Morning Rounds With Dr. Michelle Henry, MD — A Deep Dive Into Skin Health — E.696
Dr. Michelle Henry: The Intersection of Dermatology, Aesthetic Innovation, and Skin Health Education
In this enlightening episode of Skin Anarchy, host Ekta Yadav sits down with Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and international speaker renowned for her dedication to patient education and innovation in skincare. Dr. Henry shares insights on dermatology, skin cancer prevention, aesthetic treatments for melanin-rich skin, and the broader implications of personalized skincare.
From Childhood Dreams to Dermatology
Dr. Henry’s journey into medicine was inspired early on by her mother, a nurse, who introduced her to healthcare through a “take your daughter to work” day. Initially aiming for oncology due to a family experience with breast cancer, Dr. Henry ultimately shifted to dermatology. Recognizing her empathic nature, she realized oncology’s emotional toll might overwhelm her. Dermatology, especially Mohs surgery for skin cancer, allowed her to blend her passion for surgery with a focus on patient well-being and aesthetics. “It was the perfect collision of all the things I love,” she said, describing dermatology’s wide-ranging approach to skin health, surgery, immunology, and aesthetics.
The Reality of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., yet it often goes unnoticed. Dr. Henry highlights the dangers of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and emphasizes the importance of sun protection. While melanoma receives the most attention, non-melanoma skin cancers like basal and squamous cell carcinomas are also dangerous, especially when left untreated. “Just five burns before the age of 18 can double your risk for skin cancer,” Dr. Henry warned, advocating for regular skin checks and annual dermatologist visits.
The Underrepresented Skin Conditions
In her practice, Dr. Henry sees many cases of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic condition causing painful cysts and scarring in areas like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Affecting many women, HS is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, leaving patients suffering in silence. Dr. Henry hopes to raise awareness of this and other lesser-known conditions to provide relief and reduce stigma, especially around skin issues affecting intimate areas.
The Skin-Mind Connection
Dr. Henry explains the skin-mind connection, highlighting the impact of stress on conditions like acne, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. She notes that stress increases cortisol levels, which can exacerbate various skin conditions. This understanding reflects a broader recognition of how mental health and skin health are interlinked, demonstrating the need for a holistic approach to dermatology.
The Evolution of Aesthetic Treatments for Melanin-Rich Skin
When it comes to aesthetic treatments for melanin-rich skin, Dr. Henry emphasizes the need for a cautious approach. Patients with melanin-rich skin are at a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other complications from treatments that cause trauma or inflammation. For laser treatments, she recommends “long and low” protocols — longer treatment times with lower energy settings to minimize trauma and heat.
Dr. Henry advises patients to choose practitioners skilled in treating melanin-rich skin, particularly for treatments like chemical peels and laser resurfacing. She explains that dermatology training often lacks adequate education on diverse skin types, a gap she hopes the industry will bridge to improve dermatologic care for all.
Personalized Medicine and Nutrition’s Role in Skin Health
As dermatology advances, Dr. Henry believes the future lies in hyper-personalized medicine. She anticipates the rise of treatments tailored to an individual’s unique microbiome, genetic markers, and environmental factors. By understanding each patient’s genetic profile, dermatologists can make more precise treatment recommendations, reducing trial and error for conditions like acne or eczema.
Nutrition also plays a crucial role in skin health. Dr. Henry highlights the importance of healthy fats (like those in salmon and avocado), antioxidants, and lean proteins to maintain the skin’s elasticity and resilience. She advises against inflammatory foods like dairy and sugar, which may exacerbate acne and other conditions.
Skincare as a Daily Commitment
When asked for her top skincare advice, Dr. Henry emphasized consistency. Like brushing your teeth, skincare should be part of a daily routine. “Healthy skin is a journey,” she said, explaining that good skin care requires a commitment to cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Small, consistent actions accumulate over time, resulting in healthier, more resilient skin.
Advice for Aspiring Dermatologists
For those interested in pursuing dermatology, Dr. Henry advises aspiring professionals to stay committed and never give up. Dermatology is a competitive field, but Dr. Henry encourages perseverance and excellence. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” she reminds future dermatologists, highlighting the responsibility that comes with patient care and the dedication required to provide the best treatments.
Closing Thoughts
Dr. Henry’s multifaceted approach to dermatology demonstrates the field’s depth and its intersection with mental health, aesthetics, and lifestyle. As the field progresses toward personalized care, Dr. Henry envisions a future where dermatology adapts to the unique needs of each patient, making skin health accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all.
Through her work, Dr. Henry is advancing dermatology’s role in promoting holistic well-being, raising awareness about lesser-known skin conditions, and advocating for personalized skincare. Her commitment to patient education and inclusive care shines through, making her an invaluable voice in the dermatology community.
For more information about Dr. Henry, visit her website and social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to Skincare Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.
Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!
FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skincare-anarchy/id1522162686
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/298oIu74qjd3pXaaBMDr19
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skincareanarchy/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skincareanarchhy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkincareAnarchy
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Skincare_Anarchy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skincareanarchy/
Pinterest: https://cz.pinterest.com/skincareanarchy/_created/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skincareanarchy
Lemon8: https://v.lemon8-app.com/s/RxsSkQspR
Medium Blog: https://skincareanarchy.medium.com
