How Dr. Ellen Marmur Became New York's Leading Dermatologist

Dermatologists are everywhere, but not all skincare physicians are as holistic and health-conscious as NYC dermatologist and founder Marmur metamorphosis (known as MMSkincare on Instagram), Dr. Ellen Marmur. We caught up with Dr. Marmur to find out all about her education, career as a dermatologist and her favorite foods moment. Signal: Career dreams in skincare.

How did you get started in dermatology? What was your first job in this field?

In college, I majored in philosophy and Japanese. It wasn't until I led survival canoe trips in Minnesota that I realized that I really wanted to help people as a doctor. From there, I went to UC Berkeley and completed pre-medicine courses while working on HIV vaccines for a biotech company and also working on retrovirus research for the Department of Public Health. When I entered medical school at 25, I thought I would be in women's health. I had never heard of dermatology until the last moment of my rotation in my third year, when one of the doctors I worked with suggested that I take it up. Luckily, I took an elective in dermatology and fell in love. I remember sitting on the grass in the sun with my dermatology class discussing the visual encyclopedia of the body; for example, dandruff is a marker for the early onset of Parkinson's disease. Learning how subtle signs on the skin can reveal really important internal diseases has been the most enlightening experience of my life.

I enjoyed my intensive internship in internal medicine at Mount Sinai, plus three years at Cornell for my residency in dermatology. I then completed an internship at Mount Sinai in Mohs, laser and cosmetic surgery under Dr. David Goldberg. I was the first female Chief of Dermatology Surgery at Mount Sinai, the first Associate Chief of Dermatology Surgery at the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, and the first dermatologist to become part of the Genomic Sciences Department.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Fortunately, each day is a whirlwind of patients of all ages with complex issues, from rashes to skin cancer and beauty needs, but always with intriguing and inspiring real life stories from each individual. I feel like I'm working in a renaissance salon where the most interesting people daily enrich my mind with their ideas. In addition, they are very grateful when I can help them. I just received a commendation for advising a patient to have an MRI of the brain due to eye pain, and he discovered that he had an undiagnosed stroke. Dermatology covers much more than just the dynamic organ of the skin. This also applies to the whole person.

How has working in dermatology affected your life and what moment in your career are you most proud of?

I love my job and it's such an incredible feeling! Every day is unpredictable and enjoyable. The best part of this whole journey is when patients come back to me with positive feedback. They tell me how much better they feel. Whether it's medical or cosmetic procedures, restoring someone's health and well-being is paramount.

What is your favorite skin care ingredient and why?

MMSkincare is about transforming your approach to skin. All of our Dynamic Essence ingredients contain Wild Indigo, which fights inflammation and helps your body adapt to environmental stress. Think of adaptogens as soothing pills for your skin: they deal with external stress so your skin can get to work producing collagen and repairing damage. They also contain photodynamic algae and plankton extracts, as well as pre- and probiotics.

If you weren't a dermatologist, what would you be doing?

I would be a photographer, or a rabbi, or a whale watching guide on Maui.

What is your favorite skin care product right now?

I like Revitalizing Serum Marmur Metamorphosis. It is so hydrating which I need during the winter months.

What advice would you give to aspiring dermatologists?

Work harder than anyone you know at every opportunity. Do research, ask questions, don't just memorize - combine it all with a global approach to wellness.

What does beauty and skincare mean to you?

Beauty and skin care is about more than protecting and preserving the skin. Self-care is the ultimate health care. I find my zone every day and appreciate the beauty in people, in nature, in balance, in songs, in stories and in my family. This approach to beauty and skin aims to make this life as meaningful as possible and do everything possible to make our world a little better indeed.