Derek Luh is not only super talented and starring in Gen V (dropping Sept 17th) but he is one of the most fun kind spirits we’ve had the pleasure of hanging with in quite some time. not to mention he is easy on the eyes and has excellent taste in music choosing Rage Against the Machine to get his photo shoot groove going. he wore pieces from his wardrobe styled by the multi-talented Jessica Caban who is just as rad as he is. we wrapped the fun day with Derek devouring an NYC style bagel egg-n-cheese in bed between sips of his his beloved Matcha. so scroll on down and check his amazing energy and honest words about his Gen V journey, staying fit, skincare, fashion, his co-stars including one of his bare essentials….Asa Germann.

the bare magazine: what do you think are Season 2’s biggest draws and most compelling aspects?

Derek Luh: I think the most compelling aspects this season have to be the character’s journeys, the heart this show has, the action, the performances, the exciting new powers we get to explore, and seeing these kids continue to level up with their powers. There is so much exciting stuff this season has to offer. I can’t wait for the fans to see it. They are going to absolutely LOVE it.

bare: what personality traits do you have in common with Jordan Li, and what did you learn from them?

DL: I would say my loyalty. Jordan is extremely loyal to the people they love. Loyal to a fault. It can blind them at times, and I have found this to be true in my own life as well. Sometimes you love someone so much and you are so loyal that you do not realize all the toxic, negative qualities they have. You learn to justify them because in your mind, this person is someone you care so deeply about, so you think it cannot be malicious or unhealthy.

I think in this season Jordan is learning how to set boundaries, and that has been a huge lesson in my life this past year. Setting healthy boundaries would be my biggest takeaway from playing Jordan this season. Funny how life imitates art.

bare: what comes to mind when you think of your costars?

DL:

Jaz Sinclair — Unapologetically herself

Asa Germann — One of the greatest people I have ever gotten the chance to know

Maddie Phillips — Such a beautiful, warm, soft soul

Sean Patrick Thomas — The definition of what a professional is

Hamish Linklater — So inventive and creative

bare: after wrapping production, how did you unwind? what are your favorite ways to recharge?

DL: I wish I was able to unwind. We wrapped on Halloween, so when I got back, I had to set the house up for Christmas. I had the whole family come over for Christmas this year, so it was a lot of trips to HomeGoods and Aldik’s. Buying, returning, buying, returning. But typically, I need to be in the sun and laying by a body of water. I love how relaxing a beach or a pool is. I would even take a pond.

bare: tell us about your month in NYC. what were the highlights?

DL: Highlights were obviously my photoshoot with the amazing Tina Turnbow for Bare Magazine. Also, seeing Asa. That was really the only reason I came for a month — to see Asa the entire time.

I am going to see a play later this week before I head home, which is always exciting. I love being able to come out to New York and steal some energy and take it back to LA with me.

Oh, and obviously the food. New York has some of the best food in the world — if not the best. We went to this place called Cote and it was easily one of the best dining experiences of my life. The food was insane.

bare: you are so fit. can you take us through a typical day of eating and working out? also, how is the switch from coffee to matcha going?

DL: I normally base my diet on the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent clean, whole foods, no processed, and twenty percent I eat “bad.” Typically, my “bad” consists of the healthier version of the super processed snacks I ate as a kid that are terrible for you. The more natural ingredient snacks and cookies. I love a chocolate chip cookie with a little sea salt.

As far as working out, I typically lift weights three days a week now and have started to add Yoga and Pilates. It helps give me functional strength and lets me move my body in different ways, as opposed to with weights where it is very static.

Matcha is my new obsession. I have been off coffee for almost three years now. It has been a game changer. I sleep so much better than before and feel better throughout the day. No crash. I have become obsessed with making my matcha’s at home, so I am always on the lookout for good quality matcha.

bare: you get facials and are into skincare. can you share your go-to places and products? also, your favorite hair grooming product?

DL: Sunscreen. Wear your sunscreen. I use Colorescience for sunscreen. I use Paula’s Choice retinol and BHA, and some Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream moisturizer. Oh, and a vitamin C serum from Innisfree.

For facials, I go to this amazing woman named Sandra Velandia who is based in New York. She is incredible.

For hair, I use some Unite hair paste and a little water. Ouai leave-in conditioner and hair oil also help to keep the hair moisturized.

bare: it was fun capturing your personal style for our shoot. why is fashion so compelling to you? do you find it a great way to express yourself?

DL: It is just another way to express yourself. Being creative and putting a good fit together is really fun and rewarding. I love doing photoshoots or events because I can express my style a little more.

My day-to-day wear is Dickies, jeans, a white tee, or some vintage shirt and Chucks or Cortez. Not exactly breathtaking fashion. So it’s fun to be able to express myself in ways I normally would not. The best art for me is about taking risks. You can really do that with fashion, which I love.

bare: did it take you a minute to decide on becoming an actor, or did you know at a very young age this was it?

DL: I honestly did not ever think I was going to become an actor. It was never really on my radar. I do remember watching Seven when I was like nine or ten years old and seeing Brad Pitt as David Mills. I had my first inkling of “Wow, I want to do what he does.” But other than that, I had not pursued the thought any further.

I had done music for a while and that was cool. Acting really fell into my lap and I am so glad it did because this is truly what I am meant to be doing. There is no greater high than when I am performing. Nothing can compare. I get depressed a little when I am not on stage or in class or on set. I need to work on that — maybe talk to someone about it.

But acting was truly a blind leap of faith. I had no idea what I was doing and still don’t, but that is the fun of it all. I am trying any and everything and hoping it works, and that is so fun to me. It is all exploratory. Being thrown into acting is the greatest gift the universe has blessed me with.

bare: please list your top six bare essentials. they can be anyone or anything.

DL:

Matcha

Water

Air

Asa Germann

JMC

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