13 Drugs and Supplements That Make Your Skin More Sensitive to the Sun

Sun sensitivity, or photosensitivity, occurs when the skin reacts to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays from sources like tanning beds. Some medications or supplements can trigger this reaction, causing anything from mild redness or a rash to more serious effects like blistering.

Jump to Key Takeaways.

1. Antibiotics

Certain antibiotics may cause reactions with sun exposure, including increased sunburns and even blistering in severe cases.

Examples of these sun-sensitive antibiotics include:

• Tetracycline antibiotics, such as tetracycline or doxycycline
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin) or levofloxacin
• Sulfa antibiotics, such as Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim)

2. Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as the following, are associated with photosensitivity reactions. It’s recommended to avoid too much exposure to sunlight while taking them:

• Amitriptyline
• Imipramine
• Nortriptyline
• Silenor (doxepin)

3. Antifungals

Some antifungals (drugs used to treat fungal infections) can cause photosensitivity reactions. These include:

• Gris-Peg (griseofulvin)
• Vfend (voriconazole)

Periodically check for any skin changes or reactions, as these medications may increase the risk of skin cancers. It’s recommended to avoid direct, strong sunlight exposure.

4. Statins

Statins, which are a type of cholesterol-lowering drug, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Examples of statins include:

• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Livalo (pitavastatin)
• Pravastatin
• Zocor (simvastatin)

5. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are often used to treat allergy symptoms. However, they can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage from sunlight exposure.

Examples of antihistamines include:

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Cyproheptadine
• Promethazine
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

6. Diuretics

Diuretics, commonly known as “water pills,” are used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Some diuretics are known for causing sun sensitivity reactions. These include:

• Thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and chlorthalidone
• Lasix (furosemide)

Diuretics have been associated with increased sunburns, skin rashes, and changes in pigmentation.

7. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation (swelling), may cause sun sensitivity and skin reactions. Some examples of NSAIDs include:

• Aleve (naproxen)
• Celebrex (celecoxib)
• Feldene (piroxicam)
• Ketoprofen
• Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen)

8. Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. DMARDs may cause sun sensitivity. Some examples of DMARDs include:

• Arava (leflunomide)
• Imuran (azathioprine)
• Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
• Trexall (methotrexate)

9. Retinoids

Retinoids treat acne and other skin conditions, but they can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Retinoids reduce the thickness of the outermost layer of the epidermis (the skin’s protective barrier), making the skin more prone to sunburn and irritation.

Examples of retinoids include:

• Oral retinoids that contain the active ingredient isotretinoin, such as Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, or Zenatane
• Topical retinoids that contain tretinoin, such as Retin-A

10. Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas are a class of drug used for type 2 diabetes, These drugs may cause sun sensitivity. Drugs in this class include:

• Diabeta (glyburide)
• Glimepiride
• Glucotrol XL (glipizide)

11. Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, which are used to prevent pregnancy, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays from the sun.

12. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort, a dietary supplement used for depression, is associated with increased sun sensitivity, which can cause abnormal skin rashes. Check with your healthcare provider before adding this or any other supplement to your routine.

13. Certain Skin Care Products

Check with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider about using skin care products, as some can cause your skin to react to the sun. For example, vitamin C is often used as a skin brightener. It may reduce melanin production, which lowers your skin’s natural protection against UV rays, leading to increased sun sensitivity and skin damage.

Other ingredients, such as retinols, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, remove the outer skin layer, which decreases protection against the sun.

Types of Sun Sensitivity

There are two types of photosensitivity, both of which occur after exposure to UV light, whether natural sunlight or artificial light, such as a tanning booth:

• Photoallergy is an allergic reaction, and it may occur several days after sun exposure.
• Phototoxicity, which is more common, typically occurs within several hours of sun exposure, causing irritation of the skin.

How to Protect Your Skin

Here are some tips to help protect your skin from the sun:

• Avoid sun exposure: If you are outside, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (peak sun hours), stay in the shade.
• Avoid tanning booths: Tanning booths are not a safe substitute for sun exposure. Using tanning booths or beds can damage your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Wear protective clothing: Make sure your skin is covered by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen: Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. It should also be water-resistant if you are swimming or getting sweaty. Reapply frequently. Don’t forget to apply to your neck, ears, lips, and back of your hands, along with all the usual spots like your face, arms, stomach, back, and legs.
• Keep an eye on your skin: Check your skin monthly for any new or changing spots. Schedule a full-body exam with a dermatologist once a year, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

• Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is a reaction to UV light that can cause symptoms like rash, redness, pain, or blistering. It may be triggered by certain medications, supplements, or skincare products.
• Some drugs that can cause sun sensitivity include certain antibiotics, diuretics, NSAIDs, and statins.
• To stay safe in the sun, take precautions like wearing sunscreen, covering up, and avoiding peak sunlight hours.