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.

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 &mdash; Harvard Medical School professor, public health physician, and director of dermatology at Nantucket Cottage Hospital &mdash; 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" &mdash; infections, injuries, and imagery &mdash; 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 &mdash; one of dermatology's fastest-growing frontiers &mdash; and explains why separating skin science from snake oil has never been more important for patient protection and consumer health.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>How dermatologists can identify skin signs of human trafficking</li>
<li>The Three I's framework: infections, injuries, and imagery in trafficking tattoos</li>
<li>Trauma-informed care and the "warm handoff" approach for at-risk patients</li>
<li>The STEER app and AAD Human Trafficking Toolkit &mdash; free resources for providers</li>
<li>Laser tattoo removal as a pathway to safety and reintegration for survivors</li>
<li>The new science of skin longevity and preventive dermatology</li>
<li>Fact vs. fiction in the longevity medicine space</li>
</ul>
Resources mentioned:
<ul>
<li>STEER App (Skin Signs of Trafficking, Education, Advocacy &amp; Resources)</li>
<li>AAD Human Trafficking Toolkit: aad.org</li>
<li>American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS)</li>
<li>Polaris Project National Human Trafficking Hotline</li>
</ul>
To watch this and other episodes, be sure to check out our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">YouTube</a> page&nbsp;
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.

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what’s trending, and what’s next in topical skincare.  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 slo 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.

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what&rsquo;s trending, and what&rsquo;s next in topical skincare.&nbsp; Hosts &nbsp;Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the <a href="https://scienceofskincaresummit.com/">Science of Skin Summit</a>. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider&rsquo;s view of the skincare industry.&nbsp; 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. &nbsp;
So, if you&rsquo;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!
&nbsp;
You can slo find us on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast</a>
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.

The Science of Skin

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what’s trending, and what’s next in topical skincare.  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.

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what&rsquo;s trending, and what&rsquo;s next in topical skincare.&nbsp; Hosts &nbsp;Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the <a href="https://scienceofskincaresummit.com/">Science of Skin Summit</a>. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider&rsquo;s view of the skincare industry.&nbsp; 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. &nbsp;
So, if you&rsquo;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: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast</a>
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.

Skin Signs of Human Trafficking & the Science of Longevity

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.

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 &mdash; former Columbia University associate professor of dermatology, now in private practice at Bordone Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona &mdash; 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 &mdash; skin tags, acanthosis nigricans, forearm hair loss &mdash; 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:
<ul>
<li>Why high BMI reduces biologic efficacy in psoriasis patients</li>
<li>How to check fasting insulin (HOMA-IR) and why most physicians aren't doing it</li>
<li>Skin signs of insulin resistance: skin tags, forearm hair loss, and neck skin thickening</li>
<li>Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide vs. retatrutide &mdash; how to choose and when</li>
<li>Retatrutide's remarkable 93% fatty liver clearance rate in clinical trials</li>
<li>The truth about sarcopenia and muscle loss on GLP-1 medications</li>
<li>Dosing protocols, side effect management, and when NOT to escalate quickly</li>
<li>Protein intake recommendations during active weight loss</li>
<li>Estrogen and GLP-1 synergy &mdash; what dermatologists need to know</li>
<li>Lab work to run before and during GLP-1 therapy</li>
<li>How to build an insurance case for continued medication coverage</li>
</ul>
Resources mentioned:
<ul>
<li>HOMA-IR fasting insulin/glucose testing</li>
<li>AAD resources on metabolic dermatology</li>
<li>Bordone Dermatology &mdash; Scottsdale, Arizona</li>
</ul>
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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">YouTube</a> page&nbsp;
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.

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

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.

Science of Skin Podcast &middot; Sponsored by <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=GO%7CUS%7CEN%7CNA%7CNeutrogena%7CMasterbrand%7CKWC%7CEX%7CNA%7CPR%7CNA%7CBR+Core%7CB0007E60&amp;utm_content=Brand-Core&amp;utm_term=neutrogena&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zKD4ACkvasrVFe9IL5LnqAz_9B-yYaWynbzaIrK7cD3tAqXckpq3JRoC4vEQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1331480376&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADcyLGBErKc9WTMk4PBudBRXkVq2t">Neutrogena </a>&middot; 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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">YouTube</a> page&nbsp;
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.

