In this kickoff episode of The Skin Deep Diaries, host Avani Pandey sits down with Dr. John Harris — one of the world’s leading experts on vitiligo — to uncover what’s really happening beneath the skin. From breaking down the science (without the jargon) to busting myths about what causes vitiligo, this conversation gets real about genetics, triggers, and what it’s like to live with the condition.

Dr. Harris, the founding director of the Vitiligo Clinic and Research Center at UMass Chan Medical School, shares insights from his clinic and lab, helping teens and families understand that vitiligo isn’t something to fear — it’s something to understand.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with vitiligo, or just curious about how our skin works, this episode will change the way you see pigment, identity, and self-acceptance.

Because our skin tells a story — and it’s one worth sharing.