The Skin Real ®

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

Botox is one of the most misunderstood tools in aesthetics. In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down what Botox really is, how it works, and why so many people confuse it with filler. She explains the difference between basic injection patterns and advanced Botox placement, then walks through the lesser-known ways neuromodulators can be used for facial balance, symmetry, prevention, and subtle refinement.

You will hear how Botox can be used far beyond the forehead and crow’s feet, including the brows, under eyes, bunny lines, gummy smile, lip flip, chin, jawline, neck bands, and more. Dr. Mina also shares why lower face treatment becomes more important in midlife, where Botox works best, where she is more cautious, and why injector expertise matters so much.

This episode is a practical guide for anyone who wants a clearer, more realistic understanding of Botox, including what it can do well, what it cannot do, and how to approach it in a safe, natural-looking way.

In this episode:

0:00 Intro and Skin Real app 

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.

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

If you use Tretinoin, get chemical peels, or are planning on a laser treatment, you are already doing skin cancer prevention. In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She treats high volumes of skin cancer and precancers, plus cosmetic and procedural patients, so she brings a grounded view of what keeps skin healthy for decades.

Together, they break down the false split between “medical” and “cosmetic” dermatology and why insurance rules confuse patients. Then they map the overlap. Skin barrier health drives both prevention and appearance. Tretinoin supports acne, pigment, sun damage, and collagen over time. Medium-depth TCA peels pull double duty for field treatment and texture, with real downtime and real safety considerations across skin tones. They also cover CO2 and ablative lasers, why fractionated technology heals faster, and how to pick the right patient and timing.

You will leave with a clear treatment ladder. Start with sunscreen and barrier basics. Add tretinoin with the right dosing. Step up to peels or lasers when protection and aftercare stay consistent. They also cover supplements with data, including nicotinamide and Polypodium leucotomos, plus vitamin D.

In this episode: 

0:00 You are already doing skin cancer prevention

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:

Dr. Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana, established in 2023. Her clinical expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, dermatologic care for skin of color, and cosmetic dermatology, with a focus on laser treatments, chemical peels, and injectables. She is a frequent expert contributor to the media on topics related to skin health. Dr. Spearman is actively engaged in her community, serving on the boards of Canterbury School, the Allen County Public Library, and the League for the Blind and the Disabled, and as a trustee of Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She is married and the mother of three sons.

Connect with Dr. Dara Spearman:

Website: https://radiantderm.org

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

https://www.instagram.com/radiantdermatologyfw/

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

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.

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

Radio frequency treatments are everywhere. Med spas, dermatology offices, social feeds. But do they work and are they worth your money?

In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down exactly how radio frequency works at the cellular level. She explains how electrical energy heats the dermis to stimulate collagen induction, what makes it different from lasers and ultrasound, and why precision matters more than intensity.

She also addresses the real risks. Including fat atrophy, burns, pigment changes, and why operator experience is critical. Dr. Mina shares who benefits most from radio frequency, when results are disappointing, and why midlife skin is the ideal time to start.

If you are noticing early jowling, neck laxity, or skin thinning, this episode gives you the clarity you need before booking a treatment.

In this episode: 

00:00 Skin Reel app announcement and download info

👀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!

✨If you are in the Serenbe area and you are ready for a strategic, long term plan instead of chasing treatments one by one, the Founder’s Experience was created for you. Apply through the link in bio to join this limited, intentional group and start your guided dermatology journey.

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.

Lip lines. Barcode lines. Smoker’s lines.

They frustrate patients more than almost any other wrinkle because they can age the face fast and they are not simple to fix.

In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down why upper lip lines form, why they are harder to treat than frown lines, and why there is no single magic solution. She explains the role of the orbicularis oris muscle, repetitive motion, collagen loss, menopause, bone resorption, and sun damage in accelerating these vertical lines.

Dr. Mina walks through what actually works. A combination strategy that includes prevention, lifestyle changes, smart topical use, and in-office procedures tailored to your anatomy and stage of aging. She covers:

If you are struggling with lip lines or want to prevent them before they etch in, this episode gives you a realistic, evidence-based roadmap.

There is no one and done fix. But there is a smarter plan.

In this episode: 

00:00 Why Lip Lines Age You Faster

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!

💗 The Radiant Reset at The Skin Real is a zero-downtime experience designed to support your skin with intention. Two days only! February 12 & 14! Book your reset: https://theskinreal.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1

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:

Website: 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.

Testosterone is known as THE male hormone, yet women carry more of it than estrogen across their lifespan. In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down why testosterone matters for women and how imbalances show up in skin, hair, and nails. You learn the visible signs of low and high testosterone, how aging differs from menopause-related hormone shifts, and why blood work alone misses the full picture. The episode also covers risks of pellet therapy, smarter prescribing approaches, and practical dermatology-first steps you can take while waiting for medical evaluation. This is a clear, evidence-based guide to hormone health you see in the mirror.

In This Episode:

0:00 Testosterone is not a male-only hormone

1:20 What hormones really do in the body

2:16 Testosterone vs estrogen after menopause

3:08 How testosterone affects skin oil and texture

3:56 Hair changes from high vs low testosterone

4:46 Nail growth and brittleness explained

5:24 Why testosterone declines with age

6:17 Medications and birth control effects

7:29 Low testosterone in midlife women

8:12 Hormone misinformation and online risks

8:36 Pellet therapy problems in women

9:48 Why symptoms matter more than lab numbers

10:54 Skin signs linked to low testosterone

12:30 When to see a doctor

14:11 What doctors evaluate and test

16:30 Treatment options and safety

16:51 What you can do right now for skin

17:54 Scalp and hair care strategies

18:32 Nail care and manicure mistakes

20:11 Nutrition sleep and stress support

21:02 Testosterone beyond libido

22:21 Final takeaways and viewer questions

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!

