Skinfluence with Dr. Dustin Portela

Body acne might be common, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee tackle everything you need to know about breakouts beyond the face—from backne and chestne to the lesser-discussed “buttne.” They break down why body acne happens, how it differs from facial acne, and the unique challenges of treating it on thicker skin.

You’ll learn the real trig...

From fine lines to freckles to full resurfacing, lasers can do a lot—but not all lasers are created equal. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the most common types of lasers used in dermatology and aesthetics. They explain how lasers actually work, which concerns they’re best suited to treat, and what you need to know about prep, downtime, and results.

They also talk about the...

In this guest episode of Skinfluence, Dr. Dustin Portela sits down with renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov for an open and personal conversation about hair loss, self-image, and the evolving landscape of hair restoration.

Dr. Linkov shares his powerful journey with alopecia areata—including how losing his own hair changed the way he connects with patients—and why embracing baldness or seeking ...

Retinoids are one of the most powerful tools in skincare—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down everything you need to know: the science behind how retinoids work, the real difference between retinol and tretinoin, how to build tolerance, and why consistent use matters more than strength.

They also dive into side effects (like drynes...

Whether you’re rocking a lumberjack beard, keeping things trimmed and tidy, or struggling to grow more than stubble, this episode has you covered. Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee dive into all things beard care—from how to clean the skin underneath to preventing common problems like ingrown hairs, irritation, and beard dandruff.

They explain conditions like ...

Not all rashes are created equal. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the most common types of rashes, from allergic contact dermatitis to eczema, psoriasis, and the mysterious world of hives. They explain why “just switching your detergent” rarely solves the problem, when a rash might be more than skin deep, and how stress plays a surprising role in flare-ups.

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Dustin Portela welcomes his very first guest to Skinfluence: functional biomimetic dentist Dr. Craig Clayton. Together, they dive into the surprising links between your oral health and your whole-body health—unpacking how inflammation, cavities, mouth breathing, and even tongue posture affect everything from acne and gut health...

Ready for smoother, brighter skin? Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee dive deep into the world of chemical peels in this episode of Skinfluence. They break down how peels work, who’s a good candidate, and the difference between in-office treatments and at-home exfoliation. From glycolic and salicylic acids to powerhouse TCA and even intense phenol peels, they ...

In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down everything you think you know about sunscreen—and then go deeper. From SPF ratings and reapplication rules to chemical vs. mineral formulas, they unpack the science behind how sunscreen actually works, what your SPF number really means, and why daily use is crucial (yes, even indoors). You'll learn about ingredients to look for, myths to ignore, and what ...

Dr. Portela drops in with a special update: he’s officially taken over one of his favorite men’s skincare brands—MANTL. In this mini-episode, he shares why their Invisible Daily SPF 30 has been his top pick for years (no white cast, no greasy finish, and facial-hair friendly), and how the new bundle lineup makes quality skincare easier and more affordable t...

Thinking about getting a tattoo—or already have one? This episode dives into the dermatology behind the ink. Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down what happens to your skin during tattooing, how placement affects longevity, and why some tattoos age better than others. They share best practices for healing, how to avoid allergic reactions and infections, and the truth about sun exposure, red ink, and yes—tatto...

Microneedling may sound intense, but it's one of the most effective (and versatile) treatments in the cosmetic world—and in this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee go deep. They break down how microneedling works, what it’s used for (from acne scars to fine lines), and how to do it safely. Whether you're considering in-office treatments or eyeing a home device, you'll learn the difference between derma rolle...

Hair loss can be frustrating, emotional, and deeply personal—but there are more treatment options (and hopeful stories) than you might think. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee unpack the causes of hair loss for both men and women, from genetics and hormones to stress and lifestyle. They break down popular treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, oral medications, PRP, red light therapy, and even hair...

Washing your face might seem basic, but doing it right can make a big difference in your skin. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down everything you need to know about cleansing—from choosing the right product for your skin type to understanding when (and if) you should double cleanse. They cover techniques, common myths (like whether hot water opens pores), and tips on how towels, pillowcases...

Is Accutane the ultimate acne cure—or just a last resort? In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee take a comprehensive look at isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane): how it works, who it’s for, what to expect, and how to manage the journey. They unpack dosage strategies, success rates, side effects (from dry lips to rare complications), and clear up common myths—especially around mental health and rel...

Itchy, red, and suddenly reacting to products you’ve used for years? You might be dealing with a skin allergy. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down what causes allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, why your skin sometimes turns against you, and how to tell the difference between an allergy and an irritation. They cover the most common culprits—from Neosporin and fragrance to nickel and h...

Cold sores can be painful, stressful, and—let’s be honest—embarrassing. But they’re also incredibly common. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down everything you need to know about cold sores: what causes them, why they come back, and how you can prevent outbreaks. They dive into over-the-counter and prescription treatments, debunk common myths, and even share how historical dermatologists documented cold ...

Whether you're curious, cautious, or ready to book your next appointment, this episode is your one-stop guide to Botox. Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down how Botox works, what areas it treats best, and how to avoid the dreaded “frozen face” look. They share tips on pricing, preparation, and post-care, plus dive into common myths and the differences between neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. And if you're...

From stubborn blackheads to painful cystic pimples, acne can be a confidence killer—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Dr. Dustin Portela and PA Austin Lee break down the science behind breakouts, the types of acne they see most often, and the best ways to treat them—topical routines, prescription options, in-office treatments, and lifestyle changes. They also get real about their own embarrassing pimple moments and share ...