The best-kept secret for anti-aging is already in your cabinet

From serums to surgery, there is a huge industry dedicated to anti-aging skincare. However, one of the easiest and most affordable ways to prevent your skin from appearing wrinkled may already be in your home – sunscreen. 

Really? Sunscreen?

Yes, really. You already know sunscreen can significantly decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin damage from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen also offers anti-aging benefits to our skin. According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, sunscreen can prevent premature skin aging caused by ultraviolet radiation, including wrinkles, telangiectasia and pigmentary alterations. 

There are more options for sunscreen than ever

Don’t worry – if the idea of putting on goopy, white sunscreen or sticky spray sunscreen every day makes you shudder, many other options are just as effective. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, many sunscreens now blur the line between skincare and sunscreen, offering different formulas that are more lightweight on the skin or pull double duty and offer additional benefits to your skin. 

When you’re choosing a sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends choosing one with at least 30 SPF and broad spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays). If you have questions about a particular sunscreen or if it will be effective, talk to your primary care provider. 

So next time you decide to skip sunscreen because your sunburn won’t be “that bad” or “it’s not even that hot out,” remember these benefits to your skin. You might discover you’re a bigger fan of sunscreen than you thought.