Can sunscreens actually turn back the clock?
Investigators studied 32 women that applied a broad-spectrum photostable sunscreen (SPF 30) for 52 weeks to the entire face. Evaluation by dermatologists and self-assessments by the subjects were conducted at baseline and then at weeks 12, 24, 36 and 52.
Data analysis from the dermatologist’s assessment showed that all photoageing parameters significantly improved from baseline, as early as week 12, and continued until the end of the study. Skin surface and pigment attributes (texture, clarity, mottled and discrete pigmentation) improved the most, showing 40-52% improvement from baseline at week 52, with 100% of subjects showing improvement in skin clarity and texture. All other photoageing signs (crow’s feet fine lines, skin tone evenness, overall skin tone and overall photodamage) improved 18-34% by week 52. Subject self-assessment reports showed similar trends.
The results suggest that daily use of a broad-spectrum, photostable sunscreen not only prevents additional photoaging but may actually visibly reverse some of the signs of existing photodamage. Yet another reason to slather on that sunscreen!
Reference: Dermatol Surgery 2016;42:1354-1361. Daily use of a Facial Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Over One-Year Significantly Improves Clinical Evaluation of Photoaging. Randhawa M, Wang S et al.