Podcast Summary: Stronger with Don Saladino

Episode: Botox, Longevity, and Healthy Skin: Dr. Gary Goldenberg Breaks It All Down

Date: November 25, 2025
Guest: Dr. Gary Goldenberg (Dermatologist, NYC)

Overview

In this information-packed episode, fitness coach Don Saladino welcomes his longtime friend and dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldenberg, to demystify skincare, Botox, skin longevity, and hair loss. Drawing on years of practical experience and genuine rapport, Don and Dr. Goldenberg discuss everything from simple, science-backed routines to cutting-edge cosmetic treatments. The conversation aims to empower listeners with straightforward advice for building "strength" in skin health, confidence, and daily habits.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Don–Dr. Goldenberg Relationship (03:00 – 06:20)

• The two share their personal history, starting as podcast collaborators and evolving into a doctor–client and coach–trainee dynamic.
• Mutual appreciation for simplicity and practical approaches in both fitness and skincare.

Notable Quote:
"You became my dermatologist and I became your coach." – Don (05:13)

2. Skincare Simplified: The Foundation of Healthy Skin (06:20 – 14:57)

• Skincare Doesn't Have to Be Complicated:

  • Dr. Goldenberg emphasizes that most people overcomplicate skin routines, often using 20 products with no real understanding.
  • Big message: Focus on effectiveness and simplicity.

• The Four Essentials for Daily Skincare (13:00 – 14:07):

  1. Cleanser: Wash your face morning and night.
  2. Sunscreen: SPF 30+ every morning.
  3. Retinol: Use at night to aid skin turnover.
  4. Moisturizer: Lock in moisture after retinol.
  • Optional: Add toner/astringent if needed for oily skin.

Notable Quotes:
"Skincare does not need to be complicated. Simple and basic gets you there probably 99%." – Dr. Goldenberg (06:55)
"The only wrong way is doing nothing." – Dr. Goldenberg (08:37)

• Hydration’s Critical Role:
  • Hydration is a true non-negotiable.
  • Dehydration is detrimental to skin (and overall) health.

Notable Quotes:
"If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. You should never feel thirsty." – Dr. Goldenberg (16:00)

3. The Gender Gap in Skincare and Cosmetic Treatments (09:19 – 12:48)

• Increasing Equivalence:
  • Women typically use more products, but men are catching up as simplicity is linked to compliance.
• Trends in Cosmetic Procedures:
  • Gender lines are blurring: Women want chiseled jawlines (once a “male” trait), and men want higher cheekbones.
  • More women seeking treatment for hair loss, often related to hormones, nutrition, or rapid weight loss (GLP1s, see 11:18).

Notable Quote:
"Every celebrity now is a skincare expert... but skincare does not need to be complicated." – Dr. Goldenberg (06:35; 06:55)

4. Skin Nutrition & Anti-inflammatory Diet (16:44 – 19:11)

• Key elements: No refined sugar or white flour, focus on whole foods, high-quality proteins, a colorful plate, avoid processed products.
• Obesity, inflammation, and certain skin conditions (like psoriasis) are closely linked.

Notable Quote:
"Nutrition is key for skin health, just like it's key to your general health. You are what you eat." – Dr. Goldenberg (17:46)

5. Botox and Advanced Skin Treatments: Prevention, Not Just Vanity (21:03 – 26:20)

• Botox as Preservation:
  • Not just cosmetic—earlier, light use preserves natural expression and prevents deep lines.
  • Dr. Goldenberg has had Botox since 2003 for prevention.
  • Long-term safety and efficacy are well established; importance of provider experience stressed.

Notable Quotes:
"The lines you get from moving the muscles underneath are like a wrinkle in your shirt. The more you move, the deeper it gets." – Dr. Goldenberg (22:04)
"Botox doesn't only make you look better now, it also prevents you from looking worse down the road." – Dr. Goldenberg (22:32)
"You can still have a natural look—you're just slowing down the process of aging." – Dr. Goldenberg (23:08)

• Trends Toward Natural Results:

  • Cultural shifts: Understated, “quiet luxury” is now preferred over the “frozen” look, especially on the East Coast and globally (see 24:31).

• Safety Emphasis:

  • Bad outcomes are usually from unqualified providers. Always seek board-certified practitioners and referrals.

6. Laser, Microdermabrasion, and Other In-Office Procedures (25:14 – 27:24)

• Effective adjuncts for skin preservation.
• Can be considered “luxury,” but for some, these are routine maintenance akin to dental cleanings.
• Caller Sophie’s Question about Lasers:
  • (50:10–52:36) Dr. Goldenberg breaks down that greater downtime generally means greater effect (e.g., Laser Genesis = no downtime/glow; CO2 resurfacing = big impact/5+ days downtime).

