Recreational sunbeds and climacteric xerosis

Abstract

Background The influence of menopause on photoaging is largely unknown despite the fact that climacteric xerosis after sun exposure is a common complaint in clinical practice.Objective The purpose of the study was to determine whether frequent use of recreational sunbeds affects the skin during the perimenopause.Methods Biometrological evaluations were performed in 172 women who frequently used sunbeds and in 79 age-matched women without this habit. Measurements included capacitance, transepidermal water loss and squamometry performed on the forearms.Results Compared to controls, women who used sunbeds had an overall lower capacitance without specific age-related influence. Higher transepidermal water loss and squamometry values were found in the sunbed users, particularly in the perimenopausal group.Conclusion The UVA-related changes in the epidermis appear to be more severe during the perimenopause than in other age groups. Altered intercorneocyte cohesion and impaired skin barrier function prove to be important features of climacteric xerosis.