OhioHealth dermatologist Megan Jones-Sheets, DO shares her perspective on aging, emphasizing that age should not define individuals. She advises her patients to confidently embrace every stage of life and prioritize preventive care.
“I always tell my patients, there’s nothing that’s going to be an eraser,” Dr. Jones-Sheets stated. “Prevention is the best first option.”
For sun protection, she suggests physical blockers such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, expressing a change in their aesthetics over time. “They used to be that awful pasty white nose. You remember seeing sunscreen,” she noted. “They are so much more cosmetically elegant nowadays, and some of the bottles are even super fun.”
While preventive measures are recommended, natural changes occur over time. Dr. Jones-Sheets indicated, “There are things that can lighten some of those dark spots, that can maybe rebuild some of your collagen that's been broken down from time,” but acknowledged, “We do not have that eraser.”
On cosmetic procedures, she is supportive of patients seeking to enhance their confidence. “If it makes you feel good, then absolutely go have that conversation,” she advised. “Whoever you are seeing should also have an expectation management conversation.”
In light of social media and virtual meetings altering self-perception, Dr. Jones-Sheets cautions against equating screen images with reality. “The picture of the sunset is never going to be nearly as beautiful as looking at the sunset itself,” she said.