What does it take to become the internet’s favorite dermatologist? For Dr. Muneeb Shah, who has an 18 million follower count on TikTok, it’s all about being real on the ins and outs of skin care. You can find him discussing everything from the history of tretinoin to safety tips on laser hair removal. “Seeing results that improve people’s skin and quality of life brings me joy,” he tells the Cut. “It is an incredible privilege to be trusted to care for people’s skin issues, from psoriasis to acne to skin cancer. When patients see an improvement, it truly improves the quality of their lives, and it is extremely gratifying.”
Shah — who is board certified in dermatology and micrographic surgery by the American Board of Dermatology — started his medical-training journey in 2013, simultaneously creating content surrounding skin-care education. “By the time I graduated, I had amassed millions of enthusiastic skin-care followers on social media,” he says.
After finishing the program, Shah opened a practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, before moving back to NYC and working at Hudson Dermatology. Most recently, he launched his skin-care brand, Remedy, “to continue helping people with their skin issues,” he explains. Making it all happen means being adamant about his own grounding wellness and beauty practices — including his daily skin care and exercising with his trainer. “The ritual of self-care helps to create a constant in my life. Taking a little bit of time to yourself helps to ground in a world with constant distractions,” he says. “Second, focusing on feeling confident in my own skin also helps me feel confident in the way I interact with the world.”
Below, Shah opens up about his skin-care rituals, thoughts on rest and movement, and more.
A.M. Routine
In the morning, I brush my teeth and wash my face before working with my personal trainer for one hour; I also have to have coffee and walk my dog. I shower each morning and start with a gentle cleanser for my face in the shower, the RoC Barrier Renew Gel-to-Foam cleanser. I follow with an antioxidant and moisturizing serum in the morning like the Biossance Copper Peptide serum. Then I finish with a SPF30+ moisturizer; right now my go-tos are EltaMD UV Restore Tinted on my face and Remedy for Dry Lips on my lips.
On hair, I alternate shampoos with Nizoral and the Garnier Hair Filler system each day. I apply the Hanz De Fuko Claymation product each morning.
P.M. Routine
Since my morning routine has most of my fitness and wellness, I mostly work through the evening. At night, I wash my face with the same gentle cleanser: RoC Barrier Renew Gel-to-Foam. I follow with Remedy for Dark Spots, and I finish with a moisturizer based on the season; right now, I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream.
Remedy for Dark Spots
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
On Rest
Exercising in the morning helps me sleep a lot better at night. Getting good rest is critical to my performance the next day. When I was younger, I used to be able to get away with two hours of sleep a night, but now, I need at least six hours. I try to stop drinking coffee or any caffeine after 2 p.m.
On Movement
I have a personal trainer with whom I do full-body workouts. Eating clean, exercising, and a simple skin-care routine have lifted my overall health and performance throughout the day. When I wasn’t exercising regularly, I could feel myself lagging and becoming lethargic. Now, I have more energy to focus during meetings and not just physical activity.
