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

Send us Fan Mail

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

Send us Fan Mail

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

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Description

In this joyous episode of the Skincredible podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with Brielle and her parents, Randi and Mark, to share their family's journey with childhood vitiligo. Diagnosed at just two years old, Brielle has grown into a confident, funny, and resilient young girl who proudly says, "It's beautiful," when asked about her skin.

Together, they discuss the emotional roller coaster of receiving a diagnosis, navigating misinformation, finding the right medical team, and balancing treatment with unconditional self-acceptance. Randi and Mark share the challenges of making treatment decisions for a young child while empowering Brielle to love herself every step of the way, including gifting her teachers a vitiligo book at the start of every school year to read with the class.

You'll also hear about the life-changing impact of Camp Victory, the importance of representation through dolls, books, and role models like Winnie Harlow, and the everyday moments that have helped Brielle build confidence. She has learned to answer other people's questions about her skin, how to take charge of her own treatment routine, and even how to be mindful about her own curiosity when seeing children who look or act differently than she's used to.

If you're a parent of a child with vitiligo, someone living with a skin condition, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and embracing what makes us unique, this episode is full of wisdom, honesty, and hope.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence doesn't come from skin that is perceived as "perfect." It comes from feeling loved, supported, and empowered to be exactly who you are.

Keywords
Dermatology, Oral Steroids, Topical Corticosteroids, Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus, Opzelura, Vitiligo, Light Therapy, Sunlight, TSW, Excimer, Narrowband Light, Heliocare, Pulsed Dose Steroids, Oral JAK Inhibitors, Depigmentation, Hypopigmentation, Xeljanz, Koebner phenomenon, confetti depigmentation, Rinvoq, Litfulo, Povorcitinib, Camp Victory

Links, Attachments

Global Vitiligo Foundation’s Camp Victory: https://globalvitiligofoundation.org/camp-victory/

Book Mentioned by Brielle’s Parents on Amazon (NOT affiliated): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063119978?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Chapters

00:00 A Special Message For NPs and PAs

02:19 Intro and Welcome to Brielle

04:10 “I’m Famous at My School”

05:00 Brielle’s Diagnosis and Starting to Treat Vitiligo

08:00 Winnie Harlow & Michael Jackson Affected by Vitiligo

09:36 Parents Empowering Their Children, Positive Energy

11:00 Brielle’s First Memory of Vitiligo

12:40 Friends as Advocates, New Environments

14:06 Representation of Vitiligo in Dolls and Toys

16:00 Undue Stress Due to Misinformation

19:00 Importance of Experience in Conditions in Trusting Practitioners

21:00 Seeking a Second Opinion

22:45 Camp Victory: A Skin Party

29:30 Spicy Pickles

31:00 Balancing Treatments, Confidence & Side Effects

37:00 Advice for Taking Pills, Heliocare

41:00 Blood Draws

43:00 Parental Words of Wisdom & Advice for Other Parents

46:30 Curiosity and Other People’s Comments

48:00 Thank you and Goodbye

Send us Fan Mail

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 Skincredible, we discuss how vitiligo care has changed dramatically in just the past few years. Now, there are treatments available to help restore pigment and offer real hope to patients and families, whereas in past years treatments were extremely limited.

Dr. Lisa Swanson takes a deep dive into everything you need to know about modern vitiligotreatment. She discusses that it is perfectly okay to embrace and observe vitiligo if that's what the patient would like, why early treatment is so important if patients do decide to treat, and what realistic expectations look like throughout the repigmentation journey.

Topics include:

• The three goals of vitiligo treatment: stopping progression, restoring pigment, and maintaining results.
• How repigmentation happens and why photos are an essential part of tracking progress.
• Traditional therapies like topical steroids and calcineurin inhibitors, and how they compare to newer treatments.
• How Opzelura® (ruxolitinib cream) has transformed vitiligo care, especially for facial involvement.
• The important role of sunlight and light therapy, including narrowband UVB, excimer laser, and home phototherapy units.
• Why combining treatments often produces the best results.
• Oral medications used for rapidly progressing vitiligo and exciting new JAK inhibitors currently on the horizon.
• Emerging treatments, including biologic medications and surgical pigment-restoration techniques.
• Long-term maintenance strategies
• Why depigmentation is more of a last-resort option.
• Common insurance challenges, practical treatment tips, and how to navigate the path to newer therapies.

Dr. Swanson also shares a powerful patient story that highlight just how life-changing successful vitiligo treatment can be. If you, your child or someone you love is dealing with vitiligo, there is HOPE! If you're a healthcare provider looking to better support your patients, this episode offers the latest evidence-based information, practical guidance, and a hopeful look at the future of vitiligo care.

Additional Links

Panp360.org/boston use code “SKINCREDIBLE” for free registration

Keywords

Dermatology, Marginal Repigmentation, Perifollicular Repigmentation, Difuse Repigmentation, Combined Repigmentation, Topical Corticosteroids, Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus, Opzelura, Vitiligo, Light Therapy, Sunlight, TSW, Excimer, Narrowband Light, Heliocare, Pulsed Dose Steriods, Oral JAK Inhibitors, Surgery, Depigmentation, Xeljanz, Koebner phenomenon, confetti depigmentation, trichrome pattern depigmentation, Rinvoq, Litfulo, Povorcitinib, Vitiligo Surgery, Skin Graft, Suction Blister Grafting, Punch Biopsy Grafting, Split Thickness Skin Graft, Marginal depigmentation, Segmental vitiligo, non segmental vitiligo, Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH), monobenzone

