Dr. Mamina Turegano on Hormonal Acne, Hair Loss & Skincare That Works

We share more with a reproductive endocrinologist than you'd think — hormones drive skin and hair just as much as fertility. In this episode, Dr. Sasha sits down with triple board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano to break down what's really behind hormonal acne and hair loss, the environmental factors quietly wrecking our skin, and the exact prescriptions, supplements, and skincare routines that actually work. In this episode, we cover: Why acne is so common (80-90%+ of women experience it) and why it's rising in adulthood The environmental theories behind the "acne epidemic" — diet, sugar, dairy, fiber intake, caffeine, microplastics, and endocrine disruptors Why chronic stress, poor sleep, and constant phone/screen stimulation are affecting our hormones and skin How to tell if your acne is truly "hormonal" — jawline breakouts, cystic bumps, and the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio (not the absolute number) that drives flares PMOS (formerly PCOS) and how androgen imbalances show up as cystic acne, hirsutism, and hair loss Dr. Turegano's diagnostic workup: history, hormone testing, functional medicine referrals, Dutch tests, and gut microbiome testing The acne treatment ladder — topical retinoids, spironolactone, isotretinoin (Accutane), and where supplements like omega-3s, zinc, pumpkin seed oil, vitex, and DIM fit in Why the type of progestin in your birth control can make acne better or worse — and the role of drospirenone (Yasmin) Coming off birth control or spironolactone without your skin spiraling Normal vs. abnormal hair shedding, telogen effluvium vs. androgenic alopecia, and why postpartum hair loss hits so hard The most common hidden cause of hair loss: iron deficiency (even without anemia) — plus the trick to actually absorbing your iron supplement Dr. Turegano's hair loss lab panel: thyroid (TSH, free T3/T4, antibodies), vitamin D, zinc, ANA, ferritin, and androgens Hair growth treatments ranked: topical and oral minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, spironolactone, and the supplements worth trying (Nutrafol, Viviscal Pro, biotin myths) The truth about biotin — why it can mask a real heart attack on lab testing Building a skincare routine: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen as the non-negotiable foundation, plus where retinoids and vitamin C serums fit in Dr. Turegano's personal AM/PM skincare routine and product picks Follow Dr. Mamina Turegano! Instagram/social: @dr.mamino Follow Dr. Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingpod YouTube: @sashahakmanmd Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter for updates, Q&A answers and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Thank you to our sponsors!  For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code DRSASHA at oneskin.co/DRSASHA Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit Rula.com/DRSASHA to get started Use my link at thrivemarket.com/trying to get $20 off your first three orders —  That covers your membership fee! Sign up now before this exclusive offer ends. Head to vitaclean.co and use code DRSASHA at checkout for 20% off your Starter Kits purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices