Queen City Skin

Dr. Elizabeth Rostan

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast is 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. 21h ago

    40. Regrowing Hair in August | Understanding Shedding, Thinning, and Real Solutions

    August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to understand what's actually happening with your hair! Not all hair loss is the same, and not all of it is permanent. Let’s revisit a conversation between Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Robyn Allen, RN, where they walk through how dermatologists diagnose different types of hair loss, why some shedding reverses, and how personalized treatment plans can make a meaningful difference. Whether you're noticing more strands in the drain or a widening part, this conversation clarifies what deserves attention and what you can actually do about it. Robyn Allen, RN, is a registered nurse at Charlotte Skin & Laser with over 16 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology. She works closely with Dr. Rostan in hair loss evaluation and treatment, including PRP injections, laser-based therapies, and assists with a wide range of aesthetic and surgical dermatology procedures. Resources mentioned: Hair Restoration at Charlotte Skin & LaserKeraLase Treatment at Charlotte Skin & LaserCustom HydraFacial™ at Charlotte Skin & LaserREVIAN RED Hair Growth SystemViviscal® ProXtressé™ Hair Growth GummiesDefenAge® Pro 150K Hair Follicle Serum Keep listening: 39. How Stress Can Trigger Skin Flare-Ups36. Lasers Explained | Redness, Spots, Scars & Skin Renewal24. Beauty Sleep IS a Real Thing | Why Sleep Shows on Your Skin 3 Hair Loss Truths Dermatologists Want You to Know: Not all hair loss is permanent. Stress-related shedding (telogen effluvium) triggered by illness, medication, weight loss, or emotional stress often reverses once the trigger is addressed and your hair growth cycle resets (even if it feels alarming in the moment).Pattern and location matter more than the volume you see in the drain. Thinning at the front or crown, a widening center part, or a receding hairline signal different causes than diffuse shedding everywhere, and each requires a different treatment approach. Dermatologists use photos, part measurements, and hair pull tests to see what's actually happening.The best hair regrowth results combine multiple treatments, not just one. Oral medications, targeted topicals, in-office therapies like laser and PRP, at-home LED caps, and lifestyle support work together. Relying on a single solution, even a powerful one, limits results; combination therapy is where the magic happens.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

  2. Aug 5

    39. How Stress Can Trigger Skin Flare-Ups

    Stress can show up on your skin before you fully recognize its effects anywhere else. Dr. Elizabeth Rostan explains why poor sleep, emotional strain, travel, work pressure, and other demanding seasons can trigger acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. She breaks down the roles of cortisol, inflammation, and skin-barrier disruption, then shares how consistent maintenance, early treatment, and the right medical support can keep a small change from becoming a difficult flare. More for When Your Skin Is Trying to Tell You Something: 38. How Perimenopause Changes Your Skin31. Why Is My Face Always Red?24. Beauty Sleep IS a Real Thing | Why Sleep Shows on Your Skin37. Acne Isn’t Just for Teens | Why It Shows Up on Adults and What Actually Helps 3 Ways to Keep Stress From Taking Over Your Skin: Stay consistent when your skin looks clear, because a quiet period does not always mean the underlying condition is gone. Continuing your acne or eczema routine, using a gentle cleanser, and moisturizing regularly can help keep the skin barrier steady before the next trigger arrives.Treat early changes before they reach a tipping point. Once skin becomes inflamed and the barrier is compromised, it may flare more easily again. Contact your dermatology team when redness, itching, flaking, or breakouts begin to increase. Early treatment can help shorten the flare and make it easier to control.Look at sleep and your overall stress load. Sleep supports barrier repair and helps regulate inflammation. Travel, dry weather, demanding work seasons, grief, and emotional strain can all lower your skin’s threshold for a flare. A visible change in your skin may be a sign that your body needs more support.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

  3. Jul 22

    38. How Perimenopause Changes Your Skin

    Skin changes in your 30s and 40s can feel sudden, but they usually start beneath the surface years before they become visible. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan explains how collagen loss, elastin decline, sun damage, stress, sleep changes, and shifting hormones affect the skin through perimenopause and menopause. She walks through why the skin may feel thinner, drier, duller, less resilient, or more breakout-prone, and how Charlotte Skin & Laser helps patients build long-term plans with skincare, medical skin exams, lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, fillers, and other collagen-stimulating treatments. Mentioned in this episode: EltaMD Moisture Seal20. The Truth About Estrogen Therapy | What the FDA’s New Decision Means for Women’s Health Keep learning: 15. The Anti-Aging Essentials | 3 Essentials Every Skincare Routine Needs36. Lasers Explained | Redness, Spots, Scars & Skin Renewal 3 Skin Changes to Watch Before and During Perimenopause: Collagen slows down earlier than most women expect. In the 30s, fibroblasts begin making less collagen, elastin, and supportive matrix, even when the skin still looks fairly healthy on the surface. Over time, that shift shows up as fine lines, thinner skin, dullness, dryness, and less bounce.Estrogen affects skin, volume, hair, and healing. As estrogen declines, skin can feel drier, wounds may take longer to heal, and facial volume can change more quickly. Many women also notice jowling, neck changes, thinning hair, unwanted facial hair, or hormonal acne during this transition.A smart plan protects skin now and keeps it stronger for later. Daily sunscreen, antioxidants, retinol, gentle cleansing, better moisturizers, peptides, and collagen-stimulating treatments all have a place. Lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, and biostimulatory fillers can help support structure, texture, tone, and long-term skin health. Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

