Question 391 of 433
Does sunscreen slow skin aging?
The short answer
Yes. In a randomized trial, adults who used sunscreen daily showed no detectable increase in skin aging over four and a half years, and melanoma rates were about half in long-term follow-up.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on the face, neck, and hands every morning. A prescription retinoid at night is the only cream with strong evidence for reversing sun damage. Everything else in the anti-aging skin aisle is mostly moisturizer with a story.
Cosmetic procedures can change how you look. They do not change how you age.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
HUMAN TRIAL — Adults: sunscreen reduces photoaging; skin-cancer outcomes differ by endpoint and follow-up.Evidence grade (draft mapping)Grade pendingPart 27, Q391 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.