Skinfluence with Dr. Dustin Portela

Is expensive skincare really better, or is it just better marketing? In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee go head-to-head breaking down drugstore, mid-tier, and luxury skincare products to figure out what's actually worth your money. They walk through every major category, including cleansers, vitamin C, retinol, moisturizers, sunscreen, and eye creams, explaining where you can sa...

Lasers can do incredible things for skin, but the way they are marketed often makes them confusing, overpriced, and misunderstood. In this guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with dermatologist and laser company founder Dr. Ciaran Smythe to pull back the curtain on how laser technology really works and how patients can make smarter decisions. Dr. Smith shares his unique path from orthopedi...

Let's be real. Most New Year's resolutions fail, and it's not because you are lazy or lack willpower. It's because you've been taught the wrong strategy. In this special episode, Dr. Dustin Portela breaks down a simple, science-backed framework for building habits that last. Pulled from a recent YouTube video, this episode explains why focusing on identity beats focusing on goals, why systems matt...

This is a quick holiday check-in from Dr. Dustin Portela to say thank you. If you listened to even one episode this year, you are the reason this show exists, and we wanted to take a minute to acknowledge that. Skinfluence has grown in ways we honestly did not expect, and 2025 has been a blast. From deep dermatology dives to guest conversations and real-world skin advice, this show has become some...

From viral pimple popping videos to mysterious bumps that show up out of nowhere, this episode breaks down the most common lumps and bumps people find on their skin. Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee walk through what these growths actually are, where they come from, and when they are completely harmless versus when they need medical attention. They cover epidermal cysts, pilar cysts, lipomas,...

Ever wondered what a dermatologist really does all day? In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee take you behind the scenes for a full look at the daily rhythm of clinic life. From early morning workouts and reviewing charts to juggling medical visits, surgeries, cosmetic procedures, biopsies, and the unexpected surprises that walk in, they share what it takes to run a busy dermatolog...

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but what does it really mean for your skin? In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee take a deep dive into how AI and new technology are already shaping the world of dermatology. From smartphone apps that try to analyze moles to FDA approved radiology and pathology tools, they break down what works, what does not, and what patients should approac...

It is the biggest shopping week of the year, and in this Black Friday special, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the skincare deals actually worth your time and money. No gimmicks, no pressure, just the products they genuinely use, trust, and recommend in the clinic every day. They walk through the Dean Skincare Anti-Aging Bundle and explain why the Activ V Vitamin C, Sheer Shield su...

In this special guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with entrepreneur and financial educator  Braiden Shaw for an eye-opening conversation about a part of wellness most people overlook: financial health. Braiden—known for his viral money content and no-nonsense, practical approach to building wealth—shares his path from college basketball player to multimillionaire investor, and why taking...

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, but with early detection, it's also one of the most treatable. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee take a deep dive into everything you need to know about skin cancer—from what to look for and who's most at risk to what happens during a skin exam or biopsy. They explain the key differences between basal cell carcinoma, squamous...

In this special guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Christopher to discuss one of dermatology's most powerful diagnostic tools: dermoscopy. Often called "the stethoscope of dermatology," the dermatoscope allows doctors to detect skin cancer earlier and more accurately than ever before. Dr. Christopher explains how dermoscopy works, why it's no...

You don't have to work outside to take a hit from your environment. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee uncover the hidden ways office life can affect your skin—from blue light exposure and recycled air to stress, poor posture, and even those tempting breakroom snacks. They discuss how blue light can worsen pigmentation, how dry indoor air and heaters dehydrate skin, and why sitt...

It's one of the most talked-about topics in dermatology—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee explore the fascinating connection between your gut and your skin. They explain how inflammation, diet, and the microbiome influence everything from acne and eczema to psoriasis and overall skin health. You'll learn how food choices, stress, and even slee...

Teen skin comes with its own set of challenges—and lessons that last a lifetime. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down everything you need to know about teenage skin, from acne and oily skin to dandruff, deodorant, and even the emotional side of breakouts. They cover why acne happens, how hormones trigger oil production, and the simple skincare routines that actually wor...

When your skin is red, tight, flaky, or stinging—your barrier might be crying for help. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee unpack everything you need to know about the skin barrier: what it is, what damages it, and how to repair it. They break down how harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, environmental stress, and even skincare "enthusiasm" can compromise your barrier—and what to...

From stubborn acne marks to melasma and sunspots, unwanted pigmentation is one of the most common reasons people see a dermatologist. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the different types of pigmentation, why they happen, and the science behind how to treat them. They cover post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma, sunspots, freckles, and even lighter pigme...

In this special guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with Chris Salgado—founder of Atwater Skincare and former president of Kiehl's—for a candid conversation about men's self-care, confidence, and mental health. With over 40 years in the beauty industry, Chris shares what inspired him to create a modern men's brand, why skincare for men needs more than just "marketing," and how grooming hab...

From toothpaste on pimples to lemon juice masks, TikTok is full of skincare "hacks" that promise quick fixes but can actually do more harm than good. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee put the most viral trends under the microscope, breaking down why they don't work and what you should be doing instead. They cover everything from sugar scrubs and at-home microneedling to sluggin...

Your scalp is skin too, and it can face just as many problems as the rest of your body. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the most common scalp conditions, including dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis—explaining what causes them, how they're different, and the treatments that actually work. They also share surprising connections between scalp health and o...

We all want smooth, even skin—but texture and pores are a universal struggle. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down what "skin texture" really means, why pore size is mostly genetic, and the common bumps that throw people off track—from milia and sebaceous hyperplasia to keratosis pilaris and blackheads. They also explain why you can't actually "shrink" your pores, but y...

Not all sunscreens are created equal, and in this episode Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee dive deep into the great sunscreen debate: mineral vs. chemical. They break down how each type works, what "broad spectrum" really means, and why SPF numbers don't always tell the whole story. From UV myths and viral TikTok misinformation to practical tips on when, where, and how much sunscreen to actual...

Your skin barrier does more than just "hold everything in." It keeps good things—like water and nutrients—inside while blocking out irritants, allergens, and microbes. But what happens when that barrier is damaged? In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee explain the science behind the skin barrier, the signs it's compromised, and why over-exfoliation, hot showers, climate changes, an...

Body acne might be common, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee tackle everything you need to know about breakouts beyond the face—from backne and chestne to the lesser-discussed "buttne." They break down why body acne happens, how it differs from facial acne, and the unique challenges of treating it on thicker skin. You'll learn the...

From fine lines to freckles to full resurfacing, lasers can do a lot—but not all lasers are created equal. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the most common types of lasers used in dermatology and aesthetics. They explain how lasers actually work, which concerns they're best suited to treat, and what you need to know about prep, downtime, and results. They also talk...

In this guest episode of Skinfluence, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov for an open and personal conversation about hair loss, self-image, and the evolving landscape of hair restoration. Dr. Linkov shares his powerful journey with alopecia areata—including how losing his own hair changed the way he connects with patients—and why embracing baldness or...