After Hours Skin Clinic

What are milia? Should you squeeze them? And why do they keep coming back?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain everything you need to know about milia, the tiny white bumps that commonly appear around the eyes, cheeks and face.

Often mistaken for whiteheads or spots, milia are one of the most common skin concerns dermatologists are asked about. Emma and Ellie explain what causes them, why they won't pop like a pimple, when they disappear on their own, and the safest way to remove them.

They also tackle some of the biggest myths circulating on social media, including DIY extraction techniques, home remedies and whether certain skincare products can make milia worse.

Whether you've had milia yourself, noticed them on your baby, or are simply wondering what those tiny white bumps on your skin actually are, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice from two consultant dermatologists.

This episode covers:

What are milia?

Milia vs whiteheads: what's the difference?

Why you shouldn't squeeze milia

What causes milia to develop?

Can moisturisers and eye creams cause milia?

Why babies commonly develop milia

The link between sun damage and milia

Can retinoids help prevent milia?

The safest way to remove milia

Why DIY extraction can lead to infection and scarring

Common milia myths debunked

When you should see a dermatologist

Emma and Ellie also explain why milia become more common with age, why they often develop around the eyes, and what they personally recommend to patients in clinic.

If you've ever searched "How do I get rid of milia?" or "What are the tiny white bumps on my face?", this episode is for you.

👇 Let us know your skincare questions in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.

👀 Watch us on YouTube.

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

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

Are you washing your face the right way? Is double cleansing
always necessary? And why do dermatologists say that "squeaky clean"
skin is actually a bad thing?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast,
Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain everything you need to know about facial cleansers, skin barriers and how to choose the right cleanser for your skin type.

From acne-prone skin and eczema to rosacea and sensitive
skin, Emma and Ellie break down how cleansers work, why some can damage your skin barrier, and why an expensive cleanser isn't necessarily a better one.

You'll learn why cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare, how easy it is to get wrong, and how using the incorrect
product could be undoing the benefits of the rest of your routine.

This episode covers:

Are you washing your face the right way? Yes, there
is a right way!

Why "squeaky clean" skin is a warning sign

How cleansers actually work

The truth about double cleansing

How to choose the right cleanser for your skin type

The difference between cream, foaming and salicylic acid
cleansers

Cleansers for acne, rosacea, eczema and sensitive skin

Why your skin barrier matters

Should you use hot or cold water?

How long should you cleanse for?

Do expensive cleansers work better?

Should you wash your face in the morning?

Are cleansing brushes and facial scrubs damaging your skin?

Emma and Ellie also explain why cleanser is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, how to avoid over-cleansing, and the
simple techniques they recommend to patients every day in clinic.

This episode includes a paid partnership with @cerave, a skincare brand developed with dermatologists, focused on repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. Emma and Ellie discuss the different CeraVe cleanser formulations and how they may suit different skin types and concerns.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the number of cleansers
available, or wondered whether you're actually cleansing your skin correctly, then this episode is for you.

👇 Let us know your skincare questions in
the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

🎥 Watch us on YouTube @afterhoursskinclinic.

Find us on Instagram and TikTok @afterhoursskinclinic.

Products mentioned:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

Dr Emma and Dr Ellie’s Cleanser cheat-sheet…

Dry

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Gently removes dirt while helping support the skin barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Sensitive

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

A gentle, non-stripping formula that's suitable for easily irritated skin.

Eczema-prone

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight or "squeaky clean".

Rosacea-prone

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

A gentle cream cleanser that's less likely to disrupt an already sensitive skin barrier.

Normal skin

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Foaming Cleanser

Choose based on your preferred texture—cream or foam.

Combination skin

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Removes excess oil while helping maintain the skin barrier.

Oily skin

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Cleanses away oil and impurities without leaving skin stripped.

Breakout-prone

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

Contains 2% salicylic acid & Niacinamide. It Unclogs pores & helps regulate excess oil. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne.

Blackheads & clogged pores

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

Contains 2% salicylic acid. It penetrates & unclogs pores to help clear congestion.

Bumpy Body Skin

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

Contains 2% Salicylic acid. It gently exfoliates while moisturising to help support the skin barrier. Also suitable for those prone to Keratosis Pilaris (KP).

Body Breakouts

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

A practical body cleanser for breakout-prone areas. Also suitable for those who may be prone to acne on their body.

