At a glance
Works
Daily sunscreen slowed measured signs of skin aging in the trial. Protection from sun exposure is the practical takeaway.
What researchers measured
In a randomized trial of 903 adults younger than 55 in Australia, researchers compared daily sunscreen use with use at participants’ discretion. They measured skin surface changes on the back of the hand over four and a half years. The daily-use group had less progression on that measure.
What the study leaves open
The result comes from one community and one measure of visible skin aging. It answers a prevention question and gives no estimate of whether existing wrinkles will fade.
Read the sunscreen label guide for practical advice from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Sources
- Hughes et al. (2013), randomized trial | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/
- American Academy of Dermatology, choosing sunscreen | https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen