Sunscreen Use is a Healthy Habit for Older Women

Source: Tufts University
February 25, 2002 (Reviewed: February 23, 2004)

Introduction

When Ronald Reagan's daughter died of skin cancer last year, consumers were reminded again of the importance of protecting their skin from harmful rays. But those who constantly shield themselves from the sun may limit their body's chance to produce vitamin D. Synthesized in the skin on contact with sunlight, the nutrient plays a pivotal role in maintaining bone strength. Unfortunately, the body's ability to synthesize vitamin D diminishes with age, and that raises an interesting question. Do seniors have to choose between healthy skin and healthy bones? No, say a group of Spanish scientists, who show in a recent issue of Dermatology that sensible sunscreen use does not necessarily lead to weakened bones.

A measure of sun exposure

Researchers recruited 10 older women who were required to wear SPF-15 sunscreen for medical reasons. A similar group of 18 women who did not use it served as a comparison group. Bone mineral density of the spine and hip were assessed 5 times over a 2-year period to gauge the effect of sunscreen use and sunlight exposure on the women's ability to maintain normal bone strength.

The use of sunscreen did not appear to have a measurable effect on bone mineral density in these women. There was no significant difference between groups - nor was there an appreciable difference in bone mineral density measured during the summer and the winter months.

A reasonable compromise

The SPF-15 sunscreen used by the women in this study provides a moderate amount of sun protection, but doesn't block rays as efficiently as a more potent, SPF-30 product. It appears that the use of a SPF-15 sunscreen was the 'compromise' that researchers were looking for - it allowed the women to protect their skin, but it let in enough sun to allow for vitamin D synthesis. Note, though, that this was a small study done in sunny Barcelona, so it's not clear if similar results would be seen in northern climates with less hospitable winter weather.

Sensible advice

The range of UV irradiation that the body uses to synthesize vitamin D in the skin is the range considered to be the most carcinogenic to skin, so clearly everyone needs to balance their need for sunlight against the potential damage caused by too much exposure. Most adults are able to synthesize enough vitamin D during normal daytime exposure to the sun. Housebound seniors, though, as well as those who live in northern climates, may benefit from vitamin D supplements, which give them the benefit of the 'sunshine vitamin' without the rays.

Source

• Sunscreen and risk of osteoporosis in the elderly: a two-year follow up. J. Farrerons, M. Barnadas, A. Lopez-Navidad,  et al., Dermatology, 2001, vol. 202, pp. 27--30

Related Links
Researchers Shed Light on Vitamin D and Bones
Recognizing Skin Cancer
Osteoporosis Affects Both Men and Women
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