The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to board-certified dermatologist and “Dr. Pimple Popper” star, Sandra Lee, MD, the phenomenon who conquers the most unusual skin conditions. From her must-have acne products to the biggest misconceptions around skin-care, Lee shares the beauty staples that keep her skin glowing.
If there’s anyone who is unfazed by the sight of skin conditions like puss-filled pimples or oversized cysts, it’s Dr. Sandra Lee. The dermatologist, widely known as Dr. Pimple Popper, has amassed a major following for her mastery of, well, pimple-popping. Her viral YouTube videos set the stage for a successful TLC series where she treats patients with skin and facial disorders. But Dr. Lee’s penchant for treating skin conditions is far more complex than a slew of viral moments. She was exposed to dermatology at a young age as her father was a specialist in the field, so it was only natural that Dr. Lee would follow in his footsteps. “We had a lot of textbooks at home with all things dermatology, and I looked through them while I was eating my cereal for breakfast,” she says. “When I got to medical school, I found out that it was one of the hardest specialties to get into, which charged me up to think, I’d love to be in this specialty.”
Although Dr. Lee got a head start in dermatology by way of that early introduction, she faced challenges actually breaking into the industry. She recalls graduating from med school and not receiving an envelope on Match Day. However, as a natural go-getter, she persevered, working at her private practice with her husband before garnering success on YouTube. She started posting pimple-popping videos and discovered a world where the procedure dominated search bars – particularly on Reddit. She then decided she was going to be the one to foster that public demand. “It was like people who were sharing popping videos with each other, which I thought was insane – but then I also thought I could be the one that provides it for them because I see it all the time at work.” She started posting on her Reddit account, and Dr. Pimple Popper was born.
It’s sad when someone says you just need to wash your face because that can make people feel defeated, especially when they’re doing things they’re supposed to do and [a change] is not happening.
Fast forward to today, Dr. Lee is one of the most renowned and trusted dermatologists in the country, and rightfully so. With a current Instagram following of 4.7 million skin-care lovers, the reality star has enjoyed many groundbreaking moments in her career. She’s appeared on many shows, including “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” won a Critics’ Choice Awards for Female Star of the Year in 2021, and most recently, debuted her new series, “Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out,” on Lifetime.
Beyond her work in front of the camera, the skin-care expert is making strides to help those who don’t get the chance to come into her office. Through her brand, SLMD Skincare, Dr. Lee makes dermatology accessible to all with affordable products that target acne issues and other skin conditions like a doctor would. With so many misconceptions about skin care floating around, she endeavors to bring premier education on skin health to everyone, regardless of age or tax bracket. “People think they get acne because they need to wash their face more, but you aren’t in control – there are hormones that are really in charge, especially for women during certain times of the month,” she says. “It’s sad when someone says you just need to wash your face, because that can make people feel defeated, especially when they’re doing things they’re supposed to do and [a change] is not happening.”
Dr. Lee is committed to not only popping pimples, but helping people see their beauty regardless of their skin-care journey. On her show, she values the human connection above all else, debunking skin-care myths and helping people push past societal pressures, one skin condition at a time. Below, Dr. Lee shares her must-have skin-care picks, the most underrated acne tips, and the go-to products that help her power through any day.
