Podcast
The Skin Real ®
Hosted by DrMinaSkin · EN
Welcome to The Skin Real, your no-nonsense guide to clear, confident, and healthy skin. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by skincare, confused by beauty trends? Or stuck on the ‘hot girl’ hamster wheel of youth preservation, then you Skin Friend, are in the right place. I’m your host, Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a double board-certified dermatologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. And here’s the deal, great skin isn’t just about what you put on it. It’s about how you care for yourself from the inside and out. Here we go beyond just skincare to talk wellness, vitality, nutrition, mental well-being, hormones, and everything in between. So if you’re ready for clarity, confidence, a little fun and a whole lot of skin wisdom, here’s the tea, because this is how dermatologists talk skin.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Your Skin Is Aging Faster Because You're Not Eating Enough Protein
1w ago00:18:55Tap to summarizeYour skincare routine might be missing its most important ingredient — and it's not in any bottle. In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down the powerful (and often overlooked) connection between protein and skin health. She explains the four root causes of skin aging — collagen depletion, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular waste buildup — and why what's on your plate directly impacts how your skin looks and ages. Dr. Mina gets personal about her own journey from vegetarian to protein-conscious eater, why her body started craving chicken in her early 40s, and what that shift taught her about midlife nutrition. She covers the dangers of sugar and glycation, why supplements aren't the shortcut you think they are, and how estrogen loss during menopause accelerates collagen loss faster than almost anything else. You'll walk away with clear, actionable steps: how much protein to aim for, when to eat it, how to spot hidden sugar, and why the most powerful skincare routine actually starts at the breakfast table. In this episode: 0:00 — The One Thing Your Skin Actually Needs 1:10 — Why a Dermatologist Is Talking About Food 2:05 — The 4 Root Causes of Skin Aging 4:20 — Collagen Is Protein: What That Really Means 5:45 — Collagen Banking: Start Before You Lose It 7:00 — Sugar, Glycation, and Your Collagen 9:15 — The Truth About Supplements and Antioxidants 11:00 — Eat the Rainbow: What Your Plate Should Look Like 12:30 — Dr. Mina's Personal Protein Journey 14:10 — How Much Protein You Actually Need 15:20 — Why Morning Protein Changes Everything 16:30 — Estrogen, Menopause, and Collagen Loss 17:30 — Dr. Mina's Action Plan for Your Skin 18:10 — Final Thoughts and Where to Start 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 with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app 📱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 🔗 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 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.
Transcribe →Does Topical Estrogen Make Melasma Worse? Here's the Truth
2w ago00:17:50Tap to summarizeTopical estrogen is everywhere right now — but if you have melasma, rosacea, or acne, should you be worried? In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina cuts through the fear-based noise and breaks down what the science actually says about topical estrogen and skin conditions like melasma and rosacea. She shares her own personal experience with melasma, explains why estrogen alone isn't enough to trigger it, and walks through what the current research — including a systematic review in Dermatologic Surgery — actually shows. She also covers who might want to proceed with caution, how to do a proper test spot, why sun protection is the real game-changer, and why rosacea patients have even less to worry about than they think. If you've been letting fear stop you from having this conversation with your doctor, this episode is your permission slip. In this episode: 0:00 — Introduction & What This Episode Covers 0:45 — What Is Melasma and Why Is It So Hard to Treat 3:20 — Dr. Mina's Personal Melasma Story 5:10 — What the Research Actually Says About Estrogen and Melasma 7:30 — Topical vs. Systemic Estrogen: Which Poses a Greater Risk 9:15 — What to Do If You Have a History of Melasma 11:40 — How to Test Topical Estrogen Safely 13:00 — Rosacea and Topical Estrogen: What You Need to Know 14:30 — Why Estrogen Fear Has Gone Too Far 16:20 — Bottom Line and Final Takeaways 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 with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app 📱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 🔗 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 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.
Transcribe →Sculptra vs Radiesse: Which One Is Actually Right for Your Face?
