If you wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun that can lead to skin cancer, there are prescription drugs that can increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light leading to a sunburn even with the added protection of sunscreen lotion, according to a CBS News published article Some Skin Products Up Cancer Risk. The drugs to be aware of are: diuretics, antibiotics, heart medications, diabetes medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain drugs. In addition, skin care products such as Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid, microdermabrasion products and Balsam of Peru can put you at increased risk of sunburn.
"Depending on the type of drug and how long you've been taking it, it can remain in your system from one to five days," says Bill Bailey, RPh, director of specialized care centers for Medicine Shoppe in St. Louis. "To be on the safe side, always ask the pharmacist about the effects of your medications on sun exposure. They'll go online and get current, accurate information."
For all the sun damage prevention advice and tips provided in the article, go here.
