Sunscreen Savvy: Protecting Your Skin During Menopause

It is that time of year again… The sun is getting stronger, and  that means it's a great time to think about sunscreen.  Did you notice a bit of menopausal aging in the mirror this morning?  Let’s see what we can do about it!

I imagine sunscreen is one of those purchases that cause analysis paralysis while standing in front of the sea of products in your local box store.  Today, I want to help you out with this.  We’ll cover what it does for you, how it works, why you may want to use it (when and where), what the labels really mean and how to choose a safer product for menopausal skin!

We use sunscreen for two main reasons:   Skin cancer prevention and preventing the  wrinkles and age spots that are the signs of aging skin.  Many women don’t realize how effectively the sun ages our skin. Now is a good time to start thinking about it if you have not yet done so.

A common concern for women who don’t use sunscreen is the belief that the sunscreen doesn’t actually prevent skin cancer and worse, that the ingredients in it may cause skin cancer.  There is some nuance here. There are mixed studies on the effectiveness of sunscreen for cancer prevention, true.  But, imagine how difficult that study is to do.How do you control over 30 years say, the amount used, how it was applied, compliance in use and baseline risk among other things. We do know that at the microscopic level sunscreens slow accumulation of DNA damage from repeated burns. We do have one Australian study that showed a 40% lower incidence of skin cancers in those using sunscreen daily vs discretionary use.

As for skin aging? The data showing benefit are quite clear. There are many studies in heterogeneous populations that show a reduction in wrinkles and age spots. 

So let’s slow the wrinkles and age spots with the potential added benefit of minimizing the DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.  

And let’s do this without introducing potentially problematic toxins into our bodies.

So what type of sunscreen should we use?

You want a “broad spectrum” product.  Broad spectrum means that the active ingredients block both UVA and UVB.  Both UVA and UVB rays can cause the DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer.  The UVB causes the redness, and that is why you see some products that only block UVB. This would not be ideal.  We want to slow as much DNA damage as we can.

A product with an SPF of 30 or greater is desirable.  SPF refers to the UVB (redness) blocking. An SPF of 30 means that it takes 30 times longer to turn skin red than if you are not wearing it.   You will want to reapply every 2 hours and focus on your face, chest and hands.

At this point we know we are preventing skin aging and potentially cancer.  We know broad spectrum blocks both the UVA and UVB rays that both cause DNA damage. And we know we need an SPF of 30 or greater.

On the market there are two types of sunscreens.  Those that are Mineral based and those that are Chemical based.  Please take note: MINERAL IS OPTIMAL. Don’t let advertising confuse you because mineral is also inorganic!  So you will see “organic” sunscreen which is Chemical.  

Mineral = inorganic = more ideal potentially

Chemical = organic = less ideal potentially

I know this is confusing since organic is usually good.  Why do I make this distinction?  Well, so that you have a framework on which to base your choice of product to buy.  The FDA has determined that 2 ingredients are safe: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Twelve products require more data.  This does NOT mean they are unsafe.  Just that we don’t have data to say they are safe.

Lets start with the safe: generally…

Zinc oxide is a mineral based sunscreen (inorganic) that blocks mostly UVB and the long UVA rays. Slather it on.

Titanium dioxide is a mineral based sunscreen (inorganic) that blocks UVB and short wave UVA rays. It is safe to use up to 24% concentration.

Using a combination product = Broad spectrum = Good

But no one likes these because they appear  “white” on the skin. 

This is where the nano-size particles are used. Nano-particles scatter light more effectively vs larger size particles.  There are no safety concerns for the zinc oxide nano size products. The nano form does not penetrate skin so no health effects.  The nano size of titanium dioxide may increase reactive oxygen species so it is coated with silica to prevent this.  It is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) up to 24%.   So combining the two is our best bet to block both UVA (long and short rays) and UVB.

Just a word or two on the Chemical or “organic” sunscreens.  These are the 12 that need more study and include avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate.  They lack safety and efficacy data. We do know they are systemically absorbed through the skin and that they can stay in the blood for weeks after one application.  Currently they are being evaluated as potentially acting as endocrine disrupters as they linger in circulation.  So we don’t know for sure they are a problem but maybe just limit use for now?

So to cut to the chase:

• Prevent skin aging ie wrinkles, age spots and potentially cancer
• Wear long sleeves
• Wear a broad rim hat
• Enjoy the use of an umbrella or cabana
• Sunglasses!!!!!
• Use abroad spectrum sunscreen : Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide (combined)
• SPF >30
• If you worry about the impact on Vitamin D, ask your doctor to check your blood level.

Broad spectrum products with Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide:

Here are a few I like…

Cerave (Hydrating Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50)

Elta MD (restore facial sunscreen SPF 40)

Love Sun Body (Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen, Fragrance Free, SPF 50)

For more information on sunscreens and to see how yours rates, visit EWG.org (the Environmental Working Group’s website) and enter your product into their search engine.  While you are there, download the EWG Healthy Living app to search for potentially better products as you shop!

Clearly, this post is for general information only!  This is not medical advice. No physician/patient relationship is formed. Utilizing any of this information is at the reader's own risk.   This content is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek advice from your personal professional provider who knows you and your current medical needs.