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In this episode, I’m answering a question I get every fall: are we really in a vitamin D deficiency crisis, and does everyone need to supplement? Right now there are two camps. One says take high dose vitamin D, and the higher the better. The other says skip the pills and go touch grass. As a dermatologist, I don’t fully agree with either. I explain how your skin makes vitamin D, why shorter days and indoor life cut that off, and what low vitamin D actually means on a blood test, depending on which medical organization you follow. I walk through who’s most at risk for vitamin D deficiency, the signs I look for in my own practice, like certain types of hair loss, and why I’m getting my own levels checked at my next physical. I also share what a 25,000-person trial found about supplementing when your levels are already normal. If you do need to supplement, I break down D3 vs D2, when adding K2 makes sense, realistic daily doses, and why high dose vitamin D can tip into toxicity, especially with vitamin D now added to so many other supplements. Before you buy that bottle or go out without sunscreen, start with one question: are you actually deficient? 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   In This Episode:  00:00 – Get The Skin Real app 00:28 – Welcome to The Skin Real 01:35 – Is there really a vitamin D deficiency crisis? 03:02 – How your skin makes vitamin D (and why windows block it) 04:13 – What counts as vitamin D deficiency? 20 vs 30 ng/mL 05:40 – Who’s at risk for low vitamin D and should get tested 07:04 – Normal levels? Why supplementing may not help 08:04 – Vitamin D and your immune system 08:56 – Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss 09:49 – Vitamin D3 vs D2, and why people pair it with K2 11:10 – How much vitamin D per day? The danger of high doses 12:55 – The hidden vitamin D in your other supplements 13:23 – Should you skip sunscreen for vitamin D? 14:22 – Before you buy that vitamin D supplement Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

🔗 Fall is the perfect time to check in on your skin before winter hits. Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com In this episode of The Skin Real, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina answers the viewer questions about injectables and procedures that keep landing in her inbox. She shares her own laser resurfacing recovery from May 2026, from the bleeding and tightness of the first three days to the week-long healing timeline, and explains the warning signs after a laser treatment that mean it is time to call your doctor. Dr. Mina breaks down whether masseter Botox can make jowls look worse, the one under-eye concern Botox actually helps, why microneedling will not fix broken capillaries, and what to do about Radiesse and Sculptra bumps that cannot be dissolved like hyaluronic acid filler. She also tackles a viewer stacking Sculptra, Fraxel Dual, and Softwave, explains what SkinVive really does, shares the order she follows when combining procedures, and reveals why she now focuses on the lateral face instead of the midface to avoid the overfilled look. Her biggest takeaway is to step off the hot girl hamster wheel and find one trusted provider who builds a long-term plan around your whole face.   In this episode:  0:00 — Your most asked injectable and procedure questions 1:21 — Welcome to the viewer questions series 2:06 — How long does laser resurfacing take to heal 4:52 — A real laser recovery day by day 6:29 — Warning signs after a laser treatment 8:17 — Does masseter Botox cause jowls 11:07 — How many Botox units the jaw really needs 12:09 — Can Botox help the under eyes 13:31 — The jelly roll fix that takes just 2 units 14:45 — Microneedling and broken capillaries 16:34 — Bumps after Radiesse filler 19:08 — Why HA filler dissolves and Radiesse doesn’t 19:58 — Sculptra, Fraxel Dual, and Softwave together 21:05 — Getting off the hot girl hamster wheel 21:59 — Why at-home skincare still matters 22:51 — The mirror test before the next treatment 24:07 — What SkinVive really does 25:19 — How to stack procedures safely 26:26 — Why the lateral face matters more now 27:22 — Send in your next questions 27:45 — Final thoughts   Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!   📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US 🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Are seed oils really dangerous? Do collagen supplements actually work? How much protein do you really need? In this episode of The Skin Real, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with registered dietitian Abbey Sharp to separate nutrition fact from wellness fiction. They break down glycation and what the research actually says about blood sugar and facial aging, why one major collagen meta-analysis found the benefits disappeared once industry-funded studies were removed, and why the protein obsession may be pushing out the nutrient 95% of North Americans are missing: fiber. Abbey explains which supplements are worth considering (vitamin D, omega-3s) and which are a hard pass (biotin, extra vitamin C), what the gut-skin axis can and cannot do, and why there is no single perfect diet for aging well. Plus, she shares her Hunger Crushing Combo Method and busts the seed oil myth once and for all. About Abbey Sharp: Abbey Sharp is a leading digital nutrition authority, registered dietitian, and on-camera host whose work blends science-backed wellness with accessible, modern food education. She is the creator of Abbey’s Kitchen, the bestselling and award-winning author of The Hunger Crushing Combo Method, and host of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp. She is best known for her critique of wellness trends, nutrition myths, and diet culture, with an emphasis on balance, satisfaction, and sustainability over perfection. 🔗 Fall is the perfect time to check in on your skin before winter hits. Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com In this episode:   0:00 — Sugar, collagen and seed oils: truth or lies? 0:13 — Welcome to The Skin Real 1:32 — Meet registered dietitian Abbey Sharp 2:43 — Where skincare and diet culture myths overlap 3:35 — The hidden sugar in everyday foods 4:56 — Does sugar age your skin? Glycation explained 8:00 — The Hunger Crushing Combo Method 8:54 — Do collagen supplements actually work? 12:38 — Is the protein obsession just hype? 15:22 — How much protein you really need 18:04 — Why fiber deserves protein’s PR 19:28 — The best ways to get more fiber 21:00 — Hey gorgeous: The Skin Real app 21:30 — Vitamin D, biotin and vitamin C: are you really deficient? 25:14 — The gut-skin connection explained 27:28 — Why your doctor may skip the antibiotic 29:26 — The best diet for aging well 32:19 — Blue zones and eating for your culture 33:29 — The seed oil myth busted 36:06 — When the truth gets drowned out online 36:43 — Where to find Abbey Sharp 37:24 — Final thoughts Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!   📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US 🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   About the guest:  Abbey Sharp is a leading digital nutrition authority, registered dietitian, and on-camera host whose work blends science-backed wellness with accessible, modern food education. She is the creator of Abbey’s Kitchen, the bestselling and award-winning author of The Hunger Crushing Combo Method, and host of the podcast Bite Back with Abbey Sharp. Abbey is best known for her critique of wellness trends, nutrition myths, and diet culture, with an emphasis on balance, satisfaction, and sustainability over perfection.   Follow Abbey Sharp: Website: https://www.abbeyskitchen.com Instagram: @abbeyskitchen TikTok: @abbeyskitchen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AbbeySharpRD Bite Back with Abbey Sharp Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/bite-back-with-abbey-sharp/id1772739634   About the host:  Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun! Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

🔗 Fall is the perfect time to check in on your skin before winter hits. Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com Topical estrogen cream is one of the most-asked-about treatments in dermatology right now, and in this episode of The Skin Real, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina explains exactly how to use it on the face. She covers why estrogen matters so much for skin, including the steep collagen loss of up to 30% in the first five years of menopause, and what the research says about topical estrogen improving hydration, elasticity, and skin thickness. Dr. Mina explains low-dose 0.01% estradiol cream, what off-label use on the face means, why the affordable generic version is usually enough, and why vaginal estrogen still matters for women already on systemic hormone therapy. She shares where estrogen cream fits in a nighttime skincare routine, how often to use it, how long results take, and how estriol face creams differ. She also explains why estrogen cream may backfire on sun-damaged skin, who should be cautious, including people with melasma or a history of breast cancer, how much is absorbed into the body, and non-hormonal alternatives like phytoestrogens and MEP. In this episode:  0:00 — Can estrogen cream really change your skin? 0:12 — Welcome to The Skin Real 0:55 — Quick disclaimer 1:35 — The estrogen cream question Dr. Mina gets every day 2:29 — Why estrogen matters for your skin 3:14 — Losing up to 30% of your collagen in menopause 3:40 — What the studies say about estrogen cream on the face 4:16 — Low-dose estradiol and off-label use explained 4:59 — Why you don’t need it compounded 5:28 — Already on HRT? Why vaginal estrogen still matters 6:29 — Where estrogen cream fits in a skincare routine 7:14 — Dr. Mina’s nighttime routine with estradiol cream 8:21 — The one caveat: melasma 9:04 — How long until you see results 9:49 — Why estrogen cream may backfire on sun-damaged skin 11:08 — The skincare foundation that comes first 11:56 — How to use estriol face cream 12:30 — Who should be cautious: melasma and breast cancer 13:27 — Is estrogen cream absorbed into the body? 14:07 — Can you be allergic to estrogen cream? 15:10 — Non-hormonal alternatives: phytoestrogens and MEP 16:21 — Don’t forget the basics 16:58 — How Dr. Mina talks to patients about estrogen cream 17:58 — The bottom line on estrogen cream 18:29 — Where are you in your hormonal journey?   Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US 🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

🔗 Fall is the perfect time to check in on your skin before winter hits. Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com Tanmaxxing is the latest Gen Z viral trend, and dermatologists are already seeing the results. Dr. Mary Alice Mina is joined by board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Whitney Hovenic from Reno, Nevada, co-founder of the Gen Z sunscreen brand SPOOGE. They talk about why skin cancer patients in their 20s and early 30s are now an everyday sight in clinic, and why the base tan is a myth (it gives you roughly SPF 2 to 4). They also explain how one blistering sunburn doubles your melanoma risk and why tanning beds are making a comeback near college campuses and in gyms. You'll hear what actually gets through to teens: vanity beats fear, the aim is simply not to burn, and the best sunscreen is the one you'll wear. Along the way they share their own tanning regrets and Mohs surgery stories, and cover how much SPF you really get from a typical application, string bikini tan lines, spray tans, morning sun and vitamin D, snow and altitude exposure, and why lasers can't erase sun damage on the chest, neck and legs.   In this episode:  0:00 — Why Skin Cancer Patients Are Getting Younger 1:35 — What Is Tan Maxing? Meet Dr. Whitney Hovenic 4:09 — Spring Break Sunburns and the Return of Tanning 6:21 — How to Get Through to Gen Z: Just Don't Burn 9:02 — Self-Tanners, Sunscreen Habits and Skin Cancer in Your 20s 11:09 — Dermatology as Prevention: Sunscreen Cuts Melanoma Risk in Half 12:21 — The Base Tan Myth and Why Tanning Beds Are Coffins 13:57 — Even Dermatologists Get Burned 15:46 — Why Tinted Sunscreen Changes Everything 19:20 — How Much SPF Are You Really Getting? 20:43 — Rash Guards, Thong Bikinis and the Butt Melanoma Warning 24:40 — Tan Lines as Accessories and the Spray Tan Glow Up 26:50 — Tanning Beds Are Back and Lasers Can't Undo the Damage 31:02 — Coco Chanel, Beauty Standards and Why Skin Cancer Is Rising 33:10 — When Skin Cancer Isn't Treatable 33:59 — Vitamin D, Morning Sun, Altitude and Snow 37:15 — Final Advice and SPOOGE Sunscreen   Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US 🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   About the Guest: Dr. Whitney Hovenic is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with a background in public health and a passion for advocacy. She has held leadership roles in multiple dermatology societies and proudly served as the founder and past president of the Nevada Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, where she has worked to advocate for patients and the dermatology community alike. She works frequently with the American Academy of dermatology, the American Society of dermatology, surgery, and the skin cancer foundation on advocacy and health access. As a mom to Gen Z and Gen Alpha girls—and a surgeon who regularly treats patients in their 20s and 30s with skin cancer—Dr. Hovenic has seen firsthand how tough it is to get younger generations to take sun protection seriously. That’s why she co-created Spooge: a skincare brand built to cut through the noise with smart products, a strong mission, and a sense of humor. The goal? Help young people protect their skin today so there’s less skin cancer to treat tomorrow—while also improving access to life-saving skin checks along the way.   Connect with Dr. Whitney Hovenic: Website: https://www.spooge.co Instagram: @spgskin    TikTok: @drwhitneyhovenic   About the Host: Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/

🔗 Fall is the perfect time to check in on your skin before winter hits. Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com If your skin was calm and clear all summer and is suddenly flaking, breaking out or flaring now, the cold weather probably isn't the main cause. In this episode of The Skin Real, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina explains the three real reasons skin turns on you when the seasons change, and what she tells her own patients to do before winter makes it worse. Dr. Mina explains why indoor heat may be the real problem behind a damaged skin barrier, and how to layer a humectant and a ceramide moisturizer on damp skin to hold water in. She covers why moving between humid air outside and dry air inside confuses the skin, and why a bedroom humidifier may be the most underrated fall skincare tool. She also explains when to scale back vitamin C and retinoids instead of pushing through irritation, and how the gut-skin axis, seasonal comfort food and a lack of fiber can show up on your face. She finishes with the exact changes she recommends for a fall routine, the products she's using this season, and her personal plan for her retinoid in the colder months. 🔗 Shop Elm Biosciences A30 Elemental Series and get 15% off using this link: https://elmbiosciences.com/collections/shop-all?utm_campaign=eyJtZXJjaGlkIjoiNjExNjkxOTZkZmRlZDc5MzlhNTRlNTViODU3NGUyZGUiLCJ1c2VyaWQiOiIzNTkwNCIsImJvYXJkaWQiOiIyNzgzMDgxIiwidHJhY2tpZCI6IjI3OTIzMzEiLCJpc3Nob3B1cmwiOiJ0cnVlIn0%3D&utm_source=replika&utm_medium=replika&replika_key=61169196dfded7939a54e55b8574e2de&replika_param=eyJtZXJjaGlkIjoiNjExNjkxOTZkZmRlZDc5MzlhNTRlNTViODU3NGUyZGUiLCJ1c2VyaWQiOiIzNTkwNCIsImJvYXJkaWQiOiIyNzgzMDgxIiwidHJhY2tpZCI6IjI3OTIzMzEiLCJpc3Nob3B1cmwiOiJ0cnVlIn0%3D   In this episode:  0:00 — Why your skin is flaring this fall 0:17 — Welcome to The Skin Real 2:48 — The 3 reasons skin acts up when seasons change 3:02 — Reason 1: Indoor heat is the real villain 4:12 — How to layer a humectant and moisturizer 5:13 — Reason 2: Humidity swings and the humidifier fix 7:05 — When to scale back vitamin C and retinoids 8:44 — Reason 3: The gut-skin axis 11:29 — Does drinking water hydrate your skin? 12:03 — Fall routine step 1: Switch your cleanser 12:52 — Adjusting your antioxidant and retinoid 13:53 — Why you still need sunscreen in fall 15:00 — Fall products Dr. Mina is loving 16:44 — Dr. Mina's personal retinoid plan for winter 17:25 — Final thoughts Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US 🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun! Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Treatment stacking is all over social media, but dermatologists have been combining aesthetic treatments in a single visit for decades. In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with her friend and fellow Mohs surgeon Dr. Sarah Arron of Premier Aesthetic Dermatology in San Carlos, California, to break down what stacking really means and how it works in practice. Dr. Arron explains how she plans a stack around three domains: structure, texture, and color. She covers why the order of treatments matters, from IPL before a non-ablative laser to building volume with filler before adding a biostimulator. She also explains why heat and superficial skin boosters don't mix, and why an ablative CO2 laser should stand alone. Dr. Arron also shares her acne stack for scarring, and how she helps first-time patients start slowly without feeling overwhelmed.  🔗 Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com In this episode: 0:00 — Why Treatment Stacking Is Everywhere Right Now 2:05 — Is Treatment Stacking Actually New? 3:30 — What Stacking Means for Patients in One Visit 5:00 — Structure, Texture, and Color: The Three Skin Domains 7:00 — When You Should Not Stack Treatments 9:15 — The Injectable Stack: Fat Stimulator, Biostimulator, and Skin Booster 12:30 — Swelling, Bruising, and Managing Downtime 14:45 — The Art of Medicine: Why Protocols Online Fall Short 16:30 — Does the Order of Treatments Matter? 20:30 — Lasers, Sculptra, and Skin Boosters: What Goes First 24:20 — How Much Is Too Much? Korea, CO2 Laser, and Your Skin Barrier 26:20 — Why Skin Tone Changes Your Stack 27:35 — Combining Toxin With Swelling and Sculptra 31:35 — The Acne Stack for Every Type of Scar 33:55 — Starting Slow If You Are New to Aesthetics 35:15 — Where to Find Dr. Arron  Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US 🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   About the guest:  Dr. Sarah Arron brings over fifteen years of experience in dermatologic surgery and aesthetic dermatology to her practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is board certified in dermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery, and clinical informatics. She did her dermatology residency and procedural dermatology fellowship at UCSF, and stayed on for twelve years on the faculty. During that time she ran a translational skin cancer research laboratory and served as the Associate Director of the UCSF Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Center, and Chief of Mohs Micrographic Surgery at the San Francisco VA. As a leading expert in skin health and clinical research, Dr. Arron has authored numerous articles in the medical literature and has spoken at national and international conferences. She works closely with the pharmaceutical industry to bring new innovations to clinical practice. Dr. Arron is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery. She has served on the Board of Directors of the ACMS and as President of the International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative. She currently practices at Premier Aesthetic Dermatology in San Carlos, California and offers Mohs micrographic surgery through the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group.    