Photo Credit: wallstreetdermatology.com
MEET DR. JULIA TZU – WALL STREET DERMATOLOGIST
Wall Street, or The Street as it is sometimes called, is a fairly intense place to be when the market is open. As the Dow Jones industrial average rises and falls so to do the moods of power brokers and their entourages. The typical broker is sharp looking and sharp talking and is under a lot of pressure to stay that way (without looking like he or she has had any work, of course). Dermatologist Julia Tzu, MD, the founder and Medical Director of Wall Street Dermatology, knows the ins and outs of her clientele, and as such has gained their confidence and respect by helping them look young and refreshed despite the pressures of such a fast-paced career in the financial capitol of the world.
Tzu completed her medical training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltmore, followed by residency training at the University of Miami School of Medicine. She did her fellowship training in dermatopathology at New York University followed by procedural dermatology (Mohs surgery) at the University of Pennsylvania.
Today in addition to running her private practice, she also serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York University where she teaches surgical and cosmetic dermatology to resident physicians.
Tzu spoke to Beauty in the Bag about her Wall Street clientele, what to do once you hit 30 and even shared some of her personal beauty secrets with us.
Here’s what she had to tell us:
1. What is your signature procedure?
Botox injections (or technically neuromodulator injections) are my favorite and signature procedure. People see the results quickly and are thrilled to be looking as good as they feel. The procedure is deceptively quick, but involves a complex understanding of the facial muscular anatomy and involves delivery of the medication to precise locations and depths that vary between people depending on their individual facial anatomy.
2. What type of results do your patients crave?
Given my location on Wall Street in Manhattan, New York, my clients typically desire natural-looking results so that no one else can tell a procedure was done. People want to look well rested and refreshed – even though they are working endlessly long hours.
3. How should we choose a sunscreen?
First and foremost, sunscreens should always be broad spectrum (covering Ultraviolet B and A and UVA, both of which damages the skin cells) and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or above. SPF factors over 50 may seem appealing, but really affords only a negligible amount of additional protection. There are so many options for sunscreens on the market, but much of it is aesthetic preference. For facial sunscreens, I suggest a tinted, matte sunscreen that can serve as a concealer and act as a sunscreen. The matte finish prevents the shininess often associated with sunscreens. For people with sensitive/allergic skin, choose a sunscreen with only physical blockers (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), since chemical sunscreens may be responsible for more allergic skin reactions. Water resistance is another label to watch out for. For outdoor activities, water resistance of 80 minutes may be preferable 40 minutes. Keep in mind that no sunscreen is completely water proof.
4. At what age do you recommend preventive skin care regimens/treatments such as BOTOX?
I usually advise patients who have hit 30 to actively think about preventative skincare and skin treatments. Although there is nothing biologically “magical” about entering one’s thirties, it tends to be the age at which people start noticing subtle signs of aging around their eyes and foreheads. Of course, preventive skincare should be practiced as early as possible, but 30 is when I start suggesting treatments such as preventive BOTOX and laser treatments.
5. What is the biggest skin care mistake most of us make?
Many people think that more skincare products and more ingredients is better skincare. For me, keeping a simple regimen comprised of simple and pure ingredients is key.
6. Tell us how you take care of your skin.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is key because the skin is a window into our overall health. I try to eat right, sleep enough, and exercise regularly. My skin care regimen is pretty simple. I’ve been using sunscreen every day since my late teen years and try to avoid unnecessary sun exposure. I use a topical retinoid followed by a liberal amount of a thick hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic moisturizer and eye cream at night time.
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