Are You Sun-Sensitive?

Antibiotics

Sun-Related Side-Effect: Some antibiotics increase the likelihood of damage to your skin.

To Avoid Trouble: If you’re beach-bound, tell your doctor; perhaps an alternative medication is available. Also, wear a hat and tightly woven fabrics.

Anti-inflammatoryDrugs

Sun-Related Side-Effect: Prescription arthritis drugs and common painkillers, such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen, may make the skin more vulnerable to burning, even in a short time.

To Avoid Trouble: Avoid self-prescribing over-the-counter painkillers; ask your doctor about alternatives with less potential for causing photosensitivity.

Antidepressants, Tranquilizers

Sun-Related Side-Effect: If you have fair skin or a family history of skin cancer, these drugs may add to your already increased risk of skin damage.

To Avoid Trouble: Take extra sun-protection precautions. If you have a reaction even to slight sun exposure, ask your doctor to recommend an alternative.

Moisturizers

Sun-Related Side-Effect: Common ingredients in moisturizers, including retinol, vitamin A, and alpha-hydroxy acids, may make skin burn more easily.

To Avoid Trouble: Try not to use these products on sunny days or choose only those that contain a sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Perfumes

Sun-Related Side-Effect: Certain ingredients, including oils made from musk, sandalwood, bergamot, citrus, and vanilla, can be chemically changed by the sun, triggering an allergic rash—and increasing the chance of hyperpigmentation (age spots). Even scents in soaps and shaving cream can be a problem.

To Avoid Trouble: Leave off the scented stuff when the sun is shining brightly.

St. John’s Wort

Sun-Related Side-Effect: May make more than just your skin sensitive to the sun. Research suggests it may also raise the risk of developing cataracts.

To Avoid Trouble: Wear sunglasses, and if you are using St. John’s wort to treat winter depression, ask your doctor before combining the herb with light-box therapy.

Sunscreens

Sun-Related Side-Effect: Surprisingly, sunscreens that contain PABA, benzophenones, cinnamates, oxybenzone, 6-acetoxy-2, or 4-dimethyl-m-dioxane make some people more reactive to UV rays.

To Avoid Trouble: Check ingredients before applying and consider using a self-tanning preparation under your sunscreen to create a chemical reaction that provides additional protection.

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