Why SPF is Your Best Anti-Aging Secret

This article was written with help from AI and edited by Thrive Market’s talented team of human writers.

Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or just starting to learn about sun protection, you’ll discover why SPF is your best-kept beauty secret. Expensive creams and serums might promise youthful skin, but daily SPF use might be one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are responsible for 90% of visible skin aging (including wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots) but, wearing sunscreen can significantly slow down this process, keeping your skin healthy, smooth, and glowing for years to come. 

How SPF Protects the Skin from Aging

One of the best tips for long-term skin health is also the simplest: wear sunscreen daily.

How UV Radiation Contributes to Skin Aging

UV rays from the sun penetrate the skin and can cause damage at a cellular level. This process, known as photoaging, accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin—proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure leads to sagging, rough texture, and an uneven skin tone. 

There are two types of UV radiation that impact skin health:

• UVA rays: Penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for aging effects such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
• UVB rays: Primarily cause sunburn but also contribute to DNA damage and premature aging.

How SPF Protects Against Aging

SPF works by absorbing or reflecting UV radiation before it can damage the skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Daily application of SPF has been shown to reduce photoaging by up to 24% over a four-year period, according to clinical studies.

Additional Benefits of SPF:

• Prevents hyperpigmentation: Sunscreen helps reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by UV exposure.
• Maintains skin hydration: Protects the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing dryness and irritation.

Best Practices for Using SPF to Prevent Aging

• Apply Daily: Sunscreen should be used every day, even when it’s cloudy or during winter months.
• Use Enough: The Cleveland Clinic recommends using about a nickel-sized amount for the face and a shot glass-sized amount for the body.
• Reapply Frequently: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
• Combine with Other Protection: Wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing further minimizes sun damage.

Top Ingredients For Aging Skin

In addition to your daily dose of SPF, when you’re shopping for a new moisturizer or night cream, keep an eye out for ingredients that are well-suited for aging skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerhouse hydrator that plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
• Retinol (Vitamin A): Speeds up cell turnover to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Best SPF Products, Moisturizers, and Serums for Aging Skin

Stock up on skincare that’ll help your skin stay radiant as you age.

Hydration-Focused Products

Earth Science Hyaluronic Acid Serum
A lightweight, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free serum that helps hydrate and plump the skin. 

Three Ships Beauty Dew Drops Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum
This EWG Verified serum combines hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help brighten the skin while providing deep hydration. It is vegan, gluten-free, and EWG Verified.

Daily Sunscreen Products

Attitude Sunscreen SPF 30
This mineral sunscreen is EWG Verified, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and dyes. It offers broad-spectrum protection with a natural orange blossom scent.

Badger SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream
A certified organic mineral sunscreen that is gluten-free and cruelty-free. 

FRÉ Skincare GLOW ME + Lightweight Tinted Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30
This lightweight tinted moisturizer provides broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30. It contains an Argania Active Complex™ to nourish the skin while offering a glowy tint that adapts to your skin tone.

FRÉ Skincare PROTECT ME 50 Lightweight Daily Mineral Moisturizer SPF 50
A daily mineral moisturizer with SPF 50, this formula is ultra-lightweight and features non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection.

Overnight Retinol Products

Three Ships Skin Hero Calendula + 2% Bakuchiol Bio-Retinol Serum
A plant-based alternative to retinol featuring bakuchiol, rosehip oil, and calendula. 

Ursa Major Luna Bloom Retinal Serum
Formulated with retinaldehyde, a form of vitamin A that may help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.