Jacksonville Concierge Medicine

06/18/2026

Interesting new study on Glucosamine!

A new study links the joint supplement glucosamine to faster Alzheimer's progression. A Jacksonville concierge medicine doctor explains the findings and her recommendation.

05/22/2026

PSA 📣 Biossance’s SPF 50 mineral suncreen is on sale for $27! It’s a great sunscreen! I use it on our whole family. Smooth, easy to apply, no white cast! 🕶️
⬇️ Link in comments ⬇️

05/13/2026

Every night, I do at least 2 things—retinoid and moisturizer/night cream. Ideally, I should wash my face with a gentle cleanser as well... but let's be honest, I'm not perfect.

Whenever I wear make-up, I definitely remove it and wash my face before bed. One of my favorite facewashes is the d'Alba Piedmont Italian White Truffle Mild Skin Balancing Vegan Cleanser. Another, which I keep in the shower, is the Some By Mi Bye Bye Blackhead Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser.

The most important nightly habit (aside getting at least 7 hours of sleep) is to apply a retinoid. There are many types and strengths of retinoids. The most common mistake is using one that is too strong too fast. Retinoids work by increasing cellular turnover, which means if it is too strong, you will have peeling and burning/irritation. It is more important to use a retinoid consistently every night than to have the strongest retinoid percentage. It is a balance of maintaining consistent cellular turnover without overdoing it. Retinoids also increase production of collagen and elastin.

My favorite retinoid is VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Retinol Cream 0.05, which contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) and retinol. HPR is a newer retinoid that directly binds to retinoid receptors in the skin, working immediately... while retinol requires a few steps to be converted to retinoic acid (active form). HPR is effective and way less irritating compared to prescription tretinoin, which makes it much easier to sustain as a nightly habit.

Just like in the morning, I use Nature Republic Green Derma Mild Cica Cream at night. It smells and feels amazing! It has so many useful ingredients: https://incidecoder.com/products/nature-republic-green-derma-mild-cica-cream

It is a bit harder to buy in the US. I have ordered mine from Nature Republic Irvine in the past (link in comments).

Sometimes, Beauty Depot on Southside can get it in stock: https://share.google/c16wFhjtL2za5nofx

Just about everything else that I use can be ordered from Amazon! Here is my Amazon shopping list of Korean skincare products:
https://a.co/0fqJTLPH

05/12/2026

Every morning, I apply vitamin C, moisturizer and sunscreen before walking out of my bathroom to start my day.

Vitamin C serves as an anti-oxidant, which neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules with too many oxygen atoms that damage other molecules, sch as DNA, proteins/enzymes and other cellular components.

I personally prefer a more gel-like serum as opposed to a liquid or oil-like serum, as it is easier to apply. One of my favorites is the Beauty of Joseon Light on Serum, Centella + Vita C.

Moisturizer helps keep skin hydrated in multiple ways. Occlusive components (dimethicone, lanolin, etc.) prevent moisture loss by preventing the water content in your skin from evaporating. Humectant moisturizers (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, etc.) help with attracting water molecules into your epidermis. Emollients (squalane, ceramides, etc.) fills gaps and smooths texture, helping with the rebuild of the skin's lipid barrier.

My favorite cream is Nature Republic Green Derma Mild Cica Cream. It is luxurious but still light. I use this morning and night!

Sunscreen is probably the MOST important step in my routine. Over 80% of skin aging is due to photo-aging from UV rays. Even in the cloudiest days, there are UV rays! I use mineral only sunscreens (containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) as opposed to chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, octisalate, oxybenzone, homosalate). Mineral sunscreens physically sit on the skin surface, reflecting UV rays. Chemical sunscreens require 20 minutes to be absorbed into the skin cells and absorbs/converts UV rays. Something is better than nothing, but mineral is better! I require my mineral sunscreens to be smooth to apply (not sticky or greasy) and leave no white cast.

My current favorite is Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen, which contains niacinamide (helps with hyperpigmentation and redness) and squalane.

These 3 morning skincare routines are VITAL to my anti-aging beauty lifestyle!

Here is the link to my Amazon shopping list of favorite Korean skincare products: https://a.co/0fqJTLPH

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today, Dr. Sammy Mikals scheduled nothing. No events, reservations or work. Relaxing and enjoying time with the kids!

We hope all the Moms are feeling extra loved and appreciated today! ♥️

05/06/2026

After I do the DENSITY radiofrequency collagen stimulation on myself and before I go outside, I make sure to use a few products to protect my skin. These are the products I use every morning when I am getting ready as well!

1. Vitamin C
2. Moisturizer
3. Sunscreen

These are the "must have" parts of your morning routine!!!

I'd love to chat more about my Lifestyle of Beauty and Aging Gracefully.

05/04/2026

May the 4th be with you.

04/20/2026

Check out our interview on Joy Purdy's podcast: Discover the Joy!

https://youtu.be/SVr7VaHhNC8?si=z61QudJ4sjT-ci3M

04/08/2026

Today is National Exosome Day! Plated Hair Serum, Intense Serum and Daily Serum are on sale for $40 off today only! Hurry and go buy either directly from their website or from me. I have a limited number of Hair, Intense and Daily serums in my Aesthetic Studio. Message me at 904-440-0863! Hurry! Less than 12 hours left! - Dr. Samantha Mikals

03/30/2026

Happy National Doctor's Day! On March 30, we celebrate our years of training and education, our expertise, our compassion and our contributions as Doctors.

Fun fact: On March 30, 1842, Dr. Crawford Williamson Long was the first Physician to use ether as a surgical anesthetic to remove a neck mass from a patient's neck in Jefferson, Georgia!