3w ago00:25:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down two of the most talked-about biostimulators in aesthetic medicine — Sculptra and Radiesse — and explains why they are not interchangeable, despite both building collagen. She covers how each product works at a cellular level, what to realistically expect after treatment (including the swelling that disappears in the first week), how long results last, which areas each product is best suited for, and the real risks like nodule formation. Dr. Mina also discusses hyperdilute Radiesse, the "rule of fives" massage protocol for Sculptra, injection technique, and how to combine biostimulators with other treatments for maximum results. The episode ends with her honest take on which product she uses more in her own practice — and why the injector matters more than the product itself. In this episode: 0:00 — Sculptra vs Radiesse: Why This Question Matters 0:32 — What Are Biostimulators? 2:20 — Why People Are Moving Away from HA Fillers 3:38 — The Collagen Banking Era: Why Timing Matters 4:55 — How Sculptra Works 7:22 — Sculptra Results: What to Expect and How Long They Last 9:52 — The Unpredictability of Sculptra Response 11:12 — How Radiesse Works 13:18 — Hyperdilute Radiesse: What It Is and When to Use It 15:15 — Key Differences: Sculptra vs Radiesse Side by Side 17:00 — Best Treatment Areas for Each Product 18:35 — Nodule Risk and How to Manage It 20:25 — Injection Technique: Needle vs Cannula 21:30 — The Rule of Fives and Post-Care 22:45 — Reversibility and Starting Conservatively 23:25 — Which One Does Dr. Mina Actually Use? 24:00 — Combining Biostimulators with Other Treatments 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 with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app 📱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 🔗 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 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.
Transcribe →5 Tretinoin Mistakes That Are Keeping You From Glowing Skin
May 1600:18:18Tap to summarizeDr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down the top five tretinoin mistakes she sees her patients make — and admits she's made herself. From the dreaded purge to layering too many actives, she explains why so many people quit this powerhouse ingredient right before it starts working, and exactly how to use it correctly. She covers the difference between purging and irritation, the right amount to apply, how often to use it, why it's not a spot treatment, and which products to avoid pairing it with. Dr. Mina also answers a listener's question about her teeth — and shares her own Invisalign and retainer story. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has tried tretinoin, given up on it, or is too scared to start. In This Episode: 0:00 — Welcome to The Skin Real 0:45 — What Is Tretinoin and Why Dermatologists Love It 3:30 — The Top 5 Tretinoin Mistakes 4:15 — Mistake #1: Stopping During the Purge 7:10 — Mistake #2: Using Too Much Product 8:45 — Mistake #3: Using It Too Frequently 10:30 — Mistake #4: Treating It Like a Spot Treatment 11:30 — Mistake #5: Layering With Other Actives 14:00 — The Sandwich Method Explained 15:45 — Recap of All 5 Mistakes 16:30 — Listener Q&A: Are Your Teeth Real? 18:00 — Final Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Mina 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 with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app 📱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 🔗 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 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.
Transcribe →8 Steps to Fix Your Damaged Skin Barrier (No New Products Needed)
May 900:23:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down everything you need to know about your skin barrier — what it is, how you know it's damaged, and exactly what's causing the damage. She then walks through eight practical, zero-cost steps to repair it fast. From doing a hard skincare reset to applying moisturizer the right way, Dr. Mina cuts through the noise and reminds listeners that when it comes to a damaged skin barrier, less is always more. In this episode: 0:00 — Introduction & Why the Skin Barrier Is Trending 1:45 — What Is the Skin Barrier? (Stratum Corneum Explained) 4:00 — Signs Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged 6:00 — What's Causing the Damage 9:15 — Step 1: Stop All Irritants — Do a Hard Reset 11:00 — Step 2: Simplify Your Routine 12:30 — Step 3: Change How You Cleanse 14:15 — Step 4: Apply Moisturizer Strategically 16:00 — Step 5: Use Gentle Application Techniques 17:15 — Step 6: Limit Water Exposure 18:30 — Step 7: Protect Your Skin (UV + Physical Barriers) 20:15 — Step 8: Give It Time 21:30 — Common Mistakes That Slow Healing 22:15 — Final Takeaway + Resources 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 with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app 📱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 🔗 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org 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
Transcribe →Topical Estrogen on Your Face: What a Dermatologist Actually Thinks
May 200:23:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down one of her most frequently asked questions: should you be putting topical estrogen on your face? She explains what estrogen loss actually does to the skin during perimenopause and menopause — from collagen collapse to barrier breakdown — and why these changes are hormonal, not just "normal aging." Dr. Mina walks through the two main forms of topical estrogen (estriol and estradiol), what makes them different, and which one is more commonly used for facial skin. She also covers who should be cautious, including those with melasma or a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, and makes the case for why vaginal estrogen deserves to be the first conversation before any discussion of facial application. Practical, evidence-informed, and refreshingly honest, this episode helps midlife women cut through the fear and make smarter decisions about topical estrogen. In This Episode: 0:00 — Is Topical Estrogen Right for Your Skin? 0:35 — Why So Many Women Are Asking About This 1:22 — What This Episode Will Cover 2:10 — Why Menopause Changes Your Skin So Dramatically 4:35 — What Is Actually Happening Inside Your Skin 5:18 — Collagen Loss and the 30% Drop 7:55 — Estrogen Is Finally Having Its Moment 9:20 — What the Research Does and Doesn't Tell Us 9:38 — Benefits of Topical Estrogen 10:28 — 5-Day Perimenopause Challenge 11:25 — Estriol vs. Estradiol: Knowing the Difference 13:40 — Why Vaginal Estrogen Comes First 15:20 — Vaginal Estrogen Can Be Life-Saving 16:35 — Caveats and Who Should Be Cautious 16:50 — Topical Estrogen and Melasma 17:52 — What About Breast Cancer Risk? 19:45 — Dr. Mina's Real Thoughts on Topical Estrogen 20:30 — Sun Protection Still Comes First 21:40 — Is Topical Estrogen Right for You? 23:05 — What's Coming Next + How to Stay Connected 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! 🔗 Join the 5-Day Perimenopause Challenge: https://hi.theskinreal.com/5-day-perimenopause-challenge 📱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 Regimen Pro: https://regimenpro.com/pages/practice-homepage/19cad6bd-63ea-4c6d-b2ec-64c06c3f7a6b 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.
