Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode: The Importance of Strategic Skin Exfoliation With Dr. Mina Amin
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Guest: Dr. Mina Amin, Board-Certified Dermatologist

1. Introduction to Dr. Mina Amin

In this special episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan welcome Dr. Mina Amin, a renowned board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. With an impressive academic background from UCLA and the University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Dr. Amin brings a wealth of knowledge in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Mina Amin [01:36]: "I love your podcast and I love both of you. I feel like your conversations are always so great and so helpful to listen to, and I love everyone you interview. So I'm just so honored to be here."

2. Skincare Routine and Favorite Products

Dr. Amin shares her personal skincare regimen, emphasizing the efficacy of Clinique products, the episode’s sponsor. She highlights the Clinique Moisture Glow Serum for its hydrating properties, featuring 5% lactic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which make it ideal for sensitive skin and a perfect base for makeup.

Dr. Mina Amin [02:22]: "Clinique has this new product, it's the Moisture Glow Serum and it is incredible... It has 5% lactic acid in it, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. So it's super hydrating to your skin and leaves your skin really glowy."

Both hosts express their love for the serum, noting its ability to enhance skin radiance and hydration without causing irritation.

Sarah [03:24]: "I use it daily. I think it's a really gorgeous formula... It hits all the points that you need where you're like, I'm super dry. I need hydration. Need a little bit of exfoliation, but nothing too harsh."

3. Importance of Exfoliation

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the critical role of strategic skin exfoliation. Dr. Amin warns against the common mistake of over-exfoliating by using multiple exfoliants simultaneously, which can compromise the skin barrier.

Dr. Mina Amin [06:59]: "So the thing I'm seeing the most is an impaired skin barrier. And everyone's using all their exfoliants all on the same night, like all of them together. And that's just like destroying your skin barrier, drying out your skin."

The hosts agree with the mantra "less is more," advocating for simpler skincare routines to maintain healthy skin barrier function.

Kirbie [07:44]: "That's our 2025 skincare mantra. Less is more, guys."

4. Addressing Listener Questions

The episode features an engaging Q&A segment where Dr. Amin addresses various skincare concerns submitted by listeners.

a. Consistency in Skincare Routines

Courtney Listrand asks about the importance of maintaining a consistent skincare routine versus mixing products with the same end purpose.

Dr. Mina Amin [08:04]: "I think it's better to be consistent and then even just use a product up before you're like, oh, you know what? I think I'm just going to switch something else. Because it's so hard to know what's helpful or not if you're using different stuff on different nights."

The consensus is to find and stick with products that work best for individual skin types before introducing new ones.

b. Evaluating Skincare Products

Gina inquires about how to discern effective skincare products amid numerous claims.

Dr. Mina Amin [19:04]: "So I always look for dermatologists tested. I look at how they test their products. Are they using clinical studies?... I would just look for those."

Sara adds the importance of scientific backing over influencer endorsements.

Dr. Mina Amin [20:19]: "...I think you have to try it before you know if it'll make you break out. But I don't see a lot of breakouts with it."

5. Hair Care Insights with Nutrafol

The conversation shifts to hair health, specifically discussing Nutrafol, a popular hair growth supplement. Dr. Amin explains its mechanisms, including the blocking of DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss) through natural ingredients like saw palmetto, resveratrol, and curcumin.

Dr. Mina Amin [10:20]: "So it's [Nutrafol] a bio stimulator, so it kind of... it's injected into your skin and it stimulates your collagen."

She also addresses concerns about high biotin content in Nutrafol, noting that while excess B vitamins are typically excreted, some individuals may experience acne breakouts.

Dr. Mina Amin [11:49]: "So I feel like you kind of have to try it before you know if it'll make you break out. But I don't see a lot of breakouts with it."

6. Laser Treatments and Sculptra

Dr. Amin delves into advanced cosmetic treatments such as laser therapies and Sculptra injections. She explains that while lasers like CO2 and Fraxel can effectively address issues like dark circles and hyperpigmentation, they require professional administration to avoid complications, especially in diverse skin tones.

Dr. Mina Amin [27:53]: "I think that fillers work great. And I think the studies just show it's been, like, lasts longer than we thought, but it's still hyaluronic acid, so it's not something super foreign to your skin."

Sculptra is highlighted as an injectable that stimulates collagen production without the overfilled appearance often associated with traditional fillers.

Dr. Mina Amin [28:31]: "It's a bio stimulator, so it kind of... it stimulates your collagen... It helps tighten your skin."

7. Dealing with Dark Circles

Melody Kelly's question about treating dark circles leads to an exploration of their various causes—vascular issues, puffiness, hollowness—and corresponding treatments. Dr. Amin recommends ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C, and peptides in eye creams, alongside potential laser treatments tailored to the underlying cause.

Dr. Mina Amin [26:23]: "So if someone was lighter skin, they could do a CO2... Fraxel laser is really good too for anti aging and for pigment."

8. Influencers and Misinformation in Skincare

The hosts and Dr. Amin discuss the impact of skincare influencers and the spread of misinformation. Dr. Amin emphasizes the importance of evidence-based recommendations and cautions against following trends without scientific backing.

Dr. Mina Amin [20:19]: "...there's only one study that showed that the rosemary oil was helpful compared to minoxidil. But I also see a lot of allergies with rosemary oil on the scalp."

She reinforces her commitment to providing reliable information to maintain trust with her community.

Dr. Mina Amin [20:19]: "I don't ever want to promote something that doesn't work. So that's like my whole thing."

9. Common Skincare Mistakes

Pedro Spoli's question about the biggest skincare mistakes reveals that overcomplicating skincare routines with excessive actives can harm the skin barrier. Additionally, the recent trend of using beef tallow as a moisturizer is criticized for being comedogenic and animal-based.

Dr. Mina Amin [23:54]: "Using a bunch of different actives all at once, ruining their skin barrier... Another is kind of the recent obsession with beef tallow."

10. Closing Remarks and Product Promotion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Dr. Amin reiterate their endorsement of the Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum, sharing impressive statistics about its effectiveness in improving skin radiance, hydration, and texture. They also provide Dr. Amin's contact information for listeners interested in her dermatology services.

Sarah [37:04]: "People instantly, 100% of them had a boost in skin radiance, 97% had an improvement in skin hydration, and 94% demonstrated smoother feeling, healing skin."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Mina Amin [02:22]: "Clinique has this new product, it's the Moisture Glow Serum and it is incredible... It has 5% lactic acid in it, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid."

• Dr. Mina Amin [06:59]: "So the thing I'm seeing the most is an impaired skin barrier... destroying your skin barrier, drying out your skin."

• Dr. Mina Amin [19:04]: "So I always look for dermatologists tested. I look at how they test their products..."

• Dr. Mina Amin [20:19]: "I don't ever want to promote something that doesn't work. So that's like my whole thing."

• Sarah [37:04]: "People instantly, 100% of them had a boost in skin radiance, 97% had an improvement in skin hydration..."

Find Dr. Mina Amin Online:
Instagram: @DrMinaMD
Practice Location: Brentwood, Los Angeles

Product Mentioned:
Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum. Available now through the link in the show notes.

This detailed summary captures the essence of the conversation between Kirbie, Sara, and Dr. Mina Amin, providing listeners with valuable insights into strategic skin exfoliation, effective skincare routines, and advanced cosmetic treatments.