Inspiring Conversations with Mary Alice of The Skin Real and The Skin Real Serenbe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Alice.

Hi Mary Alice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon with nearly 20 years of clinical experience treating patients for skin conditions ranging from acne to skin cancer. But in 2020, something even bigger than the pandemic happened to me…I turned 40! And with that milestone came confusion, overwhelm, and a feeling like I was past my prime. I hated having these thoughts and quickly realized, I wasn’t alone. The midlife transition for women can be difficult. To make matters worse, many ‘skin-fluencers’ are out there giving misinformation about skin and beauty care, making women feel more overwhelmed and drained! That’s where my vision of The Skin Real podcast came into being. I realized as a dermatologist, I needed to have the loudest voice out there helping women cancel out the noise and get high quality skin care guidance. I started the podcast in 2022 and it is now ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally. It’s been such a fun and impactful journey for me.

Every journey is full of highs and lows and my journey as a dermatologist, speaker, podcast host and entrepreneur is no different. Probably the biggest obstacle has been overcoming imposter syndrome. You know, that little voice inside you that says, ‘who do you think you are?…why should people listen to you?…you have no business putting yourself out there on social media…you’re too old to be doing this’ and so on and so on. But what I’ve realized is that practicing medicine has changed so much. It’s getting harder and harder to see a doctor and actually get to spend time discussing things that are important. And people are turning to the internet and social media for medical guidance. If doctors aren’t putting high quality information out there on the internet and social media, then we are actually doing a disservice to the public. And people with less training and expertise will fill the void. I realize, too, that I am limited in how many patients I can help in my clinic each day, but with a podcast or speaking, I can reach thousands! Reframing what being a physician means to me has helped me gain clarity and purpose.

Today, I still practice dermatology and perform skin cancer surgery at Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta and Johns Creek. But I also get to speak, write, and educate through The Skin Real podcast, reaching women all over the world who are feeling invisible, tired of skincare confusion and just want real answers without hype. To further my mission of helping people get high-quality skin care information, I’ve recently opened a bespoke dermatology practice in Serenbe, a wellness community south of Atlanta. My mission is to reimagine dermatology into something deeply personal, beautifully effective, and entirely bespoke by blending high-touch, relationship-driven care and advanced, science-backed treatments. My focus extends beyond the surface, prioritizing whole-body skin health, longevity, and regenerative therapies. The wellness community of Serenbe seemed like the perfect backdrop for this new endeavor. And for those unable to come and visit me at The Skin Real Serenbe, I still release new podcast episodes weekly giving my audience dermatologist-guided skin information from your home!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most meaningful journeys, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Dermatology is a demanding specialty, and combining medicine, surgery, education, and entrepreneurship has required constant learning and resilience.

Early on, one of the biggest challenges was seeing how overwhelmed people were by skincare and realizing that the traditional medical system wasn’t always set up to educate patients in a clear, accessible way.

Launching The Skin Real and building a clinic meant creating something that didn’t really exist yet — a place where medical expertise, simplicity, and compassionate connection could live together.

There were technological hurdles, long nights, imposter syndrome, and the challenge of balancing family, business, and creativity. But every struggle strengthened my belief that women deserve straightforward, evidence-based guidance and a trusted voice they can turn to for real answers.

Those challenges shaped the brand. They’re why I’m so passionate about transparency, education, and building true relationships with my patients and audience. The hard moments became the reason The Skin Real exists.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Skin Real is a dermatologist-led brand and clinic dedicated to honest, science-backed skin health. Founded by Harvard-trained, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina, we offer both expert in-clinic care and accessible education through podcasts, guides, courses, and digital tools.

We specialize in helping women, especially in midlife, understand their skin and build routines that actually work — without hype, confusion, or complicated 10-step systems. What sets us apart is our commitment to clarity, transparency, and results.

We don’t push products or trends; we teach what’s effective, why it works, and how to use it with confidence.

At The Skin Real and The Skin Real Serenbe, patients and followers receive thoughtful, elevated care, evidence-based guidance, and ongoing support to look and feel their best at every age. Our mission is simple: real expertise, real results, real skin.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Nothing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theskinreal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drminaskin/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLggCqJEOBz0NUIcMeJDIaw
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-skin-real/id1638619358