After Hours Skin Clinic

Do mineral sunscreens really work better than chemical sunscreens? Are chemical filters actually harmful? And what should you believe when sunscreen misinformation is everywhere?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid tackle one of the most controversial topics in skincare: the debate between mineral and chemical sunscreens.

From TikTok myths and conspiracy theories to concerns about ingredient absorption, coral reefs, vitamin D, and skin cancer, Emma and Ellie break down what the evidence actually says about sunscreen safety and effectiveness.

They explain why sunscreen remains one of the most important tools we have for preventing skin cancer, pigmentation, and premature ageing — and why fear-based misinformation could be putting people at risk.

This episode covers:

Mineral vs chemical sunscreens: what's the difference?

Are chemical sunscreen filters absorbed into the body?

The truth about oxybenzone and sunscreen safety studies

Why absorption does not equal toxicity

Common sunscreen myths circulating on social media

Do sunscreens cause cancer?

What the evidence says about skin cancer prevention

Coral reefs, environmental concerns, and sunscreen bans

Can sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency?

Why UV exposure still damages skin, even in the UK

How sunscreen helps prevent pigmentation and premature ageing

The importance of UVA, UVB and visible light protection

Why finding a sunscreen you enjoy using matters most

The best sunscreen formulations for different skin types

Emma and Ellie also share the sunscreens they regularly recommend in clinic, discuss why sunscreen technology has improved dramatically over the past decade, and explain why the "mineral versus chemical" debate isn't actually a competition at all.

This episode includes a paid partnership with Eucerin, a skincare brand with a long history of dermatological research. During the episode, Emma and Ellie discuss Eucerin Oil Control Gel Cream SPF50+ and the formulation features that may make it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. All opinions expressed remain those of the hosts.

If you've ever felt confused by conflicting sunscreen advice online, this episode will help you separate evidence from misinformation.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

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🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Products mentioned:

Eucerin Oil Control Gel Cream SPF50+

Altruist Sunscreen

Klira The DayScript

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice Sunscreen

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

This is a Raconteur Studios Production.
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Why do some people blush more than others? When is facial redness simply normal, and when could it be rosacea?

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid discuss the causes of facial flushing, blushing and persistent redness, and explain the treatments available for rosacea and other common triggers.

They cover the science behind emotional blushing, menopause-related flushing, alcohol flush reactions, visible facial blood vessels and chronic facial redness. They also share practical skincare advice, treatment options and dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

Topics covered:

Facial flushing and blushing

Rosacea symptoms and diagnosis

Menopause hot flushes

Alcohol flush reaction

Emotional blushing and anxiety

Azelaic acid and ivermectin

Brimonidine and beta blockers

Laser treatment for redness

Micro-Botox for rosacea

Sunscreens for sensitive skin

Products and Treatments Mentioned:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Azelaic Acid

Ivermectin 1% Cream

TretinoinBrimonidine

Propranolol

Carvedilol

HRT

Fezolinetant

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Children's Fluid SPF

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Comfort SPF

Garnier Sensitive Advanced UV Fluid with Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid

Follow & Connect:

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

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: ahsc@raconteur.tv

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

A Raconteur Studios Production.
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Wish you had all the skincare advice and information you need in one place?

This week's episode is a little different from your usual After Hours Skin Clinic. Dr Emma Craythorne has written a book, Skin: An Owner's Guide, and Dr Ellie Rashid is putting her in the hot seat to talk all about it.

Emma shares why she swore she'd never write another book after her first experience, what inspired her to create Skin: An Owner's Guide, and the skin science she believes everyone should understand. From the skin barrier and microbiome to ageing, skincare ingredients and common skin conditions, this conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at the book Emma describes as her "love letter to skin".

Plus, we'll be giving away signed copies of the book.

To enter, head over to our Instagram

Please check the competition dates before entering.

⁠Klira⁠ – Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira creates bespoke prescription skincare formulated by dermatologists. Find out more at klira.skin.

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AfterHoursSkinClinic
Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic
Email: ahsc@raconteur.tv

Producer: Ella Blaxill
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music: Simon Elms

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

Dry hands are not just a winter problem and if your skin is cracking, stinging or constantly flaring, there is usually more going on than “just dryness.”

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack the different types of hand dermatitis, why some people are genetically prone to eczema, and how everyday habits like over-washing, wet work and even handling receipts can quietly damage the skin barrier.

They explain the difference between atopic eczema, irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and pompholyx eczema, including the hidden allergens that can keep hand eczema going for years without people realising it.

They explore:

Who is especially vulnerable to hand eczema

The role of filaggrin and skin barrier dysfunction

Why soap can make eczema dramatically worse

How patch testing works and why it can completely change treatment outcomes

The surprising reason some steroid creams can worsen eczema

The best soap substitutes and moisturisers for dry, damaged hands

How to protect hands properly with gloves and overnight treatments

New prescription treatments for chronic hand eczema now available through specialist dermatology clinics

There are also practical recommendations throughout the episode, including favourite dermatologist-approved hand creams, cleansers and barrier repair strategies that can genuinely improve painful fissures and chronic dryness.

Products mentioned include:

Dermol 500

Aveeno Hand Ointment

CeraVe Healing Ointment

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands

If your hands are persistently dry, cracked, itchy or inflamed - especially if treatments never seem to fully work - this episode explains what might be missing.

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️

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

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠ahsc@raconteur.tv⁠

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

Are you over-exfoliating your skin without realising it?

In this episode, consultant dermatologists Dr Ellie Rashid and Dr Emma Craythorne explain what exfoliation actually does, how to get glowing skin safely, and why so many people damage their skin barrier chasing “glass skin”.

They cover:

The difference between chemical and physical exfoliation

Why sensitive skin can react badly to exfoliants

The real reason exfoliation increases sun sensitivity

The best exfoliants for acne, dull skin and ageing skin

Why retinoids often outperform scrubs and acids

The truth about dermaplaning and whether hair grows back thicker

Hidden exfoliants in skincare, including pineapple and papaya enzymes

How to protect your skin barrier while still getting glowing skin

If you want evidence-based skincare, honest dermatologist advice, and real answers about acne, pigmentation, ageing and skin health, this is the podcast for you.

Follow & Connect with us ⬇️

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

Instagram: ⁠@afterhoursskinclinic⁠

Email: ⁠ahsc@raconteur.tv⁠

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