Queen City Skin

22. Dermatologists Rate Viral Skincare Trends (So You Don’t Have To)

• Dr. Elizabeth Rostan & Dr. Emily O. McLean • Episode 22

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Viral skincare hacks can look like magic. Quick, flawless, and too good to be true. But beneath the good lighting and trending audio, is there any real skin science at work? In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Dr. Emily McLean put the biggest TikTok and Instagram trends under the microscope, from salmon sperm facials to scalp spas, sharing what’s safe, what’s pure hype, and what might actually help your skin. If you’ve ever wondered which viral trends deserve a thumbs up, or a gentle dermatology-approved “please don’t,” this episode is for you.

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3 Derm-Approved Lessons From This Episode:

  • Not all viral trends are created equal. Some, like slugging or red-light therapy, have strong science behind them. Others, like salmon sperm facials or compression-bandage “snatching”, are more smoke than science.
  • Simple care usually wins. The “caveman” no-wash movement and no-poo scalp trends can actually backfire, leading to buildup, irritation, and even hair loss. Clean, consistent routines beat extremes every time.
  • Choose trends that fit your lifestyle. Even evidence-backed treatments, like red-light therapy, only work with consistency. If you can't commit to using a device daily, investing in an in-office treatment may be a better use of your skincare budget.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

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