Ep #38 Skin Tightening 101

Confused by all the skin-tightening devices out there? From radiofrequency to ultrasound to lasers—what really works, and how do you choose?In this episode, Marlo Sutton and Dr. Sandy Skotnicki break down the science behind non-surgical skin tightening, explaining how these technologies stimulate collagen and where each fits in a realistic treatment plan.This episode is sponsored by Merz Aesthetics, makers of Ultherapy.Listeners will learn:Why skin loses firmness over time—and the role of collagen and elastin declineHow skin-tightening devices use controlled heat to stimulate collagen productionThe differences between radiofrequency (Thermage), ultrasound (Ultherapy, Sofwave), and infrared (Titan)Why Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive lifting device targeting the SMAS layerWhat RF microneedling can achieve for deeper tightening and skin remodellingHow fractional lasers improve both texture and tightening—with more downtimeWho is a good candidate (and when surgery may be more appropriate)Why results are modest, natural, and require realistic expectationsThe takeaway? Non-surgical skin tightening can be effective—but success depends on choosing the right treatment, provider, and expectations.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

Hair loss impacts most men—but understanding it is the first step to managing it. In this episode, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo break down male pattern hair loss and, more importantly, what actually works.They explore the science behind androgenetic alopecia, including the role of DHT, genetics, and emerging insights into scalp health and inflammation. From there, the conversation moves into evidence-based treatments—highlighting that consistency and combination therapy are key.This episode is sponsored by Ducray—dermocosmetic experts in scalp and hair health.Listeners will learn:Why minoxidil and finasteride remain first-line treatmentsHow do newer options like low-dose oral minoxidil and topical finasteride fit inWhat to realistically expect from PRP and laser therapiesThe role of dermocosmetic products (like Ducray) as supportive—not primary—careWhat exciting future treatments (like PP405 and topical anti-androgens) may bringThe main takeaway: Hair loss is common and treatable, but improvement relies on starting early, staying consistent, and using a combination of science-backed solutions over the long term.No stigma, no shortcuts—just science-backed strategies for healthier hair. Listen now to empower your hair journey, and share this episode with someone who could benefit!Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

Hair loss in women is common—but often confusing, overwhelming, and filled with misinformation. In this episode, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo break down what you can actually do before seeing a dermatologist, using evidence-based strategies that work.This episode is sponsored by Ducray—dermocosmetic experts in scalp and hair health.Listeners will learn:The most common causes of female hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluviumWhy hair loss isn’t necessarily increasing—but awareness and treatment options areWhat you can start right away, including topical minoxidil and what to expect in the first few monthsWhere dermocosmetic products like Ducray fit in as supportive treatmentsThe truth about supplements—including biotin, iron, vitamin D, and zincWhich “natural” options (like rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil) have some evidence—and which don’tCommon myths—from castor oil to scalp “detoxing”—and why they don’t workWhen hair loss is a red flag and requires medical evaluationThe takeaway? Hair loss is multifactorial—and the best results come from early, consistent, and combination approaches grounded in science, not trends.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

From brittle nails to fungal infections to gel manicure myths—your nails reveal more about your health than you might think.In this episode, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton break down the science of nails, common concerns, and what actually works in nail care.Listeners will learn:What nails are made of and how they grow (and why toenails take so much longer!)The real cause of brittle nails—and why water exposure is often the culpritThe truth about white spots (hint: it’s not calcium deficiency)How to recognize and treat fungal nail infections—and why OTC treatments often fall shortThe rise in acrylate allergies from gel and acrylic nailsWhether UV nail lamps are actually dangerousWhat causes painful swelling around nails (paronychia), and how to treat itThe psychology behind nail picking (onychotillomania)What to look for with nail melanomaPlus, practical, dermatologist-approved tips to keep your nails healthy—without overcomplicating your routine.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

What does it really take to protect your skin when you’re training and competing in the sun for hours every day?In this episode, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo are joined by Olympic beach volleyball silver medalist Melissa Humana-Paredes to talk about the real-life skin challenges athletes face—and how to stay protected without compromising performance.Listeners will learn:Why beach sports create a “perfect storm” for UV exposure—with sunlight reflecting off sand and increasing radiationThe surprising reality is that up to 50% of beach volleyball athletes still get sunburned, even while using sunscreenHow sweating can increase sun sensitivity, making burns more likely during exerciseThe correct way to use sunscreen (including the “shot glass rule” and why reapplication matters more than SPF numbers)Why water-resistant formulas, sunscreen sticks, and layering protection are key for athletesThe importance of UPF clothingHow to monitor your skin, including the “ugly duckling” mole sign and when to see a dermatologistPlus, Melissa shares insights from her Olympic journey and how she balances elite performance with long-term skin health.The takeaway? Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend beachgoer, sun protection needs to be strategic, consistent, and layered. This episode is sponsored by La Roche-Posay and Vichy—makers of dermatologist-recommended sunscreens.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

Deep plane facelifts are everywhere right now—but are they truly superior, or just the latest buzzword in aesthetics?In this episode, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton sit down with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Dimitris Motakis to break down what this procedure actually involves, how it differs from traditional facelifts, and who it’s really for.Listeners will learn:What a deep plane facelift is—and how it differs from a traditional SMAS liftWhether it delivers a more natural, less “pulled” resultWho makes a good candidate (and whether younger patients should consider it)The realities of risks, recovery, and downtimeWhy surgeon skill matters more than buzzwords or trendsHow facelifts fit alongside fillers, skin treatments, and overall skin healthThe episode also tackles social media myths—clarifying that while the technique is gaining attention, great results are less about the name of the procedure and more about expertise, individualized care, and realistic expectations.The takeaway? A deep plane facelift can be a powerful tool—but it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach to aging well.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

In part two of the Dermatology Detectives series, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton explore a hidden workplace hazard—occupational contact dermatitis, where your job can quite literally affect your skin.Drawing from real clinical cases, this episode uncovers how everyday work exposures—from farming and healthcare to beauty and manufacturing—can trigger both irritant and allergic skin reactions.Listeners will learn:Why is occupational contact dermatitis one of the most common workplace illnessesThe difference between irritant (80%) and allergic (20%) dermatitisHow dermatologists determine if a rash is work-related using the Mathias criteriaCommon workplace triggers like metals (nickel, cobalt), fragrances, preservatives, rubber accelerators, and acrylatesWhy even protective gear like gloves can cause allergic reactionsHow airborne exposures (like fragrance or plant allergens) can affect the face and eyelidsThe importance of patch testing—and sometimes testing with real workplace materialsThrough fascinating detective stories—from farmers allergic to peppermint and asparagus, to healthcare workers reacting to hand sanitizers, to a rare criminal case of intentional allergen exposure—this episode highlights just how complex workplace skin disease can be.The takeaway? If your skin is reacting at work, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and identifying the trigger can make all the difference—and sometimes even save your career.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

In this first episode of the Dermatology Detectives series, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton explore the real-life mysteries of contact dermatitis- allergy to things that touch you. Dr. Skotnicki, who specializes in this area of dermatology, takes you through some of her crazier cases you won’t want to miss. Every day exposures can lead to unexpected skin reactions.Tequila-induced “margarita burns,” hidden nickel in clothing, and airborne fragrance reactions are just a few examples. Dermatologists act like detectives, tracking down the true cause of a rash.Listeners will learn:What allergic contact dermatitis is—and why reactions can appear days laterHow patch testing helps identify hidden allergensThe three key clues: location, exposure, and unexpected sourcesWhy are common triggers like nickel, fragrance, preservatives, and even skincare products frequent culpritsRashes can come from surprising places, such as shampoo transfer, air fresheners, clothing, sports gear, and even other people.The difference between allergic and irritant reactionsThrough fascinating case stories, this episode shows how complex and surprising skin reactions can be.The takeaway? Solving the cause of a rash often requires looking beyond the obvious, piecing together clues, and thinking like a detective to find the real trigger.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

Ever wondered how new dermatology treatments actually make it to your doctor’s office? In this Clinical Trials Awareness Month episode, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton are joined by renowned clinical researcher Dr. Melinda Gooderham to demystify the world of clinical trials.From eczema biologics to acne therapies, they walk listeners through how medications are tested, approved, and monitored—highlighting the rigorous safety standards in place at every step.Listeners will learn:The different phases of clinical trials and what each stage meansHow patient safety is protected through strict regulations and oversightThe truth about placebos—and why participants are never simply “left untreated.”What it’s really like to participate in a trial, including risks and benefitsWhy trial participants are better thought of as pioneers advancing medicine, not guinea pigsThe takeaway? Clinical trials are essential, highly regulated, and driven by both science and patient care—playing a critical role in bringing safe, effective treatments to those who need them.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can drive significant weight loss, but some patients notice facial changes.Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, Marlo, and Dr. Sasha High, an obesity medicine specialist, discuss the health impacts and facial changes from weight loss.They explore how these medications work, why they’re so effective, and why facial changes—often called “facial deflation”—can occur due to fat loss, especially in the midface.Listeners will learn:How GLP-1 medications drive significant, sustained weight loss and improve overall healthWhy is facial volume loss a natural consequence of weight loss, not a direct drug side effectWhich patients are more likely to notice changes (age, rate of weight loss, baseline facial structure)The difference between superficial and deep fat loss, and why the face is often affected firstThe psychological impact of looking “tired” or “aged” due to volume changesHow to approach treatment with thoughtful, conservative aesthetics using Hyaluronic acid fillers and Sculptra biostimulator and discuss the timing of these proceduresThe key takeaway: GLP-1 medications can significantly improve health, but patients may experience changes in facial appearance due to fat loss. These changes are typically manageable rather than universal, and an informed, individualized approach can help address concerns about both medical and aesthetic outcomes.This episode is sponsored by Galderma.Every Thursday on Skin to It, dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and beauty enthusiast Marlo Sutton guide you through the maze of skincare, cutting through the noise to help you achieve your healthiest skin. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on our skincare wisdom!Love our podcast? Tell us what you love about the show to help others discover it too, by sharing your review.Skin to It is a skincare podcast brought to you by Bioderma.For more information about Skin to It, visit skintoitpodcast.com.Follow us on social media at Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton.