As most facial plastic surgeons have been telling their patients for many years, excessive sun exposure not only increases the risk of skin cancer, but also causes many of the signs of aging we see. At the Chow Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, I have regularly recommended that my patients apply sunscreen on a daily basis, if not even more frequently, when out enjoying the Southern California sun. Now, a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (paid subscription required) brings scientific support for the use of daily sunscreen. In mostly middle-aged individuals with fair skin, use of daily sunscreen meant no detectable skin aging after 4.5 years.

Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis not only decreases the risk of skin cancer, but can keep you looking young!