Most of us have probably heard that sun damage accelerates the aging process, so it’s natural to wonder if using sunscreen can help reduce wrinkles. The experts at Rejuvenation Laser and Skin Center weigh in with this blog post.
The Answer to the Question Can Sunscreen Help Reduce Wrinkles
Sunscreen can play a big part in your skin care regimen to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and keep your skin younger and healthier-looking longer.
The Science Behind the Link Between Sunscreen and Aging
Premature aging because of sun exposure is called photoaging, which causes wrinkles, sunspots, reduced elasticity, and broken capillaries on the nose and chest. Yale Medicine has found that symptoms of photoaging can be prevented by regularly using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, that is 30 or higher. Mineral sunscreens block UV rays by reflecting them away from your skin while chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays and alter them so they aren’t harmful. Both types of sunscreen will adequately protect your skin from photoaging.
There are two types of UV rays. UVA rays cause photoaging by damaging the collagen and elastin in your skin. UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancers. The Skin Cancer Foundation has found that photoaging causes 90% of the visible signs of aging in the skin.
Tips to Use Sunscreen to Reduce Wrinkles
- Start using 30 SPF or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen as soon as possible. There is no such thing as too young to need to protect your skin from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen daily. Don’t wait until you’re going to the beach or a barbecue.
- Sunscreen needs to be applied every two hours of sun exposure or every 40 to 80 minutes that you are exposed to water or sweat.
- If you use a chemical sunscreen, you’ll need to wait 30 minutes before you go outside for it to provide protection. This doesn’t apply to mineral sunscreen. You can go out immediately.
- When choosing a sunscreen, you can also look for a PA+ rating. This is a separate rating that specifically tests how well a sunscreen blocks UVA rays. Three or more plus signs mean the product will prevent photoaging, if used correctly.
- Make sure the sunscreen is water-resistant if you’re planning on going in the water.
- Read the ingredients list on any sunscreen you consider and research names you don’t know are safe. Some ingredients may be harmful to you.
Remember, photoaging is not the only cause of the visible signs of aging. Some of it is just going to happen naturally. You can further protect your skin by using anti-aging skincare products and focusing on your happiness and wellness. The happier and healthier we are, the more youthful we will feel and look.
Call Rejuvenation Laser and Skin Center Today!
If you are already seeing visible signs of aging like wrinkles or sunspots, it’s not too late to do something about it. Our experts can help you look more youthful. Contact Rejuvenation Laser and Skin Center for a free consultation!