This year marks an exciting milestone for Mountain Dermatology Specialists as the practice celebrates 14 years of caring for patients and serving the community. To celebrate the occasion, we sat down with Jean Liu Urquhart and Dr. Lauren Meshkov Bonati for a behind-the-scenes conversation about their journey, their favorite treatments, and the advice they most often share with patients. Their reflections offer a closer look at the passion and dedication that have shaped Mountain Dermatology Specialists over the years.
What has been the most rewarding part of serving this community over the past 14 years?
Dr. Urquhart: Our patients are the most rewarding part of serving our communities. We are fortunate to practice in communities where the patients are health conscious and proactive about their skin health. We have built long term relationships with our patients and their families. It has been a privilege to practice in the Vail Valley and Summit County.
How has Mountain Dermatology Specialists evolved since you first opened your doors?
Dr. Urquhart: Initially started by myself as a solo practice, over the last 14 years we have expanded our practice to offer more services in cosmetics, laser surgery, Mohs surgery and medical dermatology. Dr. Lauren Meshkov Bonati joined us in 2018, contributing to the expansion of our practice and its services in cosmetics and Mohs surgery. Today, we are now 3 providers in 2 locations in Edwards and Dillon, having served over 24,000 patients. We offer comprehensive dermatologic care including medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, Mohs surgery, dermatopathology and skin care services.
If you could give every patient one foundational rule for healthy, radiant skin, what would it be?
Dr. Urquhart: Consistency. Regular skin checks, routine skin care regimen, routine skin treatments. To achieve results, consistency needs to be behind the skin care plan to accomplish results. A consistent routine can create a familiar foundation that is easy to go back and repeat. Alternatively, it can also feel mundane for some. Without consistency, results cannot be accomplished so it is important to understand what will help people maintain and achieve a consistent skin care plan. We work with patients and their lifestyles to help the stay on a routine.
What does an effective, dermatologist-approved daily skincare routine really look like?
Dr. Urquhart: An effective skin care regimen requires skin care products that are aligned with each patient’s skin type and conditions. The key components include cleanser, antioxidant, hydration, sun protection, and retinoid.
What is the most common skincare mistake you see, and how can patients correct it?
Dr. Urquhart: Not washing their face – by leaving impurities in the skin, some that are endogenous like oil, dead skin; and some that are exogenous like air pollutants, dirt, can lead to congestion, irritation and risk for carcinogenesis. We can help patients find a cleanser that suits their skin and recommend wash twice daily. Finding products that are hydrating yet not congesting to the skin is challenging in our alpine climate. We can make suggestions including over the counter, medical grade and prescription strength moisturizers to help keep skin hydrated.
What in-office treatment or product are you most excited about right now and why?
Dr. Bonati: Right now, I’m most excited about offering upper laser blepharoplasty. I was trained to perform this procedure years ago during my Mohs and cosmetic surgery fellowship, so I’m thrilled to finally be able to offer it here – especially since our patients ask about eyelid rejuvenation all the time. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess, sagging eyelid skin that can create a droopy or tired appearance and sometimes even interfere with vision. We perform it with a CO₂ laser, which helps reduce bruising, swelling, and recovery time compared to traditional techniques, while providing both functional and cosmetic improvement.
What is the most important investment someone can make for their skin long-term?
Dr. Bonati: Consistency is the most important investment someone can make in their skin. That’s the philosophy behind our Skin Fitness Program, which is a customized series of in-office treatments designed by one of our physicians based on your individual skin goals. The plan may include things like facials, chemical peels, lasers, microneedling, or other treatments, combined with a good skincare routine at home. Small treatments done regularly create natural-looking rejuvenation over time — much like going to the gym or keeping up with your hair color.
Are there any treatments that you feel are often underestimated? What are your favorites?
Dr. Bonati: One of the most underestimated things in skincare is actually daily sunscreen use. It remains the single most powerful anti-aging tool we have. I’m also really excited about exosome-based skincare, which is a newer technology designed to support skin repair and rejuvenation. Exosomes are tiny signaling molecules that help stimulate skin cells to repair damage, improve collagen production, and enhance overall skin health, making them a great add-on to many in-office treatments.
What is your personal go-to skincare routine and/or habits you consistently recommend?
Dr. Bonati: My routine is simple but consistent: a morning antioxidant, daily sunscreen, and a retinoid with moisturizer at night to support collagen production and healthy skin turnover. Recently I added exosomes to my routine as well and do a yearly BBL Moxi laser to clean up any sun damage over the past year. This has been a great boost for overall skin health and rejuvenation.
When you’re not in the clinic, what do you enjoy doing outside of dermatology?
Dr. Bonati: Outside of work I love spending time with my husband and our two kids — they always keep life fun and busy. I enjoy reading historical fiction, playing piano, and participating in local musical theatre productions. Living in the mountains means we take full advantage of the outdoors, so you’ll often find me skiing, biking, hiking or traveling whenever we get the chance.
Thank You for Trusting Us with Your Skin
Fourteen years later, the heart of Mountain Dermatology Specialists remains the same: expert care, meaningful patient relationships, and a commitment to helping people feel their best in their skin. Here’s to celebrating and looking ahead to many more years of caring for the community.Enjoy our anniversary week specials March 30th-April 3rd with 10% off all products, a free giftwith purchase over $100, and amazing giveaways all week long!!