DOKTOR GOKCEN ERDOGAN
In this issue of The Style Researcher Magazine, we feature Dr. Gokcen Erdogan, a globally recognized gynecologist known for her unique blend of professional excellence and stylish elegance. Through an exclusive interview, Dr. Erdogan reveals how she balances her demanding career with her passions for fashion, personal care, and travel. Her story is a testament to living a full life with grace, inspiring readers to embrace both their professional and personal pursuits with confidence and style.
You are a highly recognized gynecologist in Turkey and in the world. We often come across you at many internationally organized meetings and training sessions. And we want to note that you are always beautiful and attractive. Considering your profession, you have an energy that is quite out of the ordinary. How would you describe yourself?
I am a woman who loves her routines but is also in love with new experiences. I enjoy getting to know other people and cultures, and I derive pleasure from relationships where I can inspire and be inspired. I see life as a great opportunity in all its aspects. I prefer getting exhausted on the road rather than standing still. Most importantly, I adore being a woman.
As a doctor who frequently travels abroad for both work and vacation, which one is more prominent in your style? Elegance or comfort ?
Everything has a special place in my life, but you can see a glint even in my most sporty and comfortable clothes. I spend a significant part of the day in the operating room, and outside of those hours, I love to fully live my style. I can’t say I’m a simple person; I enrich even the simplest clothes with accessories, and I need to say that this doesn’t happen in a planned way. But in my suitcase, you will definitely find basic T-shirts, designer jackets, comfortable but assertive jeans, designer shoes, and at least one elegant evening dress. I prefer my elegance to be comfortable. I want to feel ready to encounter anyone, anytime, and to be able to move as I feel inside. I like even the most ordinary thing to look aesthetically satisfying. I am meticulous in bed and in sports. For example, lingerie is never a topic to be bypassed for me. In fact, one day, I might even establish my own brand. Many collaboration offers have come in this direction, but my dream is much more individual and carries free-spirited notes.
If we talk about personal care... Your skin looks extremely healthy despite long years of medical mask use. What do you pay attention to in your skincare?
First of all, I use sunscreen year-round. This is a step I never skip. Also, my search in this regard has been going on for many years; I have tried countless products and finally created my own sunscreen with the content I was looking for. Additionally, on days when I come into contact with babies or spend long hours in the surgery room, I don’t wear makeup, and this helps my skin rest. Even when I do wear makeup, I always moisturize thoroughly and often create a good base for my skin. My blush, mascara, and lipstick are enough for a fresh look. Of course, special occasions, evenings, and photo shoots are exceptions. But even if I haven’t put on makeup, I always do my skincare every night before sleeping. I would do it even if it were necessary with my eyes closed. We can say that I take care a good care of the genetic legacy I received from my mother. And drinking water is also very important. You always cleanse your skin from the inside out with water. Water is the indispensable element for good skin, and this is not a secret.
How would you summarize your style?
I can say that I have an open-minded style that sparkles at the most unexpected moments, too. I love bold pieces, colors, patterns, and glitters. I like to liven up simplicity with accessories and glitters... I know my body and know which areas I want to emphasize. But most importantly, I know what I feel when I look in the mirror. I trust that feeling. Pieces that don’t look like everyone else’s, that appeal to me. But I add my own touch even to the most ordinary pieces. I believe I look beautiful in what makes me happy inside. And I try not to care too much about what others think. Because my professional experiences have shown me that women can be very upset for this reason. I also love to give credit to designs and designers. Because no one can become a brand effortlessly, without a line. I try most of them and stick to what I like for some long years.
Allegedly, your relationship with perfumes is impressively good, and you almost have a collection. Can you talk a bit about it? Do you have a signature fragrance?
Fragrance is one of the most important things for me in human encounters. I think it is also very effective in being memorable. But most of all, I love smelling good for myself. Of course, I have favorite scents, but I make different choices depending on the period or my mood, my outfit, or where I’m going. Yes, I almost have a collection. Some perfumes finish, and I get to discover new things. But there are some scents that I categorize as unchangeable passions.
What is your perspective on the cosmetic and dermocosmetic world as a doctor?
Just as there is progress in medicine every year, new technologies create beneficial differences, and similar developments are happening in the dermocosmetic and cosmetic fields. Actually, almost any product that you research and, of course, use correctly can contribute to your happiness and health. You can also have various procedures done while maintaining your natural appearance. Just know exactly what you want and whom to ask for it.
