After Hours Skin Clinic

What are the biggest skincare myths dermatologists wish everyone would stop believing? Here’s Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne’s and Dr Ellie Rashid’s top ten skin truths.

To celebrate the 100th episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid share their ten biggest skin truths. Evidence-based advice they wish every patient knew.

From sunscreen and pores to expensive skincare, hydration, dandruff and skin cancer, Emma and Ellie separate fact from fiction, debunk some of the internet's biggest skincare myths, and explain what really matters when it comes to healthy skin.

Whether you're building your first skincare routine or trying to make sense of conflicting advice on social media, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed guidance from two consultant dermatologists.

This episode covers:

The biggest skincare myths dermatologists hear every day

Can you really open and close your pores?

Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?

How to understand your own skin type

Why "medical grade" skincare is mostly a marketing term

Should you trust skincare claims and before-and-after photos?

Does expensive skincare actually work better?

Why consistency beats complicated skincare routines

Why wearing sunscreen every day matters for skin ageing

Does drinking more water hydrate your skin?

What skin cancer really looks like (it's not what you might think)

What dandruff actually is and why oils can make it worse

Emma and Ellie also discuss why personalised skincare is more effective than copying someone else's routine, how to avoid misleading marketing claims, and the simple habits that have the biggest impact on long-term skin health.

Whether you're new to skincare or a lifelong skincare enthusiast, these are the skin truths every dermatologist wishes more people knew.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

Find us on ⁠Instagram⁠

👀 Watch us on ⁠Youtube⁠

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Products mentioned:

Nizoral® (Ketoconazole 2%) Shampoo

Klira⁠ - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to ⁠klira.skin⁠

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
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Summer can be one of the easiest times to accidentally damage your skin.

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid answer the questions they're asked every year about preparing your skin for summer.

Should you wax before your holiday? Is a "base tan" ever a good idea? Do you need a complicated skincare routine on a flight? And can I use last year's sunscreen?

Emma and Ellie explain how to time beauty treatments to minimise irritation and pigmentation, why sunbeds are never worth the risk, and how simple changes to your routine can help keep your skin healthy all summer long.

This episode covers:

Preparing your skin for summer

Laser hair removal, waxing and shaving before holidays

How to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation

Retinoids, exfoliating acids and summer skincare

In-flight skincare myths

Holiday acne and travel breakouts

Perfume, essential oils and UV reactions

Lime juice and phytophotodermatitis

Why a "base tan" doesn't protect your skin

The risks of sunbeds and skin cancer

When to replace your sunscreen

Favourite summer skincare essentials

Whether you're planning a beach holiday, spending more time outdoors or simply want to protect your skin this summer, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice from two consultant dermatologists.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

👀 Watch us on Youtube

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.

Products mentioned:

Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse® Or (Shimmer Dry Oil)

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
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Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain what keratosis pilaris (KP), also known as strawberry skin or chicken skin, actually is, why it develops around hair follicles, and which evidence-based treatments work best, including lactic acid, urea creams, chemical exfoliants, retinoids, moisturisers and laser hair removal.

In this episode:

What keratosis pilaris (KP) actually is

Why people call it strawberry skin or chicken skin

The real cause of keratosis pilaris

Why KP often runs in families

The connection between hair follicles, keratin and inflammation

Why KP gets worse during winter

The truth about physical exfoliation and scrubs

Lactic acid vs salicylic acid: which works best?

The role of urea creams and moisturisers

When retinoids may help

Why laser hair removal may be one of the most effective treatments

How to prevent redness and pigmentation

Key Takeaways:

Keratosis pilaris affects around 50% of people

Physical scrubbing can make KP worse

Chemical exfoliants outperform mechanical exfoliation

10% lactic acid appears more effective than 5% salicylic acid

Urea-based moisturisers help soften and smooth rough skin

Consistent moisturising supports the skin barrier

SPF helps prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation

Laser hair removal may provide longer-term improvement

Products Mentioned:

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

Eucerin UreaRepair

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid

CeraVe SA Smoothing Range

Cetaphil Salicylic Acid Range

Subscribe for evidence-based skincare advice from consultant dermatologists.

Follow & Connect:

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: info@afterhoursskinclinic.com

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do mineral sunscreens really work better than chemical sunscreens? Are chemical filters actually harmful? And what should you believe when sunscreen misinformation is everywhere?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid tackle one of the most controversial topics in skincare: the debate between mineral and chemical sunscreens.

From TikTok myths and conspiracy theories to concerns about ingredient absorption, coral reefs, vitamin D, and skin cancer, Emma and Ellie break down what the evidence actually says about sunscreen safety and effectiveness.

They explain why sunscreen remains one of the most important tools we have for preventing skin cancer, pigmentation, and premature ageing — and why fear-based misinformation could be putting people at risk.

This episode covers:

Mineral vs chemical sunscreens: what's the difference?

Are chemical sunscreen filters absorbed into the body?

The truth about oxybenzone and sunscreen safety studies

Why absorption does not equal toxicity

Common sunscreen myths circulating on social media

Do sunscreens cause cancer?

What the evidence says about skin cancer prevention

Coral reefs, environmental concerns, and sunscreen bans

Can sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency?

Why UV exposure still damages skin, even in the UK

How sunscreen helps prevent pigmentation and premature ageing

The importance of UVA, UVB and visible light protection

Why finding a sunscreen you enjoy using matters most

The best sunscreen formulations for different skin types

Emma and Ellie also share the sunscreens they regularly recommend in clinic, discuss why sunscreen technology has improved dramatically over the past decade, and explain why the "mineral versus chemical" debate isn't actually a competition at all.

This episode includes a paid partnership with Eucerin, a skincare brand with a long history of dermatological research. During the episode, Emma and Ellie discuss Eucerin Oil Control Gel Cream SPF50+ and the formulation features that may make it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. All opinions expressed remain those of the hosts.

If you've ever felt confused by conflicting sunscreen advice online, this episode will help you separate evidence from misinformation.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Products mentioned:

Eucerin Oil Control Gel Cream SPF50+

Altruist Sunscreen

Klira The DayScript

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice Sunscreen

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do some people blush more than others? When is facial redness simply normal, and when could it be rosacea?

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid discuss the causes of facial flushing, blushing and persistent redness, and explain the treatments available for rosacea and other common triggers.

They cover the science behind emotional blushing, menopause-related flushing, alcohol flush reactions, visible facial blood vessels and chronic facial redness. They also share practical skincare advice, treatment options and dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

Topics covered:

Facial flushing and blushing

Rosacea symptoms and diagnosis

Menopause hot flushes

Alcohol flush reaction

Emotional blushing and anxiety

Azelaic acid and ivermectin

Brimonidine and beta blockers

Laser treatment for redness

Micro-Botox for rosacea

Sunscreens for sensitive skin

Products and Treatments Mentioned:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Azelaic Acid

Ivermectin 1% Cream

TretinoinBrimonidine

Propranolol

Carvedilol

HRT

Fezolinetant

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Children's Fluid SPF

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Comfort SPF

Garnier Sensitive Advanced UV Fluid with Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid

Follow & Connect:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: ahsc@raconteur.tv

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

A Raconteur Studios Production.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices