Well, here’s a disturbing thought: One standard drink increases your risk of developing melanoma by about 20%. So, if you drink five beers, you’ve just increased your risk by 55%. Now, make that drink a margarita and you could really be in trouble; at least when it comes to the sun! Medically speaking, it can cause a severe sunburn, better known as a Margarita Burn, or phytophotodermatitis.
Any form of alcohol and certain foods change your skin on the cellular level, making your skin more photosensitive to UV rays.
Juice from limes and other citrus, plus veggies such as celery, parsley, cilantro, figs, and carrots, enhances your skin’s sensitivity. The best plan is to avoid eating and cooking with these foods on sunny days or to at least wash your hands and arms thoroughly to remove any juices or oils. bit.ly/49cV7NF
Also, a reminder to check your medicine cabinet before you head into the sun for the day! Lotions, perfumes, prescription medications, and some over-the-counter medications can all increase the extent of damage to your skin.
Avoid the following or take extra precautions when using:
- Acne and Skin care medications with alpha-hydroxy acids, accutane or retinol.
- Antibiotics doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin and trimethoprim.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen; found over the counter in medications such as Advil, Aleve and Motrin.
- When it comes to skin care, avoid body scrubs or exfoliants before enjoying the sun. And perfume can be an issue too. Consider skipping your favorite scent for a couple of days. Even natural essential oils, such as sandalwood and lavender, can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to the sun.
Now, before you decide to spend the summer in a cave, understand none of this means you have to miss out on the fun of the season! Just avoid what you can, slather on SPF 30 sunscreen every two hours, and wear UPF 50 clothing! A cautious approach adds up to more days in the sun and a lifetime of healthy skin! Like your mom always says: “Make Good Choices!” You can learn more about the hidden risk of sun damage in our June 2nd episode of An Unexpected Life podcast. We are joined by Dermatologist, Dr. Eva Simmons-O’Brien! You don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to sun safety! You can find it with all your favorites or via this link!
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