Derm-it Trotter! Don't Swear About Skincare.

What if the most inflammatory driver of psoriasis isn’t on the skin at all, but deep in visceral fat? We sit down with Dr. James Song to unpack how adipose tissue acts like a hormone-secreting organ, releasing cytokines that can fuel psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. From the brain’s weight “set point” to genetics linking obesity and psoriasis risk, we reframe weight as biology—not a moral failing—and explain why that matters for ...

CBD is everywhere, but what does it actually do for your skin? We sit down with Adam Friedman, MD—dermatologist, chair, and translational researcher—to break down the real science. We clear up CBD vs THC confusion, map how the endocannabinoid system works in keratinocytes, sebocytes, immune cells, and nerves, and explain how CBD influences redness, itch, oil production, and inflammation. We also walk through the legal landscape, wh...

Your best hair day starts where most routines stop: the scalp. In this episode, we break down the habits that truly help with flakes, itch, oil, and shedding. Dr. Shannon Trotter and Erica Ramos, DMSc, PA-C, unpack how inflammation and buildup disrupt growth and comfort, then lay out practical steps you can start using tonight. From medicated shampoo “masking” to washing frequency by scalp type, you’ll learn techniques that actuall...

Psoriasis doesn’t look the same on every skin tone. In this episode, we break down how psoriasis appears on darker skin, lighter skin and mixed tones, why inflammation may look purple, brown or gray instead of red, and why these differences can delay diagnosis. We explore the limits of the Fitzpatrick scale, how ancestry shapes skin response, and what patients with melanin-rich skin should know about treatment, light therapy and pi...

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...

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.

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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 v...

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 ...

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.

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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 al...

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...

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 a...

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 sm...

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 unders...

Skin cancer treatment has come a long way, yet many patients don’t know their options beyond surgery. Dr. Mark Nestor explains how image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT) achieves up to 99% cure rates for basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Using ultrasound to measure and target cancer precisely, IG-SRT offers a non-invasive alternative with excellent cosmetic results—especially for areas like the nose, scalp, or legs. T...

What if your best skincare tool isn’t in your bathroom, but in your kitchen?

In this episode, Dr. Matt Zirwas, a board-certified dermatologist and leading researcher, breaks down how diet directly impacts your skin. From the link between acne and foods like skim milk and chocolate to the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, he simplifies what really works.

We also dive into surprising dangers in processed foods, like emulsifiers, and ...

Dr. Raj Chovatiya breaks down the science and myths behind JAK inhibitors—powerful meds transforming dermatology. While black box warnings sound scary, he explains they’re based on higher-risk arthritis patients, not those with skin conditions.

Unlike biologics, JAK inhibitors work inside cells to block multiple inflammatory pathways, delivering fast results—itch relief in days, visible skin improvement in weeks.

Dr. Chovatiya also s...

Dr. Shannon Trotter sits down with Dr. Shawn Kwatra, a leading expert on chronic itch, to shed light on prurigo nodularis (PN)—a painful, often misunderstood condition frequently misdiagnosed as psychological.

Dr. Kwatra explains that PN is driven by a systemic inflammatory cycle between the immune system and nerves, creating an itch patients describe as worse than pain. He shares new insights into diagnosis, mental health impact, a...

Chemical peels have come a long way. Forget the burning and peeling—today’s treatments are gentle, effective, and rooted in cutting-edge science. Board-certified dermatologist and skincare formulator Dr. Jennifer Linder explains how modern peels work with your skin, not against it.

Instead of relying on harsh damage, today’s formulations use optimal acid blends and skin-friendly pH levels to target acne, pigmentation, fine lines, an...