7 common sun protection mistakes – and how to avoid them

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The importance of sunscreen during perimenopause and menopause

• Your skin changes as it ages but the need for sun protection is as important as ever

• How it’s not too late to protect your skin

• Good habits to adopt to keep your skin healthy

Skin changes are very common during perimenopause and menopause: falling oestradiol (oestrogen) levels mean your skin can become thinner and less supple, leading to drier skin and fine lines. While tackling these changes may lead to you alter your skincare routine, one thing that should remain constant is using sun protection.

The importance of sunscreen in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is well established, yet you may not always be using your sun protection properly to get the maximum benefit.

Here, consultant dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar takes you through seven common sun protection mistakes – and how to ensure you’re not making them.

1. You’re not using sun protection

A healthy tan is a myth: any change to your skin colour is a sign of damage caused by the sun’s powerful ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Light hitting your skin can cause DNA changes at a cellular level, causing ageing and increasing your risk of skin cancer.

During perimenopause and menopause, declining levels of oestradiol means lower levels of collagen and elastin in your skin. These proteins provide strength and without them, your skin forms fine lines and wrinkles.

‘UV light from the sun also causes degeneration of the collagen in your skin, so if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun and you’re perimenopausal or menopausal, you’re having two sources of attack on your collagen, which is going to lead to more rapid ageing,’ says Dr Rajpar.

2. You’re applying your sunscreen too early

While the general advice is to apply sun protection at least 30 minutes before going into the sun, many foundations or day creams contain a level of sun protection factor (SPF) so you may be applying facial sunscreen a few hours before leaving the house.

Applying sunscreen too early is a common and potentially costly mistake. ‘Once your sun protection is on your skin, it starts breaking down and you have about two hours, or maybe three, when it is working,’ says Dr Rajpar.

‘If you put on it in the morning, by lunchtime its potency will have faded and your skin will be unprotected when you go out in the afternoon. If you’re not going outside in the morning, delay putting sunscreen on till later on. Don’t think you can just rely on the sun protection in your foundation all day.’

3. You’re not using enough sunscreen

Dr Rajpar says people rarely use enough sunscreen, and forget to reapply, to get the full sun protection factor on the label.

The NHS recommends adults should apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if covering your entire body. If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection is reduced.

You should reapply at least every two hours, particularly after swimming, or if you have been sweating. And don’t fall into the trap of forgetting to reapply sunscreen on your face later in the day, even if you are wearing make-up – if using lotion, aim for about half a teaspoon to cover your face and neck.

Plus there are other options beyond sun lotion. ‘There are some really good sunscreen sprays and powder sunscreens now that can be applied over make-up, are invisible and not sticky,’ he says.

4. You think you don’t need as much now

While babies and young children are more vulnerable to sunburn due to their thin, delicate skin, the need for sun protection is paramount whatever your age.

‘Most sun damage happens before menopause, often we are young adults,’ says Dr Rajpar. ‘But your need for protection from the sun does not decline: you still need to cover up during the hottest part of the day and wear high factor protection. Remember, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan.’

5. You’re not using the right sunscreen

Declining hormone levels, particularly oestradiol, can result in your skin becoming drier and more sensitive during perimenopause and menopause. While your need for a high SPF remains the same, your menopausal skin may appreciate a change in product.

‘A richer and more moisturising sun protection product may benefit your skin more now and will give drier skin a welcome boost of hydration,’ says Dr Rajpar.

‘For skin that is becoming more sensitive, there are good, reasonably priced products in high-street pharmacies that tend to be fragrance-free and gentler on your skin.’

6. You’re relying just on sunscreen

‘It’s important to minimise exposure,’ Dr Rajpar says. ‘Seek shade and avoid being outside in the hottest three or four hours of the day. Cover your skin with lightweight fabrics, seek out long sleeves, and wear a sun hat to protect your face. Your skin will repay you by ageing less rapidly and reducing your risk of skin cancer.’

7. You’re not checking your skin

While you may be doing all the right things to protect your skin now, skin changes from sun damage tend to have a long time lag and develop very slowly.

Skin cancer risk increases with age: on average each year more than a quarter of new cases (29%) are in people aged 75 and over, according to Cancer Research UK.

You must keep checking your skin and getting any changes checked with your GP. Look out particularly for new or changing moles, especially those with an uneven shape or edges, and with a mix of colours. Those that are large, or swollen, sore, itchy, crusty or bleeding should also be checked.

‘The outcomes with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, are much better with early detection, so always get any changes checked,’ says Dr Rajpar.

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