Applying sunscreen is a step in the skincare routine that’s too often neglected. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or sunny, UV rays are always present. UVB rays damage the skin and cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate more deeply, accelerating skin aging.  

So, does using sunscreen every day really make a difference?

To answer this question, 32 women followed the same skincare routine for a year, applying sunscreen daily. They were monitored by a dermatologist to assess changes in their skin, and they shared their impressions throughout the study.

The results speak for themselves: daily sunscreen application not only prevents skin aging but also reduces existing signs of age. At the end of the study, 100% of participants noticed improvements in skin texture and clarity. Hyperpigmentation, skin tone evenness, and crow's feet also showed impressive results.  

Let me break down the details ?

1. 1. The Study  

This clinical study was based on results from 32 women, aged 40 to 55, all showing visible signs of sun-induced skin aging.

To minimize biases from other active ingredients, participants were required not to have used anti-aging or retinoid products prior to the study, and these products were also banned during the study’s duration.  

To ensure consistent evaluations, a single dermatologist monitored all participants throughout the year. During visits every three months, the dermatologist assessed various beauty and skin health criteria focusing on aging markers, such as crow's feet, hyperpigmentation, skin texture, and tone clarity.  

Throughout the year, participants followed the skincare routine provided in the clinical study:  

• Morning: SPF 30 photostable sunscreen
• Evening: Moisturizer without any anti-aging active ingredients

No other products were to be applied to the face.

1. 2. The Results  

All parameters improved by week 12, three months into the daily SPF 30 application. Sunscreen use was especially effective at reducing hyperpigmentation (over 50% improvement), enhancing texture (40% improvement), and increasing clarity (over 40% improvement).

Nearly 70% of participants reported a visible reduction in wrinkles, as seen in before-and-after photos, especially in crow's feet.  

The study concluded after summer, a season when skin is typically more exposed to the sun, increasing the likelihood of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. However, despite the increased exposure, daily sunscreen application successfully prevented summer sun damage.

Not only did sunscreen maintain skin health, but it also enhanced it: less hyperpigmentation, smoother texture, more even and radiant skin tone, fewer crow's feet… By protecting the skin year-round, sunscreen prevents new sun damage and allows the skin to repair accumulated damage. Skin looks visibly healthier.  

1. 3. Key Takeaways

• Daily sunscreen application is essential to protect skin from immediate and long-term damage caused by UV rays.
• Regular use of sunscreen prevents sun damage and slows down skin aging.
• Consistent application improves texture, clarity, and tone evenness.
• Year-round protection helps repair accumulated damage, maintaining visibly healthier skin.

Source: Randhawa, M., Wang, S., Leyden, J. J., Cula, G. O., Pagnoni, A., & Southall, M. D. (2016). Daily Use of a Facial Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Over One-Year Significantly Improves Clinical Evaluation of Photoaging. Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, 42(12), 1354–1361.