  4. Jul 9

    37. Acne Isn’t Just for Teens | Why It Shows Up on Adults and What Actually Helps

    Adult acne can feel especially frustrating because it often looks and behaves differently than the acne many people remember from their teenage years. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan explains why adult acne often shows up as painful cysts along the chin, jawline, or nose, how hormones, stress, birth control, IUDs, fertility treatments, pregnancy, and postpartum shifts can play a role, and when it may be time to move beyond over-the-counter products. She also walks through how the team at Charlotte Skin & Laser approaches treatment, from cyst injections and topical options to oral medications, follow-up care, and treatments for the red or brown marks acne can leave behind. Products mentioned: EltaMD Moisture SealOther Queen City Skin Episodes About Acne: 30. All About Accutane | A Patient and Dermatology Perspective with Jane Lewis31. Why Is My Face Always Red?3 Key Takeaways for Managing Hormonal Breakouts: Adult acne is different from teenage acne – it presents as deep cystic lesions on the chin and jawline, often triggered by hormonal fluctuations, stress, and life changes Over-the-counter treatments aren't enough. Professional intervention with in-clinic procedures, topical treatments, and oral medications is often necessary Prevention of scarring and aggressive follow-up care are critical! Avoid picking, use proper wound care, and schedule frequent follow-ups to adjust treatment as neededWelcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

  5. Jun 24

    36. Lasers Explained | Redness, Spots, Scars & Skin Renewal

    Lasers can feel confusing, but the right treatment plan can make them one of the most powerful tools for healthier, more refreshed skin. We’re bringing back this helpful Queen City Skin conversation all about lasers, originally released as Episode 17. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan sits down with Alexxa Forte, cosmetic consultant at Charlotte Skin & Laser, to demystify lasers and energy-based devices. From redness, brown spots, and scars to overall rejuvenation, they explain how different technologies are chosen, what downtime can look like, and why results come from personalized plans rather than one-off treatments. Alexxa Forte, cosmetic consultant at Charlotte Skin & Laser, brings years of experience helping patients navigate treatment options and personalize their laser and skincare plans. She bridges the science of dermatology with the everyday concerns of patients, making treatments feel approachable and results attainable. Some key takeaways from this episode include: Every laser has a purpose. The wavelength, pulse duration, and cooling system decide whether a device tackles redness, brown spots, scars, or texture. Matching the right device to your skin is both science and artistry, and that’s where the best results happen.Downtime looks different for everyone. Ablative lasers dive deeper and need more recovery, while non-ablative options are gentler with little to no downtime. Both have a place, depending on your goals.Beautiful results build over time. Lasers aren’t magic zaps - they’re renewal tools. Most patients see the best improvements after a series of three treatments, followed by simple maintenance to keep skin healthy and glowing.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

  6. Jun 10

    35. Dr. Rostan’s In-Office Skin Routine

    Dr. Elizabeth Rostan is pulling back the curtain on her own in-office skin routine, from the laser treatments she relies on to the regenerative technologies she uses to keep her skin healthy, resilient, and refreshed. In this conversation, she shares the treatments she recently chose for herself at Charlotte Skin & Laser’s new Huntersville office, why she selected them, and how her personal approach reflects the same philosophy she brings to patient care every day. Along the way, she gives listeners a practical look at how lasers, RF microneedling, IPL, exosomes, injectables, and daily skincare can be thoughtfully combined to support healthy aging and natural results. Dr. Rostan shares several in-office treatments in this episode, including lasers, RF microneedling, IPL, exosomes, injectables, and skin-tightening technologies. To learn more about which options may fit your skin goals, connect with our team or visit the links below: Cosmetic Treatments at Charlotte Skin & LaserCharlotte Skin & Laser Huntersville Office AppointmentsShop Dr. Rostan’s Favorites: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CFSkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening TreatmentALASTIN Regenerating Skin NectarSkinCeuticals P-TIOXSkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle CreamSkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra SerumAlso mentioned in this episode: Laser Rejuvenation & Skin TighteningLutronic Ultra 1927 (LaseMD Ultra)Lutronic Genius RF MicroneedlingSkin Tightening TreatmentsIPL (Intense Pulsed Light) PhotofacialUltraClear LaserVascular & Redness TreatmentsTixel® Skin RejuvenationPro-XO™ Exosome TreatmentsNeuromodulator RelaxersSkin FillersBiostimulatory Injections 3 Ways Dr. Rostan Keeps Her Skin Looking Healthy, Fresh, and Resilient: She layers treatments with a purpose. RF microneedling helps support deeper collagen and elasticity, while the 1927 fractional laser helps refine tone, texture, fine lines, and discoloration closer to the surface.She keeps trusted technology in the rotation. IPL remains one of Dr. Rostan’s favorite treatments for redness, brown spots, sun damage, and long-term skin refreshment.She treats skin health as an ongoing practice. Lasers, energy treatments, neuromodulators, biostimulatory fillers, topical boosters, and daily skincare all play a role in keeping the skin stronger and more vibrant over time.Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

  7. May 27

    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 and cosmetic consultant Alexxa 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. Alexxa 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 dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

  8. 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 dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast is 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.

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