In this jam-packed episode of Derm Next Door, board-certified dermatologists Ali and Reem dive into the latest in cosmetic dermatology, viral TikTok trends, and skincare safety with their signature mix of science, sass, and snark. From buzzy Botox placements like trap tox and the infamous scrotox (yes, really), to a deep dive on beef tallow moisturizers and why sunscreen isn’t the villain RFK Jr. claims it is, the docs are here to set the record straight. Plus: drugstore skincare faves, myths about vitamin D, how to tackle dark spots, and juicy NYC recs—soft serve, Philharmonic sunsets, and why Boston might need a little more vitamin D (and chill). This one’s a ride.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro Meet your hosts, Reem and Ali—NYC derms and myth-busting besties.
• 01:30 – HOT: Botox in unexpected places From the masseter to the neck to the trapezius and even under the nose—where Botox is trending now (plus: a nod to “scrotox”).
• 13:40 – BOTHERED: Beef tallow madness Why you should not moisturize with steak grease—and the terrifying “cavewoman skincare” TikTok trend.
• 20:00 – SIDE-EYEING: Mandelic acid The TikTok-loved acid that might actually deserve a place on your shelf. Plus: a quick rundown of AHAs, BHAs, and lactic acid love.
• 26:30 – DERM IN THE WILD: Botulism in Boston + sunscreen panic Unlicensed Botox gone wrong, debunking sunscreen myths (looking at you, RFK Jr.), and why spray sunscreen just doesn’t cut it.
• 38:40 – SCIENCE OR SCAM: Gua Sha & dry brushing Do lymphatic tools work? Or are you just scraping your serum away?
• 42:00 – ASK THE DERMS → Best drugstore skincare → Do you really need sun for vitamin D? → Top treatments for dark spots (and why Aquaphor is canceled)
• 52:30 – NYC MOMENTS The Knicks heartbreak, summer park picnics, best vegan ice cream, Libre Café obsession, and rooftop sunsets

In Episode 3, Dr. Ali and Dr. Reem break down the exosome hype, defend Sculptra from online slander, and tackle the myth that retinoids thin your skin (they don't). Ali braves the $30 colostrum smoothie trend, and the duo unpacks Anne Hathaway’s Met Gala glow. Plus, they share tips for layering skincare, call BS on the NuFACE device, and drop their latest NYC recs.

00:00 – Intro

• Welcome to Derm Next Door with Dr. Ali and Dr. Reem

00:17 – Hot: Exosomes

• What they are, how they work, why they’re trending
• Concerns with medspas and lack of FDA approval

02:34 – Bothered: The Sculptra Smear Campaign

• What Sculptra is and why people hate it now
• Risks, benefits, and the Instagram fear-mongering
• Safe areas for use and why under-eye use is a no-go

08:48 – Sculptra vs PRP: Instant vs Slow Burn

• Why some people prefer HA fillers
• Off-label uses (hands, post-pregnancy belly, etc.)

12:12 – Side-Eyeing: Colostrum Smoothies in NYC

• Ali tries the $25 colostrum smoothie from Sunlife Organics
• Growth factors in skincare vs smoothies
• Gut response: literal and figurative

15:30 – Derm in the Wild: Anne Hathaway at the Met Gala

• The ponytail facelift effect
• Her legendary sunscreen commitment
• Likely treatments: lasers, PRP, maybe Sculptra?
• Why not drinking alcohol may be her secret weapon

19:32 – Science or Scam: Retinoids Thin Your Skin?!

• Absolute myth
• How retinoids actually thicken the dermis
• How to use retinoids the right way
• Layering advice, starting slow, the 5-dot technique

24:00 – Under Eye Hyperpigmentation + KP: Is There Hope?

• Eye creams that work (like SkinCeuticals)
• PRP as a treatment
• Amlactin and consistency for KP
• Why loofahs and Clarisonics are the enemy

28:25 – Ask the Derms: How to Layer Skincare

• Thin to thick rule
• Timing tips to avoid pilling
• Vitamin C + moisturizer + SPF layering breakdown
• Favorite tinted sunscreens (It Cosmetics CC Cream love fest)

32:18 – Science or Scam Pt. 2: NuFACE Devices

• Verdict: Scam
• What the “microcurrent” devices claim vs reality
• Save your money

33:29 – Ask the Derms: How to Get a Base Tan (aka Don’t)

• DHA-based sunless tanners OK
• Favorite products: Loving Tan Ultra Dark, Tan Luxe drops
• Patch test always, don’t inhale sprays

36:38 – NYC Recs: What We’re Loving

• Ali's LES recs: Tompkins Sq Park, Tigre, Il Laboratorio Gelato, Sami & Susu, Eel Bar, Dialogue Coffee
• Knicks hype + Boston shade

41:21 – Reem’s Picks

• Omakase Room by Shin (amazing sushi)
• Good Things Cafe (life-changing short rib sandwich)
• Gai Chicken (Thai fried chicken favorite)

43:49 – Wrap-Up

• See you for Episode 4!
• Keep sending questions, feedback, and follow along

Dr, Ali and Dr. Reem are officially in podcast mode—and they are not holding back. In this jam-packed episode of Derm Next Door, the duo dishes on the science and skepticism around salmon sperm skincare, share their personal PRP and softwave experiences, and issue a PSA about La Mer that might save your skin (and wallet). From at-home laser disasters to masseter Botox debates to TikTok water dunking rituals, nothing is off the table. Bonus: a juicy Lower East Side bar/restaurant showdown and NYC recs you’ll actually want to write down. It’s educational, it’s unfiltered, and it’s exactly what derm friends should sound like.

Timestamps & Topics

0:00 – Welcome to the first official episode Quick intro + vibes check

0:28 – What’s Hot: Salmon Sperm Skincare PDRN explained, microneedling DIY confessions, and Ali’s secret stash from Japan.

2:13 – Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Glow Talk Reem’s go-to glow-up and why she never wastes a drop.

3:49 – What’s Bothering Us: DIY Derm Gone Rogue Dermaplaning regrets, at-home laser fears, and the underreported risks for pigmented skin.

6:16 – Side-Eye Segment: TikTok Glass Skin Lies Water doesn’t give you glass skin—but staying hydrated is cute.

7:10 – Derm in the Wild: Met Gala Skincare Secrets Softwave 101, Kim K’s pre-Gala lift, and why we’re both obsessed.

10:00 – Masseter Botox Debate Why not everyone needs it, who really benefits, and better options for snatching the jaw.

12:44 – Filler Fatigue: The Shift Toward Natural Reversing eye filler, the rise and fall of Kylie-core, and why PRP might be your new best friend.

14:44 – Science or Scam: Dunking Your Face in Ice Water Spoiler: your pores aren’t doors.

17:03 – LED Face Masks: Worth It? The verdict is still out. Stay tuned for a full LED episode.

17:48 – Ask the Derms: What Patients Are Asking IRL The La Mer backlash, ingredient red flags, and why expensive ≠ better.

23:24 – Undereye Hyperpigmentation: The Honest Truth What works, what doesn’t, and why sometimes we just have to say “it’s genetic.”

25:00 – KP and Other Chronic Skin Annoyances No cure, no magic cream—but we’re all in it together.

26:26 – NYC Recap: LES Real Talk and Bathhouse Awareness. Ali and Reem go head-to-head over 87 Ludlow, the best mocktail in the city, and a late-night smash burger to remember. Also

39:00 - Closing & Tease for Episode 3