Why sunscreen is the best anti-aging product

If you’re looking for the Holy Grail of youth boosting potionns, the secret to turning back your skin’s clock doesn’t lie in magic jars of anti-aging cream. “It’s as simple as sunscreen,” says specialist plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, Dr Rory Dower.  

Hero in a tube

It may sound obvious to use sunscreen - especially in a country like South Africa – but, the trend of using it every day rather than just when highly sun exposed is become more habitual as we’re realising it’s vital skin-saving powers. 

“Patients are definitely choosing to age differently these days, and although some patients who come to see me for facelift surgery show more advanced signs of ageing that can’t be fully corrected without surgery, more and more people are actively treating their skin from an early age,” says Dr Dower. 

He believes that wearing a good-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen is the back bone to this. “Science shows that our skin quality already starts to show signs of ageing and deterioration in the teenage years,” he explains. “So, prevention from damage especially by regular application of a broad spectrum, good quality sunscreen will positively affect how your skin ages,” he adds. 

It's good for your health

An outdoors lifestyle is inevitable in sunny South Africa, and with the second highest UV concentration in the world, vigilant sunscreen application means more than just taking preventative measures against looking older. Dr Dower explains, “It is estimated that regular application of a sunscreen with SPF15 or higher for the first 18 years of life, could reduce the lifetime incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers by almost 80 percent. Regular daily use of the same factor sunscreen or higher can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50%.” 

Slather it on NOW

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90 percent of skin ageing is caused by the sun and people who use sunscreen with an SPF15 or higher show 24 percent less skin ageing, reports Dr Dower. 

“Many good quality, broad spectrum sun blocks, also contain antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients which prevent and repair DNA damage and moisturise the skin,” he goes on to say. 

And yes, Dr Dower does see a difference in the skins of those who’ve adopted good sunscreen habits from young as he reports that “when people have looked after their skin well from an early age, their skin “age” in the later years, tends to be younger.” There is better skin elasticity, thickness and texture, which translates to less drooping and sagging of the skin, he expands. Now if that’s not a good reason to reach for your SPF50, we don’t know what is! 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com