Notable Quote:
"The less downtime, the less effect—doesn't mean you shouldn't get it… you just have to have realistic expectations." – Dr. Goldenberg (50:26)

7. Hair Loss: Science & Solutions (27:25 – 37:54)

• Rising Prevalence in Women: Often due to hormonal/nutritional changes, e.g., menopause or post-pregnancy, or side effects of rapid weight loss/GLP1 medications (see 11:18, revisited at 28:24).
• Treatment Spectrum:
  • Inside-out: Fix nutritional/hormonal issues first—collaborate with OB/GYN or endocrinologist.
  • Topicals: Minoxidil (Rogaine), biotin, DHT blockers.
  • Devices: Red light therapy.
  • In-office: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), exosomes (stem cell derivatives), microneedling.
• Hair Transplants: Modern techniques relocate follicles from back of scalp; most successful for men. Results have improved, but it remains a surgical (and costly) route (36:30–37:54).

Notable Quote:
"Once those follicles are gone, that's it. They're not coming back. So, you wanna use every single modality to keep as many as you possibly can." – Dr. Goldenberg (36:02)

8. Finding the Right Shampoo, Conditioner, and Product Choices (38:12 – 40:10)

• Shampoos/conditioners affect only the outside of hair, not the follicle (where loss starts).
• Use what you enjoy unless you have a medical scalp condition. Dietary and internal health are still paramount for hair.

9. Sun Exposure and Sunscreen (40:10 – 45:05)

• Daily Use of Sunscreen: SPF 30+ (Dr. Goldenberg’s own product combines SPF + moisturizer for convenience).
• Sun Differences by Genetics:
  • Lighter skin (Fitzpatrick type 1) is more sensitive, but all are at risk.
  • Sun ages skin, creates pigmentation, and increases skin cancer risk—indisputable.
• Practical Sun Safety:
  • Early morning, moderate UV: 30 min exposure is safe with minimal protection; noon sun or high UV indices require full SPF and protection.
  • Annual skin-cancer screening is essential for everyone.

Notable Quotes:
"There's no such thing as a healthy tan." – Dr. Gary Goldenberg (42:56)
"Get somebody to look at your spots once a year—15 to 30 minutes can save your life." – Dr. Gary Goldenberg (44:24)

10. Annual Skin Checkups and Skin Cancer Prevention (45:05 – 46:12)

• Dr. Goldenberg uses both dermatoscopes and AI-powered tools (e.g., Nevisense) for enhanced accuracy.
• Biopsies done proactively when any doubt exists.

11. Deodorants: Aluminum vs. Natural, and Botox for Excessive Sweating (46:12 – 48:01)

• Most antiperspirants are safe in typical use; those who avoid aluminum can use natural products as long as they work for them.
• Allergies to deodorants are common; consult if you experience irritation.
• Botox can be injected under the arms to relieve hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) for 3–6 months.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Simplicity in Skincare:
  "I like to keep it simple. Simple and basic gets you there probably 99%." – Dr. Goldenberg (06:55)
• On Prevention:
  "Botox doesn't only make you look better now, it prevents you from looking worse down the road." – Dr. Goldenberg (22:32)
• On Hydration:
  "If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. You should never feel thirsty." – Dr. Goldenberg (16:00)
• On Hair Loss:
  "Once those follicles are gone, that's it. They're not coming back." – Dr. Goldenberg (36:02)
• On Sun Protection:
  "There's no such thing as a healthy tan." – Dr. Gary Goldenberg (42:56)

Caller Q&A Highlights

Sophie’s Questions (48:16 – 52:36)

• Masseter Botox for Teeth Grinding:
  • Lasts ~3 months; repeat when symptoms recur (48:49).
  • Additional cosmetic benefits: slims the jawline, reduces tension headaches (49:12).
• Best Lasers for Skin:
  • More downtime = greater effect; Laser Genesis offers a “lunchtime glow” with no downtime, while CO2 resurfaces but requires up to five days of home care (50:26–52:36).

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Topic | Start–End (MM:SS) | |---------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Intro, Background, Relationship | 03:00 – 06:20 | | Skincare Routine and Simplicity | 06:20 – 14:57 | | Gender, Trends, Hair Loss | 09:19 – 14:57 | | Nutrition & Anti-inflammatory Diet | 16:44 – 19:11 | | Botox & Cosmetic Procedures | 21:03 – 26:20 | | Lasers, In-Office Maintenance | 25:14 – 27:24 | | Hair Loss Science & Treatments | 27:25 – 37:54 | | Shampoos, Conditioners, Personal Care | 38:12 – 40:10 | | Sun Exposure, Sunscreen, Annual Checks | 40:10 – 46:12 | | Deodorants, Hyperhidrosis, Botox | 46:12 – 48:01 | | Caller Sophie: Q&A | 48:12 – 52:36 |

Tone & Takeaway

This episode is light, candid, and highly practical—from hardcore fitness analogies to relatable patient stories. The guest’s focus is always empowerment through facts and keeping health achievable—great for both newcomers and “skin care junkies.” Whether you’re anxious about aging, skincare, or hair loss, you’ll find real, science-backed, and immediately actionable advice here.

For More Information

Dr. Gary Goldenberg practices on NYC’s Upper East Side (75th & Madison).
Don Saladino’s coaching app and challenges are available for those seeking accessible fitness routines. See podcast links for more.

“Health is the foundation of strength—inside and out.”
– The Stronger Podcast