The Science of Skin

A Science of Skincare Podcast

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what's trending in topical skincare and learn about new therapies that are shaping the future of dermatologic care. Hosts  Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the Science of Skin Summit. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider’s view of the skincare industry.  You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients.   So, if you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening! You can also find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

  1. 1h ago

    Topical Steroid Side Effects & Safer Alternatives

    Are topical steroids doing more harm than good? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain sits down with Dr. Allie Golant, Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, to unpack the real risks of topical corticosteroids — and why steroid stewardship is becoming a bigger conversation in dermatology. In this episode, you'll learn: Why topical steroid overuse leads to skin thinning, striae, and hypopigmentation — especially in skin of color patients The dangers of "polypharmacy" when patients mix and match steroid potencies across body areas How systemic steroid absorption can affect bone density, endocrine health, and even eye pressure Why steroid stewardship matters across specialties, not just dermatology How non-steroidal alternatives like Zoryve (roflumilast) cream and foam are changing treatment for eczema and psoriasis Practical tips for talking to patients about safer, simplified treatment regimens This episode is sponsored by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, makers of Zoryve. Got a question or topic idea? Email us at inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com Join us at the Science of Skin Summit — Austin, TX, September 2026, and our Longevity Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ, February 2027. Details at scienceofskinsummit.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and share it with a colleague — word of mouth is how this podcast grows!

    Topical Steroid Side Effects & Safer Alternatives

  2. Jul 28

    Longevity Supplements Under the Microscope

    Dr. Ted Lain and Dr. Patti Farris cut through the hype around today's most popular longevity supplements. They dig into the real (and often surprisingly thin) clinical evidence behind NAD precursors like NMN and nicotinamide riboside, the gut-derived compound Urolithin A, creatine for brain and muscle health, multivitamins and the buzzy Cosmos trial, and off-label rapamycin use. Along the way, they talk through epigenetic clocks, precision medicine, why mouse studies don't always translate to humans, and why "TBD" might be the most honest verdict on longevity science right now. Plus, details on their upcoming Science of Skin Longevity Summit, February 19–21, 2027, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

    Longevity Supplements Under the Microscope

  3. Jul 25

    Pediatric Dermatology Guide: Eczema, Psoriasis, Alopecia, Acne & Hemangiomas

    Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ted Lain and pediatric dermatology expert Dr. Lisa Swanson break down the latest pediatric dermatology treatments in this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast. Topics covered: atopic dermatitis (eczema) treatment updates including Zoryve, Vtama, and Opzelura; pediatric psoriasis therapies including Zoryve foam, Tremfya, and the oral IL-23 inhibitor Sotyktu; GLP-1 medications (Ozempic/semaglutide) for psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa; spironolactone dosing for teenage female acne; hemangioma treatment with timolol, propranolol (Hemangiol), and nadolol; molluscum contagiosum treatment with Ycanth and berdazimer gel (Zelsuvmi); and JAK inhibitors (Litfulo, Olumiant, Rinvoq) for pediatric alopecia areata and early intervention strategies. Plus: a lighthearted dive into Bachelor Nation, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Love Island, and Taylor Swift's wedding buzz. Send episode topic ideas to questions@scienceofskinsummit.com. Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to support the show. Join us at the Science of Skin Summit, September 17–20 in Austin, Texas, and the Longevity Conference, February 19–21 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Learn more at scienceofskinsummit.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

