Fact-Checking Viral Skincare Trends with Dr. Dustin Portela

In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with dermatologist and Skinfluence Podcast host Dr. Dustin Portela to break down the skincare trends flooding social media right now. From DIY sunscreen and beef tallow moisturizer to at-home chemical peels and tanmaxxing, they separate real dermatology from viral misinformation. The conversation covers red flags to watch for in skincare influencers, the science behind sunscreen safety, why skin cycling can work when done right, age-appropriate routines for kids and teens, and what medical grade skincare actually means. It is a practical, no-nonsense guide to protecting your skin from bad advice.

In this episode:

0:00 Intro1:15 Meet Dr. Dustin Portela3:00 How to spot fake skincare advice online6:15 The truth about DIY sunscreen9:30 Beef tallow moisturizer breakdown13:00 At-home chemical peels and TCA risks16:45 Tan maxing and the return of tanning culture21:00 Melanotan and the anti-sunscreen movement25:30 Sunscreen myths and the seatbelt analogy28:45 Skin cycling explained31:15 Skincare for kids and teens34:00 Real skin vs filtered skin35:15 What medical grade skincare actually means36:45 Top three tips for cutting through the noise37:45 Where to find Dr. Portela

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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About the guest: