Skin Freak Podcast

Episode: Topical Steroids: The Overused, Misunderstood Skin Medication Host: Alanna Douglas — Dermal Clinician, Educator & Founder of Skin Freak Academy In this episode of the Skin Freak Podcast, Alanna breaks down one of the most commonly prescribed yet poorly understood medications your clients are using: topical steroids and cortisones. These creams are easy to access, they work fast, and they’re often given out without much education — which is exactly why so many clients end up relying on them, reacting to them, or suddenly deteriorating when they stop.

Hormonal breakouts aren’t just a “PMS thing” — and if you’re a skin clinician, it’s time to get cycle-smart. In this episode, we’re breaking down the real connection between the menstrual cycle, hormone fluctuations, and skin chaos — so you can show up more confidently in clinic, educate your clients better, and know exactly when to treat vs. refer. You’ll learn: The 4 phases of the menstrual cycle and how each one impacts the skin Why some breakouts always show up in the same week How to talk about hormones without overstepping your scope What you can actually do to help (plus when it’s time to refer out) If you’ve ever felt unsure about what’s actually going on hormonally — or you’re ready to sound like the grounded expert your clients need — this one’s for you.

Welcome back to The Skin Freak Podcast — the no-fluff space where we talk about real skin, real clients, and real results. Today we’re diving into one of the most common (and frustrating) habits for clients with acne: skin picking. If you’ve ever had a client who just can’t keep their hands off their breakouts, or if you’ve struggled with this yourself, this episode is for you. We’ll unpack why people pick (spoiler: it’s not just about willpower), how picking impacts the skin long-term, and most importantly — how you as a skin professional can hold space and guide clients through this cycle with compassion, education, and practical tools. This is about blending science with empathy — because behind every breakout is a human who wants to feel in control of their skin. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why clients pick and the psychology behind it. The real impact of picking on acne, inflammation, and scarring. Practical ways to support clients in breaking the picking cycle. How to create a safe space where clients feel supported, not shamed. Resources & Links: Follow me on Instagram:@skinfreakacademy Check out my IPL, LASER and LED mini course Explore Skin Freak Academy: www.skinfreakcademy.com.au

It not new but it's circulating! So lets dive into beef tallow, what is this stuff and why are people putting this stuff on their face? 

In this episode, we’re opening up the conversation around shared care—specifically, the dynamic between dermatologists and skin professionals like us working in the dermal and facial field. We’ll break down: The key differences and overlaps between what dermatologists do and what we do in the treatment room How we can collaborate logistically and ethically for the benefit of our shared clients Why you should never feel ‘less than’ when your client is also seeing a dermatologist This is a must-listen if you've ever felt unsure, intimidated, or even questioned your value in a shared care setting. My hope is to empower you to see these situations not as a threat, but as an opportunity to educate, support, and advocate for your client in a truly collaborative way. You’ll walk away with: A clearer understanding of your scope versus theirs Language and mindset shifts to help you communicate with confidence Practical ways to integrate dermatologist recommendations without losing your professional voice Let’s reframe what it means to share client care—and how powerful your role really is in your client’s skin journey.