Why Sunscreen Is the Best Anti-Ageing Skincare Step

Is sunscreen really that important?

Anon, Whenuapai

When we look at someone’s skin and try to guess their age, what we’re really seeing is sun exposure over time.  Fine lines, pigmentation and uneven texture are far more influenced by ultraviolet radiation than by the passage of time.  That’s why sunscreen sits at the top of my anti-ageing list.  Not serums, not injectables, not treatments.  Sunscreen.

Ultraviolet radiation quietly damages the skin, even when it’s cloudy.  UVA rays penetrate deeply and break down collagen and elastin, the structures that keep skin firm.  UVB rays cause surface damage and sunburn.  The result?  Long-term DNA injury, leading to wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer.

Sunscreen works differently to most skincare. Rather than trying to repair damage, it prevents damage from happening in the first place.  Used consistently, it protects collagen, stabilises pigment production and minimises skin cancer risk.  Sunscreen also allows the skin to age more slowly.  This is why people who wear sunscreen daily tend to have smoother, clearer skin, regardless of other products they use.

This matters even more when you are investing in cosmetic skin treatments. Treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling and active skincare can help improve texture, pigmentation and overall skin quality, but ongoing UV exposure can work against those results. Daily sunscreen helps protect the collagen, pigment control and skin clarity we are trying to preserve, which is why I see it as the foundation of any sensible anti-ageing plan.

That doesn’t mean other factors aren’t important.  Skincare, skin treatments and injectables all have their place.  But without daily sun protection, it’s like constantly mopping up water while the tap is still running.

The best sunscreen is one you’ll use every day.  Broad spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30 are good starting points.  Apply it as the final step in the morning, including your neck, chest and back of your hands. For more on choosing and using sunscreen in New Zealand conditions, visit our Sunscreen & SPF Guide.

Dr. Heather Anderson features in the All or Nothing Podcast (available on Spotify, YouTube and iHeartRadio). If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz

Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, Urgent Care FRNZCUC, Cosmetic Medicine PGDip - NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland