After Hours Skin Clinic

Is social media helping your skin or making it worse? Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid expose how algorithms, fake experts, and viral trends are wrecking skin barriers.

Drawing on the latest research presented at the British Association of Dermatologists meetings, Emma and Ellie examine the double-edged sword of online beauty culture.

In this episode, they break down how mechanisms on social media are amplifying fake medical advice, how big skincare brands and high-end magazines inadvertently validate non-expert voices, and why the algorithm pushes controversial content to your feed. Plus, they explore a shocking new study connecting social media screen time to destroyed skin barriers, discuss the hyper-targeting of 13-year-olds with unnecessary active ingredients, and outline how consumers can verify real clinical expertise.

Episode Highlights:

The Three-Layer Misinformation Trap: Why engagement algorithms and exaggerated claims trick even savvy consumers.

Brand & Media Endorsements: How major skincare brands and top magazines accidentally legitimize non-experts by failing to do basic due diligence.

The Filter vs. Reality Gap: Decoding the psychological impact of invisible retouching tools alongside the positive rise of "skin realism" accounts.

The 13-Year-Old TikTok Study: What happened when researchers analyzed the first 100 videos served to teenage accounts (and why 6+ active ingredients are wrecking skin barriers).

The Screen-Time & Skin-Barrier Correlation: Shocking new clinical findings linking higher social media consumption directly to increased product purchases and worse acne/barrier damage.

Reclaiming Digital Skin Health: The three pillars of responsibility required from creators, consumers, and social platforms to fix online medical advice.

Key Questions Answered:

How can I tell if someone offering skincare advice on TikTok or Instagram is a real dermatologist?

Why using viral skincare products could be making your skin barrier worse instead of better

Does social media screen time actually correlate with worse skin conditions like acne?

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

💌 Send us your questions ahsc@raconteur.tv

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

Connect with us:

After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid

Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne

TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic

YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
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Is your monthly gel manicure damaging your skin and triggering hidden face allergies?

From gel manicures causing mysterious eye eczema to the concerning rise of methacrylate allergies and the UK’s brand-new chemical ban on TPO, our nails are undergoing more clinical scrutiny than ever. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid lift the lid on the hidden risks hiding inside your monthly manicure routine and expose why cutting your cuticles is a recipe for permanent damage.

In this episode, Emma and Ellie unpack the crucial anatomical role of the proximal nail fold (the 'true' cuticle), why DIY gel nail kits are driving a massive surge in contact allergies, and how un-cured acrylates can trigger reactions on your eyelids. Plus, they examine the UVA radiation emitted by gel curing lamps, the clinical rise of periungual warts, and practical steps to protect your hands without ditching your favorite gel polish.

Episode Highlights:

The Anatomy of a Nail: Why everyone confuses the proximal nail fold with the cuticle and why removing it breaks your nail’s waterproof seal.

The UK TPO Chemical Ban: What the new restriction on Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide means for your nails.

The Rise of Acrylate Allergies: How improperly cured home gel kits are causing severe contact dermatitis across the face and eyes.

The Danger of Periungual Warts: How moisture traps and aggressive cuticle removal propagate stubborn viral infections around the nail.

Eczema Awareness Connection: Why mysterious eyelid rashes are increasingly linked to nail polish and cosmetic glues.

UVA Lamps & Skin Damage: Dermatologist-approved strategies (including UV-blocking gloves) to protect your hands during gel treatments.

Key Questions Answered:

Why should you tell your nail technician never to push back or cut your cuticles?

Can using a DIY UV gel nail kit at home cause long-term skin allergies?

How do gel nail chemicals cause allergic reactions around your eyes and face?

Connect with us:

After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Dr Ellie Rashid Instagram: @drellierashid

Dr Emma Craythorne Instagram: @dremmacraythorne

TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic

YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

💌 Send us your questions ahsc@raconteur.tv

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction: The UK Chemical Ban on TPO & Nail Health

02:26 - Cuticle Anatomy 101: The Protective Waterproof Seal

04:02 - The Real Danger of Cutting Cuticles (Rashes, Infections & Warts)

07:34 - The Rise of Gel Nail Acrylate Allergies & DIY UV Kits

13:13 - Why Gel Nail Allergies Show Up on Your Eyelids

13:50 - Eczema Awareness Month & Contact Dermatitis Triggers

14:00 - UVA Lamps & How Dermatologists Protect Their Hands

17:55 - UK ban on a chemical (TPO) used in nail hardening products

22:01 - Supplements for nail growth & surprising truth about biotin
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From Jennifer Aniston’s peptide confessions to unregulated online vials sold for £5, teenagers asking for acne fixes, and DIY under-the-skin injections, peptides are e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid pull back the curtain on the worrying, unregulated world of injectable "longevity" peptides and separate real pharmaceutical science from social media hype.

In this episode, Emma and Ellie break down what a peptide actually is, why GLP-1 weight-loss medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro) have created a halo effect for unsafe knock-offs, and why DIY under-the-skin injections carry massive unmonitored risks. Plus, they examine the truth behind copper peptides (GHK-Cu), why that viral blue liquid injection might be a complete waste of money, and the startling results of clinical studies that the beauty industry ignores.

Episode Highlights:

The Jennifer Aniston Effect: How celebrity skincare confessions can fuel an unregulated online frenzy.

What Is a Peptide? Deconstructing the science of amino acid chains, from essential insulin to GLP-1s.

The Unregulated Black Market: Why £5 internet vials labeled "for research purposes only" are a health disaster waiting to happen.

BPC-157 & Small Animal Studies: Why rat tendon research does not translate to human safety or skin rejuvenation.

The Truth About Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu): Debunking the myths around wound healing, acne, wrinkles, and reversing gray hair.

The "No Side Effects Reported" Trap: Why non-drug products lack mandatory reporting systems for adverse events.

Topical vs. Injectable: Why that viral blue copper peptide serum looks pretty on TikTok but lacks solid clinical backing.

Key Questions Answered:

Are injectable peptides bought online safe or effective for skin aging and longevity?

Do topical copper peptides (GHK-Cu) actually cure acne, reduce wrinkles, or stop gray hair?

What is the difference between prescription GLP-1 peptides and unregulated DIY peptide vials?

Want to learn more about peptides? Listen to our episode 'Peptides: What Are They, How Do They Work, and Should You Use Them?' on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Connect with us:

After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Dr Ellie Rashid Instagram: @drellierashid

Dr Emma Craythorne Instagram: @dremmacraythorne

TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic

Listen on Spotify: After Hours Skin Clinic

Listen on Apple Podcasts: After Hours Skin Clinic

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

💌 Send us your questions ahsc@raconteur.tv

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

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Navigating skincare during pregnancy can feel like an overwhelming minefield of misinformation, fearmongering, and conflicting advice. This week on the After Hours Skin Clinic, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack the latest clinical evidence to bring expectant mothers complete peace of mind.

In this episode, Emma and Ellie run down a definitive A-to-Z list of popular skincare ingredients: from tretinoin, retinol, and hydroquinone to azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. They explain the difference between localised skin application and systemic absorption, break down why you shouldn't panic if you used a retinoid before finding out you were pregnant, and share the exact ingredients dermatologists rely on to manage pregnancy acne, melasma, and rosacea safely.

Episode Highlights:

The Anxiety of Pregnancy Skincare: Why fear-based advice causes unnecessary stress and how science guides safe choices.

Topical vs. Oral Retinoids: Why you should stop prescription tretinoin and why over-the-counter retinol are not advised, but why accidental use of topical retinoids isn't a reason to panic.

The Hard No Ingredient: Why hydroquinone must be strictly avoided during pregnancy due to high systemic absorption into the bloodstream.

Managing Hormonal Acne & Melasma Safely: Why azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and low-dose glycolic acid are dermatologist-approved pregnancy powerhouses.

Navigating Acids & Bakuchiol: Understanding the safety thresholds for salicylic acid (2% limit) and the latest 2026 data on bakuchiol.

Nipple Balms & Newborn Safety: The single evidence-backed ingredient safe for breastfeeding babies (and why it makes the ultimate lip balm).

Key Questions Answered:

What skincare ingredients are strictly unsafe to use during pregnancy?

Is it safe to use salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or azelaic acid while pregnant?

What should I do if I accidentally used a retinoid before realizing I was pregnant?

Products Mentioned:

Klira (Custom prescription skincare formulated by Dr Emma Craythorne)

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream / Lip Balm

Azelaic Acid (Topical treatment evaluated for pregnancy safety)

Hydroquinone (Prescription agent strictly not advised in pregnancy)

Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical antibacterial ingredient cleared for pregnancy)

Salicylic Acid (up to 2%) & Glycolic Acid

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, 10–15% at pH 2.5)

Connect with us:

After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid

Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne

TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic

YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments
💌 Send us your questions ahsc@raconteur.tv

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

⁠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
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From jaw pain caused by "mewing" to extreme internet trends where young men take hammers to their face, the internet’s obsession with "looksmaxxing" is going far beyond a basic skincare routine. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid investigate the bizarre, dark, and often dangerous underworld of extreme aesthetic manipulation.

In this episode, Emma and Ellie unpack the medical realities behind softmaxxing vs. hardmaxxing, the psychological impact of online body ideals, and why trying to "mew" or "bone-smash" your way to a chiselled jawline is a recipe for permanent damage. Plus, they explore how these online trends exploit vulnerability, the dangerous black-market use of prescription skin-bleaching ingredients like hydroquinone, and why true attraction is so much more than skin deep.

Episode Highlights:

The Medical Reality of 'Mewing': How a 15-year-old’s unexplained jaw pain led Dr Ellie down the internet rabbit hole of DIY facial re-shaping.

Softmaxxing vs. Hardmaxxing: Breaking down the line between healthy self-care and extreme physical alteration.

The Danger of 'Bone Smashing': Why hitting your face with a hammer triggers soft-tissue trauma and swelling rather than structural bone growth.

Facial Nerve Damage & Fracture Risks: The permanent clinical consequences of unmonitored facial trauma.

Black-Market Hydroquinone: The dangerous rise of unsupervised skin bleaching and the risk of irreversible ochronosis.

Beyond 2D Aesthetics: Why online image trends exploit psychological vulnerabilities and distort real-world human connection.

Key Questions Answered:

What is looksmaxxing, and why are young men resorting to dangerous DIY face reshaping?

Is "mewing" or "bone smashing" medically safe or effective for creating a stronger jawline?

What are the clinical dangers of using hydroquinone without a dermatologist's supervision?

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

💌 Send us your questions ahsc@raconteur.tv

Connect with us:

After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid

Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne

TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic

YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

⁠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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices