Skinfluence with Dr. Dustin Portela

Dustin Portela
  • 4.9 (88)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Skinfluence is a podcast dedicated to helping you understand and take control of your skin health. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dustin Portela and Physician Assistant Austin Lee, each episode blends expert insights with practical advice to guide you through the world of skincare. From treating common concerns like acne and eczema to exploring the latest innovations in cosmetic dermatology, Skinfluence offers trustworthy information you can use—whether you're a skincare beginner or looking to take your routine to the next level. Tune in weekly for science-backed tips, patient stories, and honest conversations about what really works. Tag: 868329

  1. Guest Episode: Dr. Wallace Nozile on Becoming a Dermatologist, Beating the Odds, and the Future of Medicine

    3d ago

    Guest Episode: Dr. Wallace Nozile on Becoming a Dermatologist, Beating the Odds, and the Future of Medicine

    Most people who want to become a dermatologist know it's competitive. Few understand what it actually takes to get there when nothing is handed to you. Dr. Wallace Nozile is a board-certified dermatologist, social media educator, and someone who came very close to choosing a career in R&B over medicine. In this conversation recorded in studio, he and Dr. Dustin Portela trace the full arc of what it takes to match into one of the most competitive specialties in medicine, from a rocky undergraduate start and a student advisor who laughed at his ambitions, to a grueling step one prep schedule and a mentor who changed everything. Dr. Nozile is candid about the role discipline played, or didn't, in his early years. He was pre-med from the start but largely coasting until a dismissive advisor put a chip on his shoulder. That moment, he says, did more for his trajectory than anything else. He went from Cs in organic chemistry to a 4.0 in a master's program alongside first-year medical students, then into medical school, and eventually into dermatology, one of the hardest fields to match into in the country. The conversation gets into the emotional weight of that process in ways a checklist never could. Dr. Nozile talks about skipping his best friend's bachelor party to study, becoming temporarily socially awkward after weeks of 12-hour study days, and the unexpected mentor who turned out to be his greatest advocate. That mentor, Dr. Stanton King Wesson, was a Vietnam veteran and program director who told Dr. Nozile plainly: "The only difference between you and that person is time." It's the kind of line that stays with you. They also look ahead, discussing personalized medicine, genetic testing for treatment response, and what role physicians will play as AI reshapes dermatology. And in a field where social media has become its own form of medical education, Dr. Nozile reflects on why reaching patients who might never see a dermatologist matters as much to him as anything he does in clinic. Product of the Week Avene Tolerance Foaming Cleanser A gentle foaming cleanser Dr. Nozile recommends for dry, sensitive skin patients who thought foaming cleansers were off the table. Follow Us Dr. Dustin Portela TikTok | Instagram | YouTube (Reactions) | YouTube (Educational) | Pinterest Dr. Wallace Nozile Follow on social media (links in show notes) Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

    43 min
  2. EP 49: What Happens to Your Skin After 35 (And What to Do About It)

    5d ago

    EP 49: What Happens to Your Skin After 35 (And What to Do About It)

    Your skin at 37 is not the same organ it was at 22. Collagen is breaking down faster than it's being replaced. Fat pads are shifting. Cell turnover is slowing. And one morning you wake up and wonder where your face went. Dr. Dustin Portela and Austin Lee break down the biology of aging skin in a way that's actually useful, covering the collagen and elastin loss that starts in your 30s, why the dermis gradually thins, how fat pads descend over time, and how cumulative sun damage eventually overwhelms your skin's antioxidant defenses. It's a slow process, mostly invisible, until it isn't. The episode then turns to what you can actually do about it. Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are the foundation. Vitamin C serums help neutralize free radical damage. Retinols, on both the face and body, can slow collagen decline and improve texture over time. Diet matters more than most people realize: chronic sugar intake accelerates the breakdown of collagen, while inadequate protein makes it harder to rebuild. Sleep, cardio, and resistance training round out the picture, with real data showing that weightlifting can improve skin thickness, not just build muscle. For those already seeing changes, the hosts get more specific. Topical pigment inhibitors like hydroquinone and thiamidol can address sunspots, with the important caveat that not every dark spot is the same. Microneedling, chemical peels, and CO2 laser resurfacing each have a place depending on the severity of concerns. Dermal filler can be transformative for volume loss when used correctly, though Dr. Portela is candid about what happens when it isn't. The episode closes with a reminder that aging is not a problem to be solved. It's something to be managed thoughtfully, with realistic expectations and a little grace. Product of the Week Activé Restore Body Firming Cream — Dean Skincare A retinol body cream with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and caffeine formulated to improve skin resilience and support collagen production. Available at shop.drdustinportela.com. Follow Us Dr. Dustin Portela TikTok | Instagram | YouTube (Reactions) | YouTube (Educational) | Pinterest Austin Lee, PA-C Instagram: @austinleepac Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

    31 min
  3. Guest Episode: Clear Health, Accutane Online, and the Future of Telehealth Dermatology

    Jun 18

    Guest Episode: Clear Health, Accutane Online, and the Future of Telehealth Dermatology

    What if getting expert acne treatment didn't require months of waiting, multiple office visits, and endless trial-and-error with products that never seem to work? In this guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela is joined by Michael Chang, founder and CEO of Clear Health, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aaron Farberg to discuss how telehealth is changing the way patients access acne treatment. Michael shares his personal journey through years of persistent acne, multiple dermatologists, restrictive diets, and frustration before finally finding success with Accutane. That experience ultimately led him to create Clear Health, a telehealth platform focused on connecting patients with board-certified dermatologists and expanding access to evidence-based acne care. The conversation explores common misconceptions about Accutane, why so many patients wish they had started treatment sooner, and how telehealth is helping remove barriers that often delay care. They also discuss Isoclear, a new topical isotretinoin treatment designed to deliver many of the benefits associated with isotretinoin without the monitoring requirements of oral Accutane. Dr. Farberg breaks down the science behind topical isotretinoin, how it compares to tretinoin, and why this approach could become an important option for acne and anti-aging treatment in the future. Whether you're struggling with acne, considering Accutane, curious about telehealth dermatology, or interested in the future of personalized skincare, this episode offers an inside look at one of the fastest-growing areas in dermatology. Guest Info Michael Chang Founder & CEO, Clear Health Dr. Aaron Farberg Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Medical Director, Clear Health Learn more: helloclearhealth.com Follow Us Dr. Portela TikTok: @drdustinportela Instagram: @drdustinportela YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

    36 min
  4. EP 48: Laser Hair Removal, Shaving Mistakes, and the Best Way to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair

    Jun 11

    EP 48: Laser Hair Removal, Shaving Mistakes, and the Best Way to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair

    Shaving, waxing, laser hair removal, sugaring, electrolysis... with so many options available, what's actually the best way to get rid of unwanted hair? This week, Dr. Dustin Portela and Austin Lee break down the most common hair removal methods, who they're best for, and the biggest mistakes people make that can lead to irritation, ingrown hairs, burns, and long-term skin damage. They discuss the pros and cons of shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis, and laser hair removal, along with what makes someone a good candidate for treatment. You'll also learn why skin tone and hair color matter, how to prepare for laser hair removal, and why "permanent hair removal" isn't always as permanent as people think. The conversation also covers pseudofolliculitis barbae, hidradenitis suppurativa, acne keloidalis nuchae, shaving bumps, razor burn, and dermatologist-approved tips for preventing ingrown hairs and keeping your skin healthy. Plus, Austin shares one of the most questionable hair removal decisions of his life involving a Taco Bell parking lot, Axe body spray, and an open flame. If you've ever struggled with unwanted hair, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or wondered whether laser hair removal is worth it, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you choose the right approach for your skin. Product of the Week Dean Skincare Botanical Calming Serum Designed to help calm irritation, reduce visible redness, and support the skin barrier after cosmetic treatments, shaving, and everyday skin stressors. Use code SKINFLUENCE20 for 20% off. Follow Us Dr. Portela TikTok: @drdustinportela Instagram: @drdustinportela YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela Austin Lee, PA-C Instagram/TikTok: @austinleepac Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

    36 min
  5. Guest Episode: Dr. Tony Youn on Plastic Surgery, Longevity, and Looking Younger Without Going Under the Knife

    Jun 4

    Guest Episode: Dr. Tony Youn on Plastic Surgery, Longevity, and Looking Younger Without Going Under the Knife

    What if the best plastic surgery advice is how to avoid plastic surgery in the first place? In this guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tony Youn, known to millions online as "America's Holistic Plastic Surgeon." Together, they explore a different approach to aesthetics, one that prioritizes lifestyle, nutrition, skincare, and overall health before ever considering surgery. Dr. Youn shares how a life-changing patient complication reshaped his philosophy on medicine and why he now views surgery as a last resort rather than a first step. The conversation covers longevity, weight loss, GLP-1 medications, skincare, social media, and the growing overlap between plastic surgery, dermatology, and preventive health. They also tackle one of the most confusing topics in aesthetics today: the difference between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Youn explains what patients should know before choosing a provider and why training, credentials, and complication management matter more than ever. Whether you're considering cosmetic procedures, interested in healthy aging, or simply want to understand how the aesthetics industry is evolving, this is a fascinating conversation with one of the most influential voices in plastic surgery today. Guest Info Dr. Tony Youn Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Host of The Dr. Youn Show Podcast Instagram: @tonyyounmd TikTok: @doctoryoun YouTube: @tonyyounmd Follow Us Dr. Portela TikTok: @drdustinportela Instagram: @drdustinportela YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

    38 min
  6. EP 47: Inflammaging, Chronic Inflammation, and Why Your Skin Ages Faster

    May 28

    EP 47: Inflammaging, Chronic Inflammation, and Why Your Skin Ages Faster

    What if one of the biggest causes of aging isn't just getting older, but chronic inflammation happening inside the body every single day? This week, Dr. Dustin Portela and Austin Lee break down the growing conversation around "inflammaging" and how inflammation may be impacting everything from wrinkles and rosacea to fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, and long-term health. The conversation explores the difference between healthy inflammation and chronic inflammation, why modern lifestyles keep so many people stuck in an inflamed state, and how things like sugar, processed foods, poor sleep, stress, UV exposure, and even overdoing skincare can quietly accelerate aging. They also discuss blood sugar spikes, insulin resistance, longevity trends, continuous glucose monitors, and why simple skincare routines often outperform aggressive ones when it comes to healthy skin and aging well. If you're interested in anti-aging, skin health, wellness, rosacea, longevity, or dermatologist-backed skincare advice, this episode is packed with practical, real-world takeaways you can actually use. Product of the Week Dene Skincare Botanical Calming Serum A calming antioxidant serum designed to help reduce visible redness and support irritated, inflammation-prone skin. Follow Us Dr. Portela TikTok: @drdustinportela Instagram: @drdustinportela YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela Austin Lee, PA-C Instagram/TikTok: @austinleepac Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

    38 min
  7. Guest Episode: Estheticians vs Dermatologists and the Future of Skin Care

    May 21

    Guest Episode: Estheticians vs Dermatologists and the Future of Skin Care

    Who should you trust with your skin: a dermatologist, an esthetician, or both? In this guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with licensed esthetician and skincare clinic owner Letitia Christine for a candid conversation about the evolving world of aesthetics, skincare treatments, medical oversight, and the growing tension between dermatology and esthetics online. The conversation was sparked by a viral social media debate surrounding mole removal and scope of practice, but quickly expands into a much bigger discussion about education, patient safety, licensing laws, and the future of the skincare industry. Letitia breaks down what it actually takes to become an esthetician, how wildly different regulations can be from state to state, and why she believes the aesthetics industry has outgrown traditional cosmetology education. Dr. Portela shares the dermatologist perspective on pathology, medical responsibility, and why proper training matters when procedures become more invasive. Together, they unpack the rise of TikTok skincare culture, the dangers of poorly trained providers, the "Wild West" nature of certain states, and why collaboration between estheticians and dermatologists ultimately leads to better outcomes for patients. But this episode is not about attacking one side or the other. It is about creating a more informed, transparent, and respectful conversation around skincare, aesthetics, and patient care. If you've ever wondered who should handle certain treatments, what "medical esthetician" actually means, or why the skincare industry feels so chaotic right now, this is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the realities of modern aesthetics. Guest Info Letitia Christine Owner of No Filter Aesthetics Instagram: @thescandalousesthetician Follow Us Dr. Portela TikTok: @drdustinportela Instagram: @drdustinportela YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

    30 min
  8. Episode 46: Excessive Sweating Explained — Why It Happens and What Actually Helps

    May 14

    Episode 46: Excessive Sweating Explained — Why It Happens and What Actually Helps

    Sweating is normal. Sweating through your shirt while sitting still in class, shaking hands with drenched palms, or avoiding certain colors because of pit stains? That's something different. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, and explain why it affects far more people than most realize. From sweaty palms and feet to underarms, scalp, and facial sweating, they walk through what causes it, how it impacts confidence and daily life, and why so many people silently struggle with it for years before seeking treatment. They explain the difference between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis, common triggers like stress and social situations, and why this condition often starts during adolescence. The conversation also explores the emotional side of sweating, including the embarrassment, social anxiety, and lifestyle changes many patients deal with behind the scenes. On the treatment side, Dustin and Austin go deep into what actually works. They cover over-the-counter antiperspirants, prescription-strength options like Drysol, topical medications like Qbrexza and Sofdra, oral medications such as glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin, Botox injections, iontophoresis devices, and even longer-term solutions like miraDry. They also discuss side effects, insurance frustrations, compensatory sweating, and how to think through the trade-offs between different treatment approaches. If excessive sweating has ever made you self-conscious, uncomfortable, or frustrated, this episode will help you understand that you are not alone and that there are real solutions available. Product of the Week MANTL Invisible Daily SPF A lightweight, gel-based SPF designed to protect your skin without leaving behind a white cast or greasy finish. It works especially well for active lifestyles, facial hair, and all skin tones. Special pricing currently available: 1 for $10 2 for $15 Available at: https://shop.drdustinportela.com Follow Us: Dr. Portela TikTok: @drdustinportela Instagram: @drdustinportela YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela Austin Lee TikTok: @austinleepac Instagram: @austinleepac

    34 min
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4.9
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

Skinfluence is a podcast dedicated to helping you understand and take control of your skin health. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dustin Portela and Physician Assistant Austin Lee, each episode blends expert insights with practical advice to guide you through the world of skincare. From treating common concerns like acne and eczema to exploring the latest innovations in cosmetic dermatology, Skinfluence offers trustworthy information you can use—whether you're a skincare beginner or looking to take your routine to the next level. Tune in weekly for science-backed tips, patient stories, and honest conversations about what really works. Tag: 868329

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