Most of us didn’t take sunscreen seriously in our 20s. A little sunburn here, a bit of tanning there, and we moved on. But as we age, sunscreen stops being optional. It becomes a key pillar of our skincare routine — not just to prevent burns, but to fight the signs of ageing, reduce skin cancer risks, and keep our skin looking healthy.
Still not convinced? Let’s bust some myths and unpack why sunscreen matters more than ever as the years go by.
How Your Skin Changes with Age
Collagen Loss and Thinner Skin
As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen — the protein that keeps it plump and firm. Combined with thinning skin, this means UV rays can penetrate deeper and do more damage than before.
Slower Cell Turnover
Young skin regenerates quickly. Older skin? Not so much. With slower turnover, damage from the sun sticks around longer and shows up more prominently.
Reduced Natural Protection
Our skin produces less oil and melanin (the pigment that helps protect against UV). So, ageing skin is more vulnerable to dryness, discolouration, and sunburn — even without you realising it.
What Sun Damage Really Does Over Time
The Build-Up Effect of UV Exposure
UV damage is cumulative. That sunburn you got ten years ago? It didn’t just go away — it added to your skin’s ageing process. Over time, the sun’s rays break down skin fibres and cause permanent damage.
Sunspots, Wrinkles, and Sagging
Fine lines, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, sagging — all these are signs of photoageing. Studies show that up to 80% of facial ageing is due to UV exposure, not just time or genetics.
Higher Risk of Skin Cancer with Age
The longer we live, the more UV exposure we accumulate, and the greater our risk. Skin cancer is more common in older adults, and prevention with sunscreen is one of the simplest forms of protection.
Why Sunscreen Becomes Even More Crucial After 30
Prevention Over Correction
It's easier (and cheaper) to prevent sun damage than to reverse it. Skincare products can only do so much — sunscreen protects your skin from getting worse in the first place.
Boosting the Effectiveness of Anti-Ageing Skincare
Are you investing in serums, treatments, or facials? Great — but without sunscreen, UV rays can undo all that good work. Think of sunscreen as the lock that protects the treasure you’ve built.
Protecting Skin Already Showing Signs of Ageing
If you’re already seeing wrinkles or pigmentation, sunscreen helps stop them from deepening. It also reduces inflammation that can worsen existing skin conditions.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Ageing Skin
Look for Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. Choose SPF 50+ for maximum daily defence, especially in sunny climates like Singapore.
Hydrating and Antioxidant-Rich Formulas
Ageing skin needs hydration. Look for sunscreens with added ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, or niacinamide to nourish as they protect.
Lightweight and Non-Greasy Options for Daily Use
No one likes sticky sunscreen. The best formulas feel like skincare, not paint. Choose ones that absorb quickly and sit well under makeup or moisturiser.
Recommended Product: CRYSTAL TOMATO® Beyond Sun Protection Cream
What Makes It Stand Out
This isn’t your average sunscreen. CRYSTAL TOMATO® Beyond Sun Protection Cream offers SPF 75+ broad-spectrum coverage — perfect for everyday use in high-UV environments.
Ingredients That Support Ageing Skin
Infused with antioxidants and designed for skin health, this sunscreen also includes brightening agents that help reduce pigmentation and restore skin clarity.
Real Results and Feedback
Users love the light texture and how it protects without clogging pores. It’s a favourite among dermatologists and skincare lovers alike.
How to Apply Sunscreen Properly as You Age
Don’t Forget the Neck, Ears, and Hands
These often-missed spots are where ageing shows up first. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas, not just your face.
Reapplying Without Ruining Makeup
Use powder sunscreens or setting sprays with SPF to reapply throughout the day — no mess, no smudge.
Daily Use – Even Indoors
Yes, even near windows or on cloudy days. UVA rays penetrate glass and clouds, and daily exposure adds up.
Common Excuses and Why They Don’t Hold Up
“I’m Indoors Most of the Day”
Unless you're in a cave, you're exposed to UV through windows or when walking to lunch. Daily sunscreen still matters.
“It’s Cloudy Today”
Clouds block only a small percentage of UV rays. You can still get sun damage even on grey days.
“I Don’t Burn Easily”
Even if you don’t burn, the deeper UV damage is still happening. Darker skin may not show burns, but it’s still ageing.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Sunscreen as Self-Care
Sunscreen isn’t just about vanity — it’s about taking care of your future self. Whether you’re 30, 50 or 70, it’s never too late to start. With smart products like CRYSTAL TOMATO® Beyond Sun Protection Cream and treatments like the Luminary Shield Collection, you can protect, repair, and glow — all at once.
So, make sunscreen your everyday habit. Your skin will thank you for it — today and decades down the line.
