I still remember going through the discomfort of burnt shoulders, the pain, itch, and blisters when I was a child. Back in the 70s and 80s, most kids played for hours at the beach under the blistering sun without any sunscreen. Our parents used to rub baby cream and oil on our cheeks, nose, and bodies hoping these products would protect our skin from sunburns. These creams didn’t work, at least not for me. For kids with fair skin, “lobster face” was just part of the fun in the sun moments we had to endure.
When I was a teenager, sun tanning was the most refreshing summer look we used to brag about. Hey, we used to place our arms next to one another and see who had the darkest tan. I remember applying sun oil and spending hours basking in the sun, hoping to achieve the perfect golden tan. The first two or three sessions were torturous and painful, but it was all forgotten once my skin started to turn golden. I didn’t care about skin damage or dark spots because they faded away by early Fall. There was no need for sunscreen. It was a hoax until!
What’s that on my face?
One day, over a year ago, I noticed a light brown spot on my forehead which looked slightly different than the faded freckles. I looked closer in the magnifying mirror and there they were tiny faint melasma spots on my forehead and at the corner of my left eye. OMG, this can’t be happening to me, these are the spots of aging, the patches on old people’s faces. That’s when I felt guilty for neglecting to use proper skincare sunscreens.
The truth is, I had been contemplating using sunscreen for a long time but I didn’t believe they were the right thing for my skin. I thought sunscreen creams caused breakouts, irritations and oily residue. Whenever I went out in the sun, I’d apply regular creams, foundation and wear hats. I was quite surprised to see melasma spots on my face and wondered why is this happening now. Believe me, to date, I still regret not wearing sunscreen.
The link between melasma and menopause
I noticed the onset of melasma coincided with the beginning of menopause! Until then, my skin would clear out when I stopped tanning. But now with menopause, I’m noticing more of these tiny faint brown spots on my hands, face, and neck. So after speaking with the physician and reading a number of articles, I discovered that during menopause, some women experience more pigmentation on their faces, cheeks, upper lips, and forehead – melasma.
Melasma happens when the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) generate too much pigment (or melanin). And, Melanocytes stimulating hormone is responsible for increasing the production of melanin that darkens the skin. This is why menopausal skin is more prone to sun damage, which makes it important to protect the skin with sunscreen.
The quest for a great sunscreen lotion
I didn’t know how to choose a good sunscreen lotion for my face and neck. There are so many lotions in the market and I specifically was looking for something that did feel cakey, heavy, and greasy. It didn’t take long to find the right lotion for my skin type, Vicky Capital Soleil SPF 60. This lotion is made for sensitive skin and feels like a regular face cream with vitamin E to help keep my skin smooth. I’ve listed the lotion below and provided a list of some of the best sunscreen lotions for women of all ages and different skin types. If you have not considered using sunscreen lotions, take my advice, wear it now, or regret it later.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Sunscreen SPF 50+
ISDIN is “spiked” with antioxidants and photolyase enzymes, which have been shown to reverse the specific DNA mutations caused by ultraviolet [light].
Key benefits: Good for aging skin. This 10% mineral-based sunscreen contains vitamin E antioxidant and Zinc Oxide.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation. EltaMD doesn’t feel greasy like traditional sunscreen. In addition to being fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, EltaMD’s sunscreen is rich in antioxidants that help shield your skin against damaging free radicals.
Key benefits: ideal for acne-prone skin. It includes niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative with anti-inflammatory properties that can fight breakouts.
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion is a multi-layer sunscreen with various UVA/UVB protecting ingredients along with free radical neutralizing antioxidants.
Key benefits: Good for sensitive skin. It contains Vitamin E and grape polyphenols to help slow the effects of aging while smoothing your skin. The lightweight texture soaks instantly into the skin for waterproof protection.
Coola Classic Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF30
For those with dry skin, dermatologists recommend looking for a sunblock that combines protection and hydration. These will usually be creams or lotions, infused with seed oil or evening primrose oil such as Coola lotion.
Key benefits: good for dry skin. It contains antioxidants including aloe juice, grape-seed oil, and other plant-based moisturizers to help repair skin.
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 70
Bare Republic’s Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 is a super-clean mineral formula with a light, sheer finish. It is enriched with antioxidant hydration including grape, raspberry, and carrot seed oils.
Key benefits: VEGAN relies on organic, plant-derived ingredients, like kukui seed oil and algae extract, to keep skin hydrated, along with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against cancer-causing UV rays.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer is infused with raspberry seed and marula oils, which deeply moisturize the skin. As well, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Your skin won’t be left with that filmy feeling because it’s free from synthetic silicones.
Key benefits: good for mature skin. It’s a great anti-aging natural sunscreen. It contains Grape Juice Extract which naturally soothes and helps reduce redness.
PREVAGE® City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Hydrating Shield
PREVAGE City Smart lotion contains a DNA Enzyme Complex™ to support natural repair systems and protect against dulling pollutants. It defends against 98% of harmful UVB rays and can visibly improve skin’s condition.
It is formulated with powerful antioxidant blend to maintain optimal skin health and contains 100% micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
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1 comment
I love that you provided some great sunscreen options. I’m a redhead and HAD to wear sunscreen and even then I burned. I did hear at one time that a sunscreen over a certain number didn’t work and better like 50 did work any better than 30. I always laugh when I go to the beach with my tan friends and tell them I’m going for the pale classic beauty look. Melanoma runs in the family on my dad’s side so I really have to be careful!