GLP-1s in Dermatology: Tirzepatide, Semaglutide & Retatrutide for Psoriasis & Metabolic Skin Disease

Could GLP-1 medications be the missing piece in treating inflammatory skin disease? In this episode of Science is Skin, Dr. Ted Lain sits down with Dr. Lindsey Bordone — former Columbia University associate professor of dermatology, now in private practice at Bordone Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona — for a deep dive into metabolic disease and the skin. Dr. Bordone was among the first dermatologists to prescribe GLP-1 agonists for her patients, and in this conversation she explains exactly why. From the link between hyperinsulinemia and chronic inflammation to the visible skin signs of insulin resistance — skin tags, acanthosis nigricans, forearm hair loss — she makes the case that dermatologists are uniquely positioned to catch metabolic disease before any other specialty. Dr. Bordone walks through how she uses tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), and the emerging triple-G drug retatrutide, including her lab protocols, dosing philosophy, how to manage GI side effects, and the surprising interaction between GLP-1s and estrogen therapy. In this episode: Why high BMI reduces biologic efficacy in psoriasis patients How to check fasting insulin (HOMA-IR) and why most physicians aren't doing it Skin signs of insulin resistance: skin tags, forearm hair loss, and neck skin thickening Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide vs. retatrutide — how to choose and when Retatrutide's remarkable 93% fatty liver clearance rate in clinical trials The truth about sarcopenia and muscle loss on GLP-1 medications Dosing protocols, side effect management, and when NOT to escalate quickly Protein intake recommendations during active weight loss Estrogen and GLP-1 synergy — what dermatologists need to know Lab work to run before and during GLP-1 therapy How to build an insurance case for continued medication coverage Resources mentioned: HOMA-IR fasting insulin/glucose testing AAD resources on metabolic dermatology Bordone Dermatology — Scottsdale, Arizona Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a colleague and leave us a five-star review. Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Science is Skin. To watch this and other episodes, be sure to check out our YouTube page  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.