Treatments and supplements · Sun protection / sunscreen habits

Does daily sunscreen really prevent skin aging?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Well studied

6 studies, including 2 that bring together the results of several trials in people.

5 Repeated evidence 2 studies

4 Large controlled trial 2 studies

3 Small study in people 2 studies

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Skin aging

The studies

5 Repeated evidence Appearance-based interventions to reduce ultraviolet exposure and/or increase sun protection intentions and behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analyses.
2013 · British journal of health psychology
5 Repeated evidence The Preventive Value of Sun Protection.
2022 · Current problems in dermatology · 1,621 participants
4 Large controlled trial Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial.
2013 · Annals of internal medicine · 1,621 participants
4 Large controlled trial Can the effectiveness of health promotion campaigns be improved using self-efficacy and self-affirmation interventions? An analysis of sun protection messages.
2012 · Psychology & health · 677 participants
3 Small study in people Impact on facial skin aging signs of a 1-year standardized photoprotection over a classical skin care routine in skin phototypes II-VI individuals: A prospective randomized trial.
2023 · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Vene · manufacturer helped fund this
3 Small study in people Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study.
2022 · Photochemistry and photobiology