    Pediatric Dermatology Guide: Eczema, Psoriasis, Alopecia, Acne & Hemangiomas

  4. Jul 14

    Sensitive Skin Syndrome: What's Really Happening to Your Skin

    Up to 70% of people say they have sensitive skin — but is it really a diagnosis, or something else entirely? Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain break down the biology dermatologists are still trying to figure out. In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Patti and Ted dig into a 15,000+ person global study on sensitive skin prevalence, and explore the science behind why skin reacts with no visible cause — covering TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptor activity, neuropeptide release (substance P, CGRP), and the connection to rosacea. They also unpack the exposome: how pollution, UV exposure, hormones, menopause, and the skin microbiome all play a role, including a deep dive into aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation and inflammation. The episode closes with a new comparative cleanser study using D-Squame tape stripping and colorimetric index of mildness (SIM) testing, showing how Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser performs against other "gentle" cleansers on the market. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of the Science of Skin Podcast, bringing you cutting-edge dermatology and skincare science. RESOURCES & LINKS 📧 Questions or episode ideas? Email: inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com 🎟️ Join us in Austin, TX — Science of Skin Summit, Sept 17–20, 2026 🎟️ Science of Skin Longevity Summit — Scottsdale, AZ, Feb 2027 🌐 Learn more: scienceofskinsummit.com Case Study Link: A Comparative Analysis of 8 Facial Cleansers Using Corneosurfametry Reveals Differentiated Irritation Potential - JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology This episode is sponsored by Galderma. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Sensitive Skin Syndrome: What's Really Happening to Your Skin

  5. Jul 7

    The Evolution of Fractionated Lasers: Fraxel, FTX & Clear + Brilliant with Dr. Rishi Chopra

    🎧 In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, host Dr. Patty Farris sits down with Dr. Rishi Chopra — a Harvard-trained, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist from the Mass General Wellman Center for Photomedicine — for a deep dive into the evolution of fractionated laser resurfacing. Dr. Chopra breaks down how fractional photothermolysis, first described by Drs. Rox Anderson and Dieter Manstein in 2004, transformed dermatology by moving away from painful, high-downtime ablative resurfacing toward safer, more effective treatments. He walks through the progression from the original Fraxel Restore to the Fraxel Dual and the newly launched Fraxel FTX, explaining the science behind each wavelength (1550nm, 1927nm) and how these advances made treatments more tolerable, more precise, and safer for patients with skin of color. The conversation also covers a remarkable patient case: a young man with severe acne scarring who saw nearly 100% improvement after six Fraxel FTX treatments — illustrating just how far this technology has come. Dr. Chopra then discusses the Clear + Brilliant Touch, a lower-downtime "lunchtime facial" option that's especially popular with younger patients and serves as both an entry point and a maintenance tool for building long-term patient trust. Whether you're a dermatology professional refining your device menu or simply curious about the science behind modern laser resurfacing, this episode offers a comprehensive, practical look at how far fractionated laser technology has come — and where it's headed next. In this episode: The history of ablative vs. fractionated laser resurfacing Fraxel Restore → Dual → FTX: what changed and why Treating acne scars and photoaging safely in skin of color A dramatic real-world patient case study Clear + Brilliant Touch as a "lunchtime facial" option Building patient trust through a tiered treatment approach This episode is sponsored by Solta Medical. Dr. Chopra has been compensated by Solta Medical for his participation. Full prescribing and safety information for Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant laser systems is available at www.fraxel.com/HCP and www.clearandbrilliant.com/HCP. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Evolution of Fractionated Lasers: Fraxel, FTX & Clear + Brilliant with Dr. Rishi Chopra

  6. Jun 30

    Roflumilast Cream for Toddler Eczema, Psoriasis & Seborrheic Dermatitis

    Dr. Ted Lain sits down with board-certified pediatric dermatologist Dr. Nnenna Agim to discuss the toddler indication for roflumilast cream (Zoryve) and how non-steroidal topicals are changing the treatment landscape for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis in children. In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Dr. Agim shares her real-world clinical experience using roflumilast cream 0.05% (ages 2-5) and 0.15% (ages 6+) as a steroid-sparing alternative for pediatric eczema, explaining why more families are requesting non-steroidal options from the start of treatment. The conversation covers: Why roflumilast (Zoryve) is safe to use on any body surface, including the face and skin folds Managing parent expectations and proper dosing to avoid overuse The importance of pairing roflumilast with ceramide-rich, fragrance-free moisturizers like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Vaseline How roflumilast compares to crisaborole (Eucrisa) and topical corticosteroids in tolerability Treating psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis in children with roflumilast foam and cream Skin barrier repair, ceramide production, and the role of the acid mantle in atopic dermatitis Caring for textured hair and scalp conditions in pediatric patients Real patient outcomes and quality-of-life improvements with Zoryve This episode is sponsored by Arcutis Biotherapeutics and is part of an ongoing series exploring roflumilast formulation science. Don't miss the related episode on roflumilast's formulation with Dr. Chris Bunick. Learn more about the Science of Skin Summit (Austin, TX) and the new Science of Skin Longevity Summit (Scottsdale, AZ, Feb 2027) at scienceofskinsummit.com. 🔔 Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to support the show! Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Roflumilast Cream for Toddler Eczema, Psoriasis & Seborrheic Dermatitis

