Jennifer Lopez's Skin Trick Is One You're Probably Ignoring

Jennifer Lopez at GLAAD Media Awards, 2014. Photo by dvsross under CC BY 2.0.

Jennifer Lopez might be famous for her iconic voice and unforgettable dance moves, but it's her skin — smooth, glowing, nearly ageless — that often steals the spotlight. At 55, J.Lo still turns heads with her radiant complexion, and fans have long speculated about the magic behind her glow. Is it expensive serums? Cutting-edge facials? Hollywood lighting? As it turns out, the answer is far more ordinary — and much easier to copy.

But just because it's simple doesn't mean it's insignificant. In fact, the one skincare habit Lopez swears by could be the difference between a fresh, youthful face and one lined by years of sun damage. And no, it's not some celebrity-only treatment tucked away in Beverly Hills.

A Decades-Long Ritual With Real Science Behind It

Lopez went on Instagram to share her barefaced truth. According to ET Online, she said, "I've been wearing sunscreen every day since I was in my very early 20s. You should start at a very young age."

That consistency might sound mundane, but science backs her up. Regular use of sunscreen doesn't just protect against skin cancer — it literally slows down visible aging. A landmark clinical trial published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" followed 900 Australian men and women over more than four years. The results? Those who applied sunscreen daily were less likely to develop wrinkles and dark spots than those who used it only occasionally.

According to DermCare Charlotte, more than 90% of visible aging — from sagging to discoloration — is due to UV radiation. That's not genetics, that's the sun.

What's in J.Lo's Sunscreen — And What Should Be in Yours

While Lopez currently uses her own SPF moisturizer, the key isn't the brand — it's the ingredients and the habit. According to ET Online, her daily go-to is a product with SPF 30 and moisturizing properties.

If you're shopping for sunscreen to protect your skin and slow aging, here's what experts recommend:

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: This means it shields you from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
• SPF 15 or Higher: For anti-aging benefits, daily use of SPF 15+ is sufficient. Higher SPF is better if you're outdoors for extended periods.
• Daily Use, Year-Round: Yes, even in winter. And yes, even if it's cloudy.
• Layered Application: Sunscreen should be applied last in your skincare routine and reapplied every two hours when in direct sunlight.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has long emphasized that sun protection is not just for beach days. Daily sunscreen use is a cornerstone of their anti-aging and cancer-prevention guidance. And with Lopez as living proof, it's hard to argue.

A Simple Habit, a Big Payoff

Sunscreen isn't flashy. It doesn't sparkle or promise overnight miracles. But that's what makes it powerful. It's slow, steady, and — when done right — nearly invisible in its results. You won't notice the skin you didn't lose to the sun. But over time, it's the difference between needing a high-coverage foundation and feeling confident barefaced.

References: J.Lo's Secret to Amazing Skin Is Simpler — And More Affordable — Than You Think | Can Sunscreen Help to Prevent Wrinkles? | Jennifer Lopez Hasn't Skipped This Skin Care Step In Over 30 Years