Skinside Out

In this episode of Skinside Out, Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney continue their Dermatology Through the Decades series by tackling one of the most challenging stages of skin health: the teenage years.  From acne and oily skin to dandruff, excessive sweating, sports-related skin conditions, sunburns, and social media skincare trends, the team explores the physical and emotional changes that...

In this episode of Skinside Out , Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney kick off a new series: Dermatology Through the Decades . The team starts with the first decade of life, discussing the most common skin conditions seen in babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.  From cradle cap and baby acne to eczema, birthmarks, warts, molluscum, and sun protection, this episode helps par...

What happens when a skin cancer diagnosis goes beyond the dermatologist's office? In this episode of Skinside Out, Dr. Zain Husain is joined by two leading medical oncologists to discuss advanced squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and the future of cancer treatment. The conversation explores how dermatologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologist...

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale has been a cornerstone of dermatology for decades, but how much does it really tell us about your skin? In this episode of Skinside Out, the team breaks down the six Fitzpatrick skin types, explains the difference between tanning and burning, and discusses why skin type is about much more than skin color alone. They explore how dermatologists use the scale to assess...

In this “girls’ edition” episode of Skin Side Out, the hosts share what they’d buy on a Sephora skincare shopping spree, category by category, and explain why—after realizing a full routine under $100 wasn’t realistic. They compare cleanser picks (Mara Aura Cleanse for dry skin and Torriden Dive In Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam), vitamin C serums (Paula’s Choice C15 and Skinfix 15% Vitamin C with...

On Skinside Out, the hosts discuss how to maximize in-office skin treatments with smart at-home skincare and optional in-office boosters. They explain that results depend heavily on what you do days to weeks before and after procedures, emphasizing sunscreen, hydration, barrier support, avoiding over-exfoliation, disclosing relevant medications/supplements (including fish oil and vitamin E), and a...

Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney discuss the top 10 benign findings commonly seen on skin exams, describing how they look, where they appear, and when they may be confused with skin cancer. They cover seborrheic keratoses, cherry angiomas (and related vascular lesions), skin tags (including DPNs), benign moles/nevi with the ABCDEs and “ugly duckling” concept, lentigines (“liver spots”) versu...

Dr. Zain Husain, Heather, and Courtney explain Mohs surgery as a tissue-sparing, in-office procedure for skin cancers—most commonly basal and squamous cell carcinoma—highlighting its microscopic margin control, same-day cure confirmation, and 99% cure rate. They compare Mohs to standard excision, radiation therapy, ED&C, and other destructive methods, emphasizing the reassurance of immediate h...

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, this episode explains what a full-body skin exam (skin check) is, why annual exams are recommended for most people, and what patients can expect at the visit, including gowning, the role of a medical assistant, and common comfort concerns. They outline how providers systematically examine the entire skin surface—including scalp, between toes, and sometimes...

Welcome to the live Skinside Out Q&A with Dr. Zain, Courtney, and Heather at the Blossom Into Beauty event, where they answer audience and online dermatology questions. They compare RF microneedling and traditional microneedling, highlighting benefits, add-ons like serums, PRP, exosomes, and PDRN, and risks such as fat atrophy from overly deep or high-energy RF treatments and hyperpigmentation...

Dr. Zain Husain, MD with Heather and Courtney, breaks down hives (urticaria) from “inside and out,” explaining that hives are a common inflammatory skin reaction driven by histamine release that causes leaky blood vessels, swelling, and itch. They review typical features (raised pink welts that move and usually resolve within 24 hours) and less common presentations like bullous urticaria and urtic...

Dr. Zain hosts Dr. Amna, Heather, and Courtney on Skin Side Out to explain common pediatric “lumps and bumps,” emphasizing that most are benign and often best left alone. They review cysts (and when locations like the gluteal cleft/spine or airway patterns warrant imaging), molluscum (contagious, sometimes self-limited, often linked with eczema and scratching), hemangiomas (growth then involution;...

In this episode of Skinside Out, Dr. Zain, Heather, and Courtney break down why sunscreen is preventive medicine, explaining UVA vs UVB damage, skin cancer risk, and photoaging. They clarify what SPF and broad-spectrum mean, compare mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) versus chemical filters, and discuss who may prefer each based on sensitivity, irritation, and cosmetic feel. The hosts address a...

