90% Of Aging Is From This One Thing. Prevent It Now.
It ain’t just genes.
by The Candidly Team
All this time we thought aging was a direct result of how many trips we’ve taken round the sun. Turns out, it’s more about how much time we’ve spent directly in it.
That’s right. According to the EPA, “up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.”
And while we all sort of semi-know this, we might not fully conceptualize what that means. So let’s do it visually, shall we?
Take a look at this photo of a truck driver whose right side was the side that faced the sun throughout his 28-year career:
Jarring isn’t it?
We bring this up now, because many of us forget the sun exists as soon as summer ends. But it’s still there on our crisp, autumn coffee dates and our glary winter walks.
And most of us who are now concerned with aging are also at an age where our parents’ in-the-dark attitudes about sun damage are taking a toll. We’re not just talking about looks, of course, but skin cancer.
We were personally alarmed to find out that “more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined,” according to the EPA. “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.” And less surprisingly, “unprotected exposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.”
The good news is the same things that protect us from skin cancer are the ones that help with anti-aging. Regular and proper use of sunscreen can “reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent,” reports the Skin Cancer Foundation. And ultimately, SPF is one of only 3 anti-aging products that are really shown to do anything to prevent wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.
All that said, we wouldn’t be us if we didn’t leave you with some of our favorite go-to’s for sun protection. Easy, non-greasy, non-white casty things that have made wearing sunscreen less of a to do.
And here they are:
1. To Wear Under Makeup
WHAT: Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
WHY: According to dermatologists, people often make the mistake of thinking the SPF in their foundation is enough. To ensure we get enough protection, we need a base layer. The good news is sunscreen is now sort of synonymous with skincare and not just another thing we pile on. So, yes this one provides a very clear, clean, non-sticky dose of UVA + UVB protection, but it also has probiotic extracts that smooth the skin. The finish is so glowy, you might not even care to put makeup over it, but if you do, it makes for a perfect primer.
Price: $38
2. To Wear Instead Of Makeup
WHAT: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion with Sheer Tint SPF 30
WHY: We talk a lot about this tinted sunscreen. Our beauty junkie of an Editor-in-Chief, actually lists it as one of her “empties” that she always has on hand. The finish is so dewy and gorgeous that it genuinely replaces our foundation most days of the week. Makes us look more kissed by the sun than the sun itself.
Price: $14
3. For Body
WHAT: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
WHY: Nothing feels worse than getting all dressed, even in a swimsuit, then realizing we have to apply a thick, sticky substance that will wash us out and probably leave streaks all over our clothes. This one feels like air itself, disappearing as quickly as we swipe it on. It’s no bother at all to apply, so much so that we keep this unhinged, bucket-sized pump bottle by the door and slather a bit onto our exposed skin on the way out the door and by the time we step outside, it’s absorbed.
Price: $36
4. For Lips
WHAT: EltaMD UV Lip Balm BroadSpectrum SPF 36
WHY: Even people who are “good about sunscreen” forget about this body part, and it drives derms mad. Fortunately, it’s so easy to just smudge a little bit of this softening, hydrating, non-gunky formula onto our lips and be done with it.
Price: $17
5. The Sunglasses
WHAT: DIFF Gia
WHY: When it comes to sun protection for your eyes, you want to look for shades that boast 100% UVA/UVB protection. These do just that … while looking devastatingly chic.
Price: $112
6. The Hat
WHAT: Gigi Pip Emery Teardrop Fedora
We don’t care if it’s a trend when it’s for our health and saves us having to do our hair. Plus, no one is making hats this pretty. Just go look at the selection.
Price: $156
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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