5 Skincare Products to Avoid Before Sun Exposure

5 Skincare Products to Avoid Before Sun Exposure

While having fun in the sun is healthy and beneficial for your mental and physical health, certain active ingredients may react adversely to solar radiation, thereby causing sun sensitivity. 

This, however, does not mean that such skincare products are substandard or bad. Some of these products may do wonders for the skin but simply need to be used strategically in order to reap their full benefits (like before bed).

As experts in skincare, the team at APT Medical Aesthetics is passionate about spreading awareness on helpful tips to getting healthy skin. In this extensive guide, we go over the kinds of skincare products to avoid before sun exposure and why. 

Let’s get started! 

What Is Sun Sensitivity?

Sun sensitivity is characterized by unusual inflammation or redness of the skin, often resembling a sunburn, caused by exposure to the sun. Oftentimes, sun sensitivity is caused by certain topical products that react to solar radiation. 

5 Active Ingredients to Avoid Before Sun Exposure

1. Retinols

Also known as vitamin A, retinol is one of the most-admired active ingredients out there. It is known for its anti-aging rejuvenating effects. Retinol targets fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. When used properly, it can effectively promote skin renewal and even boosts the production of collagen. All in all, it helps to even out the skin’s texture and tone. 

However, retinol encourages the production of new skin cells. This layer of skin is more delicate and sensitive to sunlight. So in order to avoid risks, retinol is best used at night. With prolonged use of retinol, it is best to apply sunscreen whenever heading out for fun in the sun.

2. Hydroquinones

Hydroquinones are lightening agents that help in evening out one’s skin tone. Products with hydroquinone as one of its active ingredients reduce the formation of excess melanin that are found in dark spots or hyperpigmented skin.   

With the decrease in melanin production in areas where hydroquinone is applied; the skin can then become more sensitive to UV radiation. Therefore, when using hydroquinone, it is best to avoid sunlight as much as possible to keep the skin safe from sun sensitivity.  

3. Citrus Oils

Citrus oils from orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and so on, are fragrant active ingredients that can lead to luscious healthy skin. However, these citrus oils also contain compounds that react adversely to sun exposure. These compounds can undergo a photo-toxic reaction that causes redness, burns, and pigmentation on the skin. 

So when going out in the sun, make sure that you are not wearing any moisturizers or serums with citrus oils as active ingredients. 

4. Exfoliating Acids

There are a number of exfoliating acids that are making waves in the beauty industry. These include the following:

• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid
• Mandelic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Azelaic acid

These exfoliating acids can help brighten and hydrate the skin. Some are even well known as anti-acne active ingredients. 

However, because these exfoliating acids effectively remove surface cells, it exposes new skin. This new skin is more sensitive to UV damage and can thus experience sun sensitivity. In order to use exfoliating acids safely, apply them at the recommended frequency to avoid over-exfoliating. It is also best to use them along with sunscreen. 

5. Antibacterial Treatments

Antibacterial treatments such as clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide are usually recommended by dermatologists to combat acne. However, some of these treatments have active ingredients that dry out the skin in the process. Due to this side effect, the skin becomes more susceptible to sun sensitivity and UV damage. It is best to avoid these products some hours before sun exposure to keep the skin safe from hyperpigmentation. 

Skincare Experts For All Your Skin’s Summer Needs

APT Medical Aesthetics is a leading medical spa in Oakville. We are known for our exceptional offerings when it comes to skincare. For more information on safety tips surrounding skincare and sun exposure, check out our other blogs below:

• How to protect your skin from sun damage
• The complete guide to how sunscreen really works
• Treatments that require limited sun exposure

If you have any further questions or concerns about specific active ingredients, please feel free to talk to one of our experts.  

Book your free consultation today!