The sun is slowly, slowly beginning to show its face, which means it’s more important than ever to protect your own from UV rays. You need to use everyday SPFs. During menopause your oestrogen levels drop leading to less melanin – which protects the skin from UV damage – being produced. This leaves your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
At the same time, hormonal changes and reduced natural oil production alter skin texture and increase dryness. So it pays to look out for sunscreen products that will add moisture to the skin as well as having a high SPF.Remember, the dermatologist-recommended amount of sunscreen to apply is half a teaspoon. That works out to about three finger lengths worth.
What makes a product right for a Hylda woman?
Here’s how we choose… Our beauty writers are experts in their field and have years of experience writing about the best in beauty. They will only recommend products that they know will make a difference and help with the symptoms caused by the fluctuations of the menopause years. Our reviews are honest – they are not paid for by the brands. We might earn some affiliate commission if you choose to buy the product, but we are not paid by the brands to put them in the article. Never ever. Picked by experts and chosen just for you, that’s our Hylda promise.
Top seven SPFs to protect your skin during menopause and beyond…
Best for dry and sensitive skin: La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct, SPF50, £18.75. Buy it now.
Best for oil-free formulation: Heliocare 360 Oil Free Gel SPF 50, £31. Buy it now.
Best for Australian sun expertise: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, £34. Buy it now.
Best for anti-inflammatory soothing: Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF30, £36. Buy it now.
Best for daily use: Ultrasun Face Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+, £32. Buy it now.
Best for brightening: SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF 50, £41. Buy it now.
Best for dark spots: EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, $39. Buy it now.
Best for dry and sensitive skin: La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50, £18.75
Why it’s a great buy: La Roche Posay’s new SPF has been created specifically for mature, dry and sensitive skin. It’s designed to target the signs of ageing including wrinkles, dark spots and skin elasticity.
What we love about it: The formula includes moisturising hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, while niacinamide will work to strengthen the skin barrier and stimulate collagen production.
What we don’t love quite so much: We have read a couple of customer reviews that mention the product pilling. But more reviews are very very positive.
Best for oil-free formulation: Heliocare 360 Oil Free Gel SPF 50, £31
Why it’s a great buy: Oil-free sunscreens, like this one from Heliocare, are great if you are suffering from menopausal breakouts.
What we love about it: All Heliocare products contain a combination of mineral and non-mineral filters to absorb and protect against the sun’s rays, as well as DNA repair enzymes which work to both repair and prevent damage from the sun.
What we don’t love quite so much: There is a very light fragrance which you might not like if you want fragrance-free.
Best for Australian sun expertise: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, £34
Why it’s a great buy: Australian brand Ultra Violette has finally arrived in the UK. Dubbed “skinscreen” thanks to its skincare benefits as well as its sun protective properties, the brand offers a range of products for different needs.
What we love about it: We would recommend the Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+ which contains vitamin C-rich kakadu plum extract to protect the skin from damaging free radicals and environmental stressors.
What we don’t love quite so much: There is a very light tint and fragrance. But overall, it’s fabulous.
Best for anti-inflammatory soothing: Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF30, £36
Why it’s a great buy: This mineral SPF from Soleil Toujours is packed full with moisturising and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It also contains antioxidants including vitamin C and E to protect your skin against damaging free radicals.
What we love about it: Its lightweight texture makes it perfect for everyday wear, and it also comes in a tinted version for anyone looking for a sun-kissed complexion without the sun damage.
What we don’t love quite so much: A few reviewers have commented that the lid allows a bit of leakage.
Best for daily use: Ultrasun Face Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+, £32
Why it’s a great buy: A sunscreen that you can use as your daily moisturiser, this Ultrasun SPF is fast-absorbing with a non-greasy texture that gives a matte finish.
What we love about it: Suitable for sensitive skin, it protects against harmful UVA, UVB, HEVL (high energy visible light) and Infrared-A rays. It also prevents and diminishes the intensity of pigmentation to leave you with a bright and even complexion.
What we don’t love quite so much: One reviewer wasn’t keen on the smell.
Best for brightening: SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF 50, £41
Why it’s a great buy: This daily SPF from SkinCeuticals contains a combination of UVA and UVB filters to give you a high level of protection from the sun. It helps prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown, hyperpigmentation and other signs of premature ageing.
What we love about it: SkinCeuticals also has a brightening SPF that contains niacinamide and tranexamic acid to target discoloration and even skin tone.
What we don’t love quite so much: The price.
Best for dark spots: EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, $39
Why it’s a great buy: EltaMD’s mineral SPF is specifically designed to improve skin’s natural moisture and suppleness, and target signs of ageing, making it perfect for menopausal skin.
What we love about it: The formula contains squalane which has anti-inflammatory and moisturising benefits. There’s also ginger root extract and saccharide isomerate which work to improve skin smoothness, minimise dark spots and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What we don’t love quite so much: We can’t find a UK stockist, so you need to order from the US and pay in US dollars.
