Skinfluence with Dr. Dustin Portela

What if getting expert acne treatment didn't require months of waiting, multiple office visits, and endless trial-and-error with products that never seem to work?
In this guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela is joined by Michael Chang, founder and CEO of Clear Health, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aaron Farberg to discuss how telehealth is changing the way patients access acne treatment.
Michael shares his personal journey through years of persistent acne, multiple dermatologists, restrictive diets, and frustration before finally finding success with Accutane. That experience ultimately led him to create Clear Health, a telehealth platform focused on connecting patients with board-certified dermatologists and expanding access to evidence-based acne care.
The conversation explores common misconceptions about Accutane, why so many patients wish they had started treatment sooner, and how telehealth is helping remove barriers that often delay care.
They also discuss Isoclear, a new topical isotretinoin treatment designed to deliver many of the benefits associated with isotretinoin without the monitoring requirements of oral Accutane. Dr. Farberg breaks down the science behind topical isotretinoin, how it compares to tretinoin, and why this approach could become an important option for acne and anti-aging treatment in the future.
Whether you're struggling with acne, considering Accutane, curious about telehealth dermatology, or interested in the future of personalized skincare, this episode offers an inside look at one of the fastest-growing areas in dermatology.
Guest Info
Michael Chang Founder & CEO, Clear Health
Dr. Aaron Farberg Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Medical Director, Clear Health
Learn more: helloclearhealth.com
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Dr. Portela TikTok: @drdustinportela Instagram: @drdustinportela YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela
Skinfluence Podcast Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

Shaving, waxing, laser hair removal, sugaring, electrolysis... with so many options available, what's actually the best way to get rid of unwanted hair?
This week, Dr. Dustin Portela and Austin Lee break down the most common hair removal methods, who they're best for, and the biggest mistakes people make that can lead to irritation, ingrown hairs, burns, and long-term skin damage.
They discuss the pros and cons of shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis, and laser hair removal, along with what makes someone a good candidate for treatment. You'll also learn why skin tone and hair color matter, how to prepare for laser hair removal, and why "permanent hair removal" isn't always as permanent as people think.
The conversation also covers pseudofolliculitis barbae, hidradenitis suppurativa, acne keloidalis nuchae, shaving bumps, razor burn, and dermatologist-approved tips for preventing ingrown hairs and keeping your skin healthy.
Plus, Austin shares one of the most questionable hair removal decisions of his life involving a Taco Bell parking lot, Axe body spray, and an open flame.
If you've ever struggled with unwanted hair, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or wondered whether laser hair removal is worth it, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you choose the right approach for your skin.
Product of the Week
Dean Skincare Botanical Calming Serum
Designed to help calm irritation, reduce visible redness, and support the skin barrier after cosmetic treatments, shaving, and everyday skin stressors.
Use code SKINFLUENCE20 for 20% off.
Follow Us
Dr. Portela
TikTok: @drdustinportela
Instagram: @drdustinportela
YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc
YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela
Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela
Austin Lee, PA-C
Instagram/TikTok: @austinleepac
Skinfluence Podcast
Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

What if the best plastic surgery advice is how to avoid plastic surgery in the first place?
In this guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tony Youn, known to millions online as "America's Holistic Plastic Surgeon." Together, they explore a different approach to aesthetics, one that prioritizes lifestyle, nutrition, skincare, and overall health before ever considering surgery.
Dr. Youn shares how a life-changing patient complication reshaped his philosophy on medicine and why he now views surgery as a last resort rather than a first step. The conversation covers longevity, weight loss, GLP-1 medications, skincare, social media, and the growing overlap between plastic surgery, dermatology, and preventive health.
They also tackle one of the most confusing topics in aesthetics today: the difference between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Youn explains what patients should know before choosing a provider and why training, credentials, and complication management matter more than ever.
Whether you're considering cosmetic procedures, interested in healthy aging, or simply want to understand how the aesthetics industry is evolving, this is a fascinating conversation with one of the most influential voices in plastic surgery today.
Guest Info
Dr. Tony Youn
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Host of The Dr. Youn Show Podcast
Instagram: @tonyyounmd
TikTok: @doctoryoun
YouTube: @tonyyounmd
Follow Us
Dr. Portela
TikTok: @drdustinportela
Instagram: @drdustinportela
YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc
YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela
Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela
Skinfluence Podcast
Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

What if one of the biggest causes of aging isn't just getting older, but chronic inflammation happening inside the body every single day?
This week, Dr. Dustin Portela and Austin Lee break down the growing conversation around "inflammaging" and how inflammation may be impacting everything from wrinkles and rosacea to fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, and long-term health.
The conversation explores the difference between healthy inflammation and chronic inflammation, why modern lifestyles keep so many people stuck in an inflamed state, and how things like sugar, processed foods, poor sleep, stress, UV exposure, and even overdoing skincare can quietly accelerate aging.
They also discuss blood sugar spikes, insulin resistance, longevity trends, continuous glucose monitors, and why simple skincare routines often outperform aggressive ones when it comes to healthy skin and aging well.
If you're interested in anti-aging, skin health, wellness, rosacea, longevity, or dermatologist-backed skincare advice, this episode is packed with practical, real-world takeaways you can actually use.
Product of the Week
Dene Skincare Botanical Calming Serum
A calming antioxidant serum designed to help reduce visible redness and support irritated, inflammation-prone skin.
Follow Us
Dr. Portela
TikTok: @drdustinportela
Instagram: @drdustinportela
YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc
YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela
Austin Lee, PA-C
Instagram/TikTok: @austinleepac
Skinfluence Podcast
Instagram: @skinfluence_pod

Who should you trust with your skin: a dermatologist, an esthetician, or both?
In this guest episode, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with licensed esthetician and skincare clinic owner Letitia Christine for a candid conversation about the evolving world of aesthetics, skincare treatments, medical oversight, and the growing tension between dermatology and esthetics online.
The conversation was sparked by a viral social media debate surrounding mole removal and scope of practice, but quickly expands into a much bigger discussion about education, patient safety, licensing laws, and the future of the skincare industry.
Letitia breaks down what it actually takes to become an esthetician, how wildly different regulations can be from state to state, and why she believes the aesthetics industry has outgrown traditional cosmetology education. Dr. Portela shares the dermatologist perspective on pathology, medical responsibility, and why proper training matters when procedures become more invasive.
Together, they unpack the rise of TikTok skincare culture, the dangers of poorly trained providers, the "Wild West" nature of certain states, and why collaboration between estheticians and dermatologists ultimately leads to better outcomes for patients.
But this episode is not about attacking one side or the other. It is about creating a more informed, transparent, and respectful conversation around skincare, aesthetics, and patient care.
If you've ever wondered who should handle certain treatments, what "medical esthetician" actually means, or why the skincare industry feels so chaotic right now, this is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the realities of modern aesthetics.
Guest Info
Letitia Christine
Owner of No Filter Aesthetics
Instagram: @thescandalousesthetician
Follow Us
Dr. Portela
TikTok: @drdustinportela
Instagram: @drdustinportela
YouTube (Reactions): @208SkinDoc
YouTube (Educational): @drdustinportela
Pinterest: @DrDustinPortela
Skinfluence Podcast
Instagram: @skinfluence_pod