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As the video explains, choosing good quality sunscreen can bring multiple benefits for our skin.
Most of us are now thankfully aware of the increased skin cancer risk sun exposure brings. This alone is a good reason to use sunscreen, although the reduction in visible ageing regular use can have is also of value.
The first significant study on photoaging took place in Australia, in 2013, tied in with an older skin cancer prevention study. About 900 adults finished a 4 year trial, with different groups using sunscreen, or beta carotene supplement, or both, or none.
4 years isn’t a vast time to notice skin ageing, so measurements were taken using a technique called microtopography, sensitive silicone impressions of the participants skin. The supplement proved ineffective but sunscreen did not.
Those who used sunscreen daily had a 24% reduction in signs of ageing, compared to the non use group. Significant over 4 years, more so over a lifetime.
Ongoing Improvement
Other research has backed up the Australian study and we continue to learn. Certain antioxidants can be a problem but others may help, where they control free radicals and free iron, which are linked to skin damage.
A 2022 UK study looked at this and identified several botanical, fungal, or marine based compounds which could assist. Still a way to go though before the approach can be tested outside the laboratory, with stable additives but a promising development.
Sunscreen and other preparations we apply to our skin can be improved, hopefully tailored to individual skin types. The science is advancing quicker than in the past but this should not stop us benefiting from options we currently have.
The Sun’s Dual Affect
The sun’s rays are known to cause wrinkles, changes in skin texture, uneven pigmentation, age, or liver spots, dryness. Sun exposure depletes collagen and elasticity, adding to natural changes from the ageing process.
These effects are a good reason to use sunscreen every day but there can also be medical consequences from not doing so. Conditions such as melasma, or pre-cancerous lesions are exacerbated by sun exposure.
The wider efficiency of your immune system can be compromised, your eyes damaged, other dermatological conditions worsened, such as rosacea, psoriasis, or dermatitis.
Using sunscreen fits well with our dual focus on dermatology, where medical and aesthetic aspects are considered. We do offer advanced treatment for sun damage, although far better if you can avoid the need for this.