Skin Tip
UV-Sensitizing Skincare: What to Pause Before Sun Exposure.
Skin Tip
UV-Sensitizing Skincare: What to Pause Before Sun Exposure.
Certain skincare ingredients can dramatically increase your skin’s vulnerability to UV damage, leading to burns, hyperpigmentation, and accelerated visible signs of aging. Understanding which products to pause before sun exposure can protect your skin from lasting damage.
01.
Vitamin A Derivatives (Retinoids)
Both prescription tretinoin and over-the-counter retinol accelerate cellular turnover, revealing immature skin cells that lack adequate natural protection. This process makes skin significantly more prone to burning and UV-induced damage.
Evidence-based alternative: Bakuchiol, derived from the Psoralea Corylifolia plant, delivers comparable rejuvenating benefits without photosensitization. Clinical trials show it improves fine lines and evens skin tone similarly to retinol — without the common side effects caused by retinoids.
01.
Vitamin A Derivatives (Retinoids)
Both prescription tretinoin and over-the-counter retinol accelerate cellular turnover, revealing immature skin cells that lack adequate natural protection. This process makes skin significantly more prone to burning and UV-induced damage.
Evidence-based alternative: Bakuchiol, derived from the Psoralea Corylifolia plant, delivers comparable rejuvenating benefits without photosensitization. Clinical trials show it improves fine lines and evens skin tone similarly to retinol — without the common side effects caused by retinoids.
02.
Photosensitizing
Essential Oils
Citrus-derived essential oils such as bergamot, lemon, lime and grapefruit contain compounds that trigger phototoxic reactions when exposed to sunlight. These reactions can cause burns, blistering, and long-lasting hyperpigmentation.
Non-photosensitizing alternatives: Choose face oils/serums that use helichrysum or carrot seed, which provide similar aromatherapeutic benefits without sun sensitivity risks. Many effective facial oils are now formulated without essential oils entirely, focusing purely on skin-nourishing plant oils.
02.
Photosensitizing
Essential Oils
Citrus-derived essential oils such as bergamot, lemon, lime and grapefruit contain compounds that trigger phototoxic reactions when exposed to sunlight. These reactions can cause burns, blistering, and long-lasting hyperpigmentation.
Non-photosensitizing alternatives: Choose face oils/serums that use helichrysum or carrot seed, which provide similar aromatherapeutic benefits without sun sensitivity risks. Many effective facial oils are now formulated without essential oils entirely, focusing purely on skin-nourishing plant oils.
03.
Chemical Exfoliants
Dermatological research demonstrates that exfoliating acids (AHA’s and BHA’s) like glycolic acid, remove the skin’s protective outer layer, reducing its natural defense against UV radiation. This is especially true for chemical peels, which are more intensive and use a high percentage of acids to renew the skin.
Safer approach: Transition to gentle physical exfoliation formulas. If you must continue chemical exfoliation, apply these products only in your evening routine and never within 7 days of planned sun exposure.
03.
Chemical Exfoliants
Dermatological research demonstrates that exfoliating acids (AHA’s and BHA’s) like glycolic acid, remove the skin’s protective outer layer, reducing its natural defense against UV radiation. This is especially true for chemical peels, which are more intensive and use a high percentage of acids to renew the skin.
Safer approach: Transition to gentle physical exfoliation formulas. If you must continue chemical exfoliation, apply these products only in your evening routine and never within 7 days of planned sun exposure.
04.
Melanin-Suppressing Treatments
Hydroquinone and strong brightening agents work by inhibiting melanin production, but this same mechanism reduces your skin’s natural ability to protect itself from UV damage. With diminished melanin, your skin becomes substantially more vulnerable to burns and sun-induced aging.
Protective brightening approach: Vitamin C serums offer dual benefits — they help to visibly fade existing dark spots while providing antioxidant protection against UV damage. Niacinamide and kojic acid are additional options that brighten skin without compromising its natural defense mechanisms.
04.
Melanin-Suppressing Treatments
Hydroquinone and strong brightening agents work by inhibiting melanin production, but this same mechanism reduces your skin’s natural ability to protect itself from UV damage. With diminished melanin, your skin becomes substantially more vulnerable to burns and sun-induced aging.
Protective brightening approach: Vitamin C serums offer dual benefits — they help to visibly fade existing dark spots while providing antioxidant protection against UV damage. Niacinamide and kojic acid are additional options that brighten skin without compromising its natural defense mechanisms.
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Our Standard
Natural & Organic
Ingredients
Vegan &
Cruelty-Free
Made Fresh In
Small Batches
Powered By
Science & Nature
No Artificial Fragrance,
Color Or Fillers