Three time Critic’s Choice Real TV award winner Dr. Sandra Lee, famously known as Dr. Pimple Popper, has pioneered the way for skin care influencers around the world. Amidst an astounding 8.29 million YouTube followers, and over 30 million followers over all social media platforms, Dr. Lee’s vivacious spirit and genuine passion for dermatology has catapulted her into international acclaim. Stemming from a family line of dermatologists from her father to her husband, there is something uniquely refreshing about Dr. Lee’s approach to skin dermatosis. From creating a skincare line in 2017 called SLMD Skincare to launching her own series on TLC in 2018. Dr. Lee sits down with GURUS Editor-in-Chief, Derek Warburton, to share her truth, passion, and authenticity.
What is your TRUTH?
I would have to say that my truth really is this whole thing that has happened to me over the past 9 years. Starting on social media, then to YouTube, then a television show, and then being known internationally as Dr. Pimple Popper; but, also staying true to myself. Staying really grounded is really important to me. This window into my day to day, I believe, truly shows how amazing dermatology is! (Even if you’re grossed out about it.) Pimple popping brings out strong emotions, either you love it or you can’t handle it.
Dr. Sandra Lee
It is fascinating to be in this world, I have to pinch myself all the time. I wasn’t looking for this. But to be on the cover of Gurus Magazine, I love the name gurus just like I love the word karma. Me staying true and grounded, staying true to myself and really trying not to let it go to my head or that I’m better than other dermatologists or someone different than I am, has been the key I feel to my success. The drama isn’t me throwing tables or throwing wine glasses; because, the spotlight is really the patients. Their real stories; and it’s fascinating.
What is your PASSION?
Fast forward to 2017, the show hadn’t begun yet. But, I had a million followers on YouTube and all of these crazy things were happening around pimple popping. I had an international following as well and thought what can I do with this to answer people’s questions about their skin? At the time there were no skin-fluncers on YouTube or any social platforms. My idea was to create a skin care line as an skin treatment options for people who can’t see a dermatologist. They don’t have the time, the resources, or the money; and, I am already talking about skin conditions, eczema. If I can educate and entertain on my social media, plus provide solutions that we as dermatologists recommend to our patients, then why not create a skin care line as well!?
Dr. Sandra Lee
I feel a lot of responsibility for my patients because I am passionate about my job but these again are real people, my real patients.
What is your AUTHENTICITY?
Remaining as authentic as possible is very important to me. It isn’t worth it for me to create controversy. I think to myself sometimes should I have flipped that table, but that just isn’t me. I need to remain the person that I am and if it brings me far then I am happy. But like Gurus, I think if I wasn’t myself that would be the end because people wouldn’t trust me. My kids get embarrassed when their friends want to meet me. But you might notice I don’t put them on the show or on my social media. I want them to have their own lives and identity. Develop their own authenticity.
Dr. Sandra Lee
Dr. Lee is full of nurturing wisdom that has helped her navigate such an insane roller coaster ride to stardom. Hence, our desire to ask what advice Dr. Lee would give to any aspiring social media influencer.
“First of all, one of the best thing about what I do has to do with the kids who come to my office on their birthday, or spring break, or vacation to meet me because they want to be the next pimple popper or surgeon or dermatologist,” says Dr. Lee. “That is the most rewarding aspect for me. My advice would be to be yourself but be kind, be good to other people, and do what you love.”
Dr. Sandra Lee
Never miss a pop with Dr. Lee, visit https://drpimplepopper.com and SLMD skincare slmdskincare.com .
