I wish someone had taught me a valuable anti-aging lesson when I was 20
A DERMATOLOGIST has revealed an anti-aging lesson she wishes she had known sooner.
Dr. Sarah Sung shared some must-have “tactical interventions” as her tips for a youthful appearance.
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Doctor Sung is a dermatologist trained at Johns Hopkins and Harvard University and practices at The Perq Dermatology Clinic in Seattle, Washington.
In an interview with The US Sun, she talked about the beauty habits she’s developed to combat the signs of aging.
TERRIBLE 20s
Skin care wasn’t a big priority for Dr. Sung in her 20s because it wasn’t as trendy as it is today among young adults.
The 43-year-old says she is “lucky” to now work in an industry where keeping up with the latest treatments is an integral part of the job.
“I grew up under the strong Southern California sun and I wish I had made more conscious 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 cleanse in the morning, a Clearasil benzoyl peroxide face wash at night, and a Cerave moisturizer twice a day was the extent of my regimen.
“What I wouldn’t have given if I had paid more attention to my sunscreen back then.”
She now swears by applying sunscreen to her neck, chest, hands and forearms every day.
“These are areas that are often neglected and show the most visible signs of aging over time,” she said.
“I wish someone had told me this when I was 20.”
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Data shows that not only exposure to sunlight, but also blue light from computers, ages the skin.
Dr. Sung advises her patients to use a tinted sunscreen every day to protect their skin.
“Tinted sunscreens typically contain iron oxide, an important ingredient to prevent these changes from daily light sources,” she said.
“I’m excited that in 2024 we will finally have more options for all skin tones.
“For example, the sunscreen I use, Elta MD UV Clear, now comes in a deep shade that is suitable for even the darkest skin tones.
“I like to support brands that take into account the entire market of women and their skin tones.”
How does sunscreen prevent aging?
Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist and author of the upcoming book The Ageless Revolution, revealed five habits of youthful-looking people.
“Sunscreen protects your skin by acting as a barrier against harmful UV rays,” Doctor Aziz told The US Sun.
“There are two main types of ingredients in sunscreen: mineral and chemical.
“Mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a physical shield that reflects UV light away from the skin.
“Without SPF protection, your skin can develop uneven pigmentation in an attempt to protect itself from the sun’s rays. This can lead to potential sun damage such as sun spots and premature aging.
“It is essential to use sunscreen to prevent this and maintain healthy skin.”
STRATEGIC SKINCARE
To combat aging, she uses a number of “tactical interventions” throughout the year in addition to her skincare routine.
These treatments include fractional laser resurfacing two to three times a year and up to three IPL treatments at different times of the year.
She also uses a good quality vitamin C serum daily and a retinol cream at night.
“I’ve worked to strip the products down to what I consider essential,” she said.
“I truly believe that less is more.
“Morning: Alastin gentle facial cleanser, Skinceuticals CE ferulic on my face and chest, AGE eye cream, Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer and Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen.
“Minimal makeup over the sunscreen and two capsules of Heliocare.
“Evening: Elta MD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser to remove makeup.
“Skinceuticals AGE eye cream, prescription Tretinoin 0.05% cream and Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer.”
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