Skin aging is confusing right now, especially with a decade's worth of contradictory advice on social media. Andrea sits down with Alyssa Spiegel, a certified dermatology PA at Mindful Dermatology in Dallas with 16 years of experience, to sort out what actually moves the needle versus what's just marketing.

They cover why collagen loss starts at 25 (not 30), the real reason sunscreen in your foundation isn't enough, what Botox does and when it makes sense, why exosomes are the most controversial trend in skincare right now, and a skin cancer screening story that turned into a real save.

Topics covered

Why your skin starts changing in your mid-20s, not your 30s

The 3 non-negotiable products: sunscreen, a retinoid, and a moisturizer

Why SPF in makeup alone won't cut it, and how to reapply over a full face

Common skincare myths: daily exfoliation, drinking water = hydrated skin, 15-step routines

Collagen supplements: what the research actually supports (and doesn't)

Botox basics: how it works, who's a good candidate, and why "preventative Botox" in your 20s often isn't necessary

Why some people burn through Botox faster than others, and the zinc question

Microneedling, chemical peels, and lasers (BBL, Moxie, Halo, Fraxel, CO2) explained simply

Exosomes: the "wild west" of regenerative skincare

At-home dermaplaning and a DIY glow routine

Why skin cancer screenings matter, even if you're only there for Botox

Products and brands mentioned

Sunscreen: Color Science powder sunscreen, Supergoop

Retinoid: RoC retinol stick (~$29, Target/Amazon)

Moisturizers: SkinBetter Trio, In Beauty Project Extreme Cream (Sephora), DIEUX Instant Angel (Sephora)

Vitamin C: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Hydrating serum: SkinBetter Ambra (hyaluronic acid)

Cleansing pads: Peach and Lily, First Aid Beauty

Budget picks: Versed (Target) barrier cream and tinted sunscreen

Exosome skincare: Plated

Dermaplaning tool: Flamingo razor

Hypochlorous acid spray: Tower 28 (or similar)

Guest

Alyssa Spiegel, PA-C, Mindful Dermatology, Dallas

Website: mindfuldermdallas.com

Instagram: @thedallas_derm_pa