{"id":10964,"date":"2026-06-26T10:00:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T10:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=10964"},"modified":"2026-06-24T20:35:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T20:35:11","slug":"skin-products-that-increase-sensitivity-to-uv-rays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/skin-products-that-increase-sensitivity-to-uv-rays\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Products that Increase Sensitivity to UV Rays"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Summer is upon us, and with it comes days with increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can put you at risk of skin damage and skin cancer, even with limited exposure. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using certain skin products can increase our skin’s exposure and sensitivity to harmful UV rays. When a person has heightened skin sensitivity or an unusual reaction to their skin being exposed to UV radiation from sunlight, it is called photosensitivity.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two types of photosensitivity reactions: phototoxic\u00a0and photoallergic.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phototoxic photosensitivity reaction is the most common reaction that usually occurs when a medication that is being taken, whether orally or topically, is activated due to exposure to UV light, causing damage to the skin that can look and feel like a sunburn or rash. It can also be triggered by certain ingredients in skin care products. The reaction can happen within minutes or after hours of exposure and is usually limited to the skin that has been exposed. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Photoallergic photosensitivity is much less common and occurs when UV rays interact with the ingredients in medicines or other products that are applied directly to the skin. The body\u2019s immune system recognizes changes caused by sun exposure as an external threat, triggering a reaction as the body generates antibodies and attacks. This reaction can leave a rash, blisters, red bumps, or even oozing lesions one to three days after application and sun exposure.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A person can develop photosensitivity as a result of prescription or over-the-counter medications or when using certain types of skin care products. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain ingredients in skin care products we use to take care of our skin, such as retinols, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, remove the outermost layer of skin to fight lines or acne. Skin brighteners like vitamin C may decrease the melanin, the substance in the skin that serves as a natural defense against the sun\u2019s rays, causing photosensitivity and increasing the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can avoid the risk of photosensitivity when using retinol\u00a0by:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n