Eczema affects more than 31 million Americans, and it's still one of the most misunderstood conditions dermatologists treat. For Eczema Awareness Month, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan sits down with Dr. Alexandra Montgomery to talk through what eczema really is, why it keeps flaring, and how it affects sleep, work, and the whole family. They walk through the barrier, itch, and inflammation cycle, the at-home care that still works, and the newer targeted treatments that have changed what's possible for babies, kids, and adults. If you or someone you love has been told to tough it out, this conversation is for you.

Dr. Alexandra Montgomery, MD, is a dermatologist at Charlotte Skin & Laser who completed her dermatology residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with extensive training in medical, pediatric, and procedural dermatology. She cares for both adults and children.

Resources mentioned:

• Meet Dr. Alexandra Montgomery
• Pediatric Dermatology at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Dry Skin Treatment at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• EltaMD Moisture Seal

More for when your skin won't settle down:

• 39. How Stress Can Trigger Skin Flare-Ups
• 37. Acne Isn’t Just for Teens | Why It Shows Up on Adults and What Actually Helps
• 24. Beauty Sleep IS a Real Thing | Why Sleep Shows on Your Skin

3 Things Every Eczema Family Should Know:

• Eczema runs on a cycle, and barrier care helps manage the cycle. A weakened skin barrier lets in irritants, itching damages the barrier further, and inflammation makes the itch worse. Bathing, moisturizing, and "soak and smear" routines still matter, even for patients on newer medications. Flares that pop up in new spots after one area clears are part of how eczema behaves. They don't mean your routine failed.
• Treatment has come a long way in the last decade. Biologics like Dupixent target the specific immune pathways behind eczema, and Dupixent is approved for babies as young as six months. Newer options include Ebglyss and Adbry, plus pills like Rinvoq and Cibinqo for patients who would rather avoid injections. If the first option doesn't get you where you want to be, your dermatologist has more tools to try.
• Eczema shows up on every skin tone, and it deserves treatment at every age. It isn't contagious. On deeper skin tones it can look ashy or bumpy rather than red, so it often gets written off as dry skin. Kids may outgrow it, but they still deserve relief now. Strictly limiting a child's diet can raise the risk of food allergies later, so loop in your pediatrician or allergist before cutting foods.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

Charlotte Skin & Laser opened its doors in September 2001, with Dr. Elizabeth Rostan unpacking boxes on a Sunday and her mother answering the phones on day one. 25 years later, the practice has grown into a full medical and cosmetic dermatology team serving patients across Charlotte and Huntersville. In this anniversary episode, Dr. Rostan looks back on what Charlotte dermatology looked like in 2001, the lasers she still reaches for today, the patients who shaped her career, and the values she hopes will guide the practice for the next 25 years.

Dr. Rostan is joined by Alexxa Forte, Director of Patient Experience & Growth at Charlotte Skin & Laser.

Resources mentioned:

• Cosmetic treatments at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Medical treatments at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• The 1927 laser at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Tixel at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• IPL treatments at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Meet Dr. Montgomery
• 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith

3 Lessons From 25 Years of Dermatology That Can Change How You Care for Your Skin:

• Laser results come from consistency. If you've been disappointed by a laser treatment, the fix is often more sessions. Dr. Rostan recommends about 10 treatments with the 1927 laser for wrinkles. She also still relies on IPL for redness and brown spots, because decades of research show it works.
• Every treatment plan should include a backup plan. Before you leave an appointment, ask your provider what to do if the first treatment doesn't work. Dr. Rostan builds a backup option into every plan. For example, she'll give a patient something extra for an itchy rash heading into the weekend, so they keep improving without waiting for another visit.
• A dermatologist's second look can prevent unnecessary procedures. Skin conditions are easy to misread. Dr. Rostan has seen patients avoid surgery entirely after a dermatology consult. One hospitalized patient was about to have a long-term IV line placed, and his leg condition turned out to be venous stasis dermatitis, which cleared up with steroid ointment and support hose. If a skin concern isn't improving, or a procedure is being discussed, see a dermatologist early.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

As Charlotte Skin & Laser celebrates 25 years, this conversation offers real insight into how Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Practice Manager Debbie Ouvier think about growth. They walk through the decision to open Huntersville, and in doing so, they reveal the philosophy that's guided the practice from the start. You'll hear how our philosophy actually shapes decisions, from staff training to how we communicate with patients. It's the thinking behind the decisions that explains why Charlotte Skin & Laser's "big office expertise with small office feel" isn't a tagline, it's a guiding principle of our practice.

Debbie Ouvier is the Practice Administrator at Charlotte Skin & Laser, bringing over a decade of experience in practice management and operations. She specializes in building efficient, patient-centered systems that support both exceptional care and a seamless patient experience.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Building a second location without compromising care starts with a strong foundation. A clear culture rooted in excellence, honesty, teamwork, and continuous learning makes it possible to grow while keeping standards high.
• Growth often requires leaders to evolve. Dr. Rostan’s shift from full-time clinician to a more strategic leadership role created space to focus on the bigger picture while empowering her team to deliver exceptional care.
• Consistency in patient experience does not happen by chance. Through intentional training, ongoing education, and close physician oversight, the team ensures every patient receives the same thoughtful, high-quality care regardless of who they see.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

Fall is prime laser season – lower sun exposure means smoother healing, and you've got time to get your glow back before the holidays. But your 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, 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.

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.

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

Episodes Mentioned:

• 36. Lasers Explained | Redness, Spots, Scars & Skin Renewal

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Fall is the ideal window for laser treatments. Cooler weather and lower sun exposure mean easier healing and longer-lasting results.
• The right post-laser products (not just any moisturizer) speed recovery, calm redness, and boost your outcome.
• You don't have to pause your retinol for weeks. Most patients can restart within a few days, depending on skin type and healing progress.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to understand what's actually happening with your hair! Not all hair loss is the same, and not all of it is permanent. Let’s revisit a conversation between Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Robyn Allen, RN, where they walk through how dermatologists diagnose different types of hair loss, why some shedding reverses, and how personalized treatment plans can make a meaningful difference. Whether you're noticing more strands in the drain or a widening part, this conversation clarifies what deserves attention and what you can actually do about it.

Robyn Allen, RN, is a registered nurse at Charlotte Skin & Laser with over 16 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology. She works closely with Dr. Rostan in hair loss evaluation and treatment, including PRP injections, laser-based therapies, and assists with a wide range of aesthetic and surgical dermatology procedures.

Resources mentioned:

• Hair Restoration at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• KeraLase Treatment at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Custom HydraFacial™ at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• REVIAN RED Hair Growth System
• Viviscal® Pro
• Xtressé™ Hair Growth Gummies
• DefenAge® Pro 150K Hair Follicle Serum

Keep listening:

• 39. How Stress Can Trigger Skin Flare-Ups
• 36. Lasers Explained | Redness, Spots, Scars & Skin Renewal
• 24. Beauty Sleep IS a Real Thing | Why Sleep Shows on Your Skin

3 Hair Loss Truths Dermatologists Want You to Know:

• Not all hair loss is permanent. Stress-related shedding (telogen effluvium) triggered by illness, medication, weight loss, or emotional stress often reverses once the trigger is addressed and your hair growth cycle resets (even if it feels alarming in the moment).
• Pattern and location matter more than the volume you see in the drain. Thinning at the front or crown, a widening center part, or a receding hairline signal different causes than diffuse shedding everywhere, and each requires a different treatment approach. Dermatologists use photos, part measurements, and hair pull tests to see what's actually happening.
• The best hair regrowth results combine multiple treatments, not just one. Oral medications, targeted topicals, in-office therapies like laser and PRP, at-home LED caps, and lifestyle support work together. Relying on a single solution, even a powerful one, limits results; combination therapy is where the magic happens.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

Stress can show up on your skin before you fully recognize its effects anywhere else. Dr. Elizabeth Rostan explains why poor sleep, emotional strain, travel, work pressure, and other demanding seasons can trigger acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. She breaks down the roles of cortisol, inflammation, and skin-barrier disruption, then shares how consistent maintenance, early treatment, and the right medical support can keep a small change from becoming a difficult flare.

