Dermatologists Explain Why You Should Never Skip Sunscreen In Your Skincare Routine If You Want To Prevent Premature Wrinkles

If your goal is to age gracefully, there’s one thing you should never forget to do every morning, dermatologists tell us, and that is to wear facial sunscreen. This protective step (that should follow a pH-balanced facial cleanser and vitamin C serum), experts explain, cannot be underestimated or suggested enough when it comes to preventing fine lines and wrinkles, as the sun’s rays and other lights emitted from screens have a greater impact on skin than many realize.

Read on for morning skincare tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Angela Casey, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare line Bright Girl and Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team.

READ MORE: Is Vitamin C Really Effective For Anti-Aging? We Asked Dermatologists

The Importance Of Daily Sunscreen In Your Morning Skincare Routine

The most crucial piece of morning skincare is "sun protection," Chacon says, adding that "everyone should consistently use sunscreen as the last step after skincare and before applying makeup." To prevent premature wrinkling and fine lines caused by sun damage, the daily application of sunscreen is vital.

Casey agrees, and stresses that "prevention is truly the best medicine when it comes to your skin health." Implementing a skincare routine that "cleanses, moisturizes, and protects your skin" will lead you on the path to a healthy and glowing complexion (with much less wrinkling and fine lines than if you skipped this step), she notes.

"Morning skincare habits should take into account the circadian rhythm of the skin," she continues. In the morning, Casey says that the skin has completed its rest and repair phase, which occurs overnight.

Skin permeability is "less in the morning compared to the evening, and blood flow to the skin slows." Penetration of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds peaks in the early morning hours. "All of these factors should be taken into consideration as we address morning skincare," she goes on.

Chacon points out that a great morning routine should "focus on protecting the skin from the sun and free radicals." To keep the routine basic, you may use a "moisturizer and sunscreen," applying after you wash your face, use a vitamin C serum, and before you go outside. With that said, Casey offers the following morning skincare checklist that she often refers to patients.

Morning Skincare Routine Checklist To Prevent Premature Wrinkling

After waking up in the morning, the first step that Casey offers is to "wash your face with a pH-balanced, gentle cleanser using lukewarm water." This step, she says, refreshes the skin and removes any sweat and debris that may have accumulated overnight.

Next, you are to apply an antioxidant serum, such as vitamin C. "Antioxidants are an important morning skincare step as they arm your skin to be prepared for all of the environmental pollutants and irritants that we encounter throughout the day," Casey notes. "Think of antioxidant serums as an extra layer of protection on your skin," she suggests.

After this, Casey recommends applying an effective moisturizer, "which helps lock in the antioxidant serum and seals the skin barrier, offering protection and hydration to the skin." Lastly, she reiterates that "sunscreen is a non-negotiable final step," and that you should choose one with an "SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection."

The more you know!