The Skin Real ®

Mammograms Explained. Myths, Safety, And Early Detection

If you’ve ever delayed scheduling your mammogram because of fear, discomfort, or sheer overwhelm, you’re not alone. Many midlife women quietly carry anxiety about breast health, balancing busy lives while putting their own care on the back burner. 
In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with Dr. Anjali Malik, a breast imaging and interventional radiologist and passionate advocate for women’s health. Together, they break down what mammograms actually involve, why annual screening starting at age 40 matters, and how misinformation has unnecessarily scared women away from a life-saving test. This conversation walks you through what to expect before, during, and after a mammogram, explains dense breast tissue in plain language, and reframes screening as an empowering tool rather than something to fear.
Key Takeaways:✓ Annual mammograms starting at age 40 reduce breast cancer mortality by about 40 percent when cancers are caught early✓ Most mammogram call-backs are not cancer; out of 1,000 women screened, only about five will have cancer✓ Dense breast tissue is common and not “bad,” but it can affect both cancer risk and imaging clarity✓ 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) improves cancer detection and lowers unnecessary call-backs✓ Early detection often means smaller surgeries, fewer aggressive treatments, and better cosmetic outcomes✓ Monthly breast self-awareness helps you notice changes early, especially between screenings
Listen in, share it with a friend you love, and take that next step for yourself.
Follow Dr. Anjali here:
https://www.instagram.com/anjalimalikmd/?hl=en
https://www.anjalimalikmd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjali-malik-91a34391/
Follow Dr. Mina here:Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
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.

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: What to Use, What to Avoid, and How to Care for Your Skin

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If your skin suddenly feels unpredictable during pregnancy, it is not your imagination and it is not your fault. Hormones shift rapidly, collagen stretches, pigment deepens, and routines that once worked may no longer feel effective.
In this episode, Dr. Mina sits down with integrative dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano for an honest, evidence-based conversation on skincare during pregnancy. Together, they break down the most common concerns dermatologists see at this stage, from acne and hyperpigmentation to melasma, stretch marks, and sunscreen safety.
They clarify which ingredients are best avoided, which can be used safely when appropriate, and why simple foundations like sun protection, hydration, and gut health often matter more than an overloaded routine. They also cover postpartum skincare and what can be thoughtfully reintroduced while breastfeeding, helping listeners move forward with clarity, confidence, and a lot less anxiety around doing something wrong.
Key Takeaways:
✓ Pregnancy acne and melasma are hormonally driven and incredibly common✓ Azelaic acid, niacinamide, and gentle exfoliation can support skin safely✓ Retinoids and hydroquinone are avoided due to absorption concerns✓ Sunscreen is safe during pregnancy and critical for pigment prevention✓ Stretch marks reflect structural skin changes and genetics, not skincare failure✓ Postpartum skin care offers more flexibility, including the return of retinoids
If you are pregnant, postpartum, or planning ahead and want science-backed answers without judgment, this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and far more confident in your skin.
Mamina Turegano, MD, is a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist practicing in the greater New Orleans area, with expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She also holds a certificate in integrative dermatology, blending traditional medicine with holistic approaches to skin health and longevity. With 16 years of dermatology experience and 11 years in private practice, Dr. Turegano is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Follow Dr. Mamina here:
www.drmamina.com
https://www.instagram.com/dr.mamina/?hl=en
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Follow Dr. Mina here:Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
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.

Liposuction in Midlife: What Really Works for Body Contouring and Confidence

In this week's episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina welcomes Dr. Kandace Kichler to talk about what liposuction actually is today. Together they explore why this procedure, once considered aggressive and intimidating, has become a favorite for targeted contouring, especially in midlife.
From safety and anesthesia to expectations and recovery, they lay out what’s possible with awake liposuction, and why it can help women feel more comfortable and more confident in their clothes and their skin.
Key Takeaways:
Liposuction is for contouring, not weight loss.
Awake procedures are safe and surprisingly comfortable.
Liposuction cannot fix visceral fat (the deep fat behind the muscle), nor can it replace surgery when excess skin is the issue.
Recovery is easier than most people imagine.
You get a “preview” in the first weeks, but final results take months.
If you’ve ever wondered whether liposuction is only for celebrities or feared it meant pain, anesthesia, and weeks away from real life, this episode is for you.
Dr. Kandace Kichler (Kick-ler) is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon and aesthetic injector based in sunny South Florida, between Palm Beach and Miami. With advanced fellowship training in both bariatric and cosmetic surgery, she now focuses on aesthetics—combining surgical precision with a passion for beauty and body contouring. She is also board certified in obesity medicine, giving her a unique ability to guide patients in both wellness and aesthetics. Known as The Slimming Surgeon on social media, she also hosts The Slimming Surgeon Podcast, where she shares insights on cosmetic procedures, style, and empowerment.
 
Follow Dr. Kichler here:
https://kandacekichlermd.com/
https://www.instagram.com/slimmingsurgeon/
 
Follow Dr. Mina here:Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
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.

Topical Estrogen for Your Skin: What Every Midlife Woman Should Know

There comes a point in midlife when you look in the mirror and realize your skin feels different. Maybe it is suddenly drier, more reactive, or simply not bouncing back the way it used to!
In this episode, Dr. Mina explains the powerful role estrogen plays in collagen, hydration, elasticity, and the overall strength of your skin. She walks through what declining estrogen in perimenopause and postmenopause really means, what the research shows about topical estrogen, and how it compares to systemic hormone therapy.
She also shares practical advice on when topical estrogen might be helpful, what to expect from it, and why foundational skin care habits still matter most. 
Key Takeaways:
✓ Estrogen keeps skin firm, hydrated, and resilient, so midlife declines can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and a weakened skin barrier.
✓ Topical estrogen is considered very safe with minimal systemic absorption and does not require progesterone.
✓ Sun protection and retinoids remain the most important steps for healthy, aging skin, and topical estrogen works best as an add-on.
✓ Vaginal estrogen remains essential for pelvic health, but facial estrogen is still an emerging area, so a personalized dermatology conversation is key.
✓ Treating sun damage with peels or lasers may improve how well topical estrogen works on photo-aged skin. 
 Tune in and let Dr. Mina guide you through what topical estrogen can offer, what it cannot, and how to care for your skin in a way that helps you feel more at home in your own reflection again.
Follow Dr. Mina here:Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
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.

The New Buzz in Skincare: Are Adaptogens Right for You?

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In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mina sits down with returning guest and dermatologist Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker to explore one of the most talked-about emerging categories in skincare: topical adaptogens.
Together they dive into:
What adaptogens actually are and why dermatologists use them
How they soothe redness, irritation, and “stressed-out” skin
Where they fit into a simple, effective routine
Why they’re beloved in post-procedure care
Whether supplements help and what to avoid
Safe use during pregnancy
The brands doing adaptogens right 
You’ll hear how adaptogens have moved from ancient medicine to modern skincare, why they’re suddenly everywhere, and whether they actually deserve a spot in your routine.
Dr. Watchmaker shares the science behind them, the products backed by real data, and how to know if your skin is asking for something gentler, calmer, and more supportive.
If your skin feels sensitive, reactive, or overwhelmed, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to try something that supports, not strips your skin. Adaptogens might be the gentle reset your complexion has been craving!
About Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker
Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker is a fellowship trained, board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology. She practices at the Center for Aesthetic and Laser Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dr. Watchmaker has led multiple clinical trials, authored numerous book chapters, and published extensively in peer reviewed medical journals. She is also an invited speaker at national and international dermatology conferences, where she shares her expertise on cutting edge treatments and advancements in the field of aesthetic dermatology.
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
Follow Dr. Watchmaker here:
https://www.instagram.com/drjacquelinewatchmaker/?hl=en
Follow Dr. Mina here:- 
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https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin
https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
Visit Dr. Mina at The Skin Real Serenbe
Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/
Book a Meet & 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.

Pre-Aging 101: Protecting Your Skin Before You See the Signs

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Think you’re too young to worry about aging and fine lines? I hear this all the time, but here’s the truth: skin aging starts earlier than most people think.
In this episode of The Skin Real Podcast, I’m sharing key takeaways from my conversation with Barbara Green, Head of Global Research in Skin Health & Beauty at Kenvue. I dive into Gen Z skincare trends, what’s helping, what’s hurting, and why prevention is the smartest, most affordable approach to long-term skin health and anti-aging.
This episode is for you if you want evidence-based skincare tips, a realistic plan, and dermatologist guidance on how to build a routine that actually works without wasting time or money.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
• When collagen decline really begins and what it means for long-term skin health• The 3 dermatologist-approved essentials for preventing early skin aging: SPF, antioxidants, and retinoids• How to build an affordable, science-backed skincare routine at any age• The most common Gen Z skincare myths about tanning and sunscreen• Why preventive skincare beats corrective skincare every single time
Tune in now and start protecting your skin with intention!
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
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Visit Dr. Mina at The Skin Real Serenbe
Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/
Book a Meet & 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.

Pre-Aging Explained: How to Protect Your Skin Before It’s Too Late

You know that moment when you start noticing subtle changes in your skin and wonder if it’s too early (or too late) to start 'anti-aging'? This episode of The Skin Real invites you to rethink that narrative. Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with Barbara Green to unpack the science and soul of pre-aging: a proactive, empowering approach to skin longevity that begins in your 20s and 30s.
Together, they explore what’s really happening beneath the surface when collagen starts to dip, why sunscreen is your best anti-aging tool, and how simple, evidence-based routines can keep your skin radiant for decades!
 
Key Takeaways:
✓ Pre-aging isn’t fear-based. it’s future-based: it’s about protecting, preserving, and boosting what you already have.✓ Collagen starts to decline by 1% per year in your mid-20s, making daily sun protection and gentle skincare key to maintaining firmness and glow.✓ Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It’s the single most effective way to prevent premature aging—and it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.✓ Ingredients that matter: SPF, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol (used appropriately) are the building blocks of youthful, resilient skin.✓ Healthy skin mirrors healthy habits. Hydration, stress management, sleep, and self-kindness are as essential as serums.✓ Prevention is power, and caring for your skin is caring for your future self.
Tune in, take notes, and remember: the best time to start protecting your skin was yesterday. The second-best time is now!
Grab the R.E.A.L. Skin Method ebook for 50% off. Use Code REAL50
Follow Barbara Green here:
www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-green-2a11614
https://www.instagram.com/barbaragreenskincare?igsh=d2FidXdqeHMyc21w
Check out Neutrogena Collagen Bank™ SPF Moisturizer Sunscreen here:
https://www.neutrogena.com/products/skincare/neutrogena-collagen-bank-spf-moisturizer-broad-spectrum-spf-30-2-fl-oz/6806964
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Visit Dr. Mina at The Skin Real Serenbe
Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/
Book a Meet & 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.

Why Your Skin Looks Older Than You Feel (and How to Fix It)

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You’re committed to your skincare routine: the serums, the SPF, even the collagen in your coffee. So why does your skin still look tired?
In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina dives into one of the most underrated reasons our skin changes in midlife: inflammaging - that low-grade, chronic inflammation that slowly speeds up aging from the inside out.
Reflecting on her powerful conversation with dermatology researcher and wellness expert Dr. Ori Achanwa, Dr. Mina unpacks how everyday stressors like poor sleep, elevated cortisol, and digital overload quietly wear down our skin’s foundation.
The good news? You can turn it around. Dr. Mina shares simple, science-backed habits that calm inflammation, support your skin’s natural repair, and help you get back that healthy, effortless glow!
Follow Dr. Mina here:- 
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https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin
https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
Visit Dr. Mina at The Skin Real Serenbe
Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/
Book a Meet & 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.

The Truth About Inflammaging: How to Stop Daily Habits from Aging Your Skin

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You’ve done all the ‘right’ things: invested in quality skincare, followed the routines, even cleaned up your diet, yet your skin still doesn’t look as vibrant as it used to. What if the culprit isn’t just age, but inflammaging?
In this week’s episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with Dr. Orie Achonwa, a physician and wellness expert, to break down the science and soul of inflammation, aging, and the modern lifestyle that’s accelerating both. Together, they explore how chronic stress, sleep deprivation, processed foods, and our ‘always-on’ digital lives silently inflame the body, and how this shows up on your skin. Dr. Orie blends her background in holistic health and dermatology to reveal how small, intentional changes can restore balance, vitality, and radiance from the inside out.
Key Takeaways:
✓ Inflammaging is real: Chronic, low-grade inflammation accelerates visible signs of aging like fine lines, dullness, and loss of elasticity.
✓ Your skin is an organ of reflection, not just protection. It mirrors your stress, sleep, diet, and emotional well-being.
✓ Sleep is skincare. When cortisol stays high, your barrier weakens and hydration drops, leading to faster aging.
✓ Balanced blood sugar = better collagen. Spikes in glucose cause glycation, which stiffens and weakens skin proteins.
✓ Think beyond “anti-aging.” The goal is to nourish your body with protein, vitamin C, and colorful, whole foods.
✓ You don’t need expensive supplements or extreme routines. Small, consistent lifestyle shifts calm inflammation from the inside out.
Tune in to hear Dr. Mary Alice Mina and Dr. Orie Achonwa discuss the hidden link between inflammation and aging, and how you can nurture your skin through balance, rest, and nourishment!
Dr. Orie Achonwa is a dermatology research-scientist, award-winning skincare formulator, and has been a wellness coach to corporate elite, entertainers, and a diplomat for over a decade.  Named a Healthcare Innovator by UnitedHealthcare and Female Founder to Watch by Thrive Global, she’s presented her original research on anti-inflammatory modalities for improving the skin barrier at national conferences including the Integrative Dermatology Symposium and Florida Academy of Dermatology. 
She’s the founder of PhytoRadiance™ and creator of Radiance Protocol™ — a science-driven, lifestyle-based system that helps people address the root causes of skin aging through nervous system regulation, gut health, and hormonal balance.
Follow Dr. Achonwa here:
https://www.instagram.com/officialdrorie/
Use MINASKIN at TheRadianceSource.com/Masterclass
Follow Dr. Mina here:- 
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https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
Visit Dr. Mina at The Skin Real Serenbe
Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/
Book a Meet & 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.

Why Success Isn’t the Cure for Midlife Burnout

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There’s a moment many women in midlife recognize, when the reflection in the mirror feels slightly unfamiliar, when the pace of life feels impossible, and when joy feels like something that belongs to another version of you!
Between shifting hormones, growing kids, aging parents, and endless to-do lists, even the most put-together woman can start to feel stretched thin and unseen. In this episode of The Skin Real Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tiffany Moon, anesthesiologist, mom, entrepreneur, and author of Joy Prescriptions, to talk about what it really takes to find yourself again when life feels like too much.
Dr. Moon opens up about the “midlife lull” so many women face, the collision of career, caregiving, and perimenopause, and how she’s learned to reclaim joy and authenticity in the process. From being labeled “unprofessional” for dancing on social media to hosting her own women’s leadership summit, Dr. Moon reminds us that joy isn’t something we earn after success; it’s something we choose every day, even in chaos. Together, she and Dr. Mina share a refreshingly honest and affirming conversation about aging, self-image, and letting go of the pressure to be everything to everyone.
Key Takeaways:✓ Midlife isn’t a crisis, it’s a turning point.✓ The joy you’re looking for is already within reach.✓ Perimenopause changes more than your skin. It shifts how you see yourself.✓ Boundaries protect your peace and your purpose.✓ Confidence grows when you stop performing and start being real.✓ Your personal brand is your story, not your status.✓ Letting go of perfection makes space for peace.
If you’ve been feeling off balance or worn thin, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that you don’t need to have it all figured out to feel like yourself again. 
Follow Dr. Moon here:
https://www.instagram.com/tiffanymoonmd/?hl=en
https://www.leadhersummit.com/
https://www.tiffanymoonmd.com/
Sign Up for the LeadHer Summit 2025:
https://www.leadhersummit.com/registratio
Grab a Copy of Her Book Joy Prescriptions Here
https://geni.us/joyprescriptions
Follow Dr. Mina here:- 
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Visit Dr. Mina at Baucom & Mina Derm SurgeryWebsite: atlantadermsurgery.comEmail: scheduling@atlantadermsurgery.comCall: (404) 844-0496Instagram: @baucomminamd
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.