18
Apr
The Science Behind Sunscreen as an Anti-Aging Product
Your skin receives constant sunlight. As our Colorado communities emerge from the depths of winter, we’re prone to thinking that sunscreen season is about to hit—but the truth is that the key component of damaging sunlight, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, hits us year-round.
As much as 80 percent of the sun’s UV output reaches the surface of our planet, even when it’s cloudy outside, and it easily reflects off of sand, snow, and water. It penetrates through windows, reaching you when you think you’re safe and sheltered. And it brings with it a host of unwanted skin changes. Much of your skin’s apparent aging—scaling, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity—comes from cumulative sun damage over decades of unintended exposure.
The solution? Sunscreen. Studies have shown that sunscreen is the number-one line of defense against unwanted UV damage to the skin. It is the best preventative for skin cancer, sagging, spotting, and general aging.
And it should be used by everyone, every day, no matter what it looks like outside.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
Sunscreen is a barrier you can apply to your skin. There are many kinds of barriers, with different strategies and protections for blocking UV radiation, but they generally fall into two camps: physical and chemical.
Physical blockers consist of inorganic mineral compounds, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These metallic substances reflect UV rays, preventing them from reaching your skin. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as avobenzone and octisalate, absorb UV radiation before they can damage your skin.
Some sunscreens prioritize physical blockers, while others contain primarily chemical ingredients. Many modern sunscreens fall into both camps, providing a comprehensive frontline defense against harmful radiation.
How Often Should I Use Sunscreen?
The best cure for sun damage is never to have any in the first place. The best strategy for that is a daily application of sunscreen, regardless of the weather or your intended sun exposure.
Prevention of sun damage is far more effective than correction. Unlike many expensive product lines of serums and creams, sunscreen prevents skin damage from sunlight altogether. Instead of battling symptoms, prevent them upfront.
Most people need sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 30. That’s generally sufficient for everyday sun exposure. Those who spend most of their day indoors may find that an SPF of 15 will work for their needs, while those who spend most of their day outside will want an SPF of 45 or higher, with reapplication every two hours, minimum. Be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
How Effective is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is incredibly effective for reducing signs of aging. Daily usage of SPF 30+ sunscreen can reduce signs of aging by up to 24%. Moreover, it also significantly reduces your risk of developing more dangerous skin conditions: a study shows that daily usage of SPF 45+ sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by around 40 percent and cut your risk for melanoma in half.
No other product on the market can make those kinds of claims. If you want to prevent skin cancer and protect your skin against unnecessary aging, sunscreen should be a core product of your daily skincare routine.
At Clarity Dermatology, we are proud to offer our patients the best skincare products available. Consult with our qualified staff to choose sunscreens and other skin protections that will make your skin clear and healthy for years.
Dr. Hannah Pederson, MD
Hannah Pederson, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist passionate about all areas of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She attended the Colorado School of Mines and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. She attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine for medical school and completed her dermatology residency at Baylor Scott and White Health in Temple, Texas.Dr. Pederson is passionate about skin cancer prevention and has volunteered with the Colorado Skin Cancer Task Force. She had also received a grant from the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Dr. J. Daniel Jensen, MD
Connect on LinkedIn
J. Daniel Jensen, MD is fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and cosmetic dermatology. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and specializes in vein disease treatment.
Dr. Jensen attended Brigham Young University where he studied Biochemistry and Portuguese and graduated with University Honors before attending the University of Colorado for medical school. After medical school, he completed his dermatology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Jensen was then selected for a prestigious one-year fellowship in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California.
He has participated in numerous clinical trials, published many articles, book chapters, and research abstracts/posters, and presented his research at national and international meetings. Dr. Jensen has also served as past President of the Colorado Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Tracy Haines, MD
Connect on LinkedIn
Tracy Haines, MD graduated from the University of Austin, Texas with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and completed medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She completed her dermatology residency at Wayne State University, Michigan, and then moved to Colorado to work as a dermatologist. Dr. Haines is board-certified with the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Colorado Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Haines is also a talented artist, and displays her art at our DTC location. All three are board-certified dermatologists committed to integrity, teamwork, and compassionate and individualized care for every patient.
Share this Article
© 2025 Clarity Dermatology. All Rights Reserved. Powered by www.ekwa.com