Sun protection for aging skin — using your Medicare Advantage benefits

In retirement years, sunshine and warmer climates are calling. You might find yourself relaxing on the golf course or beach or simply spending more long afternoons in the garden.

It’s important to remember that, over time, your skin changes. While sunshine can provide certain health benefits, it can also damage skin.¹ So the right kind of skin protection is key. It can help reduce the appearance of aging and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.²

In some good news, your Medicare Advantage over-the-counter (OTC) benefits may cover sun protection products. So stock up on great tools to help protect your skin.

In this article:

• How to care for skin as it ages
• Which medications can cause sun sensitivity?
• OTC sun protection products
• Soothing burned skin

How to care for skin as it ages

Did you know that as skin ages, it becomes thinner, allowing ultraviolet (UV) light to penetrate more deeply?³ The skin’s natural ability to repair damage slows down, too.⁴ As a result, your skin can become more susceptible to injury from the sun, including dark spots and some more dangerous conditions.

To keep your skin looking healthy, it may help to:

• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid smoking
• Sleep well
• Manage stress levels

Use a gentle skin cleanser and a moisturizer every day, followed by sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Sunglasses, sun hats and sun protective clothing can also help protect your skin when you’re outdoors.⁵

Get into the habit of checking your skin on a regular basis for any changes, such as moles, new spots or blemishes. See a dermatologist if you notice anything unusual. It’s a good idea to get a checkup by a dermatologist at least once a year even if you don’t notice any changes yourself.⁶

Which medications can cause sun sensitivity?

Certain OTC and prescription medications can cause photosensitivity — meaning they can make the skin extra sensitive to the sun’s UV rays.⁷ These include some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as medications used to treat arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure or certain infections. Some topical medications may also increase your risk of a sunburn.⁸

If you’re unsure about whether a medication you’re taking causes photosensitivity, ask your health care provider or a pharmacist.

OTC sun protection products

Another important thing you can do to protect your skin: Use sunscreen every day.⁹ Your Medicare Advantage OTC benefit may cover this item. If you’re unsure about how to use an OTC benefit — which is included in about 80 percent of Medicare Advantage plans¹⁰ — check out this complete guide.

Sunscreen comes in different formulations, including some that are resistant to sweat and water and others for sensitive skin. Most people should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin every day.¹¹

While you should always follow the directions on the label, in general sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.¹² And be sure to use other forms of protection, such as staying out of the sun when its rays are the strongest (between 10 AM and 2 PM) and using protective clothing.

Soothing burned skin

A sunburn can happen no matter how careful you are. Luckily, if minor sunburn does occur, many OTC products can help provide relief.

Look for after-sun or other topical products containing hydrocortisone or aloe vera. They can help soothe your skin as it heals.¹³ Avoid products that contain "-caine" ingredients, such as benzocaine or lidocaine. These may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.

You may also try ibuprofen or acetaminophen — products often covered by the OTC benefit — as directed by your health care provider to help manage any pain. And, of course, avoid more sun exposure until you heal.¹⁴

Seek medical attention right away if the burns are accompanied by a high fever, extreme pain for more than 48 hours or dehydration or if the burns are severe and cover more than 15% of the body.¹⁵