In this jam-packed episode of Derm Next Door, board-certified dermatologists Ali and Reem dive into the latest in cosmetic dermatology, viral TikTok trends, and skincare safety with their signature mix of science, sass, and snark. From buzzy Botox placements like trap tox and the infamous scrotox (yes, really), to a deep dive on beef tallow moisturizers and why sunscreen isn’t the villain RFK Jr. claims it is, the docs are here to set the record straight. Plus: drugstore skincare faves, myths about vitamin D, how to tackle dark spots, and juicy NYC recs—soft serve, Philharmonic sunsets, and why Boston might need a little more vitamin D (and chill). This one’s a ride.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro Meet your hosts, Reem and Ali—NYC derms and myth-busting besties.
• 01:30 – HOT: Botox in unexpected places From the masseter to the neck to the trapezius and even under the nose—where Botox is trending now (plus: a nod to “scrotox”).
• 13:40 – BOTHERED: Beef tallow madness Why you should not moisturize with steak grease—and the terrifying “cavewoman skincare” TikTok trend.
• 20:00 – SIDE-EYEING: Mandelic acid The TikTok-loved acid that might actually deserve a place on your shelf. Plus: a quick rundown of AHAs, BHAs, and lactic acid love.
• 26:30 – DERM IN THE WILD: Botulism in Boston + sunscreen panic Unlicensed Botox gone wrong, debunking sunscreen myths (looking at you, RFK Jr.), and why spray sunscreen just doesn’t cut it.
• 38:40 – SCIENCE OR SCAM: Gua Sha & dry brushing Do lymphatic tools work? Or are you just scraping your serum away?
• 42:00 – ASK THE DERMS → Best drugstore skincare → Do you really need sun for vitamin D? → Top treatments for dark spots (and why Aquaphor is canceled)
• 52:30 – NYC MOMENTS The Knicks heartbreak, summer park picnics, best vegan ice cream, Libre Café obsession, and rooftop sunsets