Medicines, cosmetics and photosensitizing plants to avoid in the sun

The label said to apply it “preferably in the evening” and to “avoid exposure to the sun”.

“The photosensitizing ingredients make the skin more sensitive to the sun: even with low exposure, behind glass, it can become irritated, burn, redden, reveal brown spots.»

Cosmetics

The magazine mentions:

• perfumes, which are recommended to be sprayed on clothes in summer;
• retinol;
• balsam of Peru;
• citrus essential oils.

For other cosmetics, read the instructions carefully.

Medication

The magazine mentions the following drugs:

• certain anti-acne ointments (benzoyl peroxide and vitamin A derivatives);
• some antiallergics;
• oral antibiotics;
• antidepressants.

It is impossible to name them all, underlines the magazine. For each drug, refer to the package leaflet.

Risks of sun allergy

“Sometimes, the drug, after exposure, causes an allergy to the sun, which is more troublesome because it is permanent.»

Pr Annick Barbaud, dermatologist, specifies:

• “We think first and foremost: of ketoprofen but also of piroxicam (two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs);
• and soothing post-mosquito bite creams containing isothipendyl hydrochloride”.

This is also the case for certain cosmetic ingredients.

• “The main photo allergies are those to chemical sunscreens”, for example oxybenzone or octocrylene. “Fortunately, these filters, suspected of being endocrine disruptors and harmful to the environment, are less used.“, underlines the magazine.

Plants

“Touching or ingesting certain plants can cause irritation, blisters and sunburn.» For example, for edible plants:

• parsnip
• lime
• the FIG
• the lemon
• fennel
• the celery

For inedible plants:

Last June, the magazine recalled that certain “natural” mosquito repellents may contain photosensitizing compounds (notably citrus essential oils) and advised that you read the repellent instructions carefully.

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