As a doctor, I have provided consultancy and services on genital aesthetics, translated and edited international books, including real-life stories, and I have four books all written by me, showing how aesthetics and aesthetic concerns contribute to human life, sexuality, and happiness. So, I have always welcomed and will continue to welcome it. In fact, I have always seen aesthetics as such an important investment in facial and body care, which I see as the simplest and most accessible investment in our sexual health and happiness, and I created my own brand. I formulated my ideal sunscreens and tanning oil and put them on the market. Under the brand Dr. Ge, I created my dream team. I personally brought to life the best quality I wanted for myself through long laboratory studies and turned it into a special brand that everyone can reach. Moreover, I didn’t want to limit this product range to just skincare. I also released a series of lubricants, which have always been on my mind for years, as the most accessible investment in our sexual health and happiness. The high demand for Dr. Ge products in the market shows one of my dreams came true. This success is growing every day, and I am immensely proud of it.
How does Gökçen Erdoğan start her day? And how does she spend her day?
It starts with a cup of tea or coffee that fills her with enthusiasm, but most of the times she can not drink it without cooling it down. The subtlety of being a doctor; time is always precious. Time is running. But I have no complaints on this matter. Maybe I wouldn’t enjoy it any other way. I start the day very early in the morning. I am sensitive about seeing my family; I must get energy from them. Then, let the hustle and bustle begin. Some days, I see patients in the clinic, and some days are spent entirely in the operating room. But no matter how the day goes, I stop by the house in the evening, sit at the table together with my family, and, if necessary, leave the house again for patient check-ups. Having a busy life is tiring, but missing the life would be way worse. That’s why I attach great importance to spending time with my family. I think this is the most important common point between Turks and Italians. Along with our warmth. I try to spend every evening with my family, read a book, drink a tea, and discuss our days with my spouse and kids so that the next day starts well. In my spare time, I can spend hours in the boutiques of my favorite brands and designers or look at my flowers in the garden. I have never been a one-dimensional person. The therapy of each day is different.
How about your relationship with books and movies?
Finding time to read is so important to me that I take fast reading comprehension lessons, and this allows me to finish quickly. I also have the most quality conversations with those who love reading. I try to encourage women to develop in reading as much as possible. I’m also good with movies, especially since I watch women’s stories to strengthen my perception of women I have encountered in my life. Because we feed off each other. I have met many women in my life who could be in a movie. Maybe one day you will see my name in a movie, why not?
You love to travel. So, which is your favorite country, and where have you been? What is your dream, and where is your next destination?
New York, Atlantic City, Washington DC... These were the stops of my last trip, both for work and vacation. There are also a few important stops for feeding my soul and resting. I usually come to Milan for shopping, and I am always very impressed by the city’s aesthetics. Paris is both one of my favorite cities to visit and work. It is an inspiring city where I meet very valuable colleagues and accelerate the work of my books. It has always brought me luck. I have traveled to many countries and cities, but I can say that I am curious about Machu Picchu, that is, Peru. Oh, and I always gain weight from Italy and Spain trips because they are gastronomic passions for me.
What do you think about aesthetic surgeries? Have you ever had one?
I was never against it. If a person needs anything to make their life happier, they can do it for themselves and others without harming. It is important to meet the right expert and identify the right needs. There is no aesthetic surgery on my face, but I have botox and fillers. I also regularly undergo some treatments. I had breast augmentation surgery. There is nothing to hide about these. It’s not about beating time but making good moves with it. But everyone looking the same, all noses being the same and all faces having the same angles can be a bit boring. Preserving some of our characteristic features can make us more special. I see Turkish and Italian facial features as similar in this regard. Diverse, characteristic, and adaptable to innovation. Still, it’s a personal preference. Let everyone do what makes them happy; life is too short to care too much about what others think.
Gökçen Erdoğan looks quite fit. Does she pay attention to her diet, and how is her relationship with sports?
I pay attention to her diet, especially making sure it makes her happy. For example, I can never give up on kokoreç. Were you expecting this? But along with that, I should mention that I don’t consume packaged foods and get along very well with vegetables. I care about my water consumption and regularly do sports. I’m a fan of boxing. I also love walking, but finding time for it is more difficult. It seems to be one of the biggest problems for city people.
What is the greatest luxury in life, according to you?
If I need to give a somewhat colorful answer to this question, I should start as ‘besides health’ and because the greatest luxury in life is to be healthy. But other than that, I can say ‘encountering the right person and living yourself easily with the inspiration that comes along’ is a luxury. There should be no place in your life for anything that will extinguish the gem you have.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Safiya Zaitova @safiyazaitova
FASHION DIRECTION: OLGA KALEMCİ @olgakalemci
MAKE-UP: Tetiana @ etianamakeupistanbul
STYLING: KATERINA @istylebul
CLOTHES @beautyomellete @zalaalpaslan
