12 Things That Up Your Risk of Sun Damage

Skipping sunscreen isn't the only thing linked to sun damage. Skin care products, medications, certain foods, and even perfume can increase your risk.

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Staying safe in the sun

The sun’s intense rays do enough harm on their own. Combine them with certain medications, products, or daily habits and your risk of sun damage can skyrocket. We asked dermatologists for their advice on how to stay sun-safe. Here’s how to keep your skin healthy when you’re out in the sun. It’s not just about slathering on the sunscreen!

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Certain skin care products

Many anti-aging and acne products work by thinning the outer layer of skin or regulating the production of melanin, a natural pigment that acts as a barrier for sun protection, says Alok Vij, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Look at the labels: If a product contains retinols or vitamin A, glycolic or salicylic acid, or hydroquinone, your skin may be more susceptible to sun damage. Be especially vigilant about seeking out shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing and sun hats.

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Your perfume

Believe it or not, certain fragrances can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Perfumes scented with lavender, cedar, rosemary, bergamot, and sandalwood often contain sensitizing chemicals, says Sonia Batra, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors. When these scents are exposed to sunlight, they can cause skin irritation and inflammatory hyperpigmentation, she says.

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Your medicine cabinet

“Certain oral drugs for acne, such as isotretinoin, can greatly increase one’s risk of sunburn,” says Dr. Batra. “Also, some antidepressants, antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories have been known to cause heightened photosensitivity.” Be sure to ask your doctor if your meds require you to take additional sun-exposure precautions to prevent sun damage.

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Your car or cubicle

You don’t need to lie in the sun to get sun damage. There are two types of UV rays—UVB and UVA—and while UVB are blocked by window glass, UVA can penetrate glass and deeper into your skin, explains Dr. Alexis. Daily sunscreen is especially critical if you spend a lot of time in your car or sit near a window while you’re working.

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Your diet

A niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency is associated with increased sensitivity to the sun, says Dr. Alexis. Meat, mushrooms, peanuts, and fortified grains are especially high in the nutrient. On the other hand, foods like limes, celery, and parsley contain a photosensitizing compound that can result in sunburn-like reactions, he adds. (These foods can help protect your skin from sun damage and help it glow.)

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Your immune system is compromised

Conditions or treatments that suppress the immune system put you at increased risk of skin cancer and sun damage, says Andrew Alexis, MD, chair of dermatology at Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s in New York City. “Examples include immunosuppressive therapy to treat severe lupus, psoriasis, or rheumatologic conditions, chemotherapy, or poorly controlled HIV,” he says.

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Misreading the weather

You can still get sun damage on a cool or even cloudy day. “On cloudy days we tend to forgo sunscreen, but up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can still pass through clouds,” says Dr. Batra. Regardless of temperature, avoid the sun during peak hours when its rays are the strongest (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) and apply sunscreen daily, even if it’s overcast.

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You don’t reapply sunscreen

You should always reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating, and about every two hours the rest of the time. “Use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and apply about a shot glass-sized amount to cover the whole body,” says Dr. Vij. (These are the sunscreens that dermatologists use on themselves.)

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You slather on sunscreen too late

Timing is key when it comes to getting the most out of your sunscreen. Apply it at least 30 minutes before heading outside, so it has time to soak into your skin. You also can wear sun-protective clothing for extra shielding. (Here’s what sun-protective clothing you can wear to protect your skin.)

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You don’t wear sunglasses

Your eyes can be damaged by the sun, too, especially when you’re at the pool or beach. “Light glaring off of the water doubles the amount of exposure to your eyes,” says Dr. Vij. Polarized, UV protective shades are your best choice, he adds. (These sunglass myths can also ruin your eyes.)

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You skip your lips

“The thin skin on your lips can easily suffer sunburns and is particularly vulnerable to lip lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Batra. Slather on a lip balm that contains SPF. (Here’s how to avoid common dry lip mistakes.)

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You exfoliate in the morning

“Exfoliating your skin rids the surface of dead skin cells that provide a protective barrier for the more vulnerable skin underneath,” says Dr. Batra. “If you’re going to exfoliate, do it at night and be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning.” Here are the best exfoliators for your skin type.

Next, be sure to avoid these 18 sunscreen mistakes you don’t realize you’re making.

Sources
  • Alok Vij, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic
  • Sonia Batra, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors
  • Andrew Alexis, MD, chair of dermatology at Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai St. Luke's in New York City

Alyssa Jung
Alyssa Jung is a writer and editor with extensive experience creating health and wellness content that resonates with readers and performs well on social platforms. She freelanced for several local publications in Upstate New York and spent three years as a newspaper reporter before moving to New York City to pursue a career in magazines.She spent five years writing, editing, and fact-checking for Reader's Digest and rd.com before moving on to Rodale's Prevention magazine, where she is a Senior Associate Editor for print and a contributor to Prevention.com.