Dr. Zain, Heather, and Courtney discuss how skin functions as an immunologic barrier and how allergy pathways show up in dermatology. They cover seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis (including eyelid dermatitis and links to the atopic triad), distinguish true food allergies from intolerances, and explain why food allergy testing often doesn’t clarify eczema flares. The episode reviews hypersen...

Dr. Zain, Heather, and Courtney explain vitiligo (loss of melanocytes causing flat, milky-white patches), how common it is, key subtypes, possible causes/triggers (autoimmune links, genetics, stress, trauma, sunburn, chemical exposures), and how it’s diagnosed (often clinically, sometimes with a Wood’s lamp). They cover risks like sunburn and increased skin-cancer risk in depigmented areas, stigma...

Dr. Zain, Heather, and Courtney break down why nails matter in dermatology, covering basic nail anatomy, slow toenail growth, and how trauma can change nails. They review common nail findings (ridges, Beau’s lines, pitting, thickened nails, habit-tic damage), brittle/splitting nails, and color changes including yellowing, white spots, green nail (Pseudomonas), and brown streaks (melanonychia) with...

This episode digs into cutaneous (skin-related) disease with a focused discussion on plaque psoriasis. The hosts explore how psoriasis develops as an inflammatory condition, how it affects the skin, nails, and joints, and why it should be viewed as a systemic disease rather than just a rash. The episode also reviews common triggers, clinical presentations, and modern treatment options. Including t...

In this episode, Dr. Zain, Heather, and Courtney dive deep into the topic of eczema, discussing its definition, symptoms, and causes. They explain how eczema is an umbrella term for a group of inflammatory skin conditions with a main focus on atopic dermatitis. The discussion covers the disruption of the skin barrier, genetic factors, and the role of the immune system in eczema. They also touch on...

In this episode of 'Skinside Out,' we discuss the often-overlooked importance of neck skincare. They talk about why the neck ages quicker due to delicate skin, constant movement, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors like smoking and weight changes. The team explains the anatomy of the neck, preventative measures, and a range of treatment options including topical applications, neuromodulators, and...

Join Dr. Zain Husain, Courtney, and Heather in this informative episode of 'Skinside Out: Where Science Meets Beauty,' as they dive into the complexities of treating under-eye concerns. Discover why the under-eye area is so challenging to treat, the anatomical factors involved, and various treatment options for different types of under-eye issues, such as hollowing, dark circles, and puffiness. Fr...

In this Valentine's Day special, join Dr. Amna, Heather, and Courtney, as they dive into the topic of self-love. The discussion explores the pressures of social media, societal beauty standards, and the balance between self-care and self-acceptance. The episode covers personal experiences, the impact of aesthetics in dermatology, and practical ways to incorporate self-love into everyday life, aimi...

Welcome to another episode of Skinside Out where Science Meets Beauty. In this episode, Dr. Zain and Courtney dive deep into the topic of Winter Scalp Health. They discuss the common issues people face during winter, such as dry, flaky, and itchy scalps, and offer solutions and tips to manage these problems. The conversation covers the impact of dry air, the use of hot showers, the role of hat-wea...

Welcome to Skinside Out, where Science Meets Beauty. In this episode, hosted by Dr. Zain with Courtney, the focus is on lips. They discuss the unique anatomy of lips, common lip conditions, and the importance of lip health. The episode delves into why lips are more prone to dryness and into conditions such as angular cheilitis, cold sores, and lip-licking dermatitis. They also talk about lip treat...

Join Dr. Zain, along with Heather and Courtney, in this episode of 'Skinside Out: Science Meets Beauty' as they dive into the concept of the 'skin barrier'. They discuss its anatomy, importance, and how it functions like a brick-and-mortar system to protect us. Learn about common issues like dryness, redness, and sensitivity that indicate a compromised skin barrier, and discover expert tips and tr...

In this episode of Skinside Out, Dr. Zain, joined by Heather and Courtney, discusses the importance of having an annual skin treatment plan. They delve into the reasons for planning ahead, seasonal considerations for different treatments, and the benefits of a structured approach to achieving optimal skin health. The conversation highlights various skin conditions like melasma, rosacea, and acne,...