Key Takeaways
- A famous New England Journal of Medicine photo of a truck driver showed dramatic aging on the sun-exposed side of his face after 28 years, powerfully illustrating the damage UV rays cause.
- Sun exposure leads to fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, early breakdown of collagen and elastin, and significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Both UVA and UVB rays cause damage, so a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both is essential for comprehensive daily skin protection.
- NOVA offers the EltaMD sunscreen line including UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45, which is water-resistant, provides full UVA/UVB protection, and is recommended for post-procedure care.
- Applying sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, is one of the most effective and evidence-based steps you can take to prevent premature skin aging.
This picture is from an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. It is a photo of a 69 year old man who has been a truck driver for 28 years. For 28 years, the left side of his face was exposed to the UV rays coming through the driver’s side window, while the right side of his face was protected from the damaging effects of the sun. If seeing this side by side comparison of the effects of frequent sun exposure doesn’t convince you that sun equals wrinkles, then nothing will! There are good reasons that Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons and anyone in Aesthetics go on and on about sunscreen. Not only are there compelling cosmetic reasons to wear sunscreen, but there are very significant health benefits also. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. We know how to drastically reduce the rates of skin cancer and the answer is avoiding the sun and wearing the best sunscreen consistently.
In addition to reducing the risk of cancer, we also know that an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun. Let me repeat that. 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun! Sunscreen doesn’t block 100% of the sun so using sunscreen isn’t going to mean you prevent all sun related aging. But, people who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily show 24% less skin aging than those who do not use the best sunscreen daily. (Skincancer.org)So now that you are convinced of the benefits of sunscreen lets go over what sunscreens are best. The best sunscreens are physical sunscreens, which are zinc or titanium based. These sunscreens provide a physical block against the sun’s rays. They are broad spectrum, meaning they block more types of UV rays. At NOVA Plastic Surgery we carry SkinCeuticals sunscreens and EltaMD sunscreens. Both are zinc based and feel great on the skin. We have several different options depending on your preference – tinted, non-tinted and matte finish. So you can find the perfect sunscreen that you won’t mind wearing every day. People always ask me what SPF they should wear. The reality is that an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97% of the UV rays and anything above that is a very small increase. Sunscreens above an SPF of 50 haven’t been shown to provide any added benefit. So I recommend using a sunscreen above an SPF 30. Additionally I highly recommend adding an antioxidant to your skin care regimen. Studies show that using an antioxidant such as Vitamin C effectively doubles the sunblock’s protective rating and promotes skin renewal. Vitamin C boosts the body’s natural defense againnst UVA- induces free radicals. CE Ferulic by Skinceuticals is an award-winning antioxidant serum that is an excellent option. Click here to learn more about this fall skin care regimen. Sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily skin care regimen. At NOVA Plastic Surgery we would be happy to help you customize a skin care regimen that is right for you and that delivers real results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sunscreen so important for preventing skin aging?
Sun exposure is responsible for the vast majority of visible skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. A famous New England Journal of Medicine photo of a truck driver showed dramatically more aging on the sun-exposed side of his face after 28 years, powerfully demonstrating how UV damage accumulates over time.
What should I look for in a good sunscreen?
A high-quality sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause deep skin aging and cancer, while UVB rays cause surface burning. Look for an SPF of at least 30 to 45, and choose a formula that you will actually wear daily. Water resistance is an added benefit for active use.
Why is sunscreen especially important after a cosmetic procedure?
Post-procedure skin is more fragile and sensitive than normal skin. New scar tissue, treated areas, and freshly resurfaced skin are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. Without adequate sun protection, scars can darken significantly, and the results of laser treatments or other procedures can be undermined by sun exposure during healing.
What sunscreen does NOVA recommend?
NOVA offers the EltaMD sunscreen line, including UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45. This product provides full UVA/UVB protection, is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is suitable for everyday use as well as post-procedure skin care. EltaMD products are trusted by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for their efficacy and skin-friendly formulations.
Should I wear sunscreen every day, even in winter or on cloudy days?
Yes. UV rays penetrate clouds and cause cumulative damage year-round. The damage that leads to visible aging and skin cancer occurs even when you cannot feel the sun burning your skin. Making daily SPF application a non-negotiable part of your morning routine is one of the simplest and most impactful things you can do for your long-term skin health.