Connect with Dr. Sarah Arron: Website: https://premier-dermatology.com/  Instagram: @saraharronmdphd  Facebook: @saraharronmdphd About the host:  Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun! Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down her full haircare routine, and why it's taken real consistency to get her hair looking this healthy at 46. She gets honest about a scary moment about a year and a half ago when her forehead started looking bigger and her scalp began showing through at the crown, and how frustrating it is when people dismiss thick-haired women who say their hair is thinning. From there she walks through her actual washing schedule, her two-shampoo method for keeping her scalp healthy, the right way to apply conditioner, her rules around heat and drying, and the claw clip trick she swears by to protect her strands. She also gets into her own experience going from topical Rogaine to oral low-dose minoxidil, hair serums, red light therapy, supplements, nutrition, and how coloring and cutting decisions can make or break hair health. She wraps up with her honest take on embracing gray hair and a reminder that hair is allowed to change at every stage of life. In this episode:  0:00 — Why Everyone Is Complimenting My Hair Lately 0:31 — Welcome To The Skin Real 1:00 — Deep Dive Into Hair Health And My Hair Strategy 1:34 — Noticing My Hairline Change At 46 2:10 — When Thick Hair Is Thinning But No One Believes You 2:52 — Why You Should Never Suffer In Silence With Hair Loss 3:38 — My Hair Washing Schedule Breakdown 5:40 — When You Actually Need To Wash Your Hair More Often 8:05 — Debunking The Myth That Washing Causes Hair Loss 9:25 — My Double Shampoo Method For Scalp Health 11:45 — How I Apply Conditioner The Right Way 13:35 — Drying, Detangling And Heat Protectant Rules 15:05 — Styling Wet Hair And Air Drying Truths 16:20 — My Dyson Airwrap And Claw Clip Hack 18:10 — What I Do With My Hair At Night 19:30 — Topical Rogaine Versus Oral Low Dose Minoxidil 21:00 — Hair Serums And Red Light Therapy 22:35 — Supplements, Protein And GLP1 Medications 25:00 — Coloring, Cutting And Choosing The Right Style 27:10 — Embracing Gray Hair And Final Thoughts Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!   📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin 🔗 Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

🔗 Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Erin Sheffield to explore a part of facial aging most people never think about: the mouth. They dig into why tooth loss drives bone loss in the jaw, why flossing (done correctly) is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost things anyone can do for their whole-body health, and why teeth keep shifting throughout life even without braces history. The conversation also covers grinding and mouth guards, the risks behind the veneer and crown boom, why a slightly imperfect natural smile beats an artificially uniform one, safe teeth-whitening practices, and how perimenopause, dry mouth, and osteoporosis medications can quietly affect oral health. Dr. Sheffield also busts viral myths around wisdom teeth, cavitations, and jaw-growth looksmaxing trends, and explains what orthognathic surgery actually involves. She closes with her top two low-effort, high-yield habits for protecting oral health through midlife. In this episode:  00:00 — Intro 02:05 — Topic introduction: facial aging and bone structure 02:50 — Dr. Sheffield introduces her background and work 05:15 — Doctors navigating social media and content creation 08:15 — How tooth loss drives jawbone and facial structure loss 11:15 — Flossing: why it matters and the correct technique 15:20 — Teeth shifting with age, Invisalign, retainers, and the wisdom teeth myth 19:30 — Teeth grinding, mouth guards, and Botox for masseters 22:30 — Cosmetic dentistry trends: veneers versus crowns 26:30 — Natural smiles versus the uniform whitening trend 30:30 — Is teeth whitening safe 33:00 — Perimenopause, dry mouth, and osteoporosis medication risks (MRONJ) 37:00 — Busting wisdom teeth myths 39:00 — Jaw looksmaxing, mewing, and orthognathic surgery 41:30 — Final tips: flossing and fluoride toothpaste 42:20 — Where to find Dr. Sheffield 42:45 — Closing thoughts Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   About The Guest:  Dr. Erin Sheffield is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, speaker, educator, entrepreneur, and content creator who has built a career around doing things a little differently. After more than a decade practicing oral surgery, Erin has built a platform that combines clinical education, humor, and a willingness to say the things people in medicine and dentistry are often thinking but don’t say out loud. Her content has reached millions, connecting with both