Heather Hughes R.Ph., Group Vice President, General Merchandise Manager for the Beauty, Personal Care, and Seasonal divisions for Walgreens discusses her perspective on the current and future state of the skincare industry, how mega-retailers like Walgreens help shape skincare trends, and what she is doing to enhance consumer education for better purchasing decisions.  

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.

Heather Hughes R.Ph., Group Vice President, General Merchandise Manager for the Beauty, Personal Care, and Seasonal divisions for Walgreens discusses her perspective on the current and future state of the skincare industry, how mega-retailers like Walgreens help shape skincare trends, and what she is doing to enhance consumer education for better purchasing decisions.  
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 in topical skincare and learn about new therapies that are shaping the future of dermatologic care.

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's trending in topical skincare and learn about new therapies that are shaping the future of dermatologic care.
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.

The Science of Skin

Skincare from the Retailer's Perspective: A Conversation with Walgreen's Skincare Decision-Maker

Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ted Lain and pediatric dermatology expert Dr. Lisa Swanson break down the latest pediatric dermatology treatments in this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast.

Topics covered: atopic dermatitis (eczema) treatment updates including Zoryve, Vtama, and Opzelura; pediatric psoriasis therapies including Zoryve foam, Tremfya, and the oral IL-23 inhibitor Sotyktu; GLP-1 medications (Ozempic/semaglutide) for psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa; spironolactone dosing for teenage female acne; hemangioma treatment with timolol, propranolol (Hemangiol), and nadolol; molluscum contagiosum treatment with Ycanth and berdazimer gel (Zelsuvmi); and JAK inhibitors (Litfulo, Olumiant, Rinvoq) for pediatric alopecia areata and early intervention strategies.

Plus: a lighthearted dive into Bachelor Nation, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Love Island, and Taylor Swift's wedding buzz.

Send episode topic ideas to questions@scienceofskinsummit.com. Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to support the show.

Join us at the Science of Skin Summit, September 17–20 in Austin, Texas, and the Longevity Conference, February 19–21 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Learn more at scienceofskinsummit.com.

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.

Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ted Lain and pediatric dermatology expert Dr. Lisa Swanson break down the latest pediatric dermatology treatments in this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast.
Topics covered: atopic dermatitis (eczema) treatment updates including Zoryve, Vtama, and Opzelura; pediatric psoriasis therapies including Zoryve foam, Tremfya, and the oral IL-23 inhibitor Sotyktu; GLP-1 medications (Ozempic/semaglutide) for psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa; spironolactone dosing for teenage female acne; hemangioma treatment with timolol, propranolol (Hemangiol), and nadolol; molluscum contagiosum treatment with Ycanth and berdazimer gel (Zelsuvmi); and JAK inhibitors (Litfulo, Olumiant, Rinvoq) for pediatric alopecia areata and early intervention strategies.
Plus: a lighthearted dive into Bachelor Nation, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Love Island, and Taylor Swift's wedding buzz.
Send episode topic ideas to <a href="mailto:questions@scienceofskinsummit.com">questions@scienceofskinsummit.com</a>. Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to support the show.
Join us at the Science of Skin Summit, September 17&ndash;20 in Austin, Texas, and the Longevity Conference, February 19&ndash;21 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Learn more at <a href="https://scienceofskinsummit.com/">scienceofskinsummit.com</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.

Pediatric Dermatology Guide: Eczema, Psoriasis, Alopecia, Acne & Hemangiomas

Up to 70% of people say they have sensitive skin — but is it really a diagnosis, or something else entirely? Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain break down the biology dermatologists are still trying to figure out.

In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Patti and Ted dig into a 15,000+ person global study on sensitive skin prevalence, and explore the science behind why skin reacts with no visible cause — covering TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptor activity, neuropeptide release (substance P, CGRP), and the connection to rosacea. They also unpack the exposome: how pollution, UV exposure, hormones, menopause, and the skin microbiome all play a role, including a deep dive into aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation and inflammation. The episode closes with a new comparative cleanser study using D-Squame tape stripping and colorimetric index of mildness (SIM) testing, showing how Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser performs against other "gentle" cleansers on the market.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of the Science of Skin Podcast, bringing you cutting-edge dermatology and skincare science.

RESOURCES & LINKS
📧 Questions or episode ideas? Email: inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com
🎟️ Join us in Austin, TX — Science of Skin Summit, Sept 17–20, 2026
🎟️ Science of Skin Longevity Summit — Scottsdale, AZ, Feb 2027
🌐 Learn more: scienceofskinsummit.com

Case Study Link: A Comparative Analysis of 8 Facial Cleansers Using Corneosurfametry Reveals Differentiated Irritation Potential - JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology

This episode is sponsored by Galderma.

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.

Up to 70% of people say they have sensitive skin &mdash; but is it really a diagnosis, or something else entirely? Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain break down the biology dermatologists are still trying to figure out.
In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, Patti and Ted dig into a 15,000+ person global study on sensitive skin prevalence, and explore the science behind why skin reacts with no visible cause &mdash; covering TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptor activity, neuropeptide release (substance P, CGRP), and the connection to rosacea. They also unpack the exposome: how pollution, UV exposure, hormones, menopause, and the skin microbiome all play a role, including a deep dive into aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation and inflammation. The episode closes with a new comparative cleanser study using D-Squame tape stripping and colorimetric index of mildness (SIM) testing, showing how Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser performs against other "gentle" cleansers on the market.
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of the Science of Skin Podcast, bringing you cutting-edge dermatology and skincare science.
RESOURCES &amp; LINKS 📧 Questions or episode ideas? Email: <a href="mailto:inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com">inquiry@scienceofskinsummit.com</a> 🎟️ Join us in Austin, TX &mdash; Science of Skin Summit, Sept 17&ndash;20, 2026 🎟️ Science of Skin Longevity Summit &mdash; Scottsdale, AZ, Feb 2027 🌐 Learn more: scienceofskinsummit.com
Case Study Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://jddonline.com/articles/comparative-analysis-of-8-facial-cleansers-using-corneosurfametry-reveals-differentiated-irritation-potential-S1545961626P10028X" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jddonline.com/articles/comparative-analysis-of-8-facial-cleansers-using-corneosurfametry-reveals-differentiated-irritation-potential-S1545961626P10028X&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1784041120135000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q5GtGKdnjgRDvpMqIwiTD">A Comparative Analysis of 8 Facial Cleansers Using Corneosurfametry Reveals Differentiated Irritation Potential - JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology</a>
This episode is sponsored by Galderma.
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.

Sensitive Skin Syndrome: What's Really Happening to Your Skin

🎧 In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, host Dr. Patty Farris sits down with Dr. Rishi Chopra — a Harvard-trained, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist from the Mass General Wellman Center for Photomedicine — for a deep dive into the evolution of fractionated laser resurfacing.

Dr. Chopra breaks down how fractional photothermolysis, first described by Drs. Rox Anderson and Dieter Manstein in 2004, transformed dermatology by moving away from painful, high-downtime ablative resurfacing toward safer, more effective treatments. He walks through the progression from the original Fraxel Restore to the Fraxel Dual and the newly launched Fraxel FTX, explaining the science behind each wavelength (1550nm, 1927nm) and how these advances made treatments more tolerable, more precise, and safer for patients with skin of color.

The conversation also covers a remarkable patient case: a young man with severe acne scarring who saw nearly 100% improvement after six Fraxel FTX treatments — illustrating just how far this technology has come. Dr. Chopra then discusses the Clear + Brilliant Touch, a lower-downtime "lunchtime facial" option that's especially popular with younger patients and serves as both an entry point and a maintenance tool for building long-term patient trust.

Whether you're a dermatology professional refining your device menu or simply curious about the science behind modern laser resurfacing, this episode offers a comprehensive, practical look at how far fractionated laser technology has come — and where it's headed next.

In this episode:
The history of ablative vs. fractionated laser resurfacing
Fraxel Restore → Dual → FTX: what changed and why
Treating acne scars and photoaging safely in skin of color
A dramatic real-world patient case study
Clear + Brilliant Touch as a "lunchtime facial" option
Building patient trust through a tiered treatment approach

This episode is sponsored by Solta Medical. Dr. Chopra has been compensated by Solta Medical for his participation.

Full prescribing and safety information for Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant laser systems is available at www.fraxel.com/HCP and www.clearandbrilliant.com/HCP.

🎧 In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, host Dr. Patty Farris sits down with Dr. Rishi Chopra &mdash; a Harvard-trained, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist from the Mass General Wellman Center for Photomedicine &mdash; for a deep dive into the evolution of fractionated laser resurfacing.
Dr. Chopra breaks down how fractional photothermolysis, first described by Drs. Rox Anderson and Dieter Manstein in 2004, transformed dermatology by moving away from painful, high-downtime ablative resurfacing toward safer, more effective treatments. He walks through the progression from the original Fraxel Restore to the Fraxel Dual and the newly launched Fraxel FTX, explaining the science behind each wavelength (1550nm, 1927nm) and how these advances made treatments more tolerable, more precise, and safer for patients with skin of color.
The conversation also covers a remarkable patient case: a young man with severe acne scarring who saw nearly 100% improvement after six Fraxel FTX treatments &mdash; illustrating just how far this technology has come. Dr. Chopra then discusses the Clear + Brilliant Touch, a lower-downtime "lunchtime facial" option that's especially popular with younger patients and serves as both an entry point and a maintenance tool for building long-term patient trust.
Whether you're a dermatology professional refining your device menu or simply curious about the science behind modern laser resurfacing, this episode offers a comprehensive, practical look at how far fractionated laser technology has come &mdash; and where it's headed next.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>The history of ablative vs. fractionated laser resurfacing</li>
<li>Fraxel Restore &rarr; Dual &rarr; FTX: what changed and why</li>
<li>Treating acne scars and photoaging safely in skin of color</li>
<li>A dramatic real-world patient case study</li>
<li>Clear + Brilliant Touch as a "lunchtime facial" option</li>
<li>Building patient trust through a tiered treatment approach</li>
</ul>
This episode is sponsored by Solta Medical. Dr. Chopra has been compensated by Solta Medical for his participation.
Full prescribing and safety information for Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant laser systems is available at <a href="http://www.fraxel.com/HCP">www.fraxel.com/HCP</a> and <a href="http://www.clearandbrilliant.com/HCP">www.clearandbrilliant.com/HCP</a>.

Skincare from the Retailer's Perspective: A Conversation with Walgreen's Skincare Decision-Maker

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