After Hours Skin Clinic

Not all skincare needs to be expensive - but some things truly are worth the investment. In this episode, consultant dermatologists Dr Ellie Rashid and Dr Emma Craythorne walk you step-by-step through your routine to work out where to save, where to splurge, and how to make smart choices for your skin and your wallet. From cleansers and moisturisers to antioxidants, SPF, tretinoin and haircare - this episode breaks down the products, treatments and formulas that genuinely deliver results. You’ll learn how to avoid hype, identify evidence-based ingredients, and stop wasting money on products that don’t work. If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually worth it, this episode gives you dermatologist-approved clarity. What You’ll Learn: The truth about cheap vs expensive cleansers When you should splurge on antioxidants Affordable moisturisers that truly work Why SPF can be worth the investment (and when it isn't) The real cost vs benefit of prescription-grade tretinoin Overhyped products and gadgets to avoid How one prescription routine saved a patient thousands in clinic treatments Evidence-based night routines that maximise skin longevity Products mentioned: CeraVe (cleansers) Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF SkinCeuticals (general vitamin C range) CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Avène Tolerance Aveeno Baby Therapy Altruist (body and face SPF) Altruist Hyaluronic Acid SPF La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Avène (SPF range) The DayScript by Klira Lancôme SPF 50 L’Oréal Elvive (shampoo/conditioner) Pureology Kérastase Oribe 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 Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic Email: [email protected] Producer: Ella Blaxill Series Editor: Eve Streeter Music by Simon Elms. This is a Raconteur Studios Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Retinoids are one of the most effective ingredients in dermatology as well as one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid break down exactly what retinoids are, how they work, and how to use them correctly - for the best results, without irritation. From prescription tretinoin to over-the-counter retinol, Emma and Ellie explain the differences between each type, what the evidence actually shows, and how to build up tolerance safely. You’ll also learn what results to expect and when - including collagen changes, pigmentation improvement, and the famous “retinoid glow.” Whether you’re starting a retinoid for the first time or fine-tuning your routine, this episode gives you clear, practical, dermatologist-approved guidance. What You’ll Learn The difference between tretinoin, retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters Why prescription retinoids work faster and more effectively How to minimise dryness, redness, and purge-related breakouts Why circadian skincare matters (repair vs protection cycles) The timelines for glow, pigmentation improvement, and collagen changes How to adjust your routine seasonally and for sensitive skin Why tretinoin is used for acne and long-term skin ageing Golden Takeaways It’s not if retinoids work - it’s when. Prescription tretinoin has the strongest evidence for skin-ageing benefits. Consistency beats strength: build up slowly for long-term tolerance. Most irritation is preventable with buffering, moisturiser, and methodical use. Use retinoids at night to support the skin’s natural repair cycle. 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 Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic Email: [email protected] Producer: Ella Blaxill Series Editor: Eve Streeter Music by Simon Elms. This is a Raconteur Studios Production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunscreen shouldn't be optional - it’s the single most powerful thing you can do for long-term skin health. In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Ellie Rashid and Dr Emma Craythorne break down the five essential SPF facts everyone needs to know. Ellie and Emma distill years of dermatology experience into one clear, myth-busting SPF masterclass. Learn why SPF is a daily essential, how UV radiation actually damages the skin, the truth about vitamin D, common myths that stop people applying sunscreen, and how to apply (and remove) SPF properly. They also reveal which sunscreens genuinely perform to their stated protection levels, and why some products fail independent testing. What You’ll Learn: Why SPF is the single best tool for long-term skin health How UVA vs UVB damage the skin (and why you need protection all year) Why darker skin tones still need daily sun protection  The truth about vitamin D, chemical “toxicity” myths, and coral reef misinformation The importance of protecting children from burning in the sun How to apply SPF correctly (including the two-finger rule) Why SPF in makeup or moisturiser isn’t enough What broad-spectrum really means Why some sunscreens don’t meet their claimed SPF Why removing SPF properly at night is essential Dermatologists’ favourite sunscreens (and why) Products mentioned: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Range Avene (TriAsorB technology) Eucerin (Anti-Pigment & Actinic Control) Altruist The DayScript from Klira Follow & Connect: Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic Email: [email protected] 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 Producer: Ella Blaxill Series Editor: Eve Streeter Music by Simon Elms. This is a Raconteur Studios Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your ultimate guide to the gift of good skin this festive season.  This Christmas, don’t fall into the trap of harsh actives, overloaded routines, or trend-driven products that can irritate winter-stressed skin. In this festive special, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explore the real skincare needs of teens, adults and mature skin inside The French Pharmacy with special guest Dr Marine Vincent. From gentle teen-friendly sets to evidence-based acne care, luxury picks for mature skin, multitasking moisturisers for men, and dermatologist-approved body care, this is your complete guide to thoughtful, science-backed gifting. You’ll hear these expert’s personal gift choices for their daughters, brothers, mums, husbands, friends, and more - including the products they trust most. ..and don’t miss our incredible Giveaway!Win over £600+ worth of The French Pharmacy skincare.Enter via Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinicPlease check the T&Cs - the giveaway closes at 1pm on 9 December. Products mentioned: La Rosée Discovery Skincare Set La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Gel Wash La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Moisturiser Manucurist Nail Polish Avène Ultra Fluid Radiance SPF50+ Dr. Levy Switzerland The ThermoGlow Pro Institut Esthederm - Intensive Pro-Collagen+ Face & Neck Serum NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Florale Multi Purpose Dry Oil Klira, The DayScript SVR TOPIALYSE Huile Lavante / Micellar Oil Wash La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm Ap+M Moisturiser  Lierac - Men Global Anti-Aging Fluid Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser Follow & Connect:Instagram | @afterhoursskinclinicEmail | [email protected] Disclaimer:This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare or treatment. 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 Producer: Ella Blaxill Series Editor: Eve Streeter Music by Simon Elms. This is a Raconteur Studios Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Makeup can boost confidence, support sensitive skin, and even protect against pigmentation - but only when you use it the right way. In this episode, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid break down the dermatologist-approved rules for choosing, applying, and removing makeup safely. Looking for answers to questions like... Does makeup really block your pores? Can foundation help protect against melasma? Is heavy stage makeup a problem for acne or rosacea? And is expired makeup as bad as people say? In this evidence-based conversation, Emma and Ellie explain how makeup interacts with real skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and melasma. They share the truth about non-comedogenic products, the role of iron oxides, what happens when makeup is not removed correctly, and why the way you clean your tools matters more than the makeup itself. The episode finishes with dermatologist-approved cleansing routines and practical recommendations for products that genuinely work. What You’ll Learn: Why modern makeup does not cause acne when removed properly How non-comedogenic formulations support acne-prone or sensitive skin The role of makeup in rosacea and why stage makeup can trigger flares Why expired makeup and old mascara may irritate or damage skin How iron oxide in certain foundations helps protect pigment-prone skin How to choose products for acne, rosacea and inflammatory conditions Why washing makeup brushes matters and what problems dirty tools don’t cause The dermatologist-approved method for properly removing makeup How makeup fits into overall skin health and confidence Products/brands mentioned: Bare minerals Hada Labo Cleansing Oil Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil SVR Topialyse Range Byoma cleansers CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation Follow & Connect: Instagram | @afterhoursskinclinic Email | [email protected] Producer: Ella Blaxill Series Editor: Eve Streeter Music by Simon Elms. This is a Raconteur Studios Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices