Whitney Bowe, M.D.
Dermatologist
Whitney Bowe, M.D. is one of the most sought after dermatologists in the country. She attended Yale University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Upon graduation, she was named a 21st Century Gamble Scholar and was awarded a full scholarship to study medicine at the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated top of her class. Today, she is Medical Director of Integrative Dermatology, Aesthetics, and Wellness at Advanced Dermatology, P.C. and Clinical Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai.
Bowe is a physician scientist and best-selling author. She has published over 50 peer reviewed studies and book chapters and lectured at numerous national and international conferences. Bowe’s microbiological work has resulted in a patent-pending technology with therapeutic potential as a naturally-derived topical agent for acne sufferers. She is frequently called upon by Good Morning America, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to lend her expertise on all things skin. Ever since Dr. Bowe had to cap her clinical practice because she couldn't keep up with the demand, she has become known for her authentic discussions and behind-the-scenes videos on her rapidly growing social media channels.
connect with Whitney Bowe, M.D.
Q&A
What is your wellness philosophy?
Our skin is a window into our overall health. It’s not only our largest organ, but it’s the organ you can see and feel without any invasive tests or advanced imaging techniques. Our skin is a barometer of our overall health, and my integrative approach to dermatology reflects that philosophy. Our diet (gut health), our stress levels, exercise habits, the quality of our sleep, and of course, our skincare choices all influence the health of our skin. This equilibrium is called the gut-brain-skin axis. I focus on optimizing this critical equilibrium to dial down the inflammation which is at the root of so many chronic skin conditions including acne, eczema, premature aging, and even sensitive skin. I believe that this comprehensive approach, which nurtures and nourishes our skin from the inside-out and from the outside-in, is the heart and soul of healthy skin.
What brought you into wellness?
Every day, I’m able to empower my patients with the confidence that comes with radiant, healthy skin. I’m so grateful for the path that brought me into this field, even though that path was anything but smooth. As I share in my book, The Beauty of Dirty Skin, the inspiration for my work surrounding the gut-brain-skin axis began when I was ten years old and living in the hospital. I had become very sick due to an intestinal parasite. I had been given antibiotic after antibiotic, which wiped out the good, healthy bacteria in my digestive tract along with the harmful bacteria. I became even more sick from this well-meaning treatment and it wasn’t until we rebalanced my healthy gut microbiome that I was able to finally begin my path to healing. Once I was strong and healthy again, I became incredibly passionate about studying our skin and gut microbiome and understanding the critical role they play in our health. Skin health is so much more than skin deep. Once we recognize that so many of the chronic skin conditions we are dealing with in Western society are associated with internal inflammation, we can address skin health in a more meaningful and lasting way!
What does You. We. All. mean to you?
In my home growing up, my father was deaf and my mother was a therapist of special needs children. Our community was so inclusive, our family was so inclusive—and the most important lesson that I learned in my home was to believe in what was possible rather than focusing on perceived limitations. To me, “You. We. All.” means that there is a space for you beside me. Together, we will optimize your health, focus on your goals, and embrace the things that mean the most to you. And all of us, together, will enrich each other as a community to be stronger, kinder, and even more impactful than any one of us alone could ever dream of being.
What's your favorite ritual?
Facial massage is one of my favorite daily rituals, especially when I add a mantra and deep breathing. After I apply a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or jojoba oil, I just use my fingertips to create gentle sweeping motions while applying pressure. This stimulates blood flow, releases muscle tension, and forces me to slow down, turning skincare into self-care. I always make eye contact with myself in the mirror, and I repeat a mantra. One of my favorites is: "I'm slowing down, I'm present, I'm safe." Another is: "I'm choosing to optimize my health and myself today."
