By Caleb Hellerman, CNN
updated 1:06 PM EDT, Tue June 4, 2013
(CNN) — It turns out sunscreen does more than protect you from cancer and painful sunburns — it offers a boost to simple vanity.
A new study finds that regular sunscreen use protects against photoaging: the wrinkling, spotting and loss of elasticity caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
While they may not be shocking, the findings — from Australian researchers — are the first to quantify sunscreen’s anti-aging properties.
More than 900 participants were followed for four years. Some were told to use sunscreen daily and instructed in proper use, including re-applying sunscreen after being outside for a few hours, after going in the water or after sweating heavily.