In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amaris Geisler, a specialist in vulvar dermatoses based in Atlanta, to break the silence around a body part most women can't even name correctly — the vulva. They cover what the vulva actually is (versus the vagina), the most common conditions dermatologists see there (lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, and even skin cancer), and why so many women get dismissed with a yeast infection diagnosis instead of a real workup. Dr. Geisler explains the lifelong treatment path for lichen sclerosis, the risks of leaving it untreated (scarring and squamous cell carcinoma), how symptoms and pigmentary changes can present differently in skin of color, and why products like Vagisil and fragranced washes often cause more harm than good. The conversation also tackles the psychological and relational toll of vulvar skin disease, and closes with practical advice on red flags, finding a specialist, and what a proper workup with a dermatologist and gynecologist looks like. The throughline: your vulva is skin, it deserves the same care and attention as anywhere else on your body, and there is nothing shameful about asking for help.

In this episode: 

00:00 — The Symptom No One Talks About

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

🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app

🛍️ Shop Dr. Mina's recommended skincare on Regimen Pro: https://regimenpro.com/pages/practice-homepage/19cad6bd-63ea-4c6d-b2ec-64c06c3f7a6b

About the Guest:

Dr. Amaris Geisler is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in general and cosmetic dermatology, with a particular expertise in vulvar disorders, pigmentary conditions, alopecia, and skin of color. She has published extensively in these areas and is committed to advancing evidence-based care and improving dermatologic outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Dr. Geisler completed an accelerated B.S./M.D. program in New York, where she was born and raised, before moving to Atlanta to pursue dermatology residency at Emory University. She is delighted to continue her career in Atlanta as part of the Olansky Dermatology team.

Passionate about mentorship and medical education, Dr. Geisler serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Emory University. She is actively involved in the dermatology community through her committee roles with the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, Skin of Color Society, International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, and the Vulvar Dermatology Research Consortium. She has earned multiple awards and grants from each of these societies, and was also the recipient of a Scholars Award that gave her the opportunity to complete a month of her residency training at Harvard Dermatology.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Geisler enjoys traveling, pilates, long walks, and discovering new restaurants. She especially treasures time spent with her husband, bullmastiff, and cane corso.

Connect with Dr. Amaris Geisler:

Website: https://www.olanskydermatology.com/provider/dr-amaris-geisler/

Instagram: @dr.amaris.geisler

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:

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.

Salmon sperm in your skincare? It sounds wild, but PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is everywhere right now — on your For You page, in Korean skincare hauls, and yes, Kim Kardashian had it injected into her face. In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina cuts through the hype and gives you the full, unfiltered picture on what PDRN actually is, where it comes from, and what the science really says.

Dr. Mina breaks down the two proposed mechanisms behind PDRN — the adenosine A2A receptor pathway and the salvage pathway — and explains why the concept is genuinely exciting on paper. But she also walks through the critical limitations in the research: most studies are in vitro or in animal models, and the most compelling human trial was done on diabetic foot ulcers — a very different biological situation than healthy skin aging.

She addresses the big practical problem with topical PDRN: the molecule is large and negatively charged, meaning your skin barrier (doing its job) likely blocks most of it from penetrating to where it needs to work. She also flags a major labeling issue — some popular "PDRN" products are actually plant-based, which uses an entirely different molecule that can't be compared to salmon-derived PDRN research. And many of these products are packed with well-studied supporting ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides, which may be doing the real heavy lifting.

Dr. Mina's bottom line: PDRN may have a future, but we're not there yet. Before spending money on the trend, double down on what we know actually works — retinoids, sunscreen, ceramides, sleep, and a healthy diet.

In this episode: 

00:00 – The Salmon Sperm Skincare Moment

Note: Audio quality may vary in 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. 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

🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app

🛍️ 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:

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.

Fungal acne is everywhere on social media, but most people are treating it completely wrong. In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down what fungal acne actually is: an overgrowth of malassezia yeast, not bacteria, and not true acne at all. She explains why standard acne treatments often fail, who's most at risk (think sweaty workouts, humid climates, tight clothing, and recent antibiotic use), and how to tell it apart from regular acne by looking at itch, uniformity, and the absence of blackheads or whiteheads. Dr. Mina walks through her go-to over-the-counter arsenal, including antifungal shampoos, sulfur washes, salicylic acid, and niacinamide, plus when it's time to see a dermatologist for prescription-strength options. She also shares the daily habits that keep flares from coming back. If you've been fighting stubborn bumps that just won't clear, this episode might finally explain why.

In this episode:

0:00 — Introduction to Fungal Acne

0:43 — Welcome to The Skin Real

1:12 — What Is Fungal Acne, Really?

2:35 — How Fungal Acne Connects to Dandruff and Tinea Versicolor

3:30 — Why Standard Acne Treatments Don't Work

4:00 — Who's Most at Risk for Fungal Acne

5:50 — Antibiotics, Immunocompromise, and Yeast Overgrowth

7:10 — How to Spot Fungal Acne vs. Regular Acne

9:00 — Sponsor Break: Regimen Pro

9:50 — Over-the-Counter Treatment: Antifungal Shampoos

11:40 — Sulfur Washes for Fungal Acne and Acne

13:00 — Salicylic Acid and Why It Works So Well

14:50 — Niacinamide as a Supportive Ingredient

15:20 — When to See a Dermatologist

16:30 — Will Fungal Acne Come Back?

17:30 — Prevention Habits and Maintenance Routine

19:10 — Final Thoughts and Closing

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

🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app

🛍️ 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:

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.

Sunscreen is the single most impactful thing you can do for your skin — and in this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down exactly what to look for, what to skip, and which sunscreens she's personally stocking up on for summer 2026. Dr. Mina explains why UV radiation is responsible for the majority of premature aging and skin cancers, and why the U.S. has fallen behind the rest of the world in UV filter technology — plus the exciting news that a new UVA filter is finally on its way. She walks through the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens, how to choose the right SPF, and why your SPF 30 may actually be performing more like an SPF 15. From everyday office sunscreens to high-UV beach days, she shares her personal go-to picks across all price points — including options for sensitive skin, darker skin tones, kids, and sunscreen-resistant husbands. Bottom line: the best sunscreen is the one you'll actually wear.

You'll learn:

Sunscreens mentioned:

In This Episode

0:00 — Introduction: Are U.S. Sunscreens Falling Behind?

0:29 — Welcome to The Skin Real

1:10 — Why Sunscreen Is Dr. Mina's #1 Skin Recommendation

2:04 — UV Radiation, Premature Aging, and Skin Cancer

5:28 — Stop Wasting Money on Skincare Without Sunscreen

6:02 — Skin Cancer Is More Common Than You Think

7:30 — What to Look for in a Sunscreen

10:15 — The Truth About SPF Numbers

12:00 — U.S. vs. Europe and Asia: The UV Filter Gap

14:00 — Mineral Sunscreens: Dr. Mina's Top Picks

17:30 — Sunscreens for High UV Index Days

19:45 — Everyday Sunscreens for the Office and Commute

22:00 — Sunscreen Powders and SPF in Makeup

23:30 — Tinted Sunscreens and Melasma

24:30 — Sunscreen Tips for Kids

26:30 — Final Thoughts and Summer Sunscreen Recap

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

🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app

🛍️ 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:

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.

Your 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:

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.

Topical 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:

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 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:

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.

Dr. 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:

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 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:

Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/

Book your Meet and Greet here

In 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:

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.