Aging skin

Key messages

• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds is the most preventable cause of early skin aging. (1-3)

• The most effective ways to prevent wrinkles and sun damage are to protect yourself from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing and avoiding tanning beds. (4)

• There are a variety of over-the-counter products and in-office procedures available to treat aging skin. A board-certified dermatologist is the expert in treating aging skin and can help you decide what’s best for your skin.

• To find a board-certified dermatologist, visit aad.org/findaderm.

Supporting messages

Bridge to these messages by using phrases like: “It’s important to know,” “I want to emphasize,” “Many may not know,” “Let me share what I’ve been seeing.” Build off these messages by leveraging your expertise about this topic.

• Studies show that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning beds damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to premature skin aging and skin cancer. (5,6)

• In all skin tones, ultraviolet (UV) exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging, and worsen hyperpigmentation, including melasma and dark spots on the skin. (7-10)

  • People with fair skin who have a history of UV exposure are particularly susceptible to wrinkles, skin damage, and skin cancer. (11)

  • People with darker skin tones who have a history of UV exposure are more prone to skin darkening. (12)

• Regular use of sunscreen and moisturizer can help prevent and treat the signs of aging. (3) Some anti-aging moisturizers contain ingredients that help minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven pigmentation.

Tips for using skin care products

• Test products, even those labeled “hypoallergenic.” To test, dab a small amount of the product on your inner forearm twice a day for four or five days. If you do not have a reaction, it is likely safe for you to apply the product to your face.

• Use products as directed. Active ingredients can do more harm than good if they are used too much. Applying more than directed can cause clogged pores, a blotchy complexion, irritation, or other unwanted effects.

• Limit the number of products you use. Using too many products on your skin, especially more than one anti-aging product, can cause irritation. This often makes signs of aging more noticeable.

• Shop smart. More expensive products aren’t necessarily more effective. There are some effective, affordable products in the skin care aisles of your local stores.

• Give the product time to work. While a moisturizer can immediately plump up fine lines, most products take at least six weeks to work, and some can take three months.

Related Academy resources for the public

References

1. Gonzaga ER. Role of UV light in photodamage, skin aging, and skin cancer: importance of photoprotection. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2009;10 Suppl 1:19-24. doi:10.2165/0128071-200910001-00004

2. Wong QYA, Chew FT. Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. Nov 11 2021;11(1):22075. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-01573-z

3. Guan LL, Lim HW, Mohammad TF. Sunscreens and Photoaging: A Review of Current Literature. Am J Clin Dermatol. Nov 2021;22(6):819-828. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00632-5

4. Krutmann J, Schalka S, Watson REB, Wei L, Morita A. Daily photoprotection to prevent photoaging. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. Nov 2021;37(6):482-489. doi:10.1111/phpp.12688

5. Whitmore SE, Morison WL, Potten CS, Chadwick C. Tanning salon exposure and molecular alterations. J Am Acad Dermatol. May 2001;44(5):775-80. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.112581

6. Lim HW, James WD, Rigel DS, Maloney ME, Spencer JM, Bhushan R. Adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation from the use of indoor tanning equipment: time to ban the tan. J Am Acad Dermatol. May 2011;64(5):893-902. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.03.007

7. Moutraji R, Taylor SC. Skin Aging Exposome in Skin of Color Populations: Review of the Literature. Dermatol Surg. Mar 1 2023;49(3):272-277. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003704

8. Venkatesh S, Maymone MBC, Vashi NA. Aging in skin of color. Clin Dermatol. Jul-Aug 2019;37(4):351-357. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.04.010

9. Langton AK, Alessi S, Hann M, et al. Aging in skin of color: disruption to elastic fiber organization is detrimental to skin’s biomechanical function. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2019;139(4):779-788.

10. Fatima S, Braunberger T, Mohammad TF, Kohli I, Hamzavi IH. The Role of Sunscreen in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2020;65(1):5-10. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_295_18

11. Green A, Hughes M, McBride P, Fourtanier A. Factors associated with premature skin aging (photoaging) before the age of 55: a population-based study. Dermatology. 2011;222(1):74-80.

12. Tsai J, Chien AL. Photoprotection for Skin of Color. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2022/03/01 2022;23(2):195-205. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00670-z

Last updated: 12/04/24