More for When Your Skin Is Trying to Tell You Something:

• 38. How Perimenopause Changes Your Skin
• 31. Why Is My Face Always Red?
• 24. Beauty Sleep IS a Real Thing | Why Sleep Shows on Your Skin
• 37. Acne Isn’t Just for Teens | Why It Shows Up on Adults and What Actually Helps

3 Ways to Keep Stress From Taking Over Your Skin:

• Stay consistent when your skin looks clear, because a quiet period does not always mean the underlying condition is gone. Continuing your acne or eczema routine, using a gentle cleanser, and moisturizing regularly can help keep the skin barrier steady before the next trigger arrives.
• Treat early changes before they reach a tipping point. Once skin becomes inflamed and the barrier is compromised, it may flare more easily again. Contact your dermatology team when redness, itching, flaking, or breakouts begin to increase. Early treatment can help shorten the flare and make it easier to control.
• Look at sleep and your overall stress load. Sleep supports barrier repair and helps regulate inflammation. Travel, dry weather, demanding work seasons, grief, and emotional strain can all lower your skin’s threshold for a flare. A visible change in your skin may be a sign that your body needs more support.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

Skin changes in your 30s and 40s can feel sudden, but they usually start beneath the surface years before they become visible. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan explains how collagen loss, elastin decline, sun damage, stress, sleep changes, and shifting hormones affect the skin through perimenopause and menopause. She walks through why the skin may feel thinner, drier, duller, less resilient, or more breakout-prone, and how Charlotte Skin & Laser helps patients build long-term plans with skincare, medical skin exams, lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, fillers, and other collagen-stimulating treatments.

Mentioned in this episode:

• EltaMD Moisture Seal
• 20. The Truth About Estrogen Therapy | What the FDA’s New Decision Means for Women’s Health

Keep learning:

• 15. The Anti-Aging Essentials | 3 Essentials Every Skincare Routine Needs
• 36. Lasers Explained | Redness, Spots, Scars & Skin Renewal

3 Skin Changes to Watch Before and During Perimenopause:

• Collagen slows down earlier than most women expect. In the 30s, fibroblasts begin making less collagen, elastin, and supportive matrix, even when the skin still looks fairly healthy on the surface. Over time, that shift shows up as fine lines, thinner skin, dullness, dryness, and less bounce.
• Estrogen affects skin, volume, hair, and healing. As estrogen declines, skin can feel drier, wounds may take longer to heal, and facial volume can change more quickly. Many women also notice jowling, neck changes, thinning hair, unwanted facial hair, or hormonal acne during this transition.
• A smart plan protects skin now and keeps it stronger for later. Daily sunscreen, antioxidants, retinol, gentle cleansing, better moisturizers, peptides, and collagen-stimulating treatments all have a place. Lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, and biostimulatory fillers can help support structure, texture, tone, and long-term skin health.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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

Adult acne can feel especially frustrating because it often looks and behaves differently than the acne many people remember from their teenage years. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan explains why adult acne often shows up as painful cysts along the chin, jawline, or nose, how hormones, stress, birth control, IUDs, fertility treatments, pregnancy, and postpartum shifts can play a role, and when it may be time to move beyond over-the-counter products. She also walks through how the team at Charlotte Skin & Laser approaches treatment, from cyst injections and topical options to oral medications, follow-up care, and treatments for the red or brown marks acne can leave behind.

Products mentioned:

• EltaMD Moisture Seal

Other Queen City Skin Episodes About Acne:

• 30. All About Accutane | A Patient and Dermatology Perspective with Jane Lewis
• 31. Why Is My Face Always Red?

3 Key Takeaways for Managing Hormonal Breakouts:

• Adult acne is different from teenage acne – it presents as deep cystic lesions on the chin and jawline, often triggered by hormonal fluctuations, stress, and life changes
• Over-the-counter treatments aren't enough. Professional intervention with in-clinic procedures, topical treatments, and oral medications is often necessary
• Prevention of scarring and aggressive follow-up care are critical! Avoid picking, use proper wound care, and schedule frequent follow-ups to adjust treatment as needed

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast 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