Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja

Can Use of Sunscreen Reduce Skin’s Aging?

Skin aging is a natural process. While it cannot be stopped or reversed, certain measures can certainly slow down the process of aging. One such measure is regularly using sunscreen to keep the skin protected from skin damage.

Damage caused due to exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin aging. The harmful rays of the sun known as UVA and UVB have a tremendous impact on the health of skin and speed up the process of skin aging. It also affects those with fairer or lighter skin more due to the lack of melanin in their skin.

Regularly wearing sunscreen has proven to reduce skin aging by keeping it protected from sun damage. Studies have shown that those who inculcate a habit of wearing sunscreen at all times while stepping out during the day have younger and healthier looking skin than those who don’t. The sunscreen acts as a layer of defense against sun radiation and keeps it from causing any damage. Skin is, thus, protected from accelerated aging.

How to correctly use sunscreen to reduce skin aging

There are certain specifics that need to be kept in mind while using sunscreen in order to increase its potency. Some of these are as follows:

• The right product must be carefully chosen. It is necessary to use sunscreen that has a SPF rating of 30 or more.

• It must be applied at least 15 minutes before stepping out into the sun.

• It must be reapplied every few hours as sunscreen gets easily washed away due to sweating and exposure to moisture.

• The habit of using sunscreen must be started early, preferably from childhood.

• Sunscreen must be used even on cloudy and overcast days.

The adoption of these measures while using sunscreen has been proved effective in reducing skin aging and preventing the early formation of wrinkles, discoloration and sagging skin. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dermatologist.