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:

• Why Botox must be used carefully around the mouth • When filler helps and when it makes things worse • Why a surgical lip lift may be more appropriate than more volume • The role of microneedling, RF microneedling, CO2 laser, and even phenol peels • How smoking, straws, and unconscious lip movements accelerate lines • Why sunscreen on the lips is harder than you think

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 00:23 No Magic Fix. The Combination Approach 01:06 Why Upper Lip Lines Form 03:05 Why We Can’t Fully Paralyze This Muscle 03:37 The Realistic Goal. Soften, Not Erase 04:19 Why Women Notice This More After Menopause 05:34 Why Filler Is Not Always the Answer 06:14 Not a One and Done Fix 07:13 Prevention Before Lines Etch In 07:51 Lifestyle Habits That Make Lip Lines Worse 10:59 Teeth, Bone Loss, and Structural Support 11:50 Sun Damage and Lip Protection 14:02 Topicals That Help. Retinoids and Moisturizers 16:07 Red Light and At Home Devices 17:12 In Office Treatments. Where to Start 17:44 Botox and the Lip Flip Explained 19:30 Filler. When It Helps and When It Backfires 21:43 Laser, Microneedling, and Advanced Procedures 24:30 Phenol Peels, Aggressive Resurfacing, and Expectations 25:43 Final Takeaways

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: 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:

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: 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:

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

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. https://youtu.be/EPIs-X5djRM

💗 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: 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:

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 01:15 Female hair loss versus male pattern hair loss 02:35 Hair and identity in midlife 03:55 Dr. Mina’s personal hair loss experience 05:10 How dermatologists classify hair loss 06:25 Scarring alopecia and why early action matters 07:40 Non scarring hair loss and shedding patterns 08:55 Telogen effluvium and delayed stress responses 10:20 Female pattern hair loss explained 11:45 Menopause, estrogen, and hair thinning 13:05 Nutrition, iron, and vitamin deficiencies 14:25 Thyroid disease and medical causes 15:40 Styling habits and traction alopecia 16:55 Autoimmune related hair loss 18:05 Why scalp health is critical 19:05 How hair loss is evaluated in clinic 20:05 Blood work and baseline labs 21:10 Minoxidil. Topical versus oral 22:35 Dread shed and why it happens 23:40 Hormonal medications and postmenopause 24:40 Scalp treatments and medicated shampoos 25:35 Advanced topicals and exosome serums 26:45 PRP and red light therapy 27:55 Hair supplements. What helps and what to avoid 28:55 Final advice. Patience and early treatment

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: 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:

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 0:45 Why dermatologists rely on retinoids 1:35 What retinoids are and how they work in skin 2:20 Retinol vs retinal vs prescription retinoids 3:35 Dr. Mina’s personal retinoid experience 5:10 When results actually start showing 6:15 How retinoids treat acne at the root 7:30 Retinoids for hyperpigmentation and scars 8:20 Choosing a retinoid based on your skin type 9:30 Over the counter vs prescription strength 10:40 Anti aging and collagen benefits explained 11:45 How to apply retinoids correctly at night 13:15 The pea sized rule and layering order 14:35 How often to use retinoids and seasonal changes 15:40 Using retinoids on the neck and under eyes 16:55 The sandwich method for irritation 17:55 How to avoid purging and flaking 19:05 Beginner nighttime routine 20:15 Advanced retinoid routine 21:10 Morning routine and sunscreen rules 22:00 Long term consistency and skin longevity 23:10 Final tips

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: 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/

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 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US

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: 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

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: 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:

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.

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/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:

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.