Chapters

00:00 Special PANP360 Meeting Announcement for NPs and PAs

02:05 Welcome, Vitiligo Treatments

03:50 Our Differences Make Us Special, Life Lessons

06:30 JUMP Shoutout Boise, Idaho

07:00 To Watch or Treat Vitiligo

08:30 Repigmentation Signals to Look For

10:00 Topical Steroids

12:30 Topical Steroid Withdrawal TSW

15:40 Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus

18:40 Topical Opzelura

21:40 Mom With Vitiligo: You Gave Me My Face & Life Back

24:30 Light Therapy & Heliocare

26:30 Vitiligo and Decreased Risk of Skin Cancer

27:00 PUVA In the Past

28:00 Light Therapy

30:00 Narrowband, Excimer and Home Light Therapy

32:00 Oral Pulsed Dose Steroids

34:18 Oral JAK Inhibitors

35:00 Coming Soon: Rinvoq, Litfulo, Povorcitinib

36:00 Biologics Coming Soon

37:15: Surgery

40:00 Segmental vs. Non Segmental Vitiligo

41:00 Tacrolimus for Maintenance

42:00 Never Lose Hope

43:00 Depigmentation, Michael Jackson

44:00 Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH)

45:00 Accept Each Other, It’s Not Your Fault

46:12 Thank You & Goodbye

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Vitiligo is far more common than many people realize, yet it's often misunderstood. In this episode of the Skincredible Podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson breaks down the science behind vitiligo in a way that's easy to understand. We’ll discuss types of vitiligo, how dermatologists diagnose it and why early evaluation matters.

In this episode, you will learn how vitiligo differs from other causes of light patches on the skin (including pityriasis alba and tinea versicolor) and discover the differences between segmental and non-segmental vitiligo. Dr. Swanson also explains the autoimmune process behind pigment loss, genetic risk, and the connection between vitiligo and other autoimmune conditions.

The conversation also explores the emotional and social impact of living with vitiligo, addressing common misconceptions, cultural stigma, and why vitiligo should never be considered "just cosmetic." Finally, Dr. Swanson shares which factors can influence prognosis and offers reassurance that treatment has advanced dramatically in recent years.

This episode lays the foundation for next week's deep dive into vitiligo treatments—and why there's more reason for hope than ever before!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What vitiligo is, types of vitiligo and why it develops
• How dermatologists distinguish vitiligo from other light patches on the skin
• The differences between segmental and non-segmental vitiligo
• Genetics, and associated autoimmune conditions
• Why early diagnosis and treatment are important
• The emotional and psychological impact of vitiligo
• What affects prognosis and what today's treatment landscape looks like

Keywords

Vitiligo, Pityriasis alba, Tinea Versicolor, Depigmented Skin, Hypopigmented Skin, Skin, Dermatology, Pigment Loss, Segmental Vitiligo, Non-Segmental Vitiligo, Michael Jackson

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Are hair growth supplements (referred to as “nutraceuticals” or “trichoceuticals” in this episode) worth the investment? Which ingredients have science behind them, and what do they actually cost?

In this episode of Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Amy Spizuoco to unpack the rapidly growing world of hair-loss nutraceuticals. Together, they discuss ingredients in popular products like Nutrafol, Viviscal, Wellbel, and Xtressé. They also discuss the rise and fall of biotin supplementation, and explain how ingredients like saw palmetto, ashwagandha, pumpkin seed extract, and NAD+ may support hair growth.

In this episode, Dr. Swanson and Dr. Spizuoco also explore common causes of hair shedding, including: telogen effluvium, postpartum hair loss, and GLP-1-related hair changes, and discuss practical strategies for supporting hair health during stressful life events. Dr. Spizuoco shares how she incorporates supplements alongside treatments such as oral minoxidil, compounded topical therapies, low-level laser devices, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Plus, stay tuned for a fun rapid-fire round covering New York City life, coffee habits, flying preferences, astronaut dreams, and whether life in Manhattan is really as glamorous as it looks on TV.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why dermatologists have become more cautious about biotin supplementation
• The differences between Nutrafol, Viviscal, Wellbel, and Xtressé
• Which supplement ingredients have the strongest evidence for hair growth
• How GLP-1 medications can impact hair health
• What PRP treatments involve and who may benefit from them
• How dermatologists approach androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium

Whether you're experiencing hair thinning yourself or simply curious about the latest advances in hair vitamins, this episode delivers practical, evidence-based insights from two highly knowledgeable and board-certified dermatologists.

Keywords

Dermatology, hair loss, alopecia, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, hair, skin, nutrafol, viviscal, wellbel, xtresse, vitamins, hair vitamins, glp-1, peptides, prp, platelet rich plasma, vegamour, pumpkin seed, NAD+, ashwagandha, saw palmetto

Links, Attachments

Dr. Spizuoco’s conference: https://dermvipsummit.com/

Dr. Spizuoco’s biography: https://true-dermatology.com/about/meet-dr-spizuoco

Nutrafol: https://nutrafol.com/

Viviscal: https://www.viviscal.com

Wellbel: https://wellbel.com/

Xtressé: https://xtresse.com

Vegamour: https://vegamour.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Welcome Dr. Amy Spizuoco

02:00 DermVIP Summit

03:46 Biotin In the Past

07:03 Any Tricks to Try to “Prevent” Telogen Effluvium

08:48 Four Products With the Most Science

10:33 AminoMar, Marine Complex

11:06 Saw Palmetto

13:33 Mechanism of Action

15:25 Pricing

16:44 Side Effects

18:09 Monotherapy vs. Multiple Modalities

19:40 Full Court Press Approach

20:34 PRP Platelet Rich Plasma

25:00 Exosomes

28:00 Rapid Fire

Send us Fan Mail

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.