


Skin School: What is the biggest misconception about sun protection?
Alicia Yoon: People think that sunscreen ingredients are enough, but they usually aren't. You really need to pair them with antioxidants. That is something I’m really big on. I don’t use products with retinol. I don’t do injections or fillers. But I do use a lot of antioxidants to fight off free radicals. Also, I’m not outdoors too much, but even indoors, if there are windows, I’m still careful about SPF’ing all the time, either with a lightweight moisturizer or a cushion compact with sunscreen.
SS: When you’re outside more often, how do you amp up your protection?
AY: I wear wide-brimmed hats when I am on vacation! I also remember to reapply throughout the day. When I’m reapplying a lot, I’ll layer a mineral powder over a cushion compact. I like physical sunscreens a bit better. A lot of Korean formulas are a mix of physical and chemical, but I have very sensitive skin, so I find that, for me, the mineral-based ones work best.
SS: Why do you like cushion compact foundations so much?
AY: I love them because they provide great coverage and you can keep layering them, over and over, and you won’t look cakey. You get more SPF without it starting to look bad. They also give you this beautiful glow.

