Ep. 49 Glow up at Midlife: What Works and What Doesn't and What's Worth it With Dr. Alice Mina

Featuring Dr. Mary Alice Mina on Insights From the Couch

When it comes to skincare in midlife, there’s no shortage of advice—and confusion. Between TikTok trends, celebrity serums, and well-meaning friends, it can feel impossible to separate myth from medicine. That’s why we brought in the brilliant Dr. Mary Alice Mina, board-certified dermatologist and surgeon, to get the real story on midlife skin. Here’s what she wants every woman at midlife to know about her skin—whether you’re looking to simplify your routine or explore more advanced options.

Midlife Skin Is Changing—Here’s Why

Hormones play a huge role in how your skin behaves, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen levels drop, leading to:

- Thinner skin

- Less oil production

- More dryness and irritation

- Slower cell turnover

This is why products that once worked beautifully may now leave your skin feeling sensitive or “blah.” It’s not just aging—it’s your biology shifting.

You Don’t Need 10 Steps—Minimalism Works

If you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror wondering why you have more skincare products than socks, you’re not alone. Dr. Mina’s advice? Pare it down. A basic, effective routine for midlife looks like this:

- Gentle cleanser

- Moisturizer with ceramides or peptides

- Sunscreen every day

- Retinoid or retinol at night (if tolerated)

That’s it. You don’t need fancy serums or trendy ingredients unless they’re truly helping your specific concerns.

The Heavy Lifters: Retinoids and Estrogen Creams

Retinoids are one of the few ingredients with real, research-backed results when it comes to fine lines, pigmentation, and skin renewal. Start slow and work your way up to avoid irritation. For some women, topical estrogen creams—prescribed by a doctor—can improve the quality of aging skin, especially on the face, neck, and hands. These are worth discussing with your dermatologist or gynecologist.

Yes, You Can Consider Procedures—and No, It’s Not “Cheating”

Midlife is often the time when women start to consider cosmetic dermatology. From Botox and fillers to lasers and microneedling, there are many tools that can subtly and naturally enhance your skin. Dr. Mina’s take? These options are not about becoming someone else—they’re about feeling like yourself again. And if you’re wondering when to start—it's when you feel curious. Not when someone else says you “should.”

Sleep, Water, and SPF: Still the Real MVPs

It may not sound sexy, but the basics matter. A full night’s sleep, plenty of hydration, and consistent sun protection do more for your skin long-term than any $300 eye cream. As Dr. Mina says: “If your skin is constantly inflamed because you're tired and burned out, no product is going to fix that.”

The Bottom Line: Be Kind to Your Skin—and Yourself

Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a turning point. Your skin doesn’t need perfection. It needs consistency, care, and a mindset that says, I’m worth the effort. Whether you're a minimalist or a med spa regular, you get to define what healthy, radiant skin means for you.

🎧 Listen to Episode 49 – Skincare at Midlife with Dr. Mary Alice Mina