After Hours Skin Clinic

Melasma can be one of the most frustrating skin conditions to treat and one of the easiest to accidentally make worse.
In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid take a deep dive into melasma, a common but often misunderstood form of hyperpigmentation.

Emma and Ellie explore why melasma develops, why it’s so persistent, and the critical role that sun exposure, hormones, and genetics play in triggering and maintaining it.

From pregnancy-related pigmentation to the impact of visible light (not just UV), this episode explains why managing melasma requires a long-term, consistent approach, not quick fixes.

You’ll learn:

What’s happening in the skin in melasma

Why melanocytes become overactive and long-lasting

The role of UV radiation and visible light

Why daily sunscreen is the most effective prevention strategy

Evidence-based treatments including hydroquinone, tretinoin, and azelaic acid

When oral or topical tranexamic acid may be used

The limits of over-the-counter skincare

Why laser and light treatments must be approached with caution

They also share practical advice on managing melasma day-to-day, including realistic expectations and ways to minimise its appearance.

Key takeaway: Melasma is manageable but only if you consistently address the root cause, especially UV exposure.

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic
Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠
TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic
Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Producer: Ella Blaxill
Exec: Eve Streeter
Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
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How much sun do you actually need for vitamin D? Does SPF block vitamin D production? And can low vitamin D cause hair loss?

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explore the science behind vitamin D, its role in skin and overall health, and the truth about sun exposure.

From medical guidance to common myths about SPF and vitamin D deficiency, they break down what the evidence actually says, and what it means for your daily routine.

You’ll learn:

How vitamin D is produced in the skin (and why UVB matters)

Why most people in the UK need supplements in winter

How much sun exposure is enough and why more isn’t better

Whether sunscreen affects vitamin D levels

The best dietary sources of vitamin D

Safe supplementation and dosing

Why sunbeds are not a safe option

The link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss

Emerging research on vitamin D, inflammation, and immune health

Emma and Ellie also discuss large-scale clinical studies exploring vitamin D’s potential role in reducing autoimmune disease risk and improving health outcomes.

💡 Key takeaway: You don’t need prolonged sun exposure for vitamin D and supplements are often the safest and most effective option.

⁠Klira⁠ - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to ⁠klira.skin⁠

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic 

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Send us your questions! ⬆️

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
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Thinking about dermal fillers? In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, London Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid break down everything you need to know about facial fillers, from benefits to serious risks.

As two leading experts, they get questions both in-clinic and out. In this video, they answer your most asked questions on fillers:

What are dermal fillers and how do they work?

Do fillers dissolve or migrate over time?

The truth about hyaluronic acid fillers vs biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse)

Can filler be reversed safely? The risks of hyaluronidase

Real complications: granulomas, biofilms, and long-term filler presence

Can filler cause “pillow face” or stretch your skin?

Is filler safe and who should you trust to inject it?

UK regulations: why anyone can inject fillers and what to look for (CE / UKCA marking)

Rare but serious risks: vascular occlusion, tissue death, and blindness

Plus: Would Emma and Ellie have filler themselves?

This episode is essential listening if you’re considering cosmetic injectables and want evidence-based, medically qualified, un-biased advice.

📍 Recorded in Central London

📩 Send your questions via Instagram or email

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic 

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

⚠️ This podcast is for information only and not a substitute for medical advice

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack one of the most talked-about trends in aesthetic dermatology: injectable moisturisers, also known as skin boosters.

They're marketed as the secret to glass skin, deep hydration, and radiant glow...but are they actually worth it?

We break down the science behind hyaluronic acid injections, how they differ from traditional dermal fillers, and what the evidence really shows when it comes to hydration, skin quality, and long-term results.

You’ll learn:

What “injectable moisturisers” actually are

How skin boosters differ from fillers

Whether they improve hydration, texture, and wrinkles

How long results last (and why maintenance is key)

The truth about treatments like Profilo and polynucleotides

Risks, side effects, and what to expect after treatment

Whether they’re worth the time, cost, and attention they get

Emma and Ellie also discuss the limitations of current research, the role of marketing in aesthetic treatments, and why these procedures should never replace a solid skincare routine.

💡 Key takeaway: Skin boosters may offer temporary hydration and glow...but they are not a substitute for medical-grade skincare or more targeted treatments.

Follow & Connect:

⁠www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cleansing should be simple... but it's so easy to get wrong.

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain how choosing the wrong cleanser can damage your skin barrier, trigger eczema, worsen acne and rosacea, and leave your skin feeling dry, tight or irritated.

With so many options, from oil cleansers and micellar water to salicylic acid and exfoliating cleansers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The messaging can be unclear and complicated - what difference do additional ingredients and their so-called 'added-benefits' actually make? It is all just skincare marketing...?

This episode breaks down what's actually important whne it comes ot choosing the right cleanser for your skin type - based on the science of skincare and according to skin health experts.

Emma and Ellie also explore how factors like hard water in the UK and over-cleansing can impact your skin.

If your skin isn’t behaving the way you want it to, your cleanser might just be the problem, so we're here to help.

In this episode we cover:

How the wrong cleanser can worsen eczema, acne and rosacea

The truth about double cleansing and oil cleansers

Why “squeaky clean” skin is a red flag

The difference between gentle vs harsh surfactants (SLS)

How hard water in the UK affects your skin

Whether you should cleanse your face in the morning

The dermatologist-approved way to cleanse properly

Key takeaway:

The best cleanser removes dirt and SPF without disrupting your skin barrier.

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

Follow & Connect:

AHSC YouTube

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: [email protected]

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Exec: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices