Six unexpected ways your beauty regime reacts to sunshine – from the supplement that can harm your eyes to the cream that’s giving you wrinkles

Taking off to warmer climes for a late break or eking out the last rays in Britain? Be aware that your normal cosmetic creams and supplements may interact negatively with sunshine. 

‘People don’t realise that what you put on your face and body can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’, says aesthetic expert Dr John Quinn at Quinn Clinics. 

From spot creams that could be ageing you to supplements that mean you need to wear sunglasses and scents that might lead to skin rashes, our experts reveal the six ways your wellness routine may be taking its toll on you…

Some creams can make your skin more sensitive to the sun

CITRUS SMELLS DANGER

You may think that dabbing on a little essential oil is a perfect way to scent your summer – but natural isn’t always safe. Certain essential oils are phototoxic, meaning if put on skin which is then exposed to UV rays, they can cause sensitivity leading to redness, rashes and itching. 

Dr Mervyn Patterson

Citrus oils, in particular, contain furanocoumarins, which are compounds present in many cosmetic products. 

Although furanocoumarins are useful in treating certain skin disorders, they can cause skin rashes and even blisters. 

Their levels are restricted in certain countries; back in 2003 the European Commission stipulated there can’t be more than 1mg/kg in suntan lotions. 

‘Anything with a citrus scent is likely to contain them,’ says aesthetic expert Dr Mervyn Patterson at Woodford Medical.

 ‘Cover up any area where you’ve applied them or use at night only. And always wear SPF.’

EYEING UP ST JOHN’S WORT

This popular supplement is a natural antidepressant used to treat anxiety, low mood and PMS. But be wary. ‘Hypericin and other compounds can increase the skin’s reaction to UV light and make it more sensitive,’ says Dr Nabila Jones, an optometrist at Optegra.

Dr Nabila Jones

It can also affect unprotected eyes. ‘A less discussed side effect is eye photosensitivity, which can cause discomfort in bright light.

 In severe cases, this condition called photophobia, can potentially contribute to cataracts or macular degeneration.’

If you’re taking St John’s Wort, avoid direct sunlight, wear protection such as wrap-around sunglasses, and see a healthcare provider in the event of eye discomfort.

LEAVE THE LASERS

Tempting as it may be to have pre-holiday tweakments such as laser procedures to improve the look of skin, experts recommend heavy-duty aesthetics are left until winter. 

‘We also advise avoiding laser hair removal anywhere that’s exposed to sun,’ says Dr Quinn. ‘It leaves skin fragile, which can lead to redness, burning and increased pigmentation.’

BE CAREFUL WITH THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN

Given that we need sunshine to create it, there have been a few surprising cases of dangerously high vitamin D in the UK. This vitamin has vital benefits for bones and the immune system but a huge percentage of us are deficient (and it’s recommended that we all take a supplement in the winter). We also get some from our diet, however many of us also take a supplement. The upper safe level is 100mcg/4000IU for adults.

Dr Oliver Guttman

‘Vitamin D is fat-soluble, and is thus stored in the body, even though it’s only for a couple of months, meaning it can potentially build up to dangerous levels,’ says leading nutritionist Emma Bardwell. 

‘Too much vitamin D can lead to calcium build-up (hypercalcemia) which can be damaging to bones, kidneys and heart. Complications are rare, but read labels to understand dosages, especially if taking a multivitamin on top of a separate vitamin D.’

 ‘At its extreme, hypercalcaemia can affect blood vessels and cause the heart to beat too fast or slow,’ says Dr Oliver Guttman, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital.

The NHS website says that you can’t overdose on vitamin D via sun exposure and whether or not you take a supplement on holiday depends on individual levels.

 ‘Some people require supplementation all year round as skin synthesis of vitamin D isn’t always straightforward, plus we can get less efficient at making vitamin D as we age, but every person’s requirements are unique. The best option is to get your levels tested so you know whether you’re in range or not,’ says Bardwell.

WATCH OUT FOR VITAMIN A

All retinoids – or Vitamin A – increase cell turnover, and are widely used in night creams, but ironically this also makes skin more vulnerable to developing pigmentation and burning in sunshine.

‘A new ruling means that the amount of retinol available in over-the-counter products is being reduced’, says Dr Patterson. ‘However, you still need to ensure that you wear high SPF if you are using them and avoid direct sunlight on your face.’

SUSS OUT YOUR SPOT TREATMENT

Benzoyl peroxide, found in many spot and acne treatments, works by killing bacteria on the skin – and is not to be mixed with UV rays. ‘It’s very effective, but it also generates free radicals and can create redness and premature ageing – it’s like going in the sun unprotected,’ says Dr Patterson. 

Teenagers mostly use these products and are annoyingly resistant to the idea of covering up, but Dr Patterson insists that if you’re using a product containing benzoyl peroxide to tackle your pimples: ‘You must use high SPF and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.’