Regenerative medicine is a cutting edge and rapidly growing field of medicine with a focus on repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged tissues and organs. When it comes to skin health, regenerative medicine shows a lot of promise. It could help reverse hair loss, heal burns and scars, improve wound healing, and even slow down aging! What’s ama…

Who hasn’t heard about stem cell therapies curing disease, organs being grown in petri dishes, and 3D printing of crucial body parts? It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, doesn’t it? These new therapies promise to cure diseases and help us live longer, healthier lives. But how do you know what’s real and what’s just hype? Regene…

As a dermatologist, I can't stress enough the importance of sun protection. Over the years, I've seen countless cases of skin damage that could have been prevented with proper UV protection. That's why I'm such a huge advocate for UPF clothing. It simplifies sun protection and makes it accessible for everyone! By choosing UPF clothing, you’re not j…

If you're someone who values your skin's health, but loves soaking up the sun's warmth, then UPF clothing might just be what you need! UPF stands for ‘ultraviolet protective factor,’ and it’s a rating system designed for fabrics and clothing, much like SPF (sun protection factor) is for sunscreen. As a dermatologist, I can't stress enough the impor…

Children around the age of 10-12, known as 'tweens,' have gotten into the skincare game big time. And while creating healthy skincare habits is key and a great thing to instill in our children, the skincare craze may have gone too far with a heavy emphasis on actives and anti-aging! Using harsh actives like alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C serums, an…

Ok, ok, ok... By now, who hasn't heard the hype about tweens as young as 9 and 10 getting into the skincare game with complicated anti-aging routines?! Commonly referred to as 'Sephora Babies,' this skincare craze in young girls is causing concern for both parents and dermatologists alike! While creating healthy skincare habits is key and a great t…

Not a day goes by without someone asking me about hair loss, both in and outside of my clinic. While I used to think hair loss was just something that affected and bothered men, I now realize it affects both men and women, and can be just as devastating, if not more so, for women! Fortunately, nowadays there are many treatments ranging from at-home…

Ever had that moment of panic when you see a clump of hair in your brush and wonder, "Am I going bald?" 😮You're not alone! Hair loss is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide regardless of age and gender. While I used to think hair loss was just something that affected and bothered men, I now realize it affects both men and women,…

Skin cancer is a common and concerning diagnosis that can leave patients with many questions and concerns. You've probably heard of melanoma, but did you know there are other types of skin cancer that are even more common? Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are the most prevalent among them. Shockingly, these two types alone are mor…

CANCER. It's a scary word. And when it comes to skin cancer, the fear is no different. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and this time is dedicated to educating people about skin cancers of all kinds. Did you know that globally, between 2 and 3 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year? That's a staggering number, and it m…

Ever wondered how to achieve that radiant, wedding-ready skin for your big day? 💍✨You want to look and feel your absolute best as you celebrate this memorable occasion, but achieving that picture-perfect glow requires a little extra effort and care! Join me in my Weekly Recap Episode, where I share the key insights from this week's podcast episode …

Tan lines, overdone filler, and bruising – these are the last things a bride needs to deal with! So, repeat after me: "I will not get a cosmetic treatment less than 1 month before my wedding!" For many people, their wedding is one of the most important days of their lives culminating after weeks, months, even over a year of planning. You want to lo…

We fill our schedules to the brim, multitasking our way through endless to-do lists, all in the name of productivity. But what if I told you that being busy doesn't always equate to being productive? Yes, you heard that right. Saying yes to everything can mean saying no to what truly matters – like our goals and precious time with loved ones! Join …

Get Dr. Mina's free PDF on How to create Healthy Skin Habits here. Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here. Ever feel like you're stuck in a never-ending game of catch-up, trying to balance work, family, and everything else life throws your way? Trust me, I've been there too. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, yet some people seem…

Removing the middle man (insurance) for routine, preventative care, and restoring the patient-physician relationship with transparency, affordability, and autonomy? Yes, please! Welcome to the world of direct pay medicine, specifically dermatology. Join me in my Weekly Recap Episode, where I share the key insights from this week's podcast episode w…

Ever feel frustrated with ever rising healthcare premiums and deductibles, the long waits at your doctor's office, and the rushed visits? I sure have! As a patient, it's frustrating not knowing how much things will cost or if my insurance even covers them. And as a doctor, I feel restricted by what insurance allows me to do and how I can practice m…

Feeling that mom guilt creeping in? You're not alone! Whether it's comparing your parenting style to others, or juggling the balance between home and self-care, it's a common struggle.Today we're not only holding ourselves up in comparison to our immediate community and friends, but now we have the whole world to compare ourselves to, thanks to the…

