By Callie Yiu | Staff Writer

Health assistant Stephanie Aninyei stands at the front desk of the Health Services Center at Santa Monica College's Main Campus on Tuesday, Sept. 12th, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist and a longtime Santa Monica College (SMC) Foundation board member, is offering a free skin care clinic at the SMC main campus every month.

Shamban earned her medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Since then,she has gone on to make appearances on television shows such as Good Morning America, Extreme Makeover, and The Doctors, as well as features in magazines like Vogue, Elle, and The New York Times. She also participates in clinical and FDA trials as a principal investigator.

For nearly two decades, Shamban has been a steady supporter of the college. With her mother and one of her children having attended SMC, she expresses her dedication to giving back to the community.

“I’m very devoted to education," Shamban said. “One thing I can do to support everybody is to provide services in response to my expertise, which is dermatology.”

Skincare, especially for college students, plays a crucial role in maintaining not only physical health but also mental well-being. The stresses of academic life, irregular sleep patterns, and dietary choices can all impact skin health, making a consistent skincare routine vital for a confident appearance.

Shamban emphasizes the importance of early skin cancer detection for people of all skin colors, even at a younger age. Taking care of one's skin can boost self-esteem, contributing to a positive self-image during the demanding college years.

The clinic is open to everyone and provides an opportunity to address skin concerns, including acne, pigmentation issues, rashes, etc. Shamban and her team will bring a wide range of skincare samples, which they generously provide free of charge.

“Everybody deserves to have great skin, so don’t hesitate to come in!” Shamban said

For those in need of prescriptions, they can be written with insurance coverage, and follow-up appointments can be scheduled as required. This ensures that patients have access to quality products to improve their skin health.

For more information, contact the Health Center at 310-434-4262 or email healthcenter@smc.edu.

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