I wish someone would have told me a valuable anti-aging lesson when I was 20 – now I have some ‘tactical interventions’
A DERMATOLOGIST has revealed the anti-aging lesson that she wishes she knew sooner.
Dr. Sarah Sung shared must-try “tactical interventions” among her tips for a youthful appearance.
Dr. Sung is a Johns Hopkins and Harvard-trained dermatologist at The Perq Dermatology Clinic, in Seattle, Washington.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared the beauty habits she’s embraced for defying the signs of aging.
TERRIBLE 20s
Skincare wasn’t a big focus for Dr. Sung throughout her 20s as it wasn’t as trendy as it is for today’s young adults.
The 43-year-old said she’s “fortunate” to now work in an industry where keeping up with the latest treatments is an integral part of the job.
“Growing up under the powerful Southern California sun, I wish I’d made more intentional choices,” she said.
“I had mild acne in college, so I remember using a prescription tretinoin cream.
“The rest of my skincare was pretty simple: a Cerave wash in the morning, a Clearasil benzoyl peroxide face wash at night, and a Cerave moisturizer twice daily was the extent of my regimen.
“What I’d give to have been more disciplined about sunscreen then.”
She now swears by applying sunscreen daily to her neck, chest, hands, and forearms.
“These are places that are often neglected and most clearly reveal aging over time,” she said.
“I wish someone would have told me this when I was 20.”
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Data shows that it’s not only exposure to sunlight that ages the skin but also blue light from computers.
Dr. Sung stresses for her patients to wear tinted sunscreen every day to protect their skin.
“Tinted sunscreen generally contains iron oxide which is a pivotal ingredient in preventing these changes from everyday light sources,” she said.
“I’m happy that in 2024, we finally have more options for all skin tones available.
“For example, the sunscreen I use, Elta MD UV Clear, is now available in a deep tint which works for even the darkest skin tones.
“I like supporting brands that think about the entire market of women and their skin tones.”
What is UPF and how is it different from SPF?
While SPF measures the effectiveness of sunscreens, UPF imeasures the effectiveness of sun-protective clothing.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it specifies how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) can get through a fabric to the skin underneath.
A UPF of 50 blocks 98% of UV rays and is considered excellent, while a UPF of 30 is considered good and gets The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
Generally, dark clothing gives more protection than light clothing, while dense fabric is more protective than loose weaves.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon also offer more sun protection than natural fibers, according to REI.
On the other hand, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the time it takes for skin to get red when exposed to just UVB rays.
STRATEGIC SKINCARE
A few “tactical interventions” are used throughout the year alongside her skincare routine to defy aging.
They include fractionated laser resurfacing two to three times a year and up to three IPL treatments at different times of the year.
She also routinely uses a good quality vitamin C serum daily and a retinol at night.
“I’ve worked to pare the products to what I feel is essential,” she said.
“I sincerely believe less is more.
“Morning: Alastin gentle face cleanser, Skinceuticals CE ferulic to my face and chest, A.G.E eye cream, Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, and Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen.
“Minimal makeup on top of sunscreen and two capsules of Heliocare.
“Evening: Elta MD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser to remove makeup.
“Skinceuticals A.G.E eye cream, prescription Tretinoin 0.05% cream, and Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer.”