A cosmetic dermatology physician assistant’s demonstration of her favorite sun protection and anti-aging hacks has sparked debate among viewers online.

California-based Mona Seresht had shared her tips, from applying sunscreen to using anti-wrinkle straws, on Instagram on April 2. The short video quickly went viral, racking up more than 100,000 likes and sparking heated discussion across the platform on whether Seresht’s go-to tricks are necessary. Despite the backlash online, the aesthetic medicine professional is pleased that her video has drawn some attention to the importance of sun protection.

“I’d love to say I’m surprised by the response, but honestly, I’m not,” Seresht, who clarified that the clip does not represent her realistic daily skincare routine, told Newsweek. “If there’s one thing social media has taught me, it’s that you never really know what’s going to take off.

“Sometimes it’s the video you spent hours perfecting, and other times it’s the clip you almost didn’t post.”

The video shows Seresht systematically applying a range of sun protection measures before driving. She pulls on UV-protective clothing, including long gloves, adjusts a large sunshield over her face, closes the sunroof to minimize exposure, and applies sunscreen—which she emphasized she wears “always.” She even uses an anti-wrinkle straw to drink water from her Stanley cup, showcasing stackable habits designed to limit sun damage and prevent premature aging.

Although Seresht had intended to prompt a positive discussion about sun protection, the clip provoked a divided reaction among viewers online. While many praised Seresht’s dedication to protecting her skin’s youthful glow, others mocked the measures as excessive, questioning whether such extreme precautions were truly necessary in our already busy lives.

“Lol but you look late 50s,” one viewer commented. “Enjoy yourself.”

“Is this satire? I really can’t tell anymore,” another added.

“When you’re already running late for work and then you remember you have to put on your Star Wars cosplay before you can drive,” another viewer said.

“Imagine caring this much about how you look,” another added. “Just live, geez, sunshine on your face is good for your soul.”

“Your obsession for aging less makes life look so unenjoyable,” another said, while another added: “Why do people treat aging like it’s a crime? It’s ok to just literally get old! With fine lines and wrinkles too. It’s ok I promise. Sheesh!”

Despite the harsher comments, Seresht is still adamant that the strong reactions are part of a broader, valuable conversation.

“I made this video to show the extent of what sun protection can look like, not to say this is how I drive every single day,” she said. “It was meant to be a visual example of the tools and habits that can help prevent premature aging and sun damage, especially for those who are really committed to skin health.”

She added: “If this video made even one person put on sunscreen who normally wouldn’t, I’d call that a win.”

Seresht emphasized that the reactions—both critical and supportive—highlight an important shift in public awareness around preventative skincare.

“Some people think it’s a bit extreme, while others are nodding along like, ‘finally, someone gets it!’ And that’s totally okay,” she said. “The beauty of this conversation is that it opens up the space for different perspectives.”

The larger goal, she explained, is encouraging proactive care and safeguarding one’s skin for the future.

“Skin health is something I live and breathe in my work, so I’m constantly thinking about long-term results,” Seresht said. “It’s not just about how we look today, but how we treat our skin for the future.”

“I know the sun shield, the gloves, and the anti-wrinkle straw might look a little over-the-top, and I totally understand why it sparked such a passionate discussion…But this video has sparked a broader discussion around preventative care, and, importantly, skin cancer prevention.”

Based in Los Angeles, Seresht practices primarily at Facile Dermatology + Boutique on Melrose Place, and sees patients at the Pasadena location every week.

Her work focuses on enhancing natural beauty through subtle, undetectable cosmetic treatments while prioritizing skin health and facial harmony, an approach she describes as “less is more.”

Beyond her clinical practice, Seresht has built a growing online platform under @mona.the.pa, where she shares insights into skin health, injectables, and cosmetic dermatology with a philosophy centered on authenticity.

“Through social media, I’ve been able to build a community of skincare lovers and beauty enthusiasts who all share a common goal: to look, feel, and care for themselves at their best,” she said.

While Seresht’s video may have ignited some controversy, she remains focused on the message behind it.

“Small changes in your daily routine can make a huge difference in the long run,” she said. “Starting with something simple, like using sunscreen daily, is key.

“In the end, this is about empowering people to make informed decisions about their skin, their health, and their beauty journey—however it works best for them.”

Ultimately, Seresht said her goal is to help redefine how cosmetic enhancements and skin care are perceived by the masses.

“Cosmetic dermatology isn’t about changing who you are,” she said. “It’s about preserving, protecting, and enhancing what makes you uniquely you.”

Is there a health issue that’s worrying you? Let us know via [email protected]. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.