What if some of the biggest health challenges we face aren't JUST about diet, exercise, or genetics, but also about the invisible chemicals we're exposed to every day?

In this eye-opening episode of Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with renowned pediatrician, epidemiologist, author and overall health expert: Dr. Leo Trasande. Here they unpack the surprising science behind microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Together, they explore why these tiny exposures may have a much bigger impact than most people realize, why the conversation is changing and how you can help.

You'll hear about emerging research, some of the most surprising everyday sources of exposure, and why scientists are paying close attention to everything from fertility and child development to chronic disease. But this isn't a doom-and-gloom conversation. Dr. Trasande also shares practical, realistic ways to reduce exposure without completely overhauling your life and explains why consumers have more influence than they might think.

You have probably heard the term "microplastics" thrown around online and on social media. This episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based perspective that may change the way you look at your home, your products, and your health.

Keywords

Dermatology, recycle, reuse, sustainable fabrics, inflammation, plastics, microplastics, macroplastics, endocrine disrupting chemicals, hormone disrupting chemicals, hormone disruptors, environmental toxins, toxic chemicals in everyday life, chemicals and human health, environmental health, environmental medicine, toxic chemical exposure, hidden toxins, phthalates, BPA, bisphenol A, flame retardants, PFAS, forever chemicals, pesticides and hormones, chemicals and obesity, chemicals and diabetes, chemicals and infertility, chemicals and reproductive health, chemicals and child development, chemicals and ADHD, chemicals and autism, chemicals and brain development, chemicals and immune system

Links, Attachments

Dr. Trasande’s book (no affiliation): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1328553493?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

More About Dr. Trasande: https://med.nyu.edu/faculty/leonardo-trasande

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

00:16 Introduction to Microplastics and EDCs

05:27 Understanding Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

09:42 Health Impacts of EDCs

18:28 Fertility and Reproductive Health

21:11 Emerging Trends in Pediatric Dermatology

26:00 Understanding Microplastics and Their Impact

26:53 The Role of Obesogens in Health

28:09 Air Pollution and Its Connection to Plastics

29:01 Concerns About Dermal Absorption of Chemicals

31:18 Regulatory Challenges in Chemical Safety

33:49 Practical Steps for Reducing Plastic Exposure

37:36 The Impact of Fast Fashion on Health

40:07 Addressing Plastic in Children's Toys

43:41 Consumer Power in Driving Change

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this deeply personal episode of the Skincredible Podcast, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with longtime patient Emma to share her remarkable journey living with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.

From discovering her first bald patch in middle school to navigating unkind comments, self-confidence, shaving her head, and eventually finding hope through emerging hair loss treatments, Emma opens up about the emotional reality behind living with autoimmune hair loss. Together, she and Dr. Swanson discuss the evolution of alopecia areata treatment, including steroid injections, contact immunotherapy, and the early days of JAK inhibitors—years before they became FDA-approved for alopecia.

This conversation goes far beyond hair. It's about resilience, vulnerability, confidence, and the life-changing impact of being truly heard by your medical providers.

If you are living with alopecia areata, supporting someone with hair loss, or looking for the latest advances in dermatology, this inspiring conversation is for you. It offers hope, practical insights, and a firsthand look at how far treatment has come, not to mention why the journey is about so much more than hair.

Keywords: hair loss, alopecia areata, autoimmune hair loss, hair loss treatment, dermatologist, JAK inhibitors, hair regrowth, patchy hair loss, scalp hair loss, FDA-approved alopecia treatment, dermatology podcast, autoimmune disease, confidence after hair loss, women's hair loss, teen hair loss, Xeljanz, Olumiant, Rinvoq, Intralesional Steroids, Contact Sensitizers, dermatology

Links

NAAF https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome: Emma

01:55 Emma’s Alopecia Journey Diagnosis and Treatments

06:00 Emma’s Brother’s Alopecia

08:00 Growing in Confidence

10:00 Covering Up Hair Loss, Being Self-Conscious

12:00 Starting Xeljanz

15:00 Boys Making Comments About Emma’s Hair

18:00 Emma’s Thoughts on Dating in High School

20:00 Emma’s Quick Response to Xeljanz (Photos)

22:00 Changes Emma Observed Growing Hair

23:56 Xeljanz, Olumiant, Litfulo, Rainbow

25:22 Noticing New Hair Loss Spots

26:20 Alopecia in College Essay

28:09 Obstacles Are the Path

29:00 Words of Wisdom

31:00 Youth Mentoring, Vulnerability, Connection

33:00 Thanks and Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this episode of the Skincredible podcast, you'll be able to discover the surprising links between GLP medications, inflammation, and skin health. This eye-opening episode features a very experienced dermatologist: Dr. Jennifer Soung. Dr. Soung practices at Southern California Dermatology in California, specializing in medical dermatology and clinical research. She and Dr. Lisa Swanson discuss how these drugs, originally designed for weight management and diabetes, are showing promising anti-inflammatory effects that could revolutionize treatments for psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. You’ll learn how systemic inflammation fuels autoimmune skin conditions, and why addressing the whole body (beyond just the skin) is essential for effective long-term control. Dr. Soung shares her firsthand insights from clinical trials and her unique perspective on the connection between obesity, inflammation, and skin disease, revealing how GLPs may be revolutionary in dermatology.

This episode breaks down the science into practical approaches for safe medication use, side effect management, and strategies to incorporate behavioral health and lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a dermatologist, researcher, patient, or curious listener, you’ll gain knowledge about the future of inflammation-focused treatments and how they might help you, or your patients, feel healthier and more confident. Perfectly crafted for healthcare professionals and health-conscious individuals eager to stay ahead in medical innovation, don’t miss this essential conversation that blends science with real-world impact. You are sure to be inspired by the multidimensional approach to health!

Keywords

Dermatology, GLP, peptides, Ozempic, Semiglutide, Retatrutide, tirzepatide, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound, HS, Hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammation, weight loss, weight management, weight control, appetite suppression, ozempic blues, depression, Dulaglutide, Liraglutide, Saxenda, Victoza, Rybelsus, Diabetes, Hypertension, High blood pressure, insulin resistance, Trulicity, Exenatide, Bydureon BCise, Byetta, Adlyxin, Lixisenatide

Links, Attachments

More on Dr. Soung: http://www.jennifersoungmd.com

More information regarding Taltz/Zepbound discount program (no affiliation): https://taltz.lilly.com/savings-support#zepbound-savings-for-taltz-patients

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

01:00 Dr. Jennifer Soung: Dermatologist and Clinical Researcher

04:00 Everyone is on GLPs

06:00 Having Cake For Breakfast Isn’t Healthy

07:30 Teaching Teenage Girls Healthy Body Image

09:08 It Takes 20 Mins for Natural GLP to Tell us We Are Full

11:00 Food is More than Nourishment, Food Counseling

12:00 Using GLPs For Skin: Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suprativa

14:40 Fat Cells and Inflammation

15:30 Asking Permission to Talk Weight Management

17:00 Direct and Indirect Benefits of GLPs

18:30 Comorbidities of Disease

20:30 Zepbound and Taltz in Conjunction

22:50 Most Common Side Effects of GLPs

24:30 1 Pound 1 Week, Lifestyle Changes

25:30 Psychology: 66 Days to Become a Habit

27:00 Contraindications with GLPs

29:00 Ozempic Blues, Mood Changes

31:45 Rapid Fire Questions for Dr. Soung

36:40 Thank you and Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.