6 Skin Care Products That Cause Sun Sensitivity

By now, you’re likely familiar with the importance of taking sun protection measures every day. While sunscreen should absolutely be your BFF, SPF isn’t the only product you should pay attention to in your skin care routine. Some skin care products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and we have the 4-1-1 on some of those products. Keep reading to get the lowdown on six skin care products that cause sun sensitivity.

1. RETINOL CREAMS

When it comes to targeting anti-aging skin care concerns, retinol cream is a tried-and-true beauty staple. According to the Mayo Clinic, retinol creams work wonders to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help to repair the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Since retinol is a powerful ingredient, the Skin Cancer Foundation shares that retinoids can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun. With that in mind, they recommend using products with retinol in your nighttime skin care routine and always taking sun protection measures, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturizer, which is a night cream formulated with Pro-Retinol, glycolic acid, and vitamin C that works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and targets uneven skin tone for brighter, radiant skin in just one week.  At night, smooth gently over cleansed skin. In the morning, follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to keep your skin safe.

Of course, that isn’t the only sun protection measure you should take. Per the Food & Drug Administration, you’ll also want to take additional sun protection measures by reapplying sunscreen every two hours, covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and blocking sunglasses, seeking shade, and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially during the sun’s peak hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2. PEEL PADS WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

Next up? Peel pads formulated with glycolic acid. While peel pads are a great option for those who prefer chemical exfoliation over mechanical exfoliation, per the Skin Cancer Foundation, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that with continued use can cause your skin to become more prone to ultraviolet (UV) radiation even on days when you skip using it.

So, how exactly do you use peel pads safely? It starts with following the directions on the packaging! When using the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, for instance, be sure to smooth a pad gently over cleansed skin every night—making sure not to use them twice a day. Just as with retinol, in the morning, you’ll want to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and take other sun protection measures.

3. FACIAL CLEANSERS WITH SALICYLIC ACID

No matter what skin type you’re working with, it’s a good idea to start your skin care routine with a facial cleanser. Options formulated with salicylic acid, like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser, are popular picks to help remove dirt, excess oil, makeup, impurities, and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. When using products formulated with salicylic acid, it’s important that you take the appropriate sun protection measures since salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, per the FDA.

To use our cleanser, wet your face and hands with lukewarm water, work a small amount of the gel into a foamy lather and massage onto your face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.

4. RETINOL SERUMS

As we mentioned above, retinol is a potent ingredient that packs a mighty punch. While retinol serums, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol, have become a hot pick in the beauty world, the same rules apply when adding this product to your routine.

Kick things off by applying two to three drops twice a week, then build to using every other night during your second week of use and follow with nightly applications if tolerated. Retinol and photosensitivity go hand-in-hand, so like other sun sensitivity-causing ingredients, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the a.m. to help protect your skin. It’s also smart to always keep a bottle of sunscreen in your bag for easy re-application.

5. GLYCOLIC ACID SERUMS

While face serums should be a fixture in your skin care routine, depending on the formula you use, say one with glycolic acid, it’s crucial to take the appropriate sun protection measures when using it. By now, you likely know that glycolic acid is a pretty powerful ingredient. Whether you choose to layer a serum, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum with your other essentials or use it solo, you’ll need to protect your skin from harmful sun rays with every use.

To use our serum formulated with glycolic acid, smooth four to five drops onto clean skin every night before applying a moisturizer. In the morning, seal the deal by layering broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more. Be sure to take other sun protection measures as well to keep your skin healthy. For sensitive skin, start by using this serum two to three nights a week then move on to nightly use.

6. MOISTURIZERS WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

It’s super common to stumble upon moisturizers formulated with glycolic acid when cruising down the drugstore aisle. Since this ingredient is known to help resurface the skin, minimize the appearance of wrinkles and even skin tone—per the U.S. National Library of Medicine—it’s easy to see why it’s common in moisturizer formulas. However, just because moisturizer is usually the last step in your routine doesn’t mean you can slack on your sun care.

Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30, which is formulated with Pro-Retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid that come together to brighten skin and renew dull, uneven skin tone over time. A great way to pare down your skin care routine, this moisturizer also provides sunscreen benefits. Keep in mind, you’ll need to also take the other sun protection measures that we noted above to cover all of your bases.

Next: Be On the Look Out for These Ingredients in Your Skincare Products