Transcribe →LED Face Masks: What Actually Works, What's a Waste of Money, and How to Choose the Right One
Apr 2500:28:59Tap to summarizeLED face masks are having a major moment — but are they actually worth the hype? In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down the real science behind LED light therapy and why so many people are spending hundreds of dollars on devices that simply don't work. She explains the concept of photobiomodulation, which wavelengths of light actually have clinical evidence behind them (blue, red, and near-infrared), and which colors are total gimmicks. Dr. Mina walks through exactly what to look for when buying an LED mask — from FDA clearance to bulb distribution to device design — and who is (and isn't) a good candidate. She also covers important safety considerations including eye protection, melasma triggers, and pregnancy, and shares realistic expectations for results. If you've ever wondered whether an LED mask is worth the investment, this episode gives you everything you need to make an informed decision. In this episode: 0:00 LED Masks Are Everywhere But Most People Are Using Them Wrong 0:30 Why Dermatologists Take Light Therapy Seriously 2:10 The Real Reason You're Not Seeing Results 2:55 What Is Photobiomodulation 4:40 The Wavelengths That Actually Work 5:05 Blue Light and Acne 5:40 Red Light and Anti-Aging 6:15 Near Infrared and Deep Tissue Repair 6:50 Why Combination Therapy Works Best 7:40 Match Your Device to Your Skin Goals 8:40 Honest Expectations What LED Therapy Can and Cannot Do 9:50 How to Choose the Right LED Mask 10:05 Look for Specific Wavelengths on the Packaging 10:45 Why FDA Clearance Matters 11:30 Device Design and Why Wands Don't Cut It 13:10 Bulb Distribution and Adjustable Fit 14:20 What Will You Be Doing During Your Session 15:05 Eye Protection Do Not Skip This 16:30 Gimmick Colors to Avoid 17:20 Is LED Therapy Safe 18:40 Eye Safety and Retina Damage Risk 19:40 LED and Melasma What You Need to Know 21:20 Can You Use LED Therapy During Pregnancy 21:50 What Results Can You Realistically Expect 24:30 Consistency Is Everything 25:30 Who Is the Right Candidate for an LED Mask 27:20 Do LED Devices Actually Work Dr Minas Final Verdict 27:55 Brands Worth Looking At 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! 💡 Devices Mentioned in this episode: LightStim device: https://www.lightstim.com Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask: https://www.currentbody.com Omnilux LED Mask: https://www.omniluxled.com Qure mask (40% off with this link!): https://airhealth.com/DrMinaSkin 📱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 Regimen Pro: https://regimenpro.com/pages/practice-homepage/19cad6bd-63ea-4c6d-b2ec-64c06c3f7a6b 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.
Transcribe →Bed Bugs: What Every Traveler Needs to Know Before Their Next Trip
Apr 1800:15:17Tap to summarizeBed bugs. Just the phrase is enough to make your skin crawl — but Dr. Mary Alice Mina is breaking down everything you actually need to know about these tiny, relentless pests. In this episode of The Skin Real, she covers what bed bugs are, how they spread, why not everyone reacts to bites the same way, and — most importantly — how to protect yourself before, during, and after travel. You'll learn exactly how to inspect a hotel room like a pro, what to do if you think you brought them home, and how to treat the itchy welts on your skin while you deal with the infestation. Gross? A little. Essential? Absolutely. In This Episode: 0:00 — Bed Bugs Can Happen to Anyone, Anywhere — Even at a 5-Star Hotel 1:10 — What You Will Learn 2:00 — What Bed Bugs Are and What They Look Like 3:15 — Why You Never Feel the Bite 4:00 — How Bed Bug Bites Appear on Skin 5:20 — Why Everyone Reacts Differently 6:30 — How Bed Bugs Spread Through Travel 7:30 — How to Inspect Your Hotel Room 9:15 — What to Do When You Get Home 11:00 — Do Bed Bugs Carry Disease? 12:00 — How to Treat Bed Bug Bites on Your Skin 13:45 — When to See a Dermatologist 14:30 — Prevention Is Everything 15:05 — Final Thoughts and Sign-Off 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 Regimen Pro: https://regimenpro.com/pages/practice-homepage/19cad6bd-63ea-4c6d-b2ec-64c06c3f7a6b 🌐 More skin info: https://www.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.
