We all know that wearing sunscreen is essential for our health, as it protects the skin from UV rays and reduces our chances of developing skin cancer.
However, not everyone is aware of its secondary benefit; sunscreen is a major player in anti-ageing skin care.
GB News spoke exclusively to GP, TV media medic, and advisor to the Hada Labo Tokyo skin care panel, Dr Hilary Jones, about why it is essential for a youthful complexion.
For maximum skin benefits, including ageless beauty, he recommended investing in a sunscreen that contains hyaluronic acid.
"We're constantly reminded about the importance of wearing SPF, on sunny days and even cloudy days, to protect skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the chances of developing skin cancer.
"But SPF is also essential for maintaining youthful skin. Too much sun exposure can age skin dramatically.
"Yet, an astounding 80 per cent of women have gone out for the day without sunscreen on, even if it's been sunny and warm, according to research by Hada Labo Tokyo.
"This is despite 81 per cent being aware of a clear link between sun damage and skin ageing."
'SPF is essential for maintaining youthful skin'
| GETTY IMAGESWhat sunscreen should I use?
When selecting a sunscreen, Dr Jones advised that a broad-spectrum product (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) is essential for ultimate multi-faceted protection.
He explained: "UVA rays specifically damage two proteins in the skin – collagen and elastin – which accelerate signs of ageing.
"Meanwhile, UVB rays cause serious damage to the skin's upper layers and trigger the DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.
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Opt for a sunscreen that contains 'hydration hero' hyaluronic acid
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"UV exposure could potentially be responsible for 80 per cent of visible facial ageing signs."
For beautifying benefits, "it's important to wear a sunscreen that contains anti-ageing ingredients too".
Dr Jones recommended the Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen range, explaining that its hyaluronic acid content makes it a winning choice, despite being an overlooked ingredient.
The expert explained: "Just 29 per cent of women use sunscreen that contains hyaluronic acid, but it's this ingredient that is the hydration hero so many of us need to stay looking young, as well as having healthy skin.
"As a humectant, it can bind to and hold water molecules to help keep skin hydrated and bouncy.
"We naturally lose hyaluronic acid as we age, and UV exposure can accelerate this, leading to wrinkles, dryness, and fine lines.
"Hydrated skin is youthful skin, and this applies to your body as well as your face."
As for how much sunscreen to apply, it's important not to skimp on this skin saviour.
"Use a half-teaspoon amount for your face and roughly one shot glass of suncream (or six to eight teaspoons) for your body," Dr Jones concluded.
To further "save your skin", experts named four active ingredients to keep it youthful, glowy, bouncy, and hydrated.