In spring, many journals write warning articles about photocarogenesis and photoaging. But, despite this, millions of people continue to abuse "sunny hospitality." We are taught from childhood that sunbathing is good for health. But those who spend a long time warming themselves in the sun, are threatened with photosensitivity. This is a serious disease, which leads to harmful effects on the skin of ultraviolet rays.
It's so nice to enjoy the warm sunshine after the gloomy cold winter! We do not even want to remember that the sun's ray carries ultraviolet radiation, which is the main enemy for our skin. Ultraviolet exposure, leading to skin aging, is not subjectively perceived by the body. Therefore, it is difficult for us to perceive the Sun as a threat. Moreover, with a moderate acceptance of so-called sun baths, it brings tangible benefits to the body. But the sunburns are perfectly felt. An unpleasant burning sensation can bother for several days. But many people are accustomed to them and consider an annoying misunderstanding. And in vain!
In recent years, more and more people are faced with an unexpected problem of harmful effects on the skin of ultraviolet rays. Imagine that the weather is cloudy outside. Only a rare ray breaks through the clouds. The sun is almost invisible, but after a walk on the skin blisters appear. It itches and flakes. This happens most often in women. And there are reasons for this. The fact is that this reaction is provoked by extraneous substances that have appeared on or under the skin. They make the skin supersensitive to ultraviolet radiation. These substances are called photoreactive or, in a different way, photosensitizers. Especially susceptible to these reactions, the skin, weakened by sunburn. Photosensitizers can cause reactions of two types - photoallergic and phototoxic reaction.
Most often the photo allergy is caused by perfumery and cosmetics on the basis of: sandalwood oil, bergamot oil, amber, musk. Still a photo allergy can provoke some medicines and antibacterial agents. Ultraviolet radiation changes the chemical composition of the substance found on the skin. This process provokes an allergy. And after half an hour of exposure to ultraviolet light, the allergy can spread to the closed areas of the skin.
It is known that concentrated exposure to ultraviolet radiation destroys cells of living tissue. This is what happens with phototoxic reactions. The substance in the skin actively absorbs ultraviolet rays, which affect adjacent cells of the body. Such cells eventually die, causing a lot of problems. Such a reaction can manifest itself both immediately on a walk, and in a few hours. This insidious disease, unlike sunburn, can manifest itself for a long time. Sometimes for a number of years. Unfortunately, people with skin diseases are especially affected by photoreactive reactions. Such as acne, psoriasis, herpes, eczema.
At photosensitization - after the abuse of cosmetics and sunburn, a number of serious problems arise. These can be acute skin reactions (acute photodermatitis). For example: the appearance of blisters, itching and flaking, allergic redness, predisposition to sunburn. Also photosensitizers can cause chronic skin diseases. To lead to its premature aging and even oncological diseases.
Studies have shown that photoreactive components can be contained in the things that are usual for us. It can be deodorants, antibacterial soap and various cosmetic products. A number of drugs also have photosensitizing properties. For example, antibiotics (tetracycline), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfonylamides, antihistamines. It is known that the extract of St. John's wort contains hypericin, which has an antidepressant effect. Thanks to this, food additives with St. John's wort extract became popular. Alas, this extract is also a photosensitizer.
Of course, the presence of photosensitizing substances does not lead to a photodermis in all people. Most often it affects people with poorly pigmented thin skin. But dark-skinned people, too, can not feel completely safe. Especially if you stay in the sun for a long time.
The probability of phototoxic reactions increases in the following cases:
- When the skin is affected by retinoids. Retinoids are used in the treatment of acne and skin rejuvenation. They help exfoliate the dead skin cells and renew it. But the thinning skin is subject to greater exposure to ultraviolet light. Therefore, when treating retinoids, sunscreen should be used. This will prevent uneven pigmentation.
- After the peeling procedure, exfoliation of the stratum corneum occurs. Chemical peeling, home peeling with scrubs and laser polishing contribute to increased exposure to ultraviolet light. In addition, after this procedure, melanocytes causing hyperpigmentation are activated. In this scenario, the presence of a photosensitizer minimizes the effect of protective agents.
- Daytime cosmetics containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, is very popular. It eliminates the peeling and dryness of the skin. Reduces inflammatory reactions. Restores the barrier properties of the skin. However, polyunsaturated fatty acids have a significant drawback. Under the influence of sunlight, they are oxidized. The harmful oxidation products are formed. Including active oxygen compounds, which are a toxin for the skin. And with intense ultraviolet action, oxidation is even more intense. What can lead to stable phototoxic reactions.
- The cause of phototoxic reactions can be the tattoo procedure. With tattoo and permanent make-up, pigments with a cadmium salt content can be used. This salt differs photosensitizing properties.
- Strangely enough, some sunscreens may not protect the skin from the sun, but trigger a phototactic reaction. The reason for this is paraamino-benzoic acid (PAVA), which is part of the cream. Carefully read the composition of the cream on the package. By the way, in the West this acid is excluded from the formulations.
- Photoreactive substances are contained in essential oil. Therefore, carefully follow the skin reactions after procedures using essential oils.
As you can see, a large number of cosmetics and medicines contain potentially dangerous substances for weakened skin. And the risk of getting a photoderma is not so small. Especially insidious impact of photosensitizers in the spring. When millions of women are exposed to colds and avitaminosis, the skin is exposed to extreme effects. In pursuit of beauty, lovely ladies do not listen to the advice of cosmetologists. After the procedures, peeling and grinding are considered superfluous using sunscreen. And especially not going to wear hats with wide edges. On the contrary, they substitute themselves for the spring sun, not reflecting on the merciless impact of ultraviolet radiation.
Unfortunately, photodermatitis can lie in wait for any person. Not depending on sex and skin color. Therefore, take care of your precious skin in advance:
- It is necessary to take seriously the warnings of doctors about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation. Fashion for sunburn passes, giving way to the natural color of the skin. If you leave the premises for a long time in the spring-summer period, you should use sunscreen cosmetics. Never apply a nourishing cream during the day. The polyunsaturated fatty acids entering into their composition in the sun are transformed into photosensitizers. Do not hesitate to put on a bright sunny day hat with wide margins. Do not spend much time under the scorching sun.
- Cosmetic procedures for removing horny skin should be done not in spring and summer, but in autumn or winter. If you can not refuse the peeling, then after the procedure, protect yourself with sunscreen, which has the maximum degree of protection (SPF> 50).
- Use cosmetics with antioxidants: with vitamin C, E and vegetable polyphenols. The antioxidants themselves will not protect against ultraviolet radiation. But they help to remove phototaksins from the skin.
- Be sure to provide all precautions if you are taking antibiotics, ibuprofen, sulfanilamide, St. John's wort extract. And in general, it is not superfluous to clarify with the attending physician about the presence of photosensitizers.
Take care of yourself!