We hit double digits! In this milestone episode, Ali and Reem dig into why acids are everywhere right now- how glycolic, salicylic, and TCA actually work in skin and how to fit them into a skincare routine without annihilating your barrier. Then they explain (plainly) why thread lifts keep dermatologists unamused, unpack a Korean head spa visit, and break down the viral Victoria Nelson chemical-burn case as a cautionary tale about credentials and aftercare. They wrap with Asian beauty favorites and a few NYC spots they’re loving.

Chapters below for quick skipping. Rate/review if you learn something!

Chapters / Timestamps

• 00:00 — Intro & 10-Episode Mini-Party (why this is a passion project, what’s ahead).
• 00:45 — HOT: Acids 101 (OTC vs in-office, safe use, skin cycling basics) — AHAs/BHAs overview; glycolic/salicylic/lactic vs TCA depth and downtime; sane cadence (retinoid most nights, acids on off nights).
• 15:20 — BOTHERED: Thread Lifts — what they are, where they’re happening, complication risk, and why board-certified derms generally pass.
• 22:40 — SIDE-EYEING: Korean Head Spas — Reem’s first-hand rundown; what actually happens; what might help (and what’s just vibes).
• 29:45 — DERM IN THE WILD: Victoria Nelson Case — what likely happened, red flags (licensure, unknown chemicals, “come back to me” after injury), and what appropriate medical follow-up should look like.
• 36:05 — Product Empties & Favorites — Asian beauty highlights (Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream; Aestura Atobarrier Cream Mist), plus the Mise en Scène Perfect Hair Serum shout-out.
• 39:40 — NYC Favorites + Sign-off

We’re officially on camera! In our first filmed episode, we dive into the skincare trends that have everyone talking, from celebrity-loved facial acupuncture to FDA warnings on sunscreen mousse. We side-eye gel manicures after the EU ban on TPO, break down what peptides really do (and how to use them), and talk FDA approval + under-eye microneedling with salmon sperm. Plus, our favorite products of the month, a summer travel recap and the NYC spots we’ve been loving.

Whether you’re here for derm pearls, NYC chaos, or skincare tea, this one has it all.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: First filmed episode + new monthly format

01:00 – Hot: Facial acupuncture (celebs, science & Reedle VT needle)

03:58 – Bothered: Sunscreen mousse & FDA crackdown

07:29 – Side-Eyeing: Gel manicures & EU ban on TPO

10:40 – Derm in the Wild: NYFW trends (Botox, lasers, TikTok face taping, $160 lip balm)

14:20 – Favorite Products of the Month

16:54 – Avene Tolerance Cream, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5, The Ordinary Glycolic 7%, ZO Growth Factor

18:47 – Ask the Derm: What peptides do, best picks (P-Tiox), & how to use them in a routine

21:12 – Microneedling with salmon sperm: FDA approval, celebrity use, under-eye focus, risks

26:21 – Summer Recap

30:03 – NYC Favorites

33:35 – Fall Skincare: stronger tretinoin, hydrating sunscreens, lasers, Fraxel plans

34:26 – Outro

Where to Find Us

📺 YouTube: @dermnextdoor

📸 Instagram: @dralidempsey | @dermnextdoor | @reemskinmd

📝 Blog: www.theamaranthinecollective.com

Ali and Reem break down omega-3s for acne (and Accutane side effects), vent about periorificial dermatitis, side-eye Korean spa tourism (hi, shoulder filler and salmon-sperm injectables), and get real about freckles vs. lentigines and tattooed moles. Then it’s listener Qs on loose skin and sunburns, a quick NYC Legionnaires’ PSA, and their current Lower East Side/river-cruise recs.

Timestamps

• 00:05 – Welcome + what’s on deck
• 00:30 – HOT: Omega-3s for acne, Accutane lipid/dryness support
• 02:56 – BOTHERED: Periorificial dermatitis (triggers, what NOT to do, low-dose iso)
• 07:31 – SIDE-EYEING: Korean spa tourism (shoulder filler), PDRN “salmon sperm” warning
• 13:11 – Derm in the Wild: Freckles vs. lentigines, tattooed moles, “no lasers in summer” PSA
• 19:55 – Ask the Derm: Loose skin after weight loss (surgery vs RF microneedling, devices, body retinoid)
• 23:19 – Ask the Derm: What actually happens in a sunburn + what helps
• 26:41 – NYC Moment intro → 26:50 Legionnaires’ disease alert (what to know)
• 28:59 – NYC: BonBon (LES candy) → 29:35 Economy Candy
• 30:39 – NYC: Circle Line sunset cruise
• 31:25 – NYC Eats: Thai Diner (brunch) → 31:43 Cervos (hot take) → 32:26 Indochine (scene > food) → 32:39 Ye’s Apothecary (cocktail “prescriptions”) → 33:29 Le Dive (classic)
• 34:53 – Closing: travel plans + sign-off