The Inside-Out Glow: Hormones, Skin, & Real Beauty Rituals
As women step into midlife, a quiet shift begins—one rooted not in resistance to age, but in redefining what beauty truly means. In an episode of Double Down with Dr. D, I sat down with physician assistant and founder of Inde Health, Dr. Mari Salazar, whose career in dermatology, aesthetics, and hormone therapy offers a refreshing, science-backed perspective on beauty.
Her message is simple but powerful: beauty is not skin-deep—it’s cellular.
The Skin as a Mirror: Inside-Out Aesthetics
In an industry often fixated on external fixes, Mari's philosophy starts within. After 20 years in aesthetics and dermatology, she saw a missing link—patients were coming in for injections and treatments, but walking away without sustainable results.
“Each one of our cells has a job,” she explained. “But if that cell is deficient in nutrients, hormones, or support, it can’t do its job—whether it’s producing collagen, growing hair, or building muscle.”
Her approach begins with blood work to assess for micronutrient and hormonal deficiencies. From there, it’s about restoring what’s missing—vitamin C, omega-3s, estrogen, protein—and creating a vibrantly healthy foundation for aesthetic treatments to actually work.
Only then does she begin to address the surface.
Realigning with the Reflection
As we move through perimenopause and menopause, the changes in our face can feel unfamiliar—sometimes even disorienting.
“What happens is we look in the mirror and don’t recognize ourselves. That disconnect can chip away at our self-esteem.”
Mari’s goal isn’t to erase time—it’s to help women realign with their reflection in a way that feels authentic, healthy, and confident. With a conservative, ethical, and balanced approach to injectables and collagen-stimulating treatments, she helps her patients feel seen—not altered.
The Ritual of Self-Care
Far from a quick fix, beauty in Mari’s practice is a daily ritual, not a race. Her routine is thoughtful and rooted in lifestyle medicine principles:
Morning: Antioxidants + SPF
Evening: Retinol or chemical exfoliants + deep hydration
Movement: Strength training over cardio, prioritizing muscle and bone health
Nutrition: High-protein intake, collagen peptides, creatine, and micronutrients
Balance: Saying yes to a glass of wine and dessert—without fear or guilt
“I’ve learned to enjoy spending time with myself in the mirror,” she shared. “There’s beauty in the ritual of self-care, especially when it comes from a place of self-love—not self-criticism.”
From microneedling and Botox to medical-grade skincare and hormone replacement therapy, Mari reminds us that these are tools, not miracles.
“There’s no vial that holds your worth,” she says. “But when we support the body properly and approach aesthetics conservatively, the results can feel like coming home to yourself.”
She’s also honest about trends—calling out the overuse of injectables, and warning against treating patients like templates rather than individuals.
On Retinol, Estrogen Cream & Empowered Experimentation
The episode also covered two hot topics:
✅ Retinol: Yes, you probably should be using it. But with education, moderation, and the “sandwich” method to avoid irritation.
✅ Estrogen Creams: For women in menopause, estriol-based topical estrogens may improve skin quality. But they’re not a substitute for internal balance.
“It’s not about fear—it’s about safe experimentation,” Mari said. “Your skin, like the rest of your body, deserves individualized care.”
As Dr. Mari Salazar so beautifully put it:
“Beauty is energy. It’s the way you show up, not just how you look. When you feel aligned from the inside out, you glow—and that’s what people notice.”
At Somæntis, we believe in that same philosophy. Aesthetic wellness is part of the bigger picture—one that includes hormonal balance, emotional well-being, movement, rest, and nourishment. When these pieces align, you don’t just look better—you feel better.
🎧 Listen Now
Catch this inspiring Double Down with Dr. D episode featuring Dr. Mari Salazar wherever you stream your podcasts. And if you're ready to begin your own aligned beauty journey, we're here to walk with you.
Explore your personalized path to midlife vitality. Discover our programs or book a consultation at somaentis.com. Beauty starts within. Let's make it shine
