Paltrow’s "Panic in a Bottle" Sunscreen Routine
• 02:05 - Doing it Right: Amanda Seyfried's Skincare Example
• 03:26 - Sunscreen Essentials: Finding the TGA Licensing Number
• 04:20 - SPF 30 vs. 50+: What is the Real Difference?
• 06:03 - Water Resistance Myths & The 2-Hour Reapplication Rule
• 07:45 - Why Your T-Shirt is Only SPF 5 (And the Magic of UPF 50+ Clothing)
• 09:21 - Chemical vs. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens: What’s the Real Difference?
• 11:54 - Debunking Fearmongering: Do Chemical Sunscreens Cause Cancer?
• 13:24 - The Choice Sunscreen Article Controversy Explained
• 15:38 - Why Korean Sunscreens Struggle in the Aussie Climate
• 16:25 - Face vs. Body Sunscreen: What Works Best for Kids
• 18:08 - The Aerosol Trap: Why Spray Sunscreens Leave You Unprotected

(Note: Timestamps are approximated based on a 00:00 episode start time).

During the episode, the doctors emphasise that most people do not apply enough sunscreen to actually get the SPF protection listed on the bottle. To get the full broad-spectrum protection, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying the equivalent of a shot glass (about two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the exposed areas of your face and body. When applying to just the face, aim for an Aussie one-dollar-sized dollop.

Read more about proper application here:

• Ask the Expert: How Much Sunscreen Should I Be Using on My Face and Body? https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-much-sunscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body/
• Cancer Council: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Sunscreen https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/news/your-no-nonsense-guide-to-sunscreen/

Catch up on previous episodes and follow us here: https://linktr.ee/skindoctorspod

#TheSkinDoctors #SunscreenMyths #Dermatology #AussieSkinCare #SkinCancerPrevention #SunSafety #SPF50 #GwynethPaltrow #SkincareRoutine #HealthySkin #UPFClothing

Are unregulated injectable peptides really the secret to a youthful "glow" and better body recovery, or a fast track to severe health issues? In this episode of The SkinDoctors Podcast, we break down the viral internet trend of injecting compounds like GHK-Cu (the glow peptide), BPC-157 (recovery peptide), and Melanotan (tanning peptides).

We discuss the recent Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warnings, the lack of human safety trials, and the very real risks of melanoma, copper breakouts, and permanent liver failure.

Discover the critical differences between legally prescribed, heavily tested peptides (like Semaglutide and Insulin) and the dangerously unregulated vials being sold on social media.

Follow us on socials & subscribe: https://linktr.ee/skindoctorspod

00:00 - The Danger of Unregulated Injectables
01:42 - What Are Peptides? (The Science Explained)
02:32 - Safe vs. Dangerous: Insulin/Semaglutide vs. Backyard Labs
04:52 - Melanotan (Tanning Peptide) & Skin Cancer Risks
07:01 - GHK-Cu (Glow Peptide) & Copper Breakouts
07:35 - BPC-157 (Recovery Peptide) & The Lack of Human Trials
08:39 - The "Do Your Own Research" Myth
10:07 - Liver Toxicity & The Permanent Cost of a 'Glow'

#Peptides #SkinCare #Dermatology #AntiAging #GlowPeptide #Melanotan #HealthWarning #SkinDoctorsPodcast

⚕️Note: Educational only. Consult your health care professional.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the skin changes commonly seen during menopause and perimenopause. We tackle viral social media claims about magnesium and progesterone, and answer listener questions about sudden skin sensitivity and eczema unmasking in your 40s.

Plus, we discuss the viral trend of using vaginal estrogen cream under your eyes for fine lines—is it a brilliant anti-aging hack or a medical issue waiting to happen?. Finally, the doctors share their top product recommendations, barrier repair routines, and in-clinic treatments like lasers and LED for menopausal skin.

00:00 - Intro: Menopause & Perimenopause Skin Changes
00:11 - Debunking Viral Hormone & Supplement Claims
02:41 - Listener Jen: Sudden Eczema & Burning Skin at 46
03:31 - How Declining Estrogen Impacts Your Skin
04:25 - The Truth About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
08:13 - Dermatologist Advice: Updating Your Skincare Routine
10:10 - Listener Justine: Vaginal Estrogen Cream Under the Eyes?!
14:03 - Best In-Clinic Laser & LED Treatments
15:06 - The Skin Doctors Ranker: Top Barrier Repair Products
16:36 - Medical Disclaimer

#MenopauseSkin #SkincareTips #Perimenopause #EstrogenCream #TheSkinDoctors #Dermatology #AntiAging #SkinBarrier #MenopauseHealth #skindoctorspod #podcast #australia

Disclaimer: All topics discussed today are for educational purposes only and do not constitute personal medical advice. Please see your healthcare professional should you wish to find out more.

In this episode, our SkinDoctors react to the wild world of social media beauty trends. From viral "looksmaxxing" hacks - like jaw hammering and chewing hard gum to change facial bone structure - to extreme overseas cosmetic surgeries like rib contouring and medical tourism risks, we separate science from fiction. Plus, we dive into at-home tech truths (LED masks, sheet masks, infrared saunas) and host our inaugural Skin Doctor's Ranker!

00:00 - Intro: Social Media Craziness & Looksmaxxing Trends
01:45 - Fake TikTok Doctors & Jawline Chewing Gum Debunked
03:31 - The Danger of "Bone Smashing" & Hammering Your Jaw
04:26 - Extreme Cosmetic Surgery: MAFS Star & Rib Contouring in Bali 05:40 - The Hidden Risks of Overseas Medical Tourism
08:06 - Tech Truths: Do Sheet Masks Actually Work?
10:42 - LED Masks: In-Clinic vs. At-Home Devices
13:02 - Infrared Saunas: Do They Trigger Melasma & Rosacea?
15:02 - The Inaugural Skin Doctor's Ranker: Top At-Home Skincare Tech

#Looksmaxxing #SkincareDebunked #MedicalTourism #LEDMask #DermatologistReacts #SkinCareRoutine #JawlineWorkout #SkinDoctorsPod

Disclaimer: The content presented in this video is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or before undertaking any at-home treatments or procedures.

Are weight loss injections like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy secretly destroying your skin barrier, or are they the future of treating chronic inflammation?

In our premiere episode, Dr. Sam and Dr. Ryan clear up the massive cultural conversation surrounding GLP-1 medications and reveal exactly why dermatologists are prescribing them. We are looking past the mainstream weight-loss hype to explain how these medications are fundamentally repairing metabolic health—with the potential to treat everything from severe psoriasis and joint pain to Alzheimer's disease.

We also give you the unvarnished medical truth you aren't getting anywhere else about the side effects.

In this episode, we cover:

• The reality of "Ozempic Face" and why facial volume loss happens.
• Why rapid weight loss triggers sudden, massive hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium) months later.
• The surprising ways GLP-1s are being used to fight systemic inflammation.

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Crsns-1QNhY

Connect with The SkinDoctors:

• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skindoctorspod
• Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skindoctorspod

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

⚕️ Note: While we love sharing the science of skin with you, this podcast is for educational purposes only and shouldn't replace a visit to your own healthcare provider. Always check with your doctor for medical advice tailored to you!

Is your face constantly flushed, or are you suddenly developing "acne" in your 40s or 50s? It might not be adult breakouts - it’s likely Rosacea.

Welcome to The SkinDoctors Podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Kate and Dr. Sam take a deep dive into the complex world of facial redness, broken capillaries, and Rosacea. Often dubbed the "curse of the Celtics," Rosacea is a highly misunderstood chronic condition that requires a very specific approach to heal.

In this episode:

• 00:00:00 Introduction: What exactly is Rosacea?
• 00:01:25 The "Curse of the Celtics" & who is most at risk
• 00:02:03 Getting "acne" in your 40s & 50s: The first major clue
• 00:02:54 The 4 types of Rosacea: Flushing, pimples, and irreversible texture changes
• 00:03:47 The root causes: Genetics, a faulty immune system, and microscopic skin mites
• 00:05:30 The ultimate Rosacea skincare routine: Milk cleansers, niacinamide, and ceramides
• 00:06:24 Why physical sunscreens (Zinc/Titanium Dioxide) are non-negotiable
• 00:07:04 Prescription creams, Soolantra (Ivermectin), and sulfur treatments
• 00:08:09 When to use Vascular Lasers to erase broken capillaries
• 00:09:53 Advanced treatments: Micro-Botox and low-dose isotretinoin
• 00:10:37 The 5 daily lifestyle triggers: UV light, red wine, spicy food, and overheating
• 00:12:00 Fact vs. Fad: Face scrubs, alcohol, and the truth about Demodex mites

🔔 Hit SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

#Rosacea #FacialRedness #TheSkinDoctors #Dermatology #SkincareTips #SkinBarrier #RosaceaTreatment #HealthySkin #Dermatologist #BrokenCapillaries

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor, dermatologist, or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or personalised skincare concerns.

Adult acne can be deeply painful, cystic, and incredibly frustrating - especially when it suddenly appears in your 30s and 40s. In this episode of The SkinDoctors, Dr. Kate and Dr. Ryan debunk the biggest myths surrounding adult breakouts and reveal the exact genetic and hormonal drivers behind them.

Whether you are dealing with a severe breakout after coming off the birth control pill, or you've been recently diagnosed with PCOS (now newly renamed to PMOS!), this episode breaks down the systemic treatments and dietary shifts that actually work.

In this episode:

• 00:00:00 Introduction: What is hormonal acne?
• 00:01:16 The Androgen factor: Why ALL acne is technically "hormonal"
• 00:02:40 Why you are suddenly breaking out in your 30s and 40s
• 00:03:38 Post-Pill Acne: Why your skin freaks out when you stop the pill
• 00:04:08 Systemic medications: Spironolactone & Isotretinoin explained
• 00:05:46 PCOS has a new name: Understanding PMOS (Poly Endocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome)
• 00:07:00 The 3 criteria for a PMOS diagnosis (Hint: You don't need ovarian cysts!)
• 00:09:34 The Insulin Connection: The best diet for adult acne & metabolic health
• 00:12:32 The mental health toll and removing the stigma of breakouts
• 00:13:42 Fact or Fad: Dairy, stress cortisol, and jawline acne

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist for personalised care.

#AdultAcne #PMOS #PCOS #JawlineAcne #Dermatologist #SkincareScience #CysticAcne #PostPillAcne #WomensHealth #SkincareTips #SkinBarrier #DermatologyPodcast #SkinDoctorsPod

Finding clumps of hair in the shower or on your pillow can be incredibly distressing. Our Skin Doctors Dr. Kate and Dr. Ryan decode:
- A widespread shedding state called 'TE' or Telogen Effluvium.
- Discover how a simple "hair pull test" works
- Why chronic iron deficiency anemia silently drives thinning in young women, and
- The proper clinical approach to over-the-counter and prescription Minoxidil

⚕️Note: While we love sharing the science of skin with you, this podcast is for educational purposes only and shouldn't replace a visit to your own healthcare provider. Always check with your doctor for medical advice tailored to you!

#TheSkinDoctors #HairLoss #Malepatternhairloss#FemaleHairLoss #TelogenEffluvium #Minoxidil

Follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/skindoctorspod
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@skindoctorspod
Facebook https://facebook.com/skindoctorspod