Transcribe →The Truth About Skin Tags — What They Mean, What to Do & What to Never Try at Home
Apr 1100:19:56Tap to summarizeYou've probably Googled "how to remove a skin tag at home" at least once. Before you reach for the dental floss, you need to hear this. In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina covers everything you need to know about skin tags — from what they actually are and why you get them, to what they might be revealing about your metabolic health, and how she safely removes them in her office. In This Episode: 0:00 — Is That Dental Floss Around Your Skin Tag? 0:45 — What Are Skin Tags? 2:00 — Why You Get Skin Tags and Where They Show Up 3:30 — The Genetics Behind Skin Tags 4:30 — Skin Tags and Metabolic Health: The Connection You Need to Know 6:15 — Can You Prevent Skin Tags? 7:30 — At-Home Removal Methods — And Why They're Risky 9:30 — When Skin Tag Removal Gets Dangerous 10:30 — Subscribe to The Skin Real 11:00 — Ligation vs. Destruction: The Two Treatment Approaches 12:15 — When Skin Tags Aren't Actually Skin Tags 14:00 — The Harvard Story: When a Skin Tag Was Melanoma 15:00 — How Dr. Mina Removes Skin Tags in Her Office 16:30 — Post-Removal Care: How to Heal Without Scarring 17:30 — Does Insurance Cover Skin Tag Removal? 18:15 — Final Thoughts and Share This Episode 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 for science backed routines, dermatologist guidance, and product recommendations you can trust. https://linktr.ee/theskinreal 🔔 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 Regimen Pro: https://regimenpro.com/pages/practice-homepage/19cad6bd-63ea-4c6d-b2ec-64c06c3f7a6b 🌐 More skin info: https://www.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.
Transcribe →Under-Eye Bags, Dark Circles & Puffiness: What Actually Works, According to a Dermatologist
Apr 400:22:35Tap to summarizeThink you know what's causing your under-eye bags? You might be wrong — and that's exactly why nothing you've tried has worked. In this solo episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down the four distinct types of under-eye concerns: puffiness, fat pad herniation, volume loss/hollowing, and dark circles from pigment or vascularity. She explains how to identify which type you're dealing with, because the biggest mistake most people make is treating the wrong problem. Dr. Mina walks through exactly what works for each type — from caffeine eye products and cold therapy for puffiness, to lower blepharoplasty for true fat pad herniation, to tear trough filler and biostimulants for hollowing, to vascular lasers and hydroquinone for dark circles. She also covers what to avoid, including why Botox around the eyes can backfire for puffiness sufferers and why filler can make fat pad herniation worse. Whether you've been pouring money into eye creams that aren't doing anything or you're considering an in-office procedure, this episode gives you the clear, evidence-based roadmap you've been looking for. In this episode: 0:00 — Why You're Wasting Money on Eye Creams 1:00 — The Biggest Mistake People Make with Under-Eye Concerns 2:10 — Type 1: Puffiness 4:00 — Type 2: Fat Pad Herniation 6:15 — Type 3: Hollowing and Volume Loss 8:10 — Type 4: Dark Circles 9:45 — How to Treat Puffiness at Home 11:15 — Lifestyle Modifications and Allergy Tips for Puffy Eyes 12:30 — In-Office Treatments for Puffiness and Botox Warning 13:45 — The Truth About Fat Pad Herniation 15:30 — Fillers and Fat Pad Herniation 16:45 — Treating Under-Eye Hollowing 18:30 — When Filler Goes Wrong 19:45 — PRP, PRF and Fat Transfer for Volume Loss 20:50 — How to Treat Dark Circles 22:00 — 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! 🔔 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 Regimen Pro: https://regimenpro.com/pages/practice-homepage/19cad6bd-63ea-4c6d-b2ec-64c06c3f7a6b 🌐 More skin info: https://www.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.
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