By Cate Moore 

The only real anti-aging product is sunscreen. If you want to slow the aging process, you need to make a sacrifice or two and the single most important sacrifice is to avoid the sun. If you want proof, have a look at the skin on the areas of your body that have never seen the sun. You will see soft, collagen-rich, even-toned skin. Even if you are naturally a darker skin type (Mediterranean, as an example), you need sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. We all know that one of the most effective treatments of a problem is to avoid the problem in the first place and the same can be said of aging. You can avoid premature aging and ‘age spots’ (really a misnomer as they are sun spots from sun damage) as well as expensive serums and formulas if you habitually protect your skin from the sun.

Another insider secret we should all be aware of? There are only three proven ingredients to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and your sunscreen should contain at least one of these active ingredients:

1) Titanium dioxide

2) Zinc Oxide

3) Avobenzone, which is also known as Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzolymethane. (Ed’s note: this is the active in our go-to derm’s sunscreen pictured above. Kellett Reflect Anti-Aging Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $35)

Only these three ingredients will protect against rays that cause skin cancer and wrinkles. Most people, when I tell them this, are surprised at how many major sunscreens lack this crucial ingredient – even sunscreens for children don’t always contain these ingredients.

About the Author Cate Moore is the owner of Tru Vitality Clinic, a Toronto-based medical spa with a holistic approach. Her favourite brand of sunscreen is EltaMD, a brand sold in medi-spas and are backed by the Cancer Foundation because they include broad spectrum protection.

Dry aging skin Wrinkles