Derm Next Door

Ali Dempsey and Reem Nabti

Derm Next Door is your go-to skin fix from the girlies who get it. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ali Dempsey and Dr. Reem Nabti in the heart of New York City, we’re breaking down skin science, busting beauty myths, and talking all things lifestyle—like your downtown derm besties. Whether it's acne, SPF debates, or skincare trends we love (or don’t), we’re here to keep it real, smart, and always skin-deep. Tune in for honest conversations, expert takes, and a little NYC chaos on the side.

  1. Episode 10: Acids 101, Thread Lifts (No Thanks), Korean Head Spas, and a Peel Gone Wrong

    13/10/2025

    Episode 10: Acids 101, Thread Lifts (No Thanks), Korean Head Spas, and a Peel Gone Wrong

    We hit double digits! In this milestone episode, Ali and Reem dig into why acids are everywhere right now- how glycolic, salicylic, and TCA actually work in skin and how to fit them into a skincare routine without annihilating your barrier. Then they explain (plainly) why thread lifts keep dermatologists unamused, unpack a Korean head spa visit, and break down the viral Victoria Nelson chemical-burn case as a cautionary tale about credentials and aftercare. They wrap with Asian beauty favorites and a few NYC spots they’re loving. Chapters below for quick skipping. Rate/review if you learn something! Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 — Intro & 10-Episode Mini-Party (why this is a passion project, what’s ahead).00:45 — HOT: Acids 101 (OTC vs in-office, safe use, skin cycling basics) — AHAs/BHAs overview; glycolic/salicylic/lactic vs TCA depth and downtime; sane cadence (retinoid most nights, acids on off nights). 15:20 — BOTHERED: Thread Lifts — what they are, where they’re happening, complication risk, and why board-certified derms generally pass.22:40 — SIDE-EYEING: Korean Head Spas — Reem’s first-hand rundown; what actually happens; what might help (and what’s just vibes). 29:45 — DERM IN THE WILD: Victoria Nelson Case — what likely happened, red flags (licensure, unknown chemicals, “come back to me” after injury), and what appropriate medical follow-up should look like. 36:05 — Product Empties & Favorites — Asian beauty highlights (Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream; Aestura Atobarrier Cream Mist), plus the Mise en Scène Perfect Hair Serum shout-out.39:40 — NYC Favorites + Sign-off

    41 min
  2. 22/09/2025

    Episode 9: Facial Acupuncture, FDA Sunscreen Drama & More

    We’re officially on camera! In our first filmed episode, we dive into the skincare trends that have everyone talking, from celebrity-loved facial acupuncture to FDA warnings on sunscreen mousse. We side-eye gel manicures after the EU ban on TPO, break down what peptides really do (and how to use them), and talk FDA approval + under-eye microneedling with salmon sperm. Plus, our favorite products of the month, a summer travel recap and the NYC spots we’ve been loving. Whether you’re here for derm pearls, NYC chaos, or skincare tea, this one has it all. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: First filmed episode + new monthly format 01:00 – Hot: Facial acupuncture (celebs, science & Reedle VT needle) 03:58 – Bothered: Sunscreen mousse & FDA crackdown 07:29 – Side-Eyeing: Gel manicures & EU ban on TPO 10:40 – Derm in the Wild: NYFW trends (Botox, lasers, TikTok face taping, $160 lip balm) 14:20 – Favorite Products of the Month 16:54 – Avene Tolerance Cream, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5, The Ordinary Glycolic 7%, ZO Growth Factor 18:47 – Ask the Derm: What peptides do, best picks (P-Tiox), & how to use them in a routine 21:12 – Microneedling with salmon sperm: FDA approval, celebrity use, under-eye focus, risks 26:21 – Summer Recap 30:03 – NYC Favorites 33:35 – Fall Skincare: stronger tretinoin, hydrating sunscreens, lasers, Fraxel plans 34:26 – Outro Where to Find Us 📺 YouTube: @dermnextdoor 📸 Instagram: @dralidempsey | @dermnextdoor | @reemskinmd 📝 Blog: www.theamaranthinecollective.com

    35 min
  3. Episode 6: Lasers, Scalp Voodoo & 'Hot Girl' Tips

    14/07/2025

    Episode 6: Lasers, Scalp Voodoo & 'Hot Girl' Tips

    Ali and Reem are back from vacation and diving headfirst into a summer-themed episode of Derm Next Door. From debunking scalp DIY disasters to decoding laser lingo and sharing the not-so-glamorous realities of NYC in July, this episode blends skin science with real-life derm takes. They break down the evidence behind polypodium leucotomos supplements, explain why your apple cider vinegar hair rinse probably isn’t doing much (except stinking), and walk through the lasers you’ve seen on TikTok but never truly understood. Also: hypochlorous acid spray—is it just diluted bleach or a post-Pilates lifesaver? And finally, in their signature Ask the Derms segment, they reveal what procedures they actually do, what they’re planning next, and how they stay cool in the city while still looking hot. 00:02 – What’s Hot Polypodium leucotomos 101 — the supplement for sun protection, melasma, and a little extra antioxidant armor. Shout-out to Inner Glow Gummies and our dearly missed Heliocare samples. 06:48 – Bothered: Scalp DIY Disasters From apple cider vinegar to mayonnaise, we unpack the wild kitchen treatments patients bring into the clinic — and why derms are collectively saying: please stop. 14:52 – Still Bothered: Rosemary Oil & Other Scalp Trends. Does rosemary oil actually grow hair? And what about scalp massage, amla oil, and Giselle’s no-brush routine? 19:15 – Derm in the Wild: Tina Fey Said Lasers. We break down the laser lexicon (PDL, Fraxel, IPL/BBL, Halo) and throw in some hot takes on medspas. 25:43 – Science or Scam: Hypochlorous Acid Spray. Our verdict? It’s a win. We explain what it is (dilute bleach, kind of), what it’s good for, and when to definitely not DIY it. 29:32 – Ask the Derms: Summer Survival + Maintenance Routines. Cooling hacks (parasol chic, subway hell), our honest maintenance treatments (Botox, PRP, cycling actives), and why we’re Fraxel-forward this winter. 33:15 – NYC Moments. Our favorite recent recs: Russ & Daughters, Hen House, Cafe Colmado, The Fulton at sunset, Serotonin smoothies, La Crueset cookware, soft girl bookshops, and Reem's love of fusion restaurants and container store (#TaurusCore) 36:35 – Coming Soon + Sign Off. We’re back on a more regular schedule (finally) until later in August when Reem’s off to Qatar to teach derm, and Ali’s off to Ibiza to teach… beach.

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Derm Next Door is your go-to skin fix from the girlies who get it. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ali Dempsey and Dr. Reem Nabti in the heart of New York City, we’re breaking down skin science, busting beauty myths, and talking all things lifestyle—like your downtown derm besties. Whether it's acne, SPF debates, or skincare trends we love (or don’t), we’re here to keep it real, smart, and always skin-deep. Tune in for honest conversations, expert takes, and a little NYC chaos on the side.