The Connection Between Lifestyle, Inflammation and Your Skin with Dr. Mamina Turegano — E.748

Bridging Eastern Wisdom and Modern Dermatology with Dr. Mamina Turegano

Introduction: A Triple Board-Certified Approach to Skin Health

In this enlightening episode of Skin Anarchy, host Ekta speaks with Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified expert in dermatology, dermatopathology, and internal medicine. Known for her integrative approach to skin health, Dr. Mamina blends Western medicine with Eastern healing philosophies to offer holistic and evidence-based care to her patients. Their conversation dives deep into everything from gut health and acne to the underestimated power of lifestyle and stress management in treating chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.

How Dermatology Became Her Calling

Originally planning to pursue primary care, Dr. Mamina’s interest in dermatology was sparked during her rheumatology rotation in medical school. She found herself drawn to the skin manifestations of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and dermatomyositis. Eventually, dermatology’s blend of pathology, surgery, and its wide patient demographic won her over — despite entering the competitive field later than most.

Cultural Roots and an Integrative Lens

Dr. Mamina credits her Japanese heritage and her mother’s home remedies — ranging from sake and raw egg mixtures to acupressure techniques — as the foundation of her interest in holistic medicine. Living in Korea during middle school further expanded her exposure to Eastern healing practices. Her respect for both conventional and alternative medicine inspired her to pursue an MD, knowing it would allow her to bridge these two worlds.

Empowered Patients and the Rise of Informed Skincare

Patients today are more informed than ever, and Dr. Mamina appreciates how this keeps practitioners on their toes. From discussing double cleansing to decoding ingredient lists, the modern patient is asking nuanced, well-researched questions. She celebrates this shift as a sign of growing health literacy, while also recognizing the challenges posed by misinformation online.

Acne: More Than Just a Topical Issue

Conventional treatments for acne often target the follicular unit — using retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and hormone-regulating agents like spironolactone. While these can be effective, Dr. Mamina notes that they don’t always address the root cause. She emphasizes the importance of consulting a dermatologist to avoid the pitfalls of self-treatment, which often leads to skin barrier damage and worsened acne.

The Gut-Skin Axis: A Hidden Link to Inflammation

One of the most captivating parts of the discussion is the role of gut health in skin disorders. Dr. Mamina breaks down how dysbiosis, leaky gut, and poor nutrient absorption can contribute to inflammatory skin conditions. She highlights how gut imbalances can affect hormone levels, such as androgens and cortisol, which in turn exacerbate acne.

Psoriasis as a Whole-Body Condition

Dr. Mamina likens psoriasis to a canary in a coal mine — a surface-level signal of deeper systemic issues. Beyond conventional therapies like steroids and biologics, she advocates for comprehensive lifestyle changes: stress management, sleep hygiene, reduced alcohol and tobacco use, and an anti-inflammatory diet. Her new book, The Holistic Psoriasis Management Nutrition Guide, explores this approach in detail, including a Mediterranean-inspired meal plan and supplement tips like omega-3s and vitamin D.

Stress, Sleep, and Skin: The Circadian Connection

Interestingly, Dr. Mamina has observed that patients with disrupted circadian rhythms — like night shift workers — are more prone to psoriasis flares. This, combined with her insights on stress-induced inflammation, underscores the importance of whole-body wellness in skin management. Lifestyle interventions may seem basic, but they’re essential.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Skin Health Through Integration

Dr. Mamina Turegano is at the forefront of a new paradigm in dermatology — one that honors both rigorous science and ancient wisdom. Her compassionate, culturally informed perspective reminds us that true skin health comes from looking beyond the surface. Whether you’re managing acne, psoriasis, or seeking overall skin resilience, this episode offers a wealth of insight grounded in experience, evidence, and empathy.

To learn more about Dr. Mamina, visit her website and social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.

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