Skin Science Breakthroughs: Vitamin C Serums, Scalp Health, SPF 100 & the Future of Anti-Aging Skincare — Live from AAD 2024

In this clinically rich episode, host Dr. Ted Lain sits down with board-certified dermatologist and global skin cancer expert Dr. Todd Schlesinger — AAD Board of Directors member, Mohs surgeon, clinical assistant professor at George Washington University School of Medicine, and medical director of the Clinical Research Center of the Carolinas — for a deep dive into systemic and targeted therapies for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

The doctors begin with a thorough breakdown of the hedgehog signaling pathway (PATCHED, Smoothened, GLI-1 transcription) and how mutations in this pathway drive basal cell carcinoma (BCC) growth. They compare the two FDA-approved hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HHIs) — vismodegib (Erivedge) and sonidegib (Odomzo) — covering their mechanisms of action, volume of distribution differences (16–18L vs. ~9,000L), indications for locally advanced and metastatic BCC, how to define "locally advanced," and complete vs. partial response rates. Dosing strategies are addressed in detail, including alternate-day dosing and treatment breaks backed by the MIKIE study and STEVIE safety study. For managing the most common adverse events — muscle cramps, dysgeusia, weight loss, and fatigue — Dr. Schlesinger shares his clinical protocol using L-carnitine supplementation (1,500–2,000mg liquid, started 2–4 weeks before therapy) along with calcium and CoQ10.

The conversation then moves to PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and BCC, covering cemiplimab (Libtayo), pembrolizumab (Keytruda), and nivolumab (Opdivo). The hosts explain the immune checkpoint mechanism using a memorable analogy, discuss how UV exposure upregulates PD-1 on tumor cells, and explore the practical realities of dermatologists prescribing infusion-based immunotherapy — including multidisciplinary care team logistics, buy-and-bill considerations, and when to partner with oncology.

The episode closes with an exciting look at the pipeline: intralesional therapies for nodular and superficial BCC from companies including Verica, iViva, PHIO, and Feldan, red light PDT for superficial BCC nearing FDA approval, and the broader question of where these drugs fit as neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or primary therapies — and what complete response benchmarks (80–95%) dermatologists should expect before adopting non-surgical primary options.

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.

In this clinically rich episode, host Dr. Ted Lain sits down with board-certified dermatologist and global skin cancer expert Dr. Todd Schlesinger &mdash; AAD Board of Directors member, Mohs surgeon, clinical assistant professor at George Washington University School of Medicine, and medical director of the Clinical Research Center of the Carolinas &mdash; for a deep dive into systemic and targeted therapies for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).
The doctors begin with a thorough breakdown of the hedgehog signaling pathway (PATCHED, Smoothened, GLI-1 transcription) and how mutations in this pathway drive basal cell carcinoma (BCC) growth. They compare the two FDA-approved hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HHIs) &mdash; vismodegib (Erivedge) and sonidegib (Odomzo) &mdash; covering their mechanisms of action, volume of distribution differences (16&ndash;18L vs. ~9,000L), indications for locally advanced and metastatic BCC, how to define "locally advanced," and complete vs. partial response rates. Dosing strategies are addressed in detail, including alternate-day dosing and treatment breaks backed by the MIKIE study and STEVIE safety study. For managing the most common adverse events &mdash; muscle cramps, dysgeusia, weight loss, and fatigue &mdash; Dr. Schlesinger shares his clinical protocol using L-carnitine supplementation (1,500&ndash;2,000mg liquid, started 2&ndash;4 weeks before therapy) along with calcium and CoQ10.
The conversation then moves to PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and BCC, covering cemiplimab (Libtayo), pembrolizumab (Keytruda), and nivolumab (Opdivo). The hosts explain the immune checkpoint mechanism using a memorable analogy, discuss how UV exposure upregulates PD-1 on tumor cells, and explore the practical realities of dermatologists prescribing infusion-based immunotherapy &mdash; including multidisciplinary care team logistics, buy-and-bill considerations, and when to partner with oncology.
The episode closes with an exciting look at the pipeline: intralesional therapies for nodular and superficial BCC from companies including Verica, iViva, PHIO, and Feldan, red light PDT for superficial BCC nearing FDA approval, and the broader question of where these drugs fit as neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or primary therapies &mdash; and what complete response benchmarks (80&ndash;95%) dermatologists should expect before adopting non-surgical primary options.
To watch this and other episodes, be sure to check out our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">YouTube</a> page&nbsp;
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.

Skin Signs of Human Trafficking & the Science of Longevity

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