12 Things That Up Your Risk of Sun Damage

Certain skincare 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 hats.   

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.

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.

Your car or cubicle 

You don't need to lie in the sun for its rays to do 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 at work.  

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. If you get sunburned easily, you need these 13 foods in your diet.

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.

Misreading the weather 

You can still get sunburned 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.

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,"   

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 can also wear sun-protective clothing for extra shielding.  

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.  

You skip your lips

MICHAELHEIM/SHUTTERSTOCK"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. Need one? These are our favorite lip balms with SPF.

You exfoliate in the morning

TATEVOSIAN YANA/SHUTTERSTOCK"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."