Get Dr. Mina's free PDF on How to create Healthy Skin Habits here. Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here. Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, love, and a never-ending to-do list! However, in the middle of all the busyness and chaos of daily life, there's a not-so-welcome feeling that sneaks in for many of us: that we're not doin…

Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through beauty blogs, skincare forums, or social media platforms, wanting to find the best skincare routine? In today's digital age, where information is just a click away, it's all too easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of tips, tricks, and trends. But here's the catch – not all skincare advice i…

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of aesthetic procedures and products? You're not alone! It seems like every time I turn around or attend a meeting, there's a new device or miracle product on the market! It's hard to figure out what really works and what's just hype. Don’t miss this week's podcast episode featuring Dr. Heather Rogers,…

Get Dr. Mina's free PDF on How to create Healthy Skin Habits here. Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here. In today's constantly growing beauty and skincare world, there's no shortage of myths and misunderstandings about how to care for our skin! Skincare myths often sneak into our routines, passed down through generations, shared amo…

Did you know that in the U.S., over 40% of people identify as 'skin of color' (SOC)? And by 2050, that number is projected to be over 50% of the U.S. population! For a really long time (think hundreds of years), medical research and studies focused on more western European or Caucasian skin. This led to confusion and delayed diagnoses for many indi…

Ever wonder why you get those painful lesions in areas where your skin rubs together? It might be Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa! Dealing with HS can be challenging both physically and emotionally. The pain, discomfort, and embarrassment associated with the condition can take a toll on one's quality of life. Hidradenitis …

Who could have thought that the world of skincare and beauty has now permeated into the preteen arena? Nine-year-olds, with millions of followers on social media, are showcasing their anti-aging and complex skincare routines! It feels like I've entered an alternate reality, but nope, this is happening for real! I can't believe this has to be said, …

Get Dr. Mina's free PDF on How to create Healthy Skin Habits here. Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here. If you're into all things skincare, you're probably familiar with retinols and retinoids. These vitamin A derivatives are often considered skincare superstars, known for their remarkable effects on skin health and appearance! Wan…

Get Dr. Mina's free PDF on How to create Healthy Skin Habits here. Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here. It's normal to think about your appearance from time to time, but what happens when the desire to look good starts to consume every thought and action, to the point where it affects your daily life and happiness? You might be sur…

Age in reverse—is that even possible? Sounds too good to be true, I know, and in a way, it is. But there are things you can do to slow down the biological clock and make it seem as if you are aging in reverse! Pro-aging isn't just about giving anti-aging a new name—it's a whole movement to reframe how we think and feel about getting older. Pro-agin…

Have you ever come across the term Skin of Color (SOC)? It's a broad term that encompasses a wide range of skin tones from people of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds. Since skin conditions can present differently in skin of color, healthcare professionals need to be aware of these variations to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatmen…

As a dermatologist, one of the questions I'm frequently asked revolves around treating dark circles under the eyes. When it comes to tackling those pesky under-eye dark circles, it's all about understanding what's causing them. Whether it's extra pigment, visible blood vessels, or shadows and valleys from puffiness and aging, there are ways to deal…

Who hasn't felt bombarded by the relentless marketing of the latest wonder drug for weight loss? It's like every time you scroll through your social media, there's another jaw-dropping transformation from a celebrity or public figure. Oprah looked great at 'The Color Purple' premiere and has credited her slender figure to a semaglutide drug. Semagl…

As a dermatologist, I am always advising people to wear sunscreen and protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. And then I usually hear people say, "but what about Vitamin D?" Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining our body's health, and we are learning more about it every day. Beyond skeletal health, Vitamin D i…

Did you know that your style could actually communicate a lot about your perception of your skin and beauty? I recently had a conversation with stylist Jessica Papineau, who shared that many women struggle to prioritize themselves when it comes to investing time and money in quality clothing. I see so many similarities here with how women feel abou…

Are you fascinated by the incredible world of regenerative medicine? If so, you've probably come across the buzz about exosomes! These tiny extracellular vesicles, secreted by various cells in the body, play an important role in cell-to-cell communication and tissue repair. Research is underway studying stem cells and their exosomes to be able to d…

Hold on, can you believe another year has slipped away already? It's January 1st, 2024! For many, the start of a new year means creating New Year’s resolutions (nearly 40% of Americans actually do this). The problem with New Year's goals is that, while we start off with good intentions, these wane quickly, and we are back to our old selves and prob…

This week, I'm excited to share a recap of my guest appearance on the 'More Than A Pretty Face' podcast with Dr. Azi. It was such a pleasure being interviewed by Dr. Azi, a fellow dermatologist based in La Jolla, CA. We delve deep into what pro-aging is, skin cancer prevention and treatments, and the various methods for removing cysts and lipomas!I…

Can you believe it's the end of the year already? I don't know about you, but the holidays are such a magical and busy time for me and my family! With festive parties, work functions, gift exchanges, and the end of the year 'I've reached my deductible' medical appointments, things can get pretty hectic. It's a time when healthy habits might take a …

For anyone out there in their thirties or beyond, you know what I'm talking about when I say things start to change in this decade! Balancing work and home becomes more challenging, more stressful, and often, healthy habits like exercise, nutrition, and self-care go out the window. I know they did for me! To all those navigating their thirties, her…

Are our eyes really the window to our souls? Well, if that's the case, then you'll definitely want to join in and discover how to keep your eyes shining bright like a diamond! The skin on our eyelids is very thin, and as a result, it's the first place where aging becomes noticeable. This thinness makes our eyelids more prone to issues like sagging,…

No, your sunscreen is not causing cancer! In fact, it's well-established and backed by extensive research that sunscreen serves as a protective shield against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Don't miss this week’s podcast episode featuring Dr. Mamina where we delve deep into the world of sunscreen, exploring its significance and deb…

The aesthetic community is abuzz with excitement about an innovative technology that tightens skin and improves skin laxity, all without the need for surgery! Does it seem too good to be true? Micro-coring, as the name suggests, uses a small hollow needle to remove tiny full-thickness cores of tissue. Then, as the skin heals, it tightens up, kind o…

Microneedling has become incredibly popular lately, but what exactly is it, and does it deliver on its promises? Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to stimulate the body's natural collagen production and rejuvenates the skin. Microneedling is great for improving skin texture, reducing hyperpigmentation, boosting …

Is losing your hair causing you to stress and lose your sleep?! Well you are not alone! Fortunately melatonin has been shown to not only improve sleep, but also hair loss in certain conditions! This week II’m joined by hair loss expert and dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess on the podcast this week and she’ sharing some of her great tips for dealing …

Have you ever been tempted by ads and influencers promising beautiful skin? I know I have! But, what does it take to truly get great skin? When your goals align with your skin's needs, you're on your way to achieving great skin. So, before you invest in a new product or procedure, make sure it aligns with your needs and goals. If it doesn't, save y…

What comes to mind when you think about "self-image"? Our self-image essentially consists of the labels we attach to ourselves, some based on reality and others not so much! While there are many ways to change our appearance to match how we feel inside, it's a constant struggle when our self-esteem and self-image are low. Instead of just worrying a…

Is a buccal fat pad removal surgery going to age you faster? And is a liquid rhinoplasty safe and effective? I’m a board-certified dermatologist and host of The Skin Real. This week I have my colleague Dr. Prem Tripathi, board certified facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco on to discuss all things facial aesthetic surgery and why going to a doct…

If you've noticed that your skin has become more discolored on your face, chest, and hands after spending time in the sun during the summer, it's a clear sign of sun damage. Fall is a great time of year to get in to see your dermatologist for a general skin check to evaluate for any skin cancers and to help establish a healthy skin care regimen! Ch…

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a lesser-known but increasingly deadly skin cancer. The recent passing of singer Jimmy Buffett from MCC in September 2023 has drawn attention to this previously unfamiliar cancer, raising awareness. While MCC is 40x more rare than melanoma, it is the 2nd most deadly skin cancer after melanoma. It's important to schedu…

Collagen has certainly become quite the trending topic lately! Whether it's mentioned in beverages, edibles, supplements, or skincare products, marketers are seizing the opportunity to ride the wave of this popular skincare trend. But do these collagen products deliver on their promises? Can they genuinely enhance your collagen levels? Tune in to t…

In this week’s podcast episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, fondly referred to as Dr. Azi by her patients and followers on social media. She shares with me how she approaches patient care from a holistic manner and is on a quest to help promote facial harmony. We also discuss some of her favorite treatments for common skin con…

The skincare industry is huge, with claims of perfect skin and eternal youth, but it's normal to be skeptical when things sound too good to be true! So, who should you trust with your skin and beauty goals? Your trusted guide on your skincare journey is your DERMATOLOGIST! Tune in to this week's podcast episode featuring Dr. Rossi, where we explore…