Aging is inevitable; looking your age is not. If there’s anyone more intent on looking younger for longer, it’s celebrities, whose jobs often depend on their ability to perform in a wide range of roles no matter their age. The tabloids are full of examples of celebrities who seem to have accessed the secret to a clear complexion and the knowledge of how to take a perfect photo.
You may assume it’s from Botox or photoshop, and often it is; however, as part of their daily routine to maintain good skin for interviews, auditions, and paparazzi shots, some of the world's biggest celebrities are turning to good old sunscreen. From Drew Barrymore never leaving home without her stick SPF to Charlize Theron proclaiming herself a ‘sunscreen fanatic’, these celebrities understand how to stay safe in the sun.
Celebrities – they’re just like us!
Six celebrities & their sunscreen routines
- Hugh Jackman
Being an Australian male born pre-80’s, Hugh Jackman is at uniquely high risk for developing skin cancer (click here to read why), and as a result, he’s come close to the disease six times in his life. He quotes his experience as a cautionary tale of why you should wear sunscreen. Jackman states that even though Basal Cell Carcinoma is the ‘mildest form of skin cancer’, it is serious nonetheless, and it can be prevented with proper sun protection and regular check-ups.
- Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron has been quoted multiple times crediting sunscreen as her most essential tool for anti-aging. Speaking with In Style, Theron states, “I don’t go out of my house a day without sunblock. I stash it in my car. I put it on my hands when I’m driving. I am a sunblock fanatic”. Theron understands the importance of sunscreen not only on the face but the hands, which often experience fast aging from sun exposure on the steering wheel. Her choice of sunscreen is French export La-Roche Posay Anthelios AOX for its added anti-aging benefits.
- Nicole Kidman
Kidman is known for her porcelain skin, often bringing timeless beauty and elegance to her roles. According to an interview with Allure in 2017, Kidman is ‘obsessed’ with slathering on the sunscreen and hopes to pass this habit down to her children. Kidman has a family history of skin cancer from her parents, so her diligence is more than beauty based. With freckles as a child, Kidman has always been driven to products that would even her skin tone, and as an avid researcher, she couldn’t get past simple sunscreen as her beauty go-to.
- Jennifer Garner
Star of the big screen, Garner is the friend in her social circle who always has sunscreen on hand. In an interview with Hello Giggles in 2018, Garner is quoted saying that she preaches to her friends and children not to ‘waste any time’ and that sunscreen is important whether it’s overcast or sunny, even if you’re standing in the shade. Understanding how intense the sun is, Garner has gotten a handle on her sun-damaged skin through regular sunscreen usage but regrets not knowing to use it sooner in her life.
- Zac Efron
Zac Efron seems to be shirtless in many of his roles, and in a recent one – Baywatch- he spent long hours in the sun with sunscreen as his only line of defence. Speaking with Refinery29, Efron pleads with fans to ‘wear sunscreen every day, please’, as he understands that no amount of sun is safe. Efron uses the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, along with Kourtney Kardashian and Brooke Shields, reportedly.
- Drew Barrymore
Barrymore spoke of her reluctance in a recent post to use sunscreen on her sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts. Thankfully, the actress understands the importance of broad-spectrum sun protection and diligently searched to find products that would suit her skin, being gentle yet packing a high protective barrier against UV rays. Now, she never leaves home without the Clinique SPF 45 stick and favours the celebrity-loved EltaMD products and La-Roche Posay range.
What else you can do to protect your skin
As these celebrities understand, sunscreen is essential to any effective sun protection and anti-aging routine. Our skin works hard to protect us from ultraviolet radiation, working overtime when exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. According to skincancer.org, regular use of SPF as low as 15 can reduce your risk of developing Squamous Cell Carcinoma by around 40% and your risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Additionally, it can help to prevent premature aging by protecting against wrinkles, sunspots, and sagging.
While sunscreen is incredibly important, it isn’t the only measure you should be putting in place to live a sun-safe life. The well-known adage ‘slip slop slap seek and slide’ holds true, emphasising the importance of seeking shade and wearing sun-safe clothing, a hat, and sunnies for a comprehensive sun protection strategy.
While regular and proper use of sunscreen is essential, it isn’t the only measure you can take to ensure your skin is protected from the sun. One of the best things to add to your sun protection plan is regular skin checks. This becomes even more important if you have a family history of skin cancer or have physiology that would place you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. This can include having fair skin, freckles, light eyes or even being on certain medications that would increase your photosensitivity.
A skin check will allow a professional to examine any concerning spots or questionable marks on your skin. In addition, a skin check is the best way to catch skin cancer early, making treatment easier and preventing complications.
Do you have a clean bill of health?
Getting a professional skin check is the only way to have complete peace of mind that your skin is in good health. Many of our clients have annual skin checks to kick off their summer or confidently step into Spring. The Cancer Council emphasises the importance of early detection for easy treatment, which is simpler and more effective with a professional skin exam.
Early detection saves lives, and we’re here to bring certainty through professional skin checks. Click here to book yours.
