Whether you have sensitive skin or otherwise, we all know how important it is to protect our skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
As such, many of us splurge on skincare and sunscreen products to help mitigate the side effects of prolonged exposure, mainly uneven skin and signs of ageing.
But what if we tell you that some products are not only protecting you from the harmful sunrays, but are also exacerbating the issue?
Also known as phototoxicity and photoirritation, certain chemicals react in the light – which means, they are activated when in contact with light, for better or for worse. In fact, certain ingredients will form compounds that will make the skin more sensitive to the sun, if activated.
Photosensitive skin bears terrible news, especially since we like in sunny Singapore.
Those who wish to opt for IPL permanent hair removal treatments may even suffer from burns during the procedure.
Thus, to help you avoid the worst possible outcome, we’ve gathered 3 photosensitive products that are worth consideration.
Retinoids
Retinoids are a classic skincare ingredient with anti-ageing properties.
They are effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. By stimulating the new blood vessels in the skin, retinoids are also able to drastically improve skin colour over time.
Unfortunately, as you might’ve guessed it, this popular ingredient is one that increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun – especially during the first few weeks of use.
Since they help in the production of cell growth, the replacing of dead skin cells with new ones will make you more susceptible to sunburn, especially if it’s a new ingredient in your skincare.
Chemical exfoliators
Chemical exfoliators have been raved about by skincare enthusiasts for its ability to remove dead skin cells and other debris, promote cell turnover and rid the pesky small bumps and acne.
You’ll be left with a skin that’s not only fresher, but brighter and smoother too!
That said, by exfoliating the skin and removing a layer of dead skin cells, the chemical exfoliators are also getting rid of a protective barrier that shields the skin from the UV rays.
Lightening products
For those with skin discolouration or hyperpigmentation, skin lightening products may present itself as an attractive solution.
These products are controversial, not only due to its colourism connotations, but also their ingredients.
Ingredients such kojic acid and hydroquinone are some of such ingredients and ironically, they are believed to absorb more UV rays instead of protecting the skin against them.
Your skin may swell and redden after use, and they may also be the reason why you’ll end up with a darker skin tone instead of the promised fair skin.
SPF is all you need
As with many other things, these ingredients come with pros and cons.
Retinoids and chemical exfoliators are, for one, excellent at what they do. Unfortunately, their side effect includes making your skin sun sensitive – and they’re not the only ingredients that are as such.
To combat sun sensitive skin, a regular application of proper sunscreen is a must.
If you wish to go a step further, you may want to consider using these sun sensitive ingredients only in your night regimen.
It’s essential to always keep abreast of the function and side effects of the ingredients of your skincare.
Often than not, your skin may have an adverse reaction to a particular skincare ingredient that could’ve been avoided or mitigated with extra care.
Those who opt for body hair removal in their grooming regimen need to take this into consideration as laser hair removal treatments utilise light and you’ll suffer from burns if your skin is photo sensitive.
If you need more information, be sure to talk to any of our friendly staff at Datsumo Labo!
We are determined to give you the best experience whilst providing only the best hair removal in Singapore!