Hi everyone, it's Dr. Mamina here! You might know me from my skincare tips and as a dermatologist, but today I wanted to share a little more about my story. Sometimes, it's easy to see just one side of someone, especially online. So, I'm pulling back the curtain on some things you might not know about me, what truly shaped my journey, and what makes me, well, me! My journey began in humble surroundings. I actually grew up in poverty, which taught me incredible resilience from a young age. You might be surprised to hear that I even learned Korean during my childhood! My roots are also deeply tied to my Japanese heritage, and I often credit my mother's incredible 'wellness hacks' from my upbringing as a key inspiration for my passion for health and beauty today. She really showed me the power of holistic well-being. As a dermatologist, I'm a firm believer in science-backed ingredients. While I appreciate the allure of 'natural' claims, my focus is always on what truly works and is proven. You could definitely call me a 'nerd' when it comes to understanding ingredients, especially fascinating ones like DNA repair enzymes. I'm always researching and exploring new ways to support skin health, from in-office treatments to effective at-home practices like red light therapy. Life beyond the clinic has also been full of wonderful, sometimes challenging, experiences. My husband, Rob, and I are quite the pair – our personalities are wonderfully contrasting, making for a perfect balance in our lives. Parenthood has been another incredible chapter. I was 40 when I went through IVF, and I'm so grateful that my two viable embryos lovingly became my two babies. It was a deeply personal journey that taught me so much about strength and hope. On the professional front, I've also ventured into entrepreneurship. I co-founded BEAUTYCORE, a brand built on the philosophy of a science-backed, whole-body approach to beauty and wellness. We believe that true radiance comes from within, supported by smart, effective ingredients. And speaking of varied interests, if I hadn't pursued dermatology, I might have explored paths as diverse as a software engineer or even a classical pianist! My life has always been about curiosity and learning. So, that's a glimpse into the person behind the scrubs and the skincare advice. It's been quite a journey, filled with unexpected turns and incredible blessings, and I'm grateful for every step. I hope this gives you a better sense of who Dr. Mamina Turegano really is. What about you? I'd love to hear some of your stories in the comments!