Let There Be Light and SPF!

The Sun: Friend or Foe for Menopausal Skin?

Sunlight—it’s warm, inviting, and oh-so-essential for our well-being. It lifts our mood, strengthens our bones, and even helps regulate our sleep. But when it comes to perimenopausal and menopausal skin, sunlight is a double-edged sword. While a bit of sun can be beneficial, too much can speed up skin aging, worsen hyperpigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

So, how do you soak up the benefits while protecting your skin? The answer lies in balance—and, of course, SPF! Let’s break it all down.

The Benefits of Sunlight (in Moderation!)

As we navigate perimenopause and menopause, we need sunlight more than ever for our health. Here’s why:

• Vitamin D Production: Our bodies rely on sunlight to produce vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health—essential as estrogen levels drop and bone density declines.
• Mood Booster: Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, which helps control mood swings and menopause-related anxiety.
• Sleep Regulation: Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality, which is challenging for many women in this phase of life.

But before you bask in the sun’s glow for too long, let’s talk about the not-so-pretty side of excessive UV exposure.

The Dangers of Too Much Sun

While sunlight has its perks, overexposure can wreak havoc on menopausal skin:

• Accelerated Aging: UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to sagging skin and deeper wrinkles—something we’re already battling with hormonal changes.
• Hyperpigmentation & Melasma: Estrogen fluctuations make skin more prone to dark spots, and sun exposure only amplifies the problem.
• Increased Skin Cancer Risk: With age, our skin’s ability to repair DNA damage from UV radiation decreases, making protection more critical than ever.

SPF: Your Skin’s Best Friend

The easiest and most effective way to safeguard your skin? Sunscreen. But not all sunscreens are created equal. Here’s what you need to know about chemical vs. mineral SPF.

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. They typically contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

Pros:

• Lightweight and blends easily into the skin.
• Provides broad-spectrum protection.
• Often found in makeup and skincare products.

Cons:

• Some ingredients may cause irritation, especially for sensitive menopausal skin.
• Can be absorbed into the bloodstream (research is ongoing regarding long-term effects).
• Not always reef-safe.

Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. Key ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Pros:

• Gentle and ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
• Provides instant protection (no need to wait 20 minutes after applying!).
• Better for the environment.

Cons:

• Can leave a white cast (although many modern formulas have improved!).
• Slightly thicker consistency than chemical sunscreens.

My Go-To SPF: Biossance Squalane + Sheer Zinc

If you’re looking for an effective, non-irritating sunscreen, my favorite these days is Biossance Squalane + Sheer Zinc SPF 30. It’s a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide, which means it’s gentle, hydrating, and perfect for menopausal skin. Adding squalane keeps skin soft and dewy—no chalky residue here!

The Bottom Line: Be Sun-Smart!

Enjoying the sun responsibly is key to keeping menopausal skin healthy. Aim for short, controlled sun exposure for vitamin D, but never skip sunscreen. Whether you go for chemical or mineral SPF, make it a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine.

So go ahead—soak up the benefits of the sun safely and glow on!

References:

1. Holick, M. F. (2004). Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80(6), 1678S-1688S.
2. Wacker, M., & Holick, M. F. (2013). Vitamin D—Effects on skeletal and extraskeletal health and the need for supplementation. Nutrients, 5(1), 111-148.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Ultraviolet radiation and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
4. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). (2023). Sunscreen FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org
5. Kullavanijaya, P., & Lim, H. W. (2005). Photoprotection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 52(6), 937-958.
6. Biossance. (n.d.). Squalane + Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. Retrieved from https://www.biossance.com