Rewind back one month, nine days, and approximately 16 hours, before Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive stay-home order in the state of California, and you might consider Sandra Lee, MD — the internet phenomenon widely known as Dr. Pimple Popper — one of the busiest dermatologists on the face of the planet.
Between creating those explosive, can't-help-but-watch extraction videos for YouTube, hosting a hit series on TLC, and formulating her product line SLMD Skincare, she also shares a private practice with her husband and has two teenage kids at home (and we haven't even mentioned her cats). Free time, at least then, was in shorter supply. "I live day by day, and I can't look too far ahead because there are too many things going on," Dr. Lee once told us.
So what does a day look like, you wonder, with shelter-in-place mandates thrown into the orbit? Turns out, there's a lot more taking in the clear mountain air, family time, and — because this is Dr. Pimple Popper we're talking about — some business as usual, too. "I'm getting creative, let's just say that," she said — and the proof is in the breakdown of her schedule by the hour, ahead.
Sunday
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
9 a.m.: Wake up and make my way to the kitchen. The family is up, and we make breakfast.
10 a.m.: Get ready for a walk outside. It's been really important for me to remember that we can still enjoy nature and be outside (with proper face coverings, of course). We've got these beautiful mountain trails behind our house that are perfect for a social-distancing hike.
Being stuck inside all day with artificial heat and air conditioning can make your skin extra dry, so getting fresh air is the next best bet along with applying a good amount of moisturiser and serum with hyaluronic acid.
1 / 11
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
5 p.m.: We're taking social distancing very seriously in our family, even when my brother brings my sweet new niece to have a contactless visit with her grandparents. I'm so lucky to have my parents live close by so that we can have moments like this — even with masks and distance. This way, we're still able to enjoy family time.
10 p.m.: Time for bed.
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Monday
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
8 a.m.: Wake up, check work emails, and look at my schedule for the day.
9 a.m.: Apply my makeup for video meetings and Instagram Live. Even though our medical office is closed for the time being, I'm still keeping busy with meetings, Instagram Lives, creating new content, and coordinating fun activities for everyone else staying home.
12 p.m.: Set up the space in my kitchen for an Instagram Live.
3 / 11
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
1 p.m.: Instagram Live time. Today I'm talking to a fellow dermatologist, Priscilla Gupana, who is also an incredible baker. She's teaching me to make one of her signature treats: POP. Cookies Filled with Pop Rocks!
4:30 p.m.: Get in a workout.
6 p.m.: Time for dinner and spending time with the family.
10 p.m.: Bedtime.
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Tuesday
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
8 a.m.: Wake up, check emails and my calendar for the day ahead.
9 a.m.: Apply makeup, and start setting up the area for my first video interview of the day with the Daily Mail.
11:30 a.m.: Interview with the Daily Mail via Zoom.
1 p.m.: I've started doing an Instagram Live segment called "Social & Distancing" on my Instagram page — I'll invite friends and fellow experts on to do demos of tips and tricks, teach me how to make a signature recipe, or just gab about our kitty cats and answer fan questions. These are typically Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
6 p.m.: Wrap up for the day, have dinner with the family, and head to bed.
5 / 11
Wednesday
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
8 a.m.: Wake up, check emails and my schedule for the day.
11 a.m.: In between meetings, I'm getting in lots of family time, which has been really great. I've been teaching my kids to play mahjong, which is a great strategy game and teaches them more about our Chinese heritage.
3 p.m.: In turn, they've been making me play Shogun, a Risk-like board game (aka "bored" game). I'm the only female in the house — aside from Dim Sum, my cat — so I often get "forced" to play when they need an extra player.
4:30 p.m.: Work out at home.
6 p.m.: My mum brings by a homemade meal for my family.
10 p.m.: Bedtime.
6 / 11
Thursday
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
8 a.m.: Wake up, check emails and my schedule for the day.
9 a.m.: I do my makeup for video meetings and filming SLMD Skincare promotions.
10 a.m.: I film my SLMD Skincare Instagram Story promotions videos with a few key products. I show my Acne System, Resurfacing Acne Swipes, Retinol Serum, and BP Body Wash. Then, I'll use them myself and also gift them to friends and family. I'm about to launch something soon with SLMD Skincare that I'm very excited about — keep an eye out!
1 p.m.: Since I have my phone out more than normal, I've been enjoying some of the new filters and Google 3D AR. It's been fun to experiment.
3 p.m.: More virtual meetings, then family time.
7 / 11
Friday
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
8 a.m.: Since I don't have to commute in the morning, I'm loving the extended time to snuggle with my kitty cats and cook my family breakfast. Shout-out to my awesome neighbour for bringing us fresh eggs!
8 / 11
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
1 p.m.: Back to meetings. This time, I'm meeting with fellow Discovery Networks talent. Is it really work if everyone looks so happy?
4:30 p.m.: Work out from home.
6 p.m.: Dinner and quality time with the family, then head to bed.
9 / 11
Saturday
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
8:30 a.m.: I like to take time on the weekends to respond to fan mail. I'm truly humbled to hear that I've inspired young Popaholics to pursue a career in medicine and dermatology. I'll usually send responses back by mail and even post to my Dr. Pimple Popper Instagram Stories.
10 / 11
Image Source: Courtesy of Sandra Lee
3 p.m.: Today is a celebration day! It's my younger son's birthday — and he's also graduating from eighth grade soon — so we got a cake and my awesome mum made a feast of Asian dishes. He's been really into Animal Crossing, but he's not the best at sharing with his family (wink).
