Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Reem and Dr. Ali break down the viral "sunscreen contouring" TikTok trend, review Kylie Jenner's new K2O drinkable skincare, debate PDGF injections, and share their summer skincare swaps, baby skincare essentials, and Sephora Spring Sale picks.

Chapters (approximate)

• (00:00) Welcome back to Derm Nextdoor
• (01:00) What's Hot: NYC heatwave & the science of why your skin gets oily
• (03:30) Summer skincare swaps: retinol, salicylic acid, niacinamide, foaming cleansers
• (05:30) Sunscreen layering, tinted SPF & powder reapplication
• (08:00) What's NOT Hot: the viral "sunscreen contouring" TikTok trend
• (11:00) Side-Eye: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) injections
• (14:00) Derm in the Wild: Coachella, UV index & festival sun protection
• (17:00) Kylie Jenner's K2O drinkable skincare — does it actually work?
• (22:00) Listener Q: Nutrition & skin aging (AGEs, low-carb diets, dairy & acne)
• (26:00) Listener Q: PDRN & exosomes post-microneedling — U.S. vs. Korea
• (30:00) Baby skincare 101: sunscreen, fragrance-free, soak & seal
• (33:00) Innovative brands: Bemotrizinol & postbiotics in skincare
• (36:00) Sephora Spring Savings Event picks
• (39:30) Outro & listener questions

This week we're covering what's trending (and what's tanking) in skincare right now — from the growing obsession with skin longevity to the at-home device everyone needs to put down immediately. We also weigh in on Alix Earle's new brand launch, reflect on the spectacle that was AAD 2026, and round things out with our current product picks for transitioning your routine into spring.

The Rundown

What's hot

Skin longevity is having a moment — and for good reason. We break down what "aging well" actually means from a dermatology perspective, why simplified routines are outperforming 10-step regimens, and how the science of barrier health is finally going mainstream.

What's not

At-home plasma pens. We're drawing a hard line here. We talk through why these devices are causing serious and sometimes permanent skin damage, what the risks actually look like, and why "derm-grade" marketing on a consumer device should be a red flag, not a selling point.

Side-eyeing

AI-personalized skincare is everywhere right now — but should you trust an algorithm with your skin? We get into the promise vs. the reality: what these tools can and can't assess, where the liability gaps are, and why a quiz on a brand's website is not the same as a consultation.

Derm in the Wild

Alix Earle's Reale Actives launch. Another influencer, another skincare brand — but is this one different? We look at the formulations, the marketing claims, and whether "founded by someone with acne" is a reason to buy or just a compelling story.

AAD 2026 & the sensationalization of dermatology. We just got back and we have thoughts. From social-media-ready presentations to the growing pressure on derms to perform for a public audience — we talk about what the conference got right, what made us cringe, and what it says about where the field is heading.

Product Favorites & Spring Skincare Transition

As the weather shifts, so should your routine — but not in the way most influencers suggest. We share our current product picks, talk through the swaps worth making as humidity rises and sunscreen becomes non-negotiable again, and answer the question we get every spring: do I actually need a separate spring moisturizer?

In this episode of Derm Next Door, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ali Dempsey and Dr. Reem welcome their first ever guest: fitness trainer, Equinox instructor, and wellness influencer Ceren

Together they dive into the intersection of NYC wellness culture, skincare trends, and influencer beauty routines.

From GLP-1 weight loss medications to Sculptra, Botox, and viral skincare hacks, the conversation gets honest about what’s actually worth it-and what dermatologists are side-eyeing.

They also break down Ceren's real skincare routine (and give it a brutally honest derm score), discuss the pressure of influencer culture, and explore how wellness trends differ between New York, Los Angeles, and social media.

Plus: rapid-fire Derm Hot Takes on trending beauty and wellness topics.

Topics we cover:

• GLP-1 weight loss drugs and unexpected side effects

• The rise of Sculptra and biostimulatory fillers

• Viral skincare trends dermatologists don’t love

• Botox in your 20s-yes or no?

• Wellness culture in NYC vs LA

• The influencer brand trip world

• Ice rolling, mouth taping, red light masks, collagen supplements

• Skincare routine mistakes dermatologists see all the time

Whether you're into skincare, aesthetics, wellness culture, or dermatology, this episode breaks down what’s real vs hype.

🎧 Listen now and follow Derm Next Door for weekly dermatology hot takes.

You can now also watch the podcast on YouTube and follow us on TikTok @dermnextdoor.