Disclaimer: This cheat sheet is not part of the episode sponsorship, recommendations are Emma & Ellie’s own.

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

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

What are the biggest skincare myths dermatologists wish everyone would stop believing? Here’s Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne’s and Dr Ellie Rashid’s top ten skin truths.

To celebrate the 100th episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid share their ten biggest skin truths. Evidence-based advice they wish every patient knew.

From sunscreen and pores to expensive skincare, hydration, dandruff and skin cancer, Emma and Ellie separate fact from fiction, debunk some of the internet's biggest skincare myths, and explain what really matters when it comes to healthy skin.

Whether you're building your first skincare routine or trying to make sense of conflicting advice on social media, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed guidance from two consultant dermatologists.

This episode covers:

The biggest skincare myths dermatologists hear every day

Can you really open and close your pores?

Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?

How to understand your own skin type

Why "medical grade" skincare is mostly a marketing term

Should you trust skincare claims and before-and-after photos?

Does expensive skincare actually work better?

Why consistency beats complicated skincare routines

Why wearing sunscreen every day matters for skin ageing

Does drinking more water hydrate your skin?

What skin cancer really looks like (it's not what you might think)

What dandruff actually is and why oils can make it worse

Emma and Ellie also discuss why personalised skincare is more effective than copying someone else's routine, how to avoid misleading marketing claims, and the simple habits that have the biggest impact on long-term skin health.

Whether you're new to skincare or a lifelong skincare enthusiast, these are the skin truths every dermatologist wishes more people knew.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

Find us on ⁠Instagram⁠

👀 Watch us on ⁠Youtube⁠

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Products mentioned:

Nizoral® (Ketoconazole 2%) Shampoo

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: Simon Elms

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

Summer can be one of the easiest times to accidentally damage your skin.

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid answer the questions they're asked every year about preparing your skin for summer.

Should you wax before your holiday? Is a "base tan" ever a good idea? Do you need a complicated skincare routine on a flight? And can I use last year's sunscreen?

Emma and Ellie explain how to time beauty treatments to minimise irritation and pigmentation, why sunbeds are never worth the risk, and how simple changes to your routine can help keep your skin healthy all summer long.

This episode covers:

Preparing your skin for summer

Laser hair removal, waxing and shaving before holidays

How to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation

Retinoids, exfoliating acids and summer skincare

In-flight skincare myths

Holiday acne and travel breakouts

Perfume, essential oils and UV reactions

Lime juice and phytophotodermatitis

Why a "base tan" doesn't protect your skin

The risks of sunbeds and skin cancer

When to replace your sunscreen

Favourite summer skincare essentials

Whether you're planning a beach holiday, spending more time outdoors or simply want to protect your skin this summer, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice from two consultant dermatologists.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments

👀 Watch us on Youtube

🔔 Subscribe for dermatologist-led, evidence-based skincare.

Products mentioned:

Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse® Or (Shimmer Dry Oil)

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music: Simon Elms

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

Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain what keratosis pilaris (KP), also known as strawberry skin or chicken skin, actually is, why it develops around hair follicles, and which evidence-based treatments work best, including lactic acid, urea creams, chemical exfoliants, retinoids, moisturisers and laser hair removal.

In this episode:

What keratosis pilaris (KP) actually is

Why people call it strawberry skin or chicken skin

The real cause of keratosis pilaris

Why KP often runs in families

The connection between hair follicles, keratin and inflammation

Why KP gets worse during winter

The truth about physical exfoliation and scrubs

Lactic acid vs salicylic acid: which works best?

The role of urea creams and moisturisers

When retinoids may help

Why laser hair removal may be one of the most effective treatments

How to prevent redness and pigmentation

Key Takeaways:

Keratosis pilaris affects around 50% of people

Physical scrubbing can make KP worse

Chemical exfoliants outperform mechanical exfoliation

10% lactic acid appears more effective than 5% salicylic acid

Urea-based moisturisers help soften and smooth rough skin

Consistent moisturising supports the skin barrier

SPF helps prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation

Laser hair removal may provide longer-term improvement

Products Mentioned:

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

Eucerin UreaRepair

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid

CeraVe SA Smoothing Range

Cetaphil Salicylic Acid Range

Subscribe for evidence-based skincare advice from consultant dermatologists.

Follow & Connect:

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: info@afterhoursskinclinic.com

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