Most of us are probably planning more beach trips and hoarding swimwear now that PAGASA has officially declared it’s summer in the Philippines. For some of us, though, stepping up on skincare for sun protection is more important than anything else. (I’m guilty of this.) I wish we’d never have to say this repeatedly, but the sun is the biggest cause of skin damage, and we really need protection from its harmful rays on a daily basis.
And so we use sunscreen. Every day. On our entire body. Clothing and staying indoors are not enough to protect us from the damage. But at the same time, our skincare products could also be making it worse, especially if we’re not cautious. Below are some skincare ingredients to lessen (or avoid) if you’re spending long hours under sun exposure.
AHAs and BHAs
Anti-aging, acne-fighting, and skin-brightening products usually contain AHAs and BHAs that remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh new layers of skin. In turn, your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun after being exfoliated.
Benzoyl peroxide
Commonly used to treat mild acne, benzoyl peroxide can decrease your skin’s tolerance to UV radiation.
Hydroquinone
This compound ingredient reduces the amount of melanin produced in the skin, so the surface becomes brighter. However, without sun protection, this will expose you to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun which can result in sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Retinol
Though it is one of the miracle ingredients that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and brightens the complexion, retinol will also decrease the skin’s protective capacity and will make it more susceptible to sun damage. It’s advisable to use retinol products at night and pair it with SPF during the morning.
Essential oils
Common essential oils like bergamot, bitter orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and mandarin leaf can cause nasty burns and further sun damage especially when they go beyond the number of drops or when they’re not diluted enough. To be sure, check the ingredients list of your product and always follow up with SPF.
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