patients and healthcare professionals through myth-busting, education, and candid conversations about life in medicine. Her own career hasn’t followed a perfectly straight path. Losing her first job shortly after returning from maternity leave forced her to rethink achievement, identity, and what a meaningful career could look like. Today, she is the founder of The Doctor Is All In, a retreat and community helping women physicians and dentists stop disappearing inside achievement and come home to themselves. Erin is also a wife, mom of three, and self-described recovering overachiever. Connect with Dr. Erin Sheffield: Website: https://www.doctorisallin.com  The Resting Stitch Face Podcast Instagram: @drerinsheffield About The Host:  Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina answers the internet's most asked questions about testosterone, topical estrogen, and perimenopause. Pulled straight from the comments section, she covers who can actually prescribe testosterone, whether estradiol and estriol can be used together on the face, what swollen eyelids might really mean, what lab work matters before starting testosterone therapy, how topical estrogen interacts with birth control pills, the correct way to apply topical estrogen, whether birth control suppresses testosterone, and whether estrogen levels need to be monitored while using topical treatments. She closes with a detailed answer on facial estradiol, hair thinning, and dry skin, and the collagen and elastin benefits the research does show. Want more support navigating your hormones? Join my 5-Day Perimenopause Challenge: https://hi.theskinreal.com/5-day-perimenopause-challenge In this episode:  0:00 Intro and Disclaimer 3:17 Perimenopause and Hormone Confusion Explained 4:21 Can Any Endocrinologist Prescribe Testosterone? 5:59 Using Estradiol and Estriol on Your Face 7:33 Swollen Eyelids: Eczema or Low Testosterone? 8:51 Lab Work You Need Before Starting Testosterone 10:16 5-Day Perimenopause Challenge 11:03 Topical Estrogen and Birth Control Pills 12:37 How to Properly Apply Topical Estrogen 14:59 Do Birth Control Pills Block Testosterone? 16:37 Do You Need to Monitor Estrogen Levels on Topical Treatment? 18:28 Facial Estradiol for Hair Loss and Dry Skin 19:54 Final Thoughts  Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 🔗 Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com   📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

🔗 Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com Filler has had its moment, and for years the look was to go bigger: fuller lips, bigger cheeks, an almost caricature version of the face. Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down why the pendulum is swinging back toward natural results and what that means for anyone rethinking their filler. She walks through what hyaluronic acid filler actually is, how it compares to older options like silicone and collagen, and the three main reasons patients ask to have their filler dissolved, including the rare but serious vascular emergencies that make this a medical procedure, not just a cosmetic one. She also tackles the popular claim that filler migrates to other parts of the body and explains what MRI imaging actually shows. From how hyaluronidase works to dissolve HA filler, to what recovery looks like, to why less is more when it comes to injectables, this episode is a clear-eyed guide for anyone with filler regret or anyone simply trying to separate fact from social media fear. In this episode:  0:00 – Filler Doesn't Migrate 0:18 – Welcome to The Skin Real 1:26 – Today's Topic: The Filler Pendulum Swing 3:25 – Other Types of Filler: Silicone, Collagen, and Fat 4:43 – Three Reasons People Dissolve Their Filler 5:53 – The Vascular Emergency Risk 6:54 – Debunking Filler Migration 9:37 – How Hyaluronidase Dissolves Filler 12:49 – Recovery After Dissolving Filler 14:53 – Less Is More: Setting Realistic Expectations 15:25 – GLPs, Weight Loss, and Facial Volume Loss 17:02 – Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!   📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun! Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Head lice might be one of the most stomach-turning phrases a parent can hear, but Dr. Mary Alice Mina wants everyone to take a breath before reaching for the clippers. In this episode of The Skin Real, she breaks down what head lice actually are, why they have nothing to do with hygiene, and how they really spread through close head-to-head contact rather than jumping from scalp to scalp. She walks through exactly how to check for lice and nits at home, the step-by-step protocol for using permethrin and pyrethrin shampoos correctly, including the treatment mistake most people make, what to do when over-the-counter options do not work, and how to properly clean bedding, brushes, and stuffed animals so lice do not come back. By the end, parents have a clear, judgment-free game plan for spotting, treating, and preventing head lice for good.   In this episode:  0:00 – Don't Panic: What To Do If You Find Lice 0:29 – Welcome to The Skin Real 1:12 – Quick Disclaimer 1:39 – Today's Topic: Head Lice 2:32 – A Very Relatable Lice Story 3:15 – What Exactly Are Head Lice? 3:55 – Lice vs. Nits vs. Dandruff: How To Tell The Difference 4:46 – Do Lice Carry Diseases? 5:22 – How Lice Actually Spread (It's Not About Hygiene) 6:10 – Who Gets Head Lice Most Often 6:52 – How To Check For Lice At Home 8:27 – First-Line Treatment: OTC Shampoos 9:03 – Permethrin 1% Shampoo Protocol 10:45 – Pyrethrin + Piperonyl Butoxide Protocol 11:43 – When First-Line Treatment Fails 12:16 – Manual Nit Removal Method 12:50 – Cleaning Your House, Bedding & Toys 14:22 – Do You Need To Treat Everyone In The House? 14:40 – How To Prevent Lice From Spreading 15:02 – When To Call Your Dermatologist 15:26 – You're Not Dirty: The Truth About Lice 16:43 – Final Thoughts  Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin 🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with dermatologist and Skinfluence Podcast host Dr. Dustin Portela to break down the skincare trends flooding social media right now. From DIY sunscreen and beef tallow moisturizer to at-home chemical peels and tanmaxxing, they separate real dermatology from viral misinformation. The conversation covers red flags to watch for in skincare influencers, the science behind sunscreen safety, why skin cycling can work when done right, age-appropriate routines for kids and teens, and what medical grade skincare actually means. It is a practical, no-nonsense guide to protecting your skin from bad advice. In this episode:  0:00 Intro 1:15 Meet Dr. Dustin Portela 3:00 How to spot fake skincare advice online 6:15 The truth about DIY sunscreen 9:30 Beef tallow moisturizer breakdown 13:00 At-home chemical peels and TCA risks 16:45 Tan maxing and the return of tanning culture 21:00 Melanotan and the anti-sunscreen movement 25:30 Sunscreen myths and the seatbelt analogy 28:45 Skin cycling explained 31:15 Skincare for kids and teens 34:00 Real skin vs filtered skin 35:15 What medical grade skincare actually means 36:45 Top three tips for cutting through the noise 37:45 Where to find Dr. Portela Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin 🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app   About the guest:  Dr. Dustin Portela, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boise, Idaho. An Idaho native, he earned his Honors Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Idaho State University and completed his medical degree at Des Moines University, graduating with recognition for Excellence in Physiology. Following medical school, Dr. Portela undertook his internship through Michigan State University at Oakwood Southshore Hospital and completed his dermatology residency at Beaumont Trenton Hospital, where he received the Excellence in Dermatologic Surgery Award. Dr. Portela's professional interests encompass holistic health, skin cancer prevention, complex medical dermatology, and wound healing. Connect with Dr. Dustin Portela: Websites: https://drdustinportela.com/  (Dēne skincare): https://shop.drdustinportela.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooiH1GWOmjtZlhi7SHBcSvlaEWwXIWclmQH5ajSwr_EcWt60Y3e  Instagram: @drdustinportela  FB: @drdustinportela  TikTok: drdustinportela Podcast: Skinfluence   About the host:  Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer on the planet, yet most people have never heard of it until they're sitting in a dermatologist's chair hearing the word cancer for the first time. In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina walks through what these lesions actually look like, and it's rarely what people expect. Sometimes it's a pink, shiny bump that bleeds without warning. Other times it hides as a stubborn scar-like patch or a dry spot that gets mistaken for eczema for months. She covers how a diagnosis actually comes together, from the dermatoscope exam to the different biopsy methods used to confirm what's going on before any treatment begins. From there, the conversation moves into the full range of treatment options, Mohs surgery, topical chemo creams, scraping and burning, laser, radiation, and oral medications, and how a lesion's location, size, and subtype decide which path makes sense. The episode wraps with what happens after treatment: the real odds of getting another basal cell down the road, and the everyday habits, from sunscreen to a supplement called nicotinamide, that can lower that risk. In this episode:  00:00 – The most common cancer nobody knows about 00:27 – Welcome to The Skin Real 01:11 – Disclaimer 01:41 – What is basal cell carcinoma 02:57 – What this episode covers 04:02 – Not every basal cell needs surgery 04:19 – What basal cell carcinoma looks like 05:07 – The subtype that mimics eczema 05:30 – When to get a spot checked 06:22 – How you get basal cell carcinoma 07:19 – Warning signs and the dermatoscope exam 08:10 – Why a biopsy is always necessary 08:47 – The three types of biopsies explained 12:03 – The dangerous myth: it won't kill me 14:29 – Do you need imaging or scans 15:33 – How location, size, and subtype drive treatment 15:49 – Mohs surgery explained 17:38 – Topical chemo creams 19:16 – Scrape and burn (EDNC) 20:51 – Laser treatment 22:16 – Why radiation is rarely used 23:19 – Oral and systemic medications 26:27 – Your risk of getting another one 27:30 – Daily sun protection 28:01 – Other prevention options and nicotinamide 30:03 – Final thoughts: get it checked Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! 