The Science of Skin

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.

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 shows Extended-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 syndrome Spironolactone for pre-menopausal women with hair loss Topical finasteride and dutasteride via compounding pharmacy Low-level laser/red light therapy (LLLT) for hair growth — what the science really says PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections — when they help and when they're overhyped Exosomes for hair loss — promise vs. FDA concerns PP405 and stem cell activation — the groundbreaking new molecule in clinical trials FUE vs. FUT hair transplant surgery — what's right for you No-shave FUE — the emerging frontier in hair restoration Hair transplants for women — why strip harvesting remains the gold standard If 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.

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: [email protected] 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.

What really separates roflumilast (Zoryve) from other PDE4 inhibitors — and why does it matter for your patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis? In this episode, Dr. Ted Lane sits down with Dr. Chris Bunick, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and Editor-in-Chief of Dermatology Times, for a deep dive into the biochemistry, formulation science, and clinical implications behind this breakthrough topical treatment. In this episode, you'll learn: Why roflumilast binds PDE4 with 200x more potency than apremilast — and 1,000x more than crisaborole How cyclic AMP inhibition controls upstream cytokine pathways (TH1, TH2, TH17) across multiple inflammatory skin diseases The science behind the Crotofos emulsifier — and why the right emulsifier protects the skin barrier instead of stripping ceramides Why formulating at pH 5.5 matters for filaggrin, keratin, and barrier integrity How the roflumilast foam is specifically engineered for scalp conditions and hair-bearing areas What's next in topical formulation innovation — from targeted dermal delivery to longevity skincare Whether you're a dermatologist, resident, PA, NP, or skincare enthusiast who wants to understand the why behind cutting-edge topicals, this episode is packed with clinical and scientific insight you won't find anywhere else. 🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, maker of roflumilast cream and foam. 📧 Send your questions to: [email protected] 📅 Science of Skin Summit — September 19–21, Austin, TX 📅 Longevity Meeting — February 19 - 21, Scottsdale, AZ Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and follow Dr. Bunick's podcast: ABCDs in Dermatology. 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.

Big news for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in dermatology! Dr. Patti Farris is joined by PA and dermatology leader Kristin Rygg to announce a brand-new NP/PA track at the 2026 Science of Skin Summit — a first-of-its-kind opportunity for advanced practice providers to learn alongside their physician colleagues. In this episode, you'll hear: Why this NP/PA-dedicated track was created and what makes it different A full breakdown of the September 10th agenda — from immunology and inflammatory skin disease to biologics, GLP-1s, and advanced skincare ingredients How the curriculum is designed for every career stage, from new grads to seasoned practitioners What to expect at the full Summit (September 17–20, 2026), including case-based learning, product theaters, and a longevity track How NPs and PAs will be featured on the main stage for the first time Whether you're a PA, NP, dermatologist, or practice owner, this episode is your inside look at a summit built for collaboration, clinical excellence, and professional growth. 🔗 Register now at scienceofskinsummit.com 🔔 Subscribe to Science of Skin and leave a review — it helps us bring more cutting-edge dermatology science straight to you. 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.

Did you know your skin has its own internal clock — and that ignoring it could be accelerating aging? In this episode of the Science of Skin podcast, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patti Farris sits down with renowned cosmetic dermatologist and Harvard graduate Dr. Ava Shamban — founder of AvaMD Dermatology and the skincare line Althea — to break down the fascinating science of circadian rhythms and skin health. They cover: What circadian rhythms actually are and why every skin cell has its own biological clock How clock genes control 50% of your genome — and drive collagen production, DNA repair, and barrier function Why screen time, blue light, and night-shift schedules are silently destroying your skin The emerging field of chrono cosmetics — syncing your skincare routine to your skin's natural 24-hour cycle Dr. Ava's science-backed skincare line Althea and its groundbreaking day/night formulations Her new multimodal at-home device featuring LED therapy, radio frequency, and microcurrent — pending FDA clearance Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or a medical professional, this episode will completely change how you think about anti-aging, skin longevity, and your nighttime skincare routine. 🔔 Subscribe to Science of Skin and leave a review — it helps us bring more cutting-edge dermatology science straight to you. 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.

What does longevity medicine have to do with your skin? Everything, according to Dr. Hillary Lin — Stanford-trained internist, longevity expert, and founder of CareCorps. In this episode of the Science of Skin podcast, Dr. Patti Farris sits down with Dr. Lin to explore the powerful connection between systemic health and skin aging. Together they break down the science behind cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and the hallmarks of aging — and what they mean for your skin from the inside out. They cut through the noise on trending anti-aging supplements like rapamycin, NAD precursors, urolithin A, peptides, and creatine, separating evidence-backed strategies from longevity washing. Dr. Lin also shares her expert take on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and estrogen's critical role in collagen production, skin hydration, and elasticity during perimenopause and menopause. Whether you're a skincare professional or a health-conscious consumer, this episode delivers practical, science-first insights on skin longevity, metabolic health, and how to build a longevity protocol that actually works. Topics covered: skin aging, longevity medicine, HRT, perimenopause, collagen, cellular senescence, rapamycin, NAD, creatine, peptides, anti-aging supplements, menopause skin care, hormonal health, longevity washing 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.

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.

What do tattoos, trafficking survivors, and longevity medicine have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode of Science is Skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain sits down with Dr. Shadi Kourosh — Harvard Medical School professor, public health physician, and director of dermatology at Nantucket Cottage Hospital — for a conversation that spans medicine, advocacy, and cutting-edge science. Dr. Kourosh shares how her work with underserved communities at Massachusetts General Hospital led her to the frontlines of the fight against human trafficking. She breaks down the "Three I's" — infections, injuries, and imagery — the clinical signs dermatologists and healthcare providers should recognize when a patient may be a trafficking victim. She also discusses trauma-informed care, how to create a safe environment for disclosure, and the STEER app (Skin Signs of Trafficking Education Advocacy and Resources), a free tool designed to connect providers and survivors with local resources. In the second half, Dr. Kourosh pivots to longevity medicine — one of dermatology's fastest-growing frontiers — and explains why separating skin science from snake oil has never been more important for patient protection and consumer health. In this episode: How dermatologists can identify skin signs of human trafficking The Three I's framework: infections, injuries, and imagery in trafficking tattoos Trauma-informed care and the "warm handoff" approach for at-risk patients The STEER app and AAD Human Trafficking Toolkit — free resources for providers Laser tattoo removal as a pathway to safety and reintegration for survivors The new science of skin longevity and preventive dermatology Fact vs. fiction in the longevity medicine space Resources mentioned: STEER App (Skin Signs of Trafficking, Education, Advocacy & Resources) AAD Human Trafficking Toolkit: aad.org American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) Polaris Project National Human Trafficking Hotline 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.

Science of Skin Podcast · Sponsored by Neutrogena · Recorded live at the American Academy of Dermatology, Denver Dermatologists Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain go live from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in Denver to break down the latest skincare innovations from Neutrogena. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into three cutting-edge products: the Neutrogena Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Serum featuring pure L-ascorbic acid, 2% polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone), and the award-winning microdipeptide (diacetyl dipeptide); the new Hair Restore Scalp Serum, which brings the microdipeptide alongside minoxidil (Rogaine), niacinamide, panthenol, caffeine, feverfew, centella asiatica, and arginine for a comprehensive approach to scalp health and hair loss prevention; and Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer SPF 100 sunscreen with Helioplex technology and antioxidant blends designed to protect against UVB, long-wave UVA, and high-energy visible (HEV) blue light. The doctors explore why L-ascorbic acid is the gold-standard form of vitamin C, how peptides are having a moment in dermatology, the skinification of the scalp, the risks of lipid peroxidation and post-acne hyperpigmentation, and why high SPF formulations matter even beyond UVB protection. Whether you're a dermatologist building patient regimens or a skincare enthusiast looking for science-backed product recommendations, this episode is packed with clinical insight and practical guidance. 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.