Top 5 Reasons Your SPF Fails!

1. Foods and Drinks

Think you’re doing your body some good by munching on some poolside crudite? You could be in for a surprise! While some foods actually give you mild SPF protection, there are several that decrease it instead.

Celery, citrus (especially limes & lemons), fennel, and even artificial sweeteners all have the potential to increase your chance of a burn. Each of these eats contains chemicals that naturally increase your photosensitivity. And while that poolside umbrella drink may taste delicious, alcohol if another burn-booster. Not only does it lead to you burning faster, it’s effects may make you more apt to slack off on your good sun-fighting habits. Try refreshing yourself with some cucumber infused ice water and some frozen berries instead.

2. Health and Beauty Products

Looking lovely can also leave you looking like a lobster. Lotions, beauty balms, and even your fragrance can increase your risk of redness.

If you are using products that contain AHA’s (for anti aging ), Salycitic Acid(to fight off  breakouts), or hydroquinone (to treat existing hyperpigmentaiton), you need to be exceedingly careful about staying out of the sun. These all strip away at the top layer of skin making you extra susceptible to sunburn.

Perfumes often contain natural oils (bergamot, lavender, balsam) that coat the skin and increase risk of sun damage. Skip the scents until after you come back from the beach.

3. Medications

If you are popping  a pill for some type of ill, check with your pharmacist before you skip off to the shore.

Many antibiotics (Cipro, Bactrim), prescription acne medications (like Accutane), chemotherapy, heart meds, and diabetes treatments lead to increased sun- sensitivity. Even over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen  can leave you begging for a burn.

Even worse, medications mixed with some sunshine may cause even more than just skin-deep damage. The effects of UV rays can actually interfere with how medication reacts inside of your body and lead to an allergic response. Always check the labels of any meds and ask your doctor about any new drug that you are taking, to make sure you stay safe.

4. Birth Control

The pill may prevent pregnancy, but it won’t give you any protection against the sun’s rays!

Estrogen and synthetic hormones can increase the chances of getting burned. Bring an umbrella and some sunscreen with you if you’ll be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. BC also increased your likelihood of developing melasma which is difficult to get rid of and leaves dark brown blotches for months to come.

5. The Spa

What Line Fighter doesn’t love a facial? While clinical skin care is a great way to erase past damage and aging, it also boosts your chance of  bad burn as well.

Medical grade facials, peels, and microdermabrasion leave your skin smooth and soft as a baby’s, and that  means that it’s as a baby’s delicate as well.

Lasers are considered the ultimate treatment for sun damage, but these treatments also make you super-sun sensitive. Plan to stay out of the sun and wear a strong sunscreen even if your exposure is minimal. Try a formula with zinc for your best protection.

You should avoid the sun as much as possible after any of these treatments, since they remove your outermost layer of skin that protects new skin below the surface. Stay indoors at the latest summer blockbusters or to shop the sales at the mall for at least a week if not more.

Don’t let these sunburn-boosters sizzle you this summer! Cover up, seek shade, and of course, wear your SPF. Always know what you are putting on and into your body to keep yourself protected from the sun. It’s better to be safe than to be seared!