Sunscreen Daily Turns Back the Hands of Aging

Sunscreens are common almost everywhere particularly in warmer climates, such as Southwest Florida, where this plastic surgeon practices.  

Now, there is bonafide research showing daily use of sunscreen can lessen wrinkles in skin.  Results of the study recently appeared in the Annals of Internal Medicine. 

This study involved 903 adults under the age of 55 living in Nambour Australia.  

All participants were given sunscreen of 15+ SPF.  Half used it daily and the other half were told to use it as you normally would.  Researchers took silicone impressions of the backs of the participants hands at the beginning of the experiment and after 4 ½ years.  

The results showed people instructed to apply sunscreen daily showed 24% less aging as measured by coarseness and fine lines.  There you have it!  Some concrete evidence that sun block helps prevent skin aging.

Don't let Summer get the better of you

Summer is the time lots of us hit the road for distant places. 

When long road trips are on your schedule, be sun-wary.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're protected from the sun while in  

in your car. Even with the windows up, harmful UV radiation can get through to 

 you. 

It's wise to apply sunscreen, especially on the side of your face exposed the sun. Bring along sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when you hit the road this season. 

(Although, higher than SPF 35 is pretty much wasted protection. If you can get higher SPF without paying more for it, it won't hurt to use it. It's just not worth a higher price, unless that is the only rating you can buy.) 

I also advise my cosmetic patients in Fort Myers, Florida, to reapply every time they stop to rest or fill up. 

If you are driving, have a great trip.