How Sunscreen Can Slow Ageing: Skin Science Explained

Most of your skin’s ageing is from the sun (around 90%). Yes, it’s true that the right anti-ageing skincare routine can improve the look of your skin long-term. But, the most important part of this is your commitment to sun protection! By maintaining this integral skin care step, you can prevent visible signs of ageing like wrinkles, sagging and sun spots.

Daily sun screen protection isn’t just about avoiding a painful sunburn. It’s genuinely your best defence against premature ageing. Elevate your skincare routine, with the sun ageing protection provided by sunscreen.

Here’s why sunscreen is key:

This phenomenon occurs when the skin has prolonged sun exposure. This is often when someone is tanning, or isn’t wearing enough sun protection. UV damage is when two types of ultraviolet radiation reach us from the sun, including UVA and UVB. UVA makes up about 95% of the UV radiation we’re exposed to, while UVB is mostly blocked by clouds.

UVA Radiation

UVA rays make up most of the radiation that we’re exposed to. This is because it has a longer wavelength, allowing it to penetrate into the skin more deeply. UVA is what’s mainly responsible for the skin’s photo aging process. Otherwise known as when the rays break down your skin’s anti-ageing proteins, such as collagen and elastin.

Since UVA rays deeply penetrate the skin’s dermis, they can cause permanent damage. This ranges from premature wrinkles, crow’s feet, to skin sagging.

UVB Radiation

UVB rays have much shorter wavelengths than UVA rays. This is why UV rays often cause temporary skin damage. This ranges from sunburns, blistering, and skin tanning through triggering melanin production. This is because they target the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin upon sun exposure.

While UVB rays are seemingly not as vicious as UVA, these rays also contribute to the photoaging process. This is because UVB triggers the premature breakdown of the protein collagen.

How Does Sun Protection Shield Against Ageing?

In an article by Stanford Medicine, Dr Zakia Rahman, a professor of dermatology, emphasises the impact of the sun. Noting that “UV light really accelerates premature ageing of skin.”

So, how exactly does this work? Sunscreen doesn’t block rays, it filters UVA and UVB rays out. Depending on the sunscreen, it will either absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays when you’re exposed to the sun. However, the level of UVB protection depends on the sun protection factor (SPF.)

• SPF 30+: Blocks out 97% of UV rays
• SPF 50+: Blocks out 98% of UV rays

While the SPF number prevents a sunburn, or other temporary sun damage, certain sunscreen formulations protect against UVA rays. To deter the sun these products contain active ingredients, or are formulated to be broad spectrum.

*Wondering what that plus means on your sunscreen? In Australia, SPF 50+ is the highest testable protection level—anything beyond 50 can’t be reliably measured.

Chances are, you’ve heard of the saying slip, slop, slap. While sunscreen is important wherever you are, Australia has unique challenges for sun safety. The Australian DCCEEW notes that the ozone layer over Australia is thin, causing an excess entry of UV radiation. When combined with the Earth’s tilt to the sun in summer, the UV’s intensity is often extremely high.

In a Cancer Council article, associate professor Sinclair says even 15 minutes in the sun heightens the cancer risk. This can lead to major skin damage, premature ageing and higher risk of skin cancer.

Common Sunscreen Myths: Our Answers

Sunscreens cause acne

Have you applied sunscreen and are experiencing breakouts? Look for a product that’s labelled as “non comedogenic.” This way you can remain sun smart, while keeping breakouts at bay.

You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days

Before you choose whether to wear sunscreen, check out the UV index! If it is a 3 or higher, you need sunscreen regardless. Check out the Cancer Council’s SunSmart app to easily access the UV index every day.

Apply sunscreen every 2 hours

For certain recreations, sunscreen needs to be re-applied immediately afterwards. This ranges from swimming, to any activity that causes lots of sweating.

Not everyone needs sunscreen

Even if you tan or don’t burn easily, you still need to wear sunscreen protection. Sun damage and the potential for cancers remains likely regardless of skin tone.

Sunscreen is only for outdoors

Did you know that UVA rays can penetrate car and office windows? While UVB rays are mostly blocked off, the rays causing skin-ageing linger. Making sunscreen key.

How To: Choose an Anti-Ageing Sunscreen For You

When it comes to finding the right sunscreen, there are many factors to consider. Wearing the wrong sunscreen for you can be very discouraging. Instead, make the right decision for your skin with this easy guide.

• Consider your comfort: When you first apply the sunscreen, do you feel that it sits heavy on your face? Instead, opt for an oil-free and invisible formulation.
• Choose the sun strength: A broad spectrum sunscreen is ideal as it offers protection against all UV rays. Also, aim for maximum SPF protection against the sun burning UVB rays through 50+.
• How it sits under makeup: If the sunscreen is slipping and sliding underneath makeup, it can affect the finish. Look for a formula that’s labelled as “lightweight” and “makeup-friendly.”
• TGA-approved sunscreen: Australian sunscreens are tightly regulated, needing approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. It’s important to only purchase sunscreens in Australia, and not while overseas.

Your Skin Care Routine with SPF Matters

• Apply sunscreen as the last step in your makeup prep
• Aim for a teaspoon of product for the face and neck
• Apply 7-8 teaspoons of sunscreen for the whole body
• Put sunscreen on 15-20 minutes before going outdoors
• Re-apply sunscreen every two hours (when not swimming or sweating)

The Bottom Line: Broad Spectrum Sunscreens Are Your Best Friend

In a QIMR study, 900 young and middle-aged people took part. Some of them used broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Over four and a half years, they had 24% less visible signs of ageing than those who didn’t commit to this. For protection against ageing and sun burns, sunscreen that has a broad spectrum filter is key.

Which is where our Results Laser Clinic active protect SPF 50+ comes in. It’s a broad spectrum sunscreen maximising sun protection, all while leaving a greaseless finish perfect under makeup. By choosing the right sunscreen, and re-applying this regularly, you can protect your skin from ageing.

Next steps?

Results Laser Clinics is one of Australia’s most trusted providers of Laser Hair Removal, Skin treatments & Cosmetic Aesthetics Treatments.

We are committed to delivering results that make you look & feel your best. Book your free skin analysis and complimentary consultation with our experts today!

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