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What Menopause Can Teach Us About Skin Health and Sunscreen
- Jill Foos
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Many women notice changes in their skin during menopause.
Skin may feel drier than it used to. Fine lines and loss of volume become more noticeable. Skin can feel thinner, more sensitive, or less resilient than it once did.
As estrogen levels decline, the skin produces less collagen and retains less moisture. Over time, this can affect the skin barrier, texture, firmness, and overall skin health.
These changes are common, but that doesn't mean you are imagining them.
While there is no single product that can stop the aging process, one habit continues to stand out above the rest: daily sunscreen use.
Why Sunscreen Matters More Than You Think
Most people associate sunscreen with beach days and vacations.
Activities like walking the dog, driving to work, sitting near a window, gardening, or enjoying a morning walk all add up over time. Even flying in an airplane gives you more exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays contribute to skin aging, sun damage, and skin cancer risk.
Protecting your skin doesn't require perfection. It simply requires consistency. Both UVA and UVB rays affect the skin, but in different ways. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburns, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, including wrinkles, discoloration, and loss of elasticity. Both types of UV radiation can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is one of the simplest ways to support long-term skin health.
A New Sunscreen Ingredient Is Coming to the United States
For the first time in more than 25 years, the FDA has approved a new sunscreen filter called bemotrizinol. …Bemotrizinol provides protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body. The FDA considers bemotrizinol to be generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) for use in sunscreens by adults and children 6 months of age and older. (FDA.gov)
Does This Mean You Should Throw Away Your Current Sunscreen?
Not at all.
The best sunscreen is still the one you will use consistently.
Whether you prefer a mineral sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, a lotion, a stick, or a tinted formula, the most important thing is finding a product that works for your skin and using it regularly.
The approval of bemotrizinol simply means we will soon have access to another effective option.
A Few Simple Skin Health Habits
Menopause is a good time to revisit the basics:
Wear sunscreen daily.
Reapply when spending extended time outdoors.
Stay hydrated.
Use a gentle moisturizer that supports your skin barrier.
Wear protective clothing and seek shade when possible.
Schedule regular skin checks with a Dermatologist and talk with your provider about any concerning changes.
When it comes to skin health, sunscreen remains the most powerful tool we have.
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