The Skin Real ®

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.

LED 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

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:

📱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.

Bed 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:

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.

You'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?

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:

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.

Think 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:

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.

***Apple audio issue fixed!

NAD is having a major moment — from IV drips and supplements to wellness clinics and now skincare. But is the science real, or is it just the next CBD? In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with Melisse Shaban, CEO of Aramore and veteran beauty executive (Revlon, Aveda, The Beauty Shop), to break down exactly what NAD is, why your skin cells need it, and whether the new wave of NAD skincare products is worth your money.

They dig into the cellular biology of aging skin, why most moisturizers are just sitting on the surface, and what it actually takes for an ingredient to penetrate to the basal layer where the real work happens. Melisse also shares how Harvard and MIT research led to Aramore's formulation, how to spot faux players in the NAD skincare space, and why she believes NAD precursors, retinol, and sunscreen are the only three non-negotiables in any skincare routine.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn into the future of beauty — from pharma's growing role in skincare to GLP-1s, inflammation management, and what's really next for aging women. Plus: a candid, unexpected conversation about death, dignity, and the industry no one is building yet.

In This Episode:

0:00 – NAD Is Everywhere: Real Science or Clever Marketing?

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:

Melisse Shaban is a seasoned entrepreneur and brand builder with extensive leadership experience across the health, wellness, and beauty sectors. She is the Founder of Virtue Labs, where she transformed breakthrough wound-healing technology into a $50M+ premium hair care brand honored with more than 60 industry awards and recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2022. Today, she serves as CEO of Aramore, a longevity science company pioneering innovations in cellular health to advance healthy aging through skincare and supplements. Earlier in her career, she led the acquisitions, growth, and sale of Frederic Fekkai and Pout Cosmetics, as well as the acquisitions of NIA-24 and StriVectin, and held executive roles at Aveda and The Body Shop. She currently serves on the boards of Salon Lofts, Willow Innovations/Elvie, and several nonprofits, including Duke Raleigh Hospital, Ravenscroft School, and Point Foundation. In 2021, she was named to Forbes’ inaugural “50 Over 50” list.

Connect with Melisse Shaban:

Website: https://aramoreskincare.com/THESKINREAL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melisseshaban

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.

If you are using a GLP-1 medication and noticing hair shedding, brittle nails, or dull, dry skin, your body is signaling a nutrient gap. In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down what is really happening beneath the surface and why these changes often appear before lab results do. She explains how appetite suppression can lead to low protein, vitamin deficiencies, and dehydration, all of which directly impact your skin, hair, and nails.

You will learn the key deficiencies to watch for, including B12, iron, folate, and vitamin D, and the exact signs your body shows when levels drop. Dr. Mina also explains why protein intake, fiber, and hydration are critical while on GLP-1 medications, especially for preventing hair loss, muscle loss, and skin laxity.

This episode gives you a clear, practical framework to protect your results, support your body, and avoid the most common mistakes people make while using GLP-1s.

📲 Download The Skin Real app for science backed routines, dermatologist guidance, and product recommendations you can trust. https://linktr.ee/theskinreal

In this episode: 

0:00 The Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

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!

Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Dancing Stars of Atlanta Donate to Vote: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Gala/GA-Georgia?pg=personal&px=25632271&fr_id=19246

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.

📲 Download The Skin Real app for science backed routines, dermatologist guidance, and product recommendations you can trust. https://linktr.ee/theskinreal

TikTok and Instagram may have made Slugging famous, but dermatologists have relied on this technique for decades. In this episode, board certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down what slugging really is, how it works, and why most people do it wrong.

Slugging uses a simple occlusive layer such as petrolatum to seal the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. The result is stronger hydration and improved barrier repair. While social media frames it as a trendy skincare hack, dermatologists often recommend it for eczema, psoriasis, post procedure healing, and severely dry skin.

Dr. Mina explains why the order of your skincare routine matters, which products work best under a slugging layer, and why applying petrolatum over actives like retinoids or vitamin C often leads to irritation. She also shares when slugging helps, when it hurts your skin, and who should skip it completely.

You will learn the dermatologist approved step by step method for slugging, the difference between traditional slugging and reverse slugging, and the simple products that work best. No expensive creams required.

If you want a practical way to repair a damaged skin barrier and wake up with calmer, hydrated skin, this episode explains exactly how to do it safely.

In this episode: 

00:00 Intro

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!

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

Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Dancing Stars of Atlanta Donate to Vote: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Gala/GA-Georgia?pg=personal&px=25632271&fr_id=19246

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.