💗 The Radiant Reset at The Skin Real is a zero-downtime experience designed to support your skin with intention. Two days only! February 12 & 14! Book your reset: https://theskinreal.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1

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

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:

Website: 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.

Injectables can feel intimidating for many people. This episode of The Skin Real removes the fear. Dr. Mary Alice Mina walks you through the exact injectables she uses on her own face and why. You hear how her approach shifted in midlife and perimenopause. You learn how she thinks about balance, harmony, and long term skin health. She explains toxins, fillers, and biostimulants in plain language. She also shares where subtle treatments matter most as you age. This episode focuses on natural results, realistic expectations, and choosing the right injector for a long term plan.

In This Episode:

00:00 Why injectables feel scary and who this episode is for

01:42 My philosophy on natural results and facial harmony

04:05 Types of injectables. Toxins, fillers, biostimulants

07:20 How I assess a face before treating

10:05 Why arm’s length viewing matters more than magnifying mirrors

12:10 Botox basics and when timing matters

15:05 Upper face versus lower face priorities in midlife

18:10 Where I personally place Botox and why

22:00 Filler fears and why less works better

25:10 Lip filler, temples, and high risk areas to respect

28:10 Sculptra and collagen banking for the long game

31:10 How to choose the right injector and avoid regret

33:07 Final thoughts and viewer questions

💗 The Radiant Reset at The Skin Real is a zero-downtime experience designed to support your skin with intention. Two days only! February 12 & 14! Book your reset: https://theskinreal.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1

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

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!

Connect with me here:

Visit The Skin Real Serenbe:

Website: 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

Hair loss in women feels frightening and personal. You see it in the shower. On your pillow. In the mirror. In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina explains why female hair loss happens and what truly helps.

You learn how dermatologists classify hair loss. Scarring versus non scarring. Shedding versus thinning. You hear why menopause, stress, weight loss, medications, nutrition, and styling habits all matter. Dr. Mina walks through evidence-based treatments. Topical and oral minoxidil. Hormonal therapies. Scalp health. PRP. Red light therapy. Supplements worth your money and supplements to skip.

This episode gives you a framework. What to worry about. What to treat early. What patience looks like with hair regrowth.

In this episode:

00:00 Why hair loss in women feels alarming

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:

Website: 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.

Retinoids confuse a lot of people. This episode removes the guesswork. Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down every form of retinoid in clear terms. You learn the difference between retinol, retinaldehyde, Adapalene, Tretinoin, Tazarotene, and oral isotretinoin. She explains who should start slow, who should go straight to prescription strength, and why skin type matters more than age. The episode walks through acne treatment, pigment control, collagen support, and long term skin health. You also get exact instructions for nighttime use, dosing, frequency, product layering, and how to prevent irritation, flaking, and purging. This is a step by step guide built on dermatology science, not trends.

In this episode: 

0:00 Why retinoids confuse so many people

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

Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.

Download The Skin Real app for science backed routines, dermatologist guidance, and product recommendations you can trust.

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Sagging jowls tend to sneak up on you. One day your jawline feels sharp and familiar. Then slowly, definition softens and the lower face starts to feel heavier. 

In this episode, Dr. Mina breaks down what is really happening when jowls form. She explains how bone changes, fat pad movement, muscle pull, collagen loss, genetics, and how daily habits can shape the lower face over time. She walks through what supports skin health at home, what looks promising but falls short, and which in office treatments deliver meaningful improvement when used strategically.

You will learn how Biostimulants, lasers, tightening devices, Neuromodulators, and fillers fit into a realistic plan. Dr. Mina also explains why placement matters, why no single treatment works alone, and when surgery becomes the most definitive option. If you are in midlife and trying to make sense of your jawline changes without wasting money or chasing hype, this episode gives you clear guidance and grounded expectations.

In This Episode:

0:00 Why jowls frustrate everyone

1:10 What jowls really are

3:00 Bone loss and facial structure changes

5:10 Fat pads, skin quality, and muscle pull

7:40 Habits and lifestyle that worsen jowls

9:30 At home care. What helps and what does not

12:00 In office treatments that improve jowls

15:20 Injectables, devices, and common mistakes

17:40 When surgery becomes the definitive option

18:55 Final expectations and long term strategy

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

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.

There comes a point when you start to notice patterns. Your skin flares after certain meals, bloating lingers through the week, and your body feels a little more reactive than it used to. Especially in midlife, it is easy to wonder: Is it hormones, stress, aging, or something deeper happening in the gut?

Dr. Mina sits down with Dr. Pia Prakash, a board-certified gastroenterologist and passionate educator on gut health. Together, they unpack the science behind the gut microbiome, inflammation, leaky gut, SIBO, diet patterns, perimenopause, and why conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and hidradenitis often flare alongside digestive symptoms.

You will learn what truly supports gut health (hint: not a cleanse), how antibiotics and alcohol factor in, and why midlife can bring new skin and GI changes.

If you are navigating acne in adulthood, rosacea, psoriasis, bloating, perimenopause changes, or you simply want to care for your skin from the inside out, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, grounded, and supported. Share it with a friend who needs the reassurance that she is not alone.

Follow Dr. Pia here:

https://www.instagram.com/gastrogalmd/

https://www.youtube.com/@gastrogalmd

https://www.facebook.com/p/Gastrogalmd-61578874299695/

Follow Dr. Mina here:

Visit The Skin Real Serenbe:

Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/

Book your Meet and Greet here

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube

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.