The Secret to Antiaging Is Simpler Than You Thought

Updated on June 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM

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Newsflash: exposure to the sun can cause cancer and accelerate aging. Duh, you say? One recent survey showed that nearly four out of five millennials don't use sunscreen regularly. So clearly there's a difference between knowing and doing. Keep reading. This isn't a cautionary tale from a helicopter mom about why you need to slather on your sunscreen.

"People in their teens and early 20s have always seen themselves as invincible," says Art Markman, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas and author of Smart Change. "That isn't new to the millennials. The diseases that come from an accumulation of bad habits don't start to appear until people reach their 50s. That seems so far off that younger people often ignore the risks in favor of having some fun and freedom now."

While young people engaging in risky behavior is nothing new, there seems to be a paradox in that this same generation is obsessed with sustainability and organic food. Green juice, anyone? With the focus today on climate change, millennials might not remember a time when one of humanity's biggest threats was the hole burning through the ozone layer, letting in all those skin-destroying UVB rays. That's a story of the past generation.

But can we really use that as an excuse? The risks associated with going sunscreen-free couldn't be any clearer — so why do some people just not seem to care? Not only is tanning an integral part of American culture (just imagine your summer vacation without a trip to the beach), but we're obsessed with sun-kissed skin. We idolize it. Who hasn't been told they look so great when sporting a bit of a bronzy pallor?

But the reality is that tan skin is the opposite of healthy. While the base tan isn't necessarily a myth — it does provide your skin with a level of protection, says Peter Wisch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC — the damage has already been done. "Your body produced the pigment to protect your skin," Wisch explains. "You'll see the effects — age spots and wrinkles — in your 40s and 50s."

While there's no anti-aging pill on the market (yet), Wisch gives some hope with the use of retinoids, which have been proven to help rebuild the tissue under the skin creating a plumper appearance. That's if, of course, you don't get cancer first.

There are two types of people in this world: those who wear sunscreen and those who don't. If you're the former, Wisch advises using a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Interestingly, FDA studies use about 2x the amount of sunscreen a normal person would use, which means your 30 might actually be more like a 24 — so really lather it on thick. You'll thank me later. If you're the latter, well, that's your choice. But just know this: there will be consequences, whether it's accelerated aging or worst, cancer. At the very least do yourself a favor and buy a chic hat, and always scout out a place under an awning or tree when outdoors. This is especially important between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is strongest.

I started religiously using sunscreen — SPF 50 — when I was 23. (Full disclosure: That move was based on Dr. Wisch's gentle recommendation.) Now, people don't believe that I'm old enough to have two kids. That might be more immortality than invincibility, but I'll take it.

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