  7. Jun 23

    Hair Loss Treatments: Dr. Nicole Rogers on What Actually Works

    In this episode of the Science of Skin podcast, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patti Farris sits down with Golden Follicle Award winner and hair restoration surgery pioneer Dr. Nicole Rogers to break down everything you need to know about hair loss treatment — from trending social media remedies to cutting-edge clinical trials. Whether you're experiencing male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss, postpartum shedding, or hair thinning from GLP-1 weight loss drugs, this episode covers it all. Dr. Rogers shares her expert framework for building a personalized hair loss treatment plan and explains exactly when to move from over-the-counter solutions to prescription therapies. Topics covered include: Rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil & nutraceuticals — do they actually work?Oral minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil — what the latest research showsExtended-release oral minoxidil (Veridermix) — the next FDA-approved hair loss drug?Finasteride and dutasteride for men and women — dosing, safety, and the truth about post-finasteride syndromeSpironolactone for pre-menopausal women with hair lossTopical finasteride and dutasteride via compounding pharmacyLow-level laser/red light therapy (LLLT) for hair growth — what the science really saysPRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections — when they help and when they're overhypedExosomes for hair loss — promise vs. FDA concernsPP405 and stem cell activation — the groundbreaking new molecule in clinical trialsFUE vs. FUT hair transplant surgery — what's right for youNo-shave FUE — the emerging frontier in hair restorationHair transplants for women — why strip harvesting remains the gold standardIf you're searching for answers on androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, scalp health, DHT blockers, hair regrowth treatments, or the best dermatologist-recommended solutions for thinning hair, this is the episode you've been waiting for. Dr. Rogers brings decades of clinical expertise, peer-reviewed research, and real patient outcomes to help you navigate the overwhelming world of hair loss — with science, not social media hype. 🎙️ Subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone on their hair loss journey. New episodes available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hair Loss Treatments: Dr. Nicole Rogers on What Actually Works

  8. Jun 16

    Clinical Trials in Dermatology: Insider Tips from Top Researchers

    Are you a dermatologist curious about clinical research — or a seasoned trialist looking to reignite your passion? In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Dr. Ted Lane (Austin, TX) sits down with Dr. Jason Hawkes, Chief Scientific Officer at Oregon Medical Research Center, to pull back the curtain on what it really means to build a career in dermatology clinical trials. From navigating the growing complexity of modern trial protocols to reframing the pharma-physician relationship, Ted and Jason share candid insights that only experienced clinical trialists can offer. They discuss how running trials makes you a sharper diagnostician, why medical dermatology remains one of the most rewarding specialties, and how industry partnerships open unexpected academic and commercial doors. You'll also hear their honest takes on mentorship — including the must-read JAMA article Mentorship Malpractice — and why thinking of your career as a lattice, not a ladder may be the most liberating shift you can make. Whether you're five years into practice or just starting out, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom on building a meaningful, intellectually stimulating career in dermatology. 📩 Questions or future episode ideas? Email: questions@scienceofskinpodcast.com Topics Covered: How clinical trials combat physician burnout The real motivations behind patient participation in trials How to interpret clinical data like a trialist Navigating the evolving complexity of trial conduct Building industry relationships the right way The importance of mentorship in dermatology research Career advice: "lattice, not a ladder" Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Clinical Trials in Dermatology: Insider Tips from Top Researchers
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About

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what's trending in topical skincare and learn about new therapies that are shaping the future of dermatologic care. Hosts  Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the Science of Skin Summit. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider’s view of the skincare industry.  You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients.   So, if you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening! You can also find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

Information

  • Creator
    A Science of Skincare Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Science of Skin
  • Show Website
    The Science of Skin

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