What Causes Sun Sensitivity or a Sun Allergy?

Allergy To Sun

Are you suddenly allergic to the sun? You may be putting something on your skin or taking a drug that made you get a “sun allergy”.

There are many things that can cause your skin to suddenly become sensitive to sun.

A sun allergy increases your changes of sun burn and sun damage to your skin.

Sun sensitivity results in sunburn and hyperpigmentationand speeds skin agingso you need to know what is causing your sun sensitivity.

Find a list of medications that make you sensitive to sun in alphabetical order at the end of this sun allergy blog.

Allergic Reaction To the Sun

Photoallergy is a type of skin reaction that occurs when certain chemicals applied to the skin interact with ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. It is an allergic response that develops over time and involves the body’s immune system. When the skin is exposed to a combination of certain substances (such as certain medications, skin care products, fragrances, or sunscreen ingredients) and UV light, it can lead to a photoallergic reaction.

UV radiation is capable of altering the chemical structure of these substances, turning them into something the immune system recognizes as foreign or potentially harmful, also known as an allergen. This process is known as photoactivation. Once these photoactivated substances are formed, they can bind to skin proteins, prompting the immune system to react. This response can lead to symptoms like redness, itching, and inflammation on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. Importantly, these symptoms may not show up until one to two days after the exposure and can spread to areas not directly exposed to the sun. Because of the immune system involvement, once a photoallergy develops to a certain substance, future exposure to that substance (in the presence of UV light) can trigger the same allergic reaction.

Signs Symptoms of Sun Sensitivity

The symptoms of sun sensitivity occur in areas of sun exposure and are:

redness

hives

blisters

tanning

hyperpigmentation

If these are caused by skin care products, you will see these symptom only in areas that ahve been exposed to both:

sun

skin care product

What skin care ingredients are photoallergens?

Some skin care ingredients can cause an allergy such as redness and hives when exposed to sun. These are called photoallergens.

Photoallergens can be used without any problems on the skin until you go in the sun. Once you wear them in the sun, they can cause a skin allergy in susceptible people.

Sunscreens cause an allergic reaction when you go in the sun:

Avobenzone (Parsol)

Benzophenone

Benzophenone-3

Benzophenone-4

Ensulizole

Octinoxate

Octocrylene

Fragrances that are known photoallergens are:

Balsam of Peru

Bergamot Oil

Citronellol

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot Orange) Oil

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Extract

Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

Coumarin

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde

Isoeugenol

Musk Ambrette

Musk ambrette

Musk tibetene

Nitromusks

Oils that are photoallergens:

Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil

Hydrogenated Peanut Oil

Oil of Bergamot

Photosensitivity

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Phototoxicity

A phototoxic reaction, similar to a photoallergic reaction, is a type of skin reaction that occurs when certain substances on the skin interact with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, the mechanisms and symptoms of phototoxic reactions are different from those of photoallergic reactions because they are not caused by the part of the immune system that medicates allergy such as IgE antibodies.

In a phototoxic reaction, certain chemicals applied to the skin, when exposed to UV light, become activated and can directly damage surrounding skin cells.

Phototoxic reactions can occur in anyone exposed to the reactive substance and sufficient UV light, regardless of previous exposure, immune status, or history of allergies.

The symptoms of a phototoxic reaction usually develop within hours of UV exposure and closely resemble an extreme sunburn. This may include redness, pain, swelling, and blistering on the areas of skin exposed to the sun. The symptoms of a phototoxic reaction are typically confined to the areas directly exposed to the sunlight and don’t spread to shaded areas.

Which medications increase sun sensitivity and make you more likely to sunburn?

These medications, when taken by mouth, make you sun sensitive.

Make sure you avoid sun and wear SPF when you are taking these medications.

Medications used to make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light to treat diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo:

methoxsalen

psoralens

trioxsalen

Acne medications:

accutane

bactrim

doxycycline

isotretinoin

tetracycline

trimethoprim

Antibiotics:

ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

doxycycline

levofloxacin

ofloxacin

tetracycline

trimethoprim

Antifungal medications:

These antifungal medications make your skin more likely to sunburn:

flucytosine

griseofulvin

voricanozole

Antihistamines:

cetirizine

diphenhydramine

loratadine

promethazine

cyproheptadine

Blood pressure and heart medications:

ACE inhibitors

Amiodarone

Calcium channel blockers

Diltiazem

Enalapril

Nifedipine

Quinidine

Valsartan

Cholesterol lowering drugs (statins):

atorvastatin

lovastatin

pravastatin

simvastatin

Diabetes medications:

glipizide (Glucotrol)

glyburide

Diuretics:

chlorothiazide

chlorthalidone

furosemide (Lasix)

hydrochlorothiazide

triamterene

Psychiatry drugs:

haloperidol

olanzapine

quetiapine

risperidone

Antidepressants:

amitriptyline

doxepin

imipramine

nortriptyline

Hormones:

estrogen

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS):

celecoxib

Ibuprofen (Advil)

ketoprofen

naproxen

piroxicam (Feldene)

Sulfonamides:

acetazolamide,

sulfadiazine

sulfamethizole

sulfamethoxazole

sulfapyridine

sulfasalazine

sulfasoxazole

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List of medications that make you more likely to sunburn in alphabetical order:

Accutane

ACE inhibitors

acetazolamide,

Amiodarone

amitriptyline

atorvastatin

bactrim

Calcium channel blockers

celecoxib

cetirizine

chlorothiazide

chlorthalidone

ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

cyproheptadine

Diltiazem

diphenhydramine

doxepin

doxycycline

Enalapril

estrogen

flucytosine

furosemide (Lasix)

glipizide (Glucotrol)

glyburide

griseofulvin

haloperidol

hydrochlorothiazide

Ibuprofen (Advil)

imipramine

isotretinoin

ketoprofen

levofloxacin

loratadine

lovastatin

methoxsalen

naproxen

Nifedipine

nortriptyline

ofloxacin

olanzapine

piroxicam (Feldene)

pravastatin

promethazine

psoralens

quetiapine

Quinidine

risperidone

simvastatin

sulfadiazine

sulfamethizole

sulfamethoxazole

sulfapyridine

sulfasalazine

sulfasoxazole

tetracycline

triamterene

trimethoprim

trioxsalen

Valsartan

Voricanozole

Do topical retinoids give you sun sensitivity?

There is a myth that retinoids make you very susn sensitvie. You can read more about retinol, tretinoin and other topical retinols and how they react in the sun in the blog.

What vitamins cause sun sensitivity?

A deficiency of niacin causes a disease pellagra that causes sun sensitivity. There are no vitamins that i know of that increase sun sensitivity. Polypodium leukotomas and antioxidants will decrease sun sensitivity.

Foods that cause phytophotodermatitis

When you have juice or residue from these foods on your hands and touch your skin, you make your skin more sun sensitive in the areas you touch. This is very common and is called phytophotodermatitis or “rash that occurs when plants touch the skin and skin is exposed to sun”.

Foods that make skin burn in the sun causing hyperpigmentation are:

carrots

celery

dill

figs

limes

parsley

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation only on the face or sun exposed areas, it is possible that one of these sun sensitizers is causing the hyperpigmentation.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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