Sunscreen

There are potions, lotions and lasers that promise to repair and rejuvenate old looking and sun damaged skin.   But, clinical studies now prove that the ultimate anti-ageing weapon is sunscreen to keep your skin youthful and healthy!

The first clinical human trial that proves sunscreen helps to prevent pre-mature skin ageing caused by sun exposure was published June, 2013, in the American College of Physicians’ Annals of Internal Medicine.http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1691733&resultClick=24

The study took place in Australia over 4.5 years, using 903 adults from the ages of 25 to 55.  The 903 adults were divided into 4 groups.  Two groups were to use sunscreen daily and the other 2 groups used it at their discretion.

The daily users were asked to use a broad spectrum SPF 15 that protected from both UVB and UVA.  They were to apply the sunscreen to their face, neck, arms and hands every morning and after heavy exercise, swimming and after being outdoors for longer periods of time.

Results, when compared at the end of 4.5 years, showed that the 2 groups using sunscreen daily had no detectable signs of skin aging.  The 2 groups that used it only at their discretion had an average increase of 24% in skin ageing.  That is quite a difference!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause more than 90 percent of the visible signs of aging, which include wrinkles, rough patches, sagging and skin discolorations.”

So why is doesn’t everyone use this proven magical fountain of youth in a bottle that prevents skin damage and premature skin ageing?  Age spots and rough skin are something that you will have to pay big bucks to repair – if you can!  Sun damaged skin often leads to skin cancer which can lead to melanoma which can lead to death.   I don’t know about you, but I have no desire to leave this earth early for a tan.

Sunscreen is one of the most in-expensive anti-ageing products that are on the market. Spending forty to fifty dollars on a medical sunscreen is probably the best investment you can make for your skin’s health and appearance.   It’s never too late to start using sunscreen and never too young to get into the habit of applying sunscreen.

by Joyce M. Palmer