Queen City Skin

Dr. Elizabeth Rostan & Dr. Emily O. McLean

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

  1. 5d ago

    34. What Men Are Really Asking For at the Dermatologist’s Office

    More men are walking into Charlotte Skin & Laser with the same goal: to look rested, healthy, and confident without looking like they had “work done.” In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Dr. Emily McLean, and cosmetic consultant Alexa Forte talk through the treatments men are asking about most, from Botox and fillers to lasers, facials, body contouring, hair restoration, and skin cancer prevention. They explain how masculine rejuvenation is approached differently, why subtlety matters, and how the right treatment plan can support both appearance and long-term skin health. Whether men are noticing tired eyes, thinning hair, sun damage, acne scars, or a jawline that feels less defined, this conversation offers a practical, reassuring look at what is possible. Alexa Forte is the Cosmetic Coordinator and Growth & Outreach Manager at Charlotte Skin & Laser who helps patients understand their treatment options and build personalized plans that feel approachable, clear, and confidence-building. In this episode, she shares what men are asking for in consultations and how the team helps them achieve natural, masculine results without feeling overwhelmed. Resources mentioned: Injectable Treatments at Charlotte Skin & LaserLaser Rejuvenation & Skin Tightening at Charlotte Skin & LaserBody Treatments at Charlotte Skin & LaserHair Restoration at Charlotte Skin & LaserSurgical Treatments at Charlotte Skin & LaserAesthetic Services at Charlotte Skin & LaserEltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50FACTORFIVE Regenerative Serum 3 Key Takeaways About Treatments for Men at Charlotte Skin & Laser: Men want results that look natural, not obvious. The goal is usually to look less tired, more refreshed, and more aligned with how they feel, while still preserving a masculine appearance.Skin treatments can support both confidence and skin health. Lasers, skincare, and preventive treatments can improve texture, tone, and radiance while also helping address sun damage, precancers, and long-term skin cancer risk.There are options for almost every concern, from hair to jawline to body contouring. Men may start with simple treatments like facials, relaxers, or laser rejuvenation, then explore options for volume restoration, hair growth, acne scars, eyelids, body sculpting, or advanced procedures when appropriate.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    37 min

  2. May 13

    33. A Dermatologist’s Guide to Vitamin C

    Do you ever wonder why your dermatologist keeps asking about antioxidants? In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan walks through the role of topical vitamin C in an anti-aging routine and why it shows up in so many of our recommendations at Charlotte Skin and Laser. She explains how daily sun exposure, pollution, and even normal metabolism create oxidative stress that breaks down collagen and accelerates visible aging. You’ll hear what makes a vitamin C actually effective, how to use it in your routine, and why consistency over time is what protects your skin and keeps it looking healthy for years to come. Products mentioned: SkinCeuticals CE FerulicSkinCeuticals Phloretin CFSkinCeuticals Silymarin CFSkinBetter Science antioxidant productsCharlotte Skin & Laser Triple Defense Antioxidant CreamCharlotte Skin & Laser Triple Defense Antioxidant Serum In this episode you’ll learn: Vitamin C is prevention, not a quick fix. Its biggest impact happens over time by protecting collagen, elastin, and DNA from daily damage.Not all vitamin C is created equal. Look for L-ascorbic acid at 10–20% in a stable, clinically tested formulation for real results.Consistency and correct use matter. Apply in the morning before sunscreen and avoid pairing with benzoyl peroxide at the same time.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    25 min

  3. Apr 29

    32. Inside Our New Huntersville Office with Debbie Ouvier

    You can feel the difference the moment you walk into a space that was designed with intention. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan sits down with Debbie Ouvier, Practice Administrator at Charlotte Skin & Laser, to introduce the Huntersville office location and the vision behind it. Debbie brings years of experience in practice management and walks through how this space was built from the ground up to support a better patient experience, from the way you move through your visit to the details that create a sense of calm, privacy, and ease. She also shares what most patients never see, the planning, problem-solving, and countless decisions that shape how a visit actually feels. This is a behind-the-scenes look at a major step forward for the practice, and how this new space was designed not just to look beautiful, but to deliver the same seamless, personal, and elevated standard of care you’ve come to know and expect at Charlotte Skin and Laser. Debbie Ouvier is the Practice Administrator at Charlotte Skin & Laser, bringing over a decade of experience in practice management and operations. She specializes in building efficient, patient-centered systems that support both exceptional care and a seamless patient experience. In this episode you’ll learn: Building a second location without compromising care starts with a strong foundation. A clear culture rooted in excellence, honesty, teamwork, and continuous learning makes it possible to grow while keeping standards high.Growth often requires leaders to evolve. Dr. Rostan’s shift from full-time clinician to a more strategic leadership role created space to focus on the bigger picture while empowering her team to deliver exceptional care.Consistency in patient experience does not happen by chance. Through intentional training, ongoing education, and close physician oversight, the team ensures every patient receives the same thoughtful, high-quality care regardless of who they see.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    29 min

  4. Apr 15

    31. Why Is My Face Always Red?

    Redness is not always acne, and treating it like acne could be making things worse. In this Rosacea Awareness Month replay, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan breaks down what rosacea really is, why it shows up, and how to finally get it under control with the right approach. She walks through the different subtypes, common triggers, and the combination of skincare, prescriptions, and in-office treatments that truly make a difference. You will also hear from Nurse Robyn Allen, who shares her personal experience managing rosacea over time, and Derek, a Charlotte Skin & Laser patient who found real relief after Vbeam laser treatments. Their stories bring the science to life and offer a clear, honest look at what works and what to expect. Robyn Allen, RN, is a registered nurse at Charlotte Skin & Laser with over 16 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.  Resources mentioned: Rosacea Treatment at Charlotte Skin & LaserProducts at The SkinStore for Rosacea-Prone SkinLaser Treatment of Redness at Charlotte Skin & Laser In this episode, you’ll learn…  Rosacea is not one-size-fits-all. It includes multiple subtypes, and many patients experience a combination, which is why personalized treatment matters.Your daily habits play a major role. Sun exposure, heat, skincare products, and even workouts can trigger flares, so identifying patterns is key.Real results come from a layered approach. Gentle skincare, targeted prescriptions, and treatments like Vbeam laser work together to reduce redness and restore confidence.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    42 min

  5. Apr 1

    30. All About Accutane | A Patient and Dermatology Perspective with Jane Lewis

    If you’ve ever Googled Accutane and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. What you find online can feel confusing, even intimidating, but the reality of treatment is often very different. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Emily O. McLean is joined by medical assistant Jane Lewis to break down what isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is really like from both a clinical and patient perspective. Together, they walk through what treatment looks like month to month, how side effects are managed, and why this medication can be life-changing for patients with acne. Jane shares her personal experience taking Accutane as a teenager and now guiding patients through the process in clinic. Her dual perspective offers reassurance, practical tips, and a clear understanding of what to expect every step of the way. Jane Lewis graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology. She has spent the past two years working as a medical assistant at Charlotte Skin and Laser, where she has gained hands-on clinical experience in dermatology. Jane plans to attend physician assistant school and hopes to build a career centered on compassionate, patient-centered care. Resources mentioned: Acne Treatment at Charlotte Skin & LaserLaser Acne Treatment at Charlotte Skin & Laser 3 Things to Know Before Starting Accutane Accutane is highly effective for the right patients. For moderate to severe acne or acne that risks scarring, isotretinoin can dramatically improve skin and help prevent long-term damage.Side effects are expected but manageable. Dryness is common, but with the right support, routine check-ins, and simple strategies, most patients tolerate treatment very well.Clear skin is just the beginning.Accutane is a powerful reset, but long-term skin health depends on maintenance with sunscreen, gentle skincare, and often a topical retinoid.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    30 min

  6. Mar 18

    29. The MA Diaries: Inside the MA Program at Charlotte Skin and Laser

    What if the best way to learn medicine is to jump in and start doing it? In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Emily McLean sits down with two of Charlotte Skin and Laser’s medical assistants, Samantha and Mansi, to talk about what it’s really like to train inside a busy dermatology practice. Both recent graduates preparing for PA school, they share how the program gives them hands-on clinical experience from the very beginning. Together they discuss the learning curve of dermatology, the surprising depth of patient relationships, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a clinic running smoothly. From assisting in procedures to counseling patients and navigating insurance approvals, this episode offers a candid look at how the MA program helps shape the next generation of healthcare providers. Mansi Pitalia and Samantha Mitchell are medical assistants at Charlotte Skin and Laser who joined the program after graduating from Clemson University and NC State. Both plan to pursue careers as physician assistants and share how their clinical experience in dermatology is preparing them for the future. Resources mentioned: Charlotte Skin and Laser Medical Assistant Program 3 Things That Make the Charlotte Skin and Laser MA Program Special: Hands-on learning accelerates confidence. Medical assistants begin interacting with patients and assisting with procedures within their first few days in clinic.Great care is a team effort. MAs play a vital role in patient education, procedure support, and navigating complex insurance processes.Work culture shapes future providers. A supportive, collaborative environment helps young clinicians grow while reinforcing compassion and patient-centered care.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    29 min

  7. Mar 4

    28. Signs of Aging Eyes | How to Treat Dark Circles, Puffiness, and Aging Eyelids

    The eyes are the windows to the soul and often the first canvas upon which time leaves its mark. If you find yourself bothered by dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, or sagging skin around the eyes, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan reveals why dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and loss of definition around the eyes demand a sophisticated, multi-modal approach. If your eyes are communicating fatigue rather than vitality, this conversation illuminates what's truly happening, and what genuinely works to refresh and sustain results over time. Resources mentioned: EltaMD Renew Eye GelBlepharoplasty at Charlotte Skin & LaserNeuromodulator Relaxers at Charlotte Skin & LaserFraxel Treatment at Charlotte Skin & LaserMicroneedling at Charlotte Skin & Laser 3 Truths About Aging Eyes: Dark circles are not one problem. They can come from pigment, visible blood vessels beneath thin skin, or volume loss that creates shadowing. Identifying the true cause matters, because each one requires a different approach.The eye area is structural, not just surface-level. What looks like a tired under-eye often begins in the cheek, the brow, or shifts in facial contour over time. Restoring balance thoughtfully creates more natural results than simply filling a hollow.Maintenance makes the magic happen. The eyelid skin is thin and constantly in motion, which means it responds well to treatment but also needs consistency. The right eye cream and strategic in-office treatments help preserve brightness over time.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    18 min

  8. Feb 18

    27. The Truth About “Natural” Skincare | Dermatologists’ Take on Clean Beauty

    Clean. Natural. Non-toxic. Those words sound comforting, but in skincare, they often mean more about marketing than medicine. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Dr. Emily O. McLean unpack what labels like “clean,” “natural,” “organic,” and even “medical grade” really mean. They explore why these terms are largely unregulated, how trusted brands test products for safety and efficacy, and why natural does not automatically equal safe. From parabens and essential oils to natural deodorants and DIY scrubs, they address the myths driving today’s skincare fears and offer science-based clarity you can trust.  If you’ve ever wondered whether your “clean beauty” routine is helping or harming your skin, this conversation will help you think critically, choose wisely, and feel confident in your decisions. Resources mentioned: Charlotte Skin and Laser Skin Store 3 Ways to Think Smarter About “Natural” Skincare: Stop assuming “natural” means safer. Poison ivy is natural. Arsenic is natural. In skincare, those words are marketing terms, not medical standards. Safety comes from testing, not trendiness.Remember that dose and exposure matter. Ingredients like parabens and aluminum have decades of safety data when used topically in small amounts. Fear often spreads faster than science, and removing well-studied ingredients can actually increase irritation.Protect your barrier first. Essential oils, heavily fragranced deodorants, and DIY scrubs are common triggers for dermatitis. When in doubt, patch test on the inner arm for a few days before applying something new to your face or underarms.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life. Connect with Us:  WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Phone: 704-333-9113

    25 min
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About

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Elizabeth Rostan & Dr. Emily O. McLean
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Queen City Skin
  • Show Website
    Queen City Skin

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