If you’ve ever looked in the mirror after a bad night’s sleep and thought, “I look exhausted,” you weren’t imagining it. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan is joined by Robyn Allen, RN, to unpack why sleep may be one of the most powerful (and most overlooked) tools for healthy, resilient skin. From overnight barrier repair and inflammation control to acne flares, rosacea, dark circles, and accelerated aging, this conversation connects the dots between how well you sleep and what you see in the mirror. They also discuss an FDA-approved technology the team recently studied that may help improve sleep quality, and why better sleep doesn’t just feel good, it shows.

Robyn Allen, RN, is a registered nurse at Charlotte Skin & Laser with over 16 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, assisting with advanced procedures including lasers, liposuction, blepharoplasty, and skin cancer surgery.

Resources mentioned:

• NeuroStar® Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker PhD

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Sleep is when your skin repairs and resets. Overnight rest strengthens the skin barrier, improves hydration and circulation, and supports healing. Poor sleep drives inflammation, dullness, breakouts, and under-eye darkness.
• Chronic sleep loss accelerates visible aging. Elevated cortisol from poor sleep worsens acne, rosacea, and eczema and speeds collagen breakdown, making stress and fatigue show up faster on your face.
• Your results depend on your rest. Skincare products, lasers, injectables, and other treatments work best when your body is well-rested. Sleep creates the foundation for better outcomes and longer-lasting results.

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

When dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic leaders from around the world gather in one place, patterns start to emerge. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan is joined by Clinical Manager and Nurse Injector, Kristin Brunson, RN, to share the clearest signals they brought home from the Global Aesthetics Conference 2025 in Miami. They break down what consistently rose to the top, including regenerative skincare, biostimulatory fillers, and the growing understanding that internal health directly influences aesthetic outcomes. The conversation also explores the impact of GLP-1 medications on skin aging and why the future of aesthetics is grounded in healthier skin biology, individualized beauty, and natural results that still make a meaningful difference.

Resources mentioned:

• Dr. Rostan’s “What’s on My Bathroom Shelf” Panel Deck
• Aesthetic Services
• Cosmetic Treatments

Some products mentioned:

• Neocutis Skincare
• Factor Five Growth Factor Skincare
• Emepelle® Night Cream
• OneSkin - OS-01 Skincare
• BioBlend Technology™
• Pavise Sunscreen

3 Key Takeaways from the Conference:

• Regenerative medicine is here to stay. Speakers emphasized repair and renewal, from exosomes and growth factors to biostimulatory fillers that support fibroblast function and long-term skin health.
• Nutrition, lifestyle, hormones, and overall cellular health consistently came up as critical factors influencing how well skincare, lasers, and injectables perform.
• Natural, individualized beauty is the global consensus. Leaders from around the world reinforced that the most successful outcomes are subtle, personalized, and designed to help patients look refreshed and healthy rather than overdone.

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

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.

Resources mentioned:

• Revian Red Light Cap
• EltaMD Intense Moisturizer
• HydraFacial at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Photonic Health / Photobiomodulation Pads

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

What if you could strengthen, sculpt, and support your muscles, all without breaking a sweat? In this episode, Dr. Rostan explores the science and artistry behind AccuFit, an FDA-cleared technology that rebuilds and retrains your muscle through precise electrical stimulation.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, rebuilding after weight loss, or simply wanting to feel stronger and more stable as you move through life, AccuFit offers a smarter, safer way to enhance muscle health. Dr. Rostan shares how she integrates AccuFit into her own fitness routine, real patient success stories, and why maintaining muscle is the unsung key to longevity, balance, and confidence, inside and out.

Resources mentioned:

• Accufit Body Contouring at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Venus Bliss at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Coolsculpting® Elite at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Body Treatments at Charlotte Skin & Laser

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Muscle health is the foundation of aging well. Strong, active muscles support balance, protect the spine, and enhance posture, helping prevent pain and injury while maintaining mobility as we age.
• AccuFit strengthens from the inside out. Using targeted electrical stimulation, AccuFit retrains your muscle fibers to rebuild tone, improve performance, and accelerate recovery after surgery or injury.
• Efficient, elegant strength is possible. A 30-minute AccuFit session activates core muscles and boosts workout results, while ongoing maintenance supports long-term tone. It pairs beautifully with body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting® or Venus Bliss for results that look as strong as they feel.

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

For over two decades, estrogen replacement therapy carried a shadow: a black box warning that left countless women fearing a treatment once considered essential for health and vitality. But this week, the FDA officially removed that warning, rewriting one of the biggest stories in women’s medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan sits down with Dr. Christopher Morris, board-certified OBGYN and certified menopause provider, to unpack what this decision means for women at every stage of menopause. Together, they separate myths from medicine, revisiting the history of estrogen therapy, the truth about breast cancer risk, and the far-reaching benefits for bone, brain, heart, skin, and sexual health. Whether you’re navigating hot flashes or sleep difficulties, or simply wondering if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, this episode is a masterclass in evidence-based, compassionate care for women’s health.

Dr. Christopher Morris is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and certified menopause provider through The Menopause Society, specializing in women’s hormonal and sexual health, including the care of cancer survivors. He practices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and welcomes patients seeking comprehensive menopause and hormone therapy care.

Resources mentioned:

• Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming
• “Women Have Been Misled About Menopause” Article from the New York Times
• CostPlus Drugs

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The science has evolved, and so has the FDA. The black box warning on estrogen therapy has been removed, acknowledging decades of research showing estrogen’s safety and wide-ranging benefits when used appropriately.
• Estrogen supports whole-body health. Beyond easing hot flashes, it protects bone density, heart health, cognitive function, and even skin integrity - helping women age stronger and more vibrantly.
• Every woman deserves the conversation. Thoughtful, individualized hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Shared decision-making with a knowledgeable clinician is key to finding what’s right for you.

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

What’s scarier than a haunted house? Realizing that the “freckle” on your leg is actually a tick, or that your at-home filler kit was a terrible idea. In this Halloween edition of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Dr. Emily O. McLean share real dermatology stories from the clinic -- from creepy crawlies and mysterious lumps to DIY disasters -- and how they helped patients turn fear into relief.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• DIY treatments can go terrifyingly wrong. At-home filler kits, “miracle” black pastes, and homemade skincare mixes can cause infections, abscesses, and even permanent damage.
• There really are creepy crawlies dermatologists see. From mites that trigger rosacea to ticks mistaken for moles and hidden scabies infestations, Dr. Rostan and Dr. McLean reveal how they diagnose and treat these itchy mysteries.
• Even the “scariest” skin problems can have simple solutions. Not every bump, bruise, or lump is a horror story, but some neglected skin cancers or foreign bodies can surprise even the pros. Learn the signs that mean it’s time to see a dermatologist.

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

Your laser results don’t just happen in the treatment chair -- the real magic continues at home. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Alexxa Forte, cosmetic consultant at Charlotte Skin & Laser, team up to share their favorite post-laser skincare strategies to help patients heal faster, calm redness, and extend results long after the procedure. From soothing spring water sprays to advanced peptides, they explain which products are worth the investment, how to avoid setbacks, and when it’s safe to reintroduce retinol into your routine.

Resources mentioned:

• The Skin Store
• Avène® Thermal Spring Water
• EltaMD Moisture Seal
• Revision Skincare CMT Post-Procedure Cream
• EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad
• Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology
• Spectrum SPF 50
• DefenAge 8-in-1 BioSerum
• SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
• Avène® Cicalfate + Restorative Protective Cream
• SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Healing products truly matter. From spring water sprays to peptide serums, the right post-laser products speed recovery and boost results.
• You don’t have to pause your retinol forever. Most patients can restart within a few days, depending on skin type and healing progress.
• Pairing procedures with smart daily skincare ensures your investment lasts longer and keeps your skin at its healthiest and most radiant.

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

Lasers aren’t magic wands, but in the right hands, they can transform skin. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan teams up with Alexxa Forte, cosmetic consultant at Charlotte Skin & Laser, to break down the often confusing world of lasers and energy-based devices. From redness, brown spots, and scars to overall rejuvenation, they explain how different wavelengths and technologies are chosen, what downtime really looks like, and why results come from personalized plans, not one-off treatments.

Alexxa Forte, cosmetic consultant at Charlotte Skin & Laser, brings years of experience helping patients navigate treatment options and personalize their laser and skincare plans. She bridges the science of dermatology with the everyday concerns of patients, making treatments feel approachable and results attainable.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Every laser has a purpose. The wavelength, pulse duration, and cooling system decide whether a device tackles redness, brown spots, scars, or texture. Matching the right device to your skin is both science and artistry, and that’s where the best results happen.
• Downtime looks different for everyone. Ablative lasers dive deeper and need more recovery, while non-ablative options are gentler with little to no downtime. Both have a place, depending on your goals.
• Beautiful results build over time. Lasers aren’t magic zaps - they’re renewal tools. Most patients see the best improvements after a series of three treatments, followed by simple maintenance to keep skin healthy and glowing.

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

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.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113