Dermatological TAMU is an emerging organization that hopes to promote skin health and provide resources for all Aggies interested in dermatology. This is a group that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and awareness outreach. Upon speaking with a few members of the executive team, we were able to get a deeper understanding of their values and goals. For further information, find them on their Instagram @dermatological_tamu or visit their website, dermatologicaltamu.com. 

Tell me about your organization and why you decided to create/join it

“Our organization is primarily focused on skin health. Dermatological’s outreach extends nationally–there’s a primary branch at UCLA, and there are others around the country. It’s a great networking opportunity, especially for getting Aggies interested in skin health. As the President and Founder of the branch at Texas A&M, I look forward to this organization promoting skin health to younger people, including K-12 students. I also hope to destigmatize skin health and provide broader access to skin health education throughout the Bryan and College Station communities.” -Club President Blake Jeanis 

“I became the Treasurer because we want to do a great job of making everyone feel included. We are also on the hunt to help people understand that skin concerns go beyond facial appearance. It’s important to emphasize that people encounter psoriasis, eczema, and other serious skin issues all over their bodies.” -Club Treasurer Kaitlyn Nguyen

“I joined Dermatologica TAMU and became the Events Chair because I have dealt with chronic skin conditions. I wanted to help develop a community where I could speak up about how skin health can significantly impact both mental and physical well-being.” -Events Chair Maha Qureshi

What does your organization offer for people who do want to join the dermatology community? For those who don’t plan to work in dermatology?

“We want to make sure that we provide skin health education to everyone. This of course can help the pre-medical, pre-dermatology students on campus, as we host workshops and guest speakers, in addition to facilitating a plethora of networking opportunities through brand partnerships and our other branches. For anyone who does not have a medical career trajectory, we are hoping that they have an impactful social and educational experience. Ultimately, we want to make sure everyone is included and has an opportunity to discuss their skin health concerns.” -Blake Jeanis

“This organization is for anyone passionate about skincare. We strive to allow everyone to comfortably express what skin health means to them.” -Kaitlyn Nguyen

“Some of the education we are giving to members can be applied to themselves or passed on to others. It’s great for people who do want to go through the dermatology field and for those who would like to gather more information about their skin health.” -Maha Qureshi

How can a college student create a good skincare routine on a budget?

“College students must be educated on what is an important skincare product. Certain products receive a large amount of hype and misinformation on social media. It is always good to start with a simple cleanser, like one from CeraVe. Then it is important to have an effective moisturizer and some form of SPF. You do not have to spend an excessive amount of money. Overspending is one reason why college students need to minimize their routine through education.” -Blake Jeanis

“I would consult with a dermatologist since you never know what can irritate your skin. Everyone’s skin responds to skincare ingredients differently. If you are just starting with skincare, I would suggest starting with a cleanser and moisturizer for $20 or less. Sometimes, expensive products with a range of ingredients can cause greater irritation than drugstore products.” -Kaitlyn Nguyen

“If you are sticking to a budget, I would recommend focusing on the more important skincare products first. Then with any leftover money, go ahead and buy the remaining skincare products of your choice. Whatever products you decide to purchase, make sure they have the right ingredients for your skin type. Educating our members on how to personalize their skincare routines through identifying beneficial ingredients is one of the key objectives of Dermatological TAMU.” -Maha Qureshi

What do you suggest for keeping healthy skin outside of skincare products?

“Looking at the college student demographic, a lot of us are incorporating a variety of unhealthy habits into our routine. I would like to emphasize that supporting the body, in general, is key to improving skin health, such as helping our lymphatic system filter out the impurities from the environment and food through exercise and hydration. I really think it is important to consume nutritious and balanced food, so that you are not causing further inflammation in the body as well. Also, many college students heavily consume alcohol. They need to beIt is very important for them to be aware of its inflammatory nature manifesting itself in the skin, which worsens most skin conditions.” -Blake Jeanis

“Staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen are always key components of keeping skin healthy. A helpful skincare practice for me is that after any form of physical activity, I will wash my face to rid my skin of dirt and oils.” -Kaitlyn Nguyen

“Good practices that help your well-being also help your skin. This can be getting good sleep and a healthy amount of exercise, all of which collectively lead to healthier skin.” -Maha Qureshi

Written by Hannah Toy, Photography: Mary Le, Social Media: Matthews Naranjo