What are adaptogens, and why did one dermatologist believe they were the answer to COVID-era skin pathology?

Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD FAAD, co-founder of Precision Skin and Body Institute and creator of Stamina Cosmetics. Dr. Blyumin-Karasik shares her remarkable journey from childhood in the Soviet Union—where summers by the lake and forest therapy shaped her worldview—to establishing a thriving holistic dermatology practice in South Florida. Her approach centers on patient education, comprehensive algorithmic care, and the belief that true skin health requires addressing internal wellness, immune balance, and lifestyle factors alongside clinical treatment. What inspired her unique philosophy? How does connecting with nature inform modern dermatological practice?

The conversation explores the intersection of traditional dermatology and integrative wellness, examining how stress manifests in skin conditions and why adaptogenic ingredients matter for skin resilience. Dr. Blyumin-Karasik discusses building Precision Skin and Body Institute with her co-founder Dr. Leslie Clark—including opening the practice just weeks after giving birth to twins. She reveals the inspiration behind Stamina Cosmetics, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic when patients' stress-induced skin pathology reached crisis levels. The episode concludes with essential advice for emerging dermatologists: stay true to scientific integrity, resist trendy procedures lacking evidence, and build patient trust through education and credibility rather than chasing social media trends.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) From Soviet Estonia to becoming a dermatologist: How nature, immigration, and family values shaped a holistic practice philosophy
• (06:30) The serendipitous discovery: When one mysterious hospital rash revealed dermatology as a window to internal medicine
• (13:00) Building Precision Skin Institute: Opening a comprehensive practice weeks after giving birth to twins
• (19:00) Creating Stamina Cosmetics: Responding to COVID-era stress with adaptogenic ingredients and wellness rituals
• (24:00) The entrepreneurship journey: Self-funding skincare, banking support, and the power of knowing your "why"
• (28:09) Advice for emerging dermatologists: Stay true to scientific integrity over social media trends
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About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field.

About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services.

Resources:

Precision Skin and Body Institute: https://www.precisionskininstitute.com/

Dr. Blyumin-Karasik's LinkedIn: https://www.l...

• (00:00:00) - How COVID is affecting skin?
• (00:00:35) - Meet Anna Chacon
• (00:13:54) - Dermatology Specialist opens her practice in Davie
• (00:19:51) - Stamina Cosmetics
• (00:24:14) - Start-up and Business Development
• (00:28:15) - Dr. Mariana's message for new dermatologists in their first