In daily life, you may encounter people who must avoid sunlight entirely. This stems from specific health conditions requiring such precautions. I once knew a friend with severe skin cancer who had to cover themselves completely every day to block sunlight, though I never learned the exact nature of their illness. So, what should you avoid doing when exposed to sunlight?
1. Squeezing lemons
Applying lemon juice to your skin can trigger a chemical reaction in sunlight known as phytophotodermatitis. At best, it's unpleasant: dark spots may form on your skin, taking weeks or months to fade.Rebecca Baxter, a renowned New York dermatologist, warns: "At worst, you could get severe burns or even blisters."
2. Applying sunscreen
While daily sunscreen use is essential, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying it 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.This allows sufficient time for the sunscreen to be absorbed and provide effective protection. If you forget to apply it indoors, you can reapply outdoors—though this won't offer full protection. 3. Relying on sunscreen in makeup Dermatologists recommend using one ounce (about the size of a golf ball) of sunscreen for exposed facial and body skin.But applying that much foundation will feel greasy and heavy—especially if you reapply every two hours to prevent sunscreen failure. Plus, you likely won't cover your neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and other exposed areas. Even if you do, remember cosmetics don't offer all-day protection.Forgetting to protect your scalp
When you brush your hair back, you leave your scalp completely exposed to the sun. To shield it, apply mineral-based sunscreen specifically formulated for scalp use along your hairline and other uncovered areas. Alternatively, mix these products with water and spray the mixture onto your scalp like a styling mist.
5. Using acne products
Dr. Baxter notes that products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, vitamin A acid, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, retinol, or glycolic acid can make your skin particularly sensitive to sunlight. Applying these skincare products before sun exposure may lead to sunburn—potentially worse than your original skin concern.Conversely, applying them at night can improve your skin. Be cautious the next day too: some ingredients linger on the skin's surface, increasing sun sensitivity.
6. Be mindful of prescription medications
Some prescription drugs for acne, bacterial infections, and other conditions can increase absorption of harmful light wavelengths, making your skin highly susceptible to burns—sometimes even after a single dose.Read warnings on prescription labels and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Also ensure you apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and use sun-protective clothing. 7. Running in High Temperatures In warm climates or seasons, sunshine means heat, forcing your body to work harder to regulate its temperature (which is why running feels more strenuous in hot weather).Running in high temperatures also increases your risk of dehydration and can cause sweat to wash away sunscreen, making you more susceptible to sunburn. It's best to run indoors or in the shade and minimize outdoor exercise during peak heat hours.
8. Using sunscreen with an SPF below 30
Lower SPF sunscreens can work, but they aren't as effective as higher SPF options.Dr. Baxter advises making sunscreen application a daily habit—not just for summer. Even if you only see sunlight through windows at work, harmful rays can still cause skin cancer and aging. Of course, extra protection is crucial at the beach or during daytime outings when sunlight is strongest.
9. Skipping sunglasses
Conditions like cataracts and eye tumors can develop over many years. Each time you expose your eyes to the sun without protection, the damage accumulates, increasing your risk for these serious diseases, explains Dr. Shelly Rohn, an ophthalmic surgeon in Maryland. This may also be because your eyelids are constantly working to shield your eyes from sunburn: the delicate eyelid skin is prone to sunburn and skin cancer.
Most critically, sunlight can burn the part of your eye called the cornea, causing blurred vision, redness, dryness, swelling, watery eyes, and eventually vision loss over time. Protect your eyes from UV rays especially near reflective surfaces like snow, sand, or water—so buy a pair of sunglasses you love and wear them often.