📱Download The Skin Real app! Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US   🔔 Follow for weekly evidence-based skin advice from a dermatologist you can actually trust. 📩 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin 🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app   Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun! Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Exosomes are one of the most talked about ingredients in skincare right now, but most people buying them have no idea what they are actually paying for. In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with Alisa Lask, CEO of Rion Aesthetics and lead of Plated Skin Science, to break down what exosomes really are, why the source they come from matters more than the word on the label, and how platelet-derived exosomes differ from plant and stem cell versions. They cover how exosomes penetrate the skin, whether microneedling helps or hurts them, realistic timelines for seeing results, safety around using donor-derived platelets, and where the research on hair loss and cellular aging currently stands. The conversation also digs into red flags to watch for when shopping this category, and why FDA approval status matters when evaluating any exosome product. In this episode:  00:00 — Intro  00:47 — Why Exosomes Are Everywhere (and Pricey) 01:43 — Meet Alisa Lask, CEO of Plated Skin Science 02:20 — What Exosomes Actually Are 03:23 — Why the Source of Your Exosome Matters 04:00 — Exosomes vs PRP: What's the Difference 06:04 — Why Skin Doesn't Need an Injury to Heal 07:03 — Can Exosomes Actually Penetrate the Skin 08:15 — Plant vs Stem Cell vs Platelet Exosomes 09:40 — How to Spot a Fake Exosome Product 11:03 — Should You Microneedle Exosomes In 13:17 — How Long Until You See Real Results 16:33 — Is It Safe to Use Donor Platelets on Your Face 18:11 — The Future of Exosomes Beyond Skincare 19:18 — Can Exosomes Reverse Skin Aging 21:05 — Exosomes for Hair Loss and Thinning 24:40 — Are Injectable Exosomes FDA Approved Yet 25:32 — Who Should Avoid Exosome Products 27:05 — How to Apply Plated the Right Way 28:46 — What's Next for Plated 30:08 — Why Dr Mina Actually Uses This Product 31:20 — Where to Learn More About Plated Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out! About the guest:  Alisa Lask, the dynamic CEO of Rion Aesthetics, is at the forefront of revolutionizing the regenerative aesthetic market through the introduction of platelet-derived exosomes. Under her visionary leadership, Rion Aesthetics is pioneering investigational studies in areas such as hair restoration and facial wrinkles, while also boasting a successful and commercially available medical-grade skincare line, (plated)TM Skin Science, distributed through trusted aesthetic providers. With a rich professional background, Alisa has served in esteemed senior leadership roles at industry giants like Allergan, Zimmer-Biomet, and Eli Lilly. She brings to the table a wealth of experience and expertise, holding a Master of Business Administration from the prestigious University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business, coupled with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University, Oxford, OH. Beyond her role at Rion Aesthetics, Alisa is an influential figure in the business world, serving on the Board of Directors at CollPlant (Nasdaq: CLGN), a regenerative aesthetics and medicine company. An accomplished equestrian in show jumping on a national level, Alisa is not only dedicated to pushing the boundaries of regenerative aesthetics but is also actively involved in various organizations focused on dog rescue. Her passion for both business and philanthropy reflects a multifaceted leader with a commitment to innovation, excellence, and making a positive impact in diverse spheres. Connect with Alisa Lask: Website: https://www.rionaesthetics.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisa.lask_rion/ ( plated )™ Skin Science Skincare: https://platedskinscience.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platedskinscience   About the host:  Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!   Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/ Book your Meet and Greet here Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.