This blog post features a few key takeaways from Dr. Megan’s Wellness Your Way podcast interview with Dr. Mary Alice Mina about Cancer Prevention, Collagen, and Aging Gracefully. Find the full episode here and be sure to subscribe to Wellness Your Way so you don’t miss future episodes!

Guest Bio: Dr. Mary Alice Mina

Dr. Mary Alice Mina is a Harvard-trained dermatologist, international speaker, author, and host of The Skin Real, a podcast ranked in the top 2.5% globally. As a co-owner of Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia, she is a leading expert in procedural dermatology, skin health, and skincare. With nearly two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Mina is celebrated for her artistic eye, surgical precision, and ability to help patients feel radiant at every stage of life.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Mina delivers impactful keynotes and leads workshops and retreats focused on reframing aging, aesthetics, and skin health. Her insights have been featured in major media outlets, including People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Glamour, and Huffington Post. Passionate about empowering others, she combines her expertise with practical advice to inspire audiences to embrace their unique beauty and live confidently in their skin.

Top Insights from Dr. Mary Alice Mina’s Interview

1. The most common skin cancer isn’t melanoma. Another type actually affects millions more people and causes double the annual deaths compared to melanoma.
2. That stubborn “pimple” might not be what you think. Many patients mistake basal cell carcinoma for acne, only to find it never heals — a key warning sign.
3. Flat dark spots can be more dangerous than raised ones. While most people worry about raised moles, dermatologists say flat spots are often the ones to watch most closely.
4. Skin checks don’t have to be complicated. A quick monthly glance — with help from a partner for hard-to-see areas — could be enough to catch issues early.
5. The biggest everyday carcinogen is hiding in plain sight. UV radiation from the sun is a proven cause of skin cancer, yet most people still underestimate daily exposure.
6. Your hands may reveal more sun damage than your face. Because sunscreen washes off easily, the tops of the hands often show aging first — which is why some dermatologists wear protective gloves while driving.
7. You start losing collagen in your 20s. Collagen peaks in early adulthood and declines 1% each year, with a dramatic 30% drop after menopause.
8. Collagen powders aren’t just hype. While they don’t go straight to your skin, they can stimulate fibroblasts to help your body naturally produce more collagen.
9. Two simple habits matter more than any cream. Protecting your skin from the sun and taking care of your body through sleep, nutrition, and stress management will keep your skin glowing for life.

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Want to hear the full episode, including how to spot the most common (and overlooked) types of skin cancer, the truth about collagen loss and what you can actually do about it, practical tips for daily sun protection, and so much more?

Check out the podcast episode here!