Though there seems to be a new skincare product coming out every month, dermatologists and skin health experts all agree on one must-have product – sunscreen! Sunscreen protects skin from UV rays which cause wrinkles, sun spots and uneven pigmentation as well as premature aging and skin cancer.
But can using sunscreen reverse aging? Researchers have determined that using broad-spectrum photostable sunscreen daily may actually reverse existing photodamage and reverse its appearance.
Prevents UV Damage
Sunscreen is a chemical barrier that serves to block UV radiation from penetrating into our skin. UV rays are an ionizing radiation which removes electrons from molecules and atomic structures, damaging DNA, leading to premature aging (wrinkles), sunburns, and possibly some forms of skin cancers. Sunscreen protection should always be prioritized regardless of one’s complexion or skin color.
Melanin provides some protection from UV rays, but not enough to avoid damage, hyperpigmentation and aging; so sunscreen remains crucially important. A good SPF30 sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage should be worn frequently especially after swimming or sweating and should be reapplied after exposure; when outdoors wear clothing and hats as much as possible to shield more of your skin.
Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide the most reliable defense against UV radiation. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and reapplied every two hours or as necessary based on sun exposure or water immersion; additionally it’s wise to wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves/pants combos and sun shirts as an additional measure against sun damage.
UV radiation exposure is cumulative, meaning even occasional bad sunburns can have lasting consequences on skin health over time. UV damage is the primary cause of skin cancer; melanomas in particular are often the result of excessive sun exposure; therefore using sunscreen daily to decrease your risk is key in protecting yourself against this potentially lethal disease.
If a sunscreen ingredient is restricted, it’s essential that an equivalent alternative be found that offers equal levels of protection. Furthermore, even with sunscreen applied it’s wise to stay out of direct sunlight during peak UV times as much as possible and avoid tanning beds altogether. You may even purchase laundry detergents with UV blocking crystals which increase SPF value when washed with clothes.
Prevents DNA Damage
Sunscreen can be an invaluable weapon against UV radiation-induced DNA damage that could potentially lead to skin cancer; regular application has been shown to lower your risk, including deadly melanomas. Research continues to support its benefits.
From ancient times on, humans have found ways to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays by applying plant oils, muds or minerals directly onto it. Nowadays we are blessed with sunscreen formulations that effectively filter out UV radiation; today’s leading products offer broad spectrum coverage with at least an SPF 30 rating for maximum protection.
Unprotected skin exposed to sunlight absorbs UVB and UVA radiation that penetrates to its outer layers, harming DNA by creating pyrimidine dimers that trigger mutations and cause skin burns; while UVA rays cause direct DNA damage as well as indirect harm by creating reactive oxygen species which damage cell structures like DNA or proteins.
UV radiation damages skin and can increase the risk of cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, as well as inflammatory conditions like psoriasis. Furthermore, it decreases immune system function and leads to premature aging accompanied by wrinkles and sunspots.
Studies demonstrate the positive benefits of sunscreen use on skin cancer risk and early aging signs. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, regular sunblock use should be applied daily by all adults and children to help avoid sunburn, skin cancer risk and external signs of aging.
Choose the appropriate sunscreen for your lifestyle by consulting with a dermatologist. They will advise on which chemical or physical sunscreen would best fit with your skin type, and recommend an effective formula that will protect against both UVB and UVA radiation. Chemical sunscreens absorb and convert UV radiation into heat while physical (mineral) sunscreens reflect and scatter UV rays away from reaching the skin surface; both have their advantages so for maximum protection it may be wise to use both types.
Prevents MMPs
Studies have revealed that daily application of broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or greater can significantly slow photoageing. Sunscreen prevents wrinkles by blocking UVA and UVB rays which damage skin cells; additionally it keeps collagen strong by helping keep its breakdown at bay in deeper layers of the skin.
One of the main causes of photoageing is due to expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes which break down elastins and collagens found deep within skin layers, leading to loosening, sagging and formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Photoageing can also be caused by UV rays’ production of free radicals called reactive oxygen species that break down collagen structure, leading to more fragile and thin skin. Sunscreen can help prevent this by including ingredients that block reactive oxygen species production.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C and botanical extracts are often found in skincare products with sunscreen, such as facial serums, gels, creams and powders containing sunblock. Many sunscreens containing zinc oxide have proven successful at blocking both UVA and UVB radiation; the PA rating on their labels indicates this level of protection – PA+ or higher means they protect against UVA radiation while PA++ indicates protection from UVB radiation.
Some sunscreens include additional ingredients to combat photoageing such as peptides, retinol, alpha-lipoic acid and green tea extract, which have all been shown to inhibit MMP production and decrease reactive oxygen species production.
Photoageing, caused by years and decades of sun exposure, typically shows itself through visible signs such as wrinkles. Although sunscreen can help alleviate some symptoms of photoageing, its main benefit lies in protecting new sun damage and slowing photoageing processes.
Sunscreen is an essential product to combat photoageing and diminish wrinkles and other signs of ageing, so using one every day should be a priority for everyone. High-quality broad spectrum photostable sunscreen should be utilized.
Prevents Reactive Oxygen Species
As we all know, sunscreen can go a long way towards protecting our skin against sun damage; and according to new studies it may even reverse some signs of aging! This discovery adds another reason for why applying and reapplying it daily throughout the year should become part of your skincare regimen!
Sunscreens contain chemical and physical blocks to minimize UV radiation reaching your skin. They do this by creating a protective barrier which absorbs or reflects UV rays, keeping DNA safe from damage.
One of the main advantages of wearing sunscreen is preventing reactive oxygen species (ROS), molecules which can cause cell damage and accelerate skin aging. UV rays stimulate their production and can lead to wrinkles, brown spots, uneven pigmentation and loss of elasticity – symptoms which sunscreen can help combat through its ability to absorb and reflect UV rays to block ROS formation and thus protecting skin against these damaging molecules.
By wearing sunscreen regularly, users can avoid UVB rays that cause darkening of their skin and accelerate aging. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-containing sunscreens have been found to effectively block UVB rays and thus help prevent these kinds of cell damage and premature aging.
While sunscreen does not always prevent photoageing, as many only block UV (ultraviolet) rays from the solar spectrum, diligent application of broad-spectrum sunscreen can slow or even reverse photoageing in certain cases.
When selecting a sunscreen, be sure to look for ingredients like “nanoparticles” on its label. Nanoparticles are much smaller than conventional mineral powder and penetrate skin more deeply for added protection. When applying your sunscreen, follow the recommended dosage – about an ounce, which fits inside a shot glass-sized amount will cover all parts of the body, with another teaspoonful for the face and more often if sweating or swimming occurs. Be sure to reapply every two hours or as necessary!
