Six unexpected ways your beauty regime deals with sunlight – from a supplement that can damage your eyes to a cream that gives you pores.

Heading to warmer climes for a late break or to get the last rays out of Britain? Be aware that your regular cosmetics and supplements may interact negatively with sunlight.

‘People don’t realize that what you put on your face and body can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’, says esthetician Dr John Quinn of Quinn Clinics.

From cosmetics that can age you to supplements that mean you need to wear sunglasses and fragrances that can wreak havoc on your skin, our experts reveal six ways your healthy lifestyle you can touch them…

CITRUS CAN DANGER ME

You might think that applying a little essential oil is the perfect way to smell good in the summer – but nature isn’t always safe. Some essential oils are phototoxic, meaning that if applied to skin exposed to UV rays, they can cause redness, rashes and itching.

Citrus oils, in particular, contain furanocoumarins, which are ingredients found in many cosmetic products.

Although furanocoumarins help treat certain skin diseases, they can cause skin rashes and even acne.

Their status is restricted in certain countries; back in 2003 the European Commission stated that there would be no more than 1mg/kg of sunscreen.

‘Anything that has an orange smell is likely to have them,’ says dermatologist Dr Mervyn Patterson of Woodford Medical.

Cover any areas where you have applied them or just use them at night. And always wear SPF.’

WATCH ST JOHN’S COLLEGE

This popular supplement is a natural antidepressant used to treat anxiety, low mood and PMS. But be careful. ‘Hypericin and other ingredients can increase the skin’s response to UV light and make it more sensitive,’ says Dr Nabila Jones, Optegra ophthalmologist.

It can also affect unprotected eyes. ‘A less common side effect is the photosensitivity of the eyes, which can cause discomfort in bright light.

In severe cases, this condition, called photophobia, can contribute to the development of cataracts or macular degeneration.’

If you take St John’s Wort, avoid sunlight, wear protection such as sunglasses, and see a health care provider if the eyes are uncomfortable.

LEAVE LASERS

To try to have tweakments before the holidays such as laser procedures to improve the appearance of the skin, experts recommend that heavy aesthetics leave until winter.

‘We also advise avoiding laser hair removal anywhere in the sun,’ says Dr Quinn. ‘It leaves the skin vulnerable, which can lead to redness, burning and hyperpigmentation.’

BE CAREFUL WITH THE DAILY VITAMIN

Due to the fact that we need sunlight to create it, there have been a few surprising cases of vitamin D deficiency in the UK. This vitamin has important benefits for bones and the immune system but most of us are deficient (and it is recommended that we all take a supplement in winter). We also get some from our food, however many of us also take supplements. The upper safe level is 100mcg/4000IU for adults.

‘Vitamin D is fat-soluble and therefore stored in the body, although it may only last for a few months, meaning it can build up to dangerous levels,’ says a leading expert in nutrition Emma Bardwell.

Too much vitamin D can cause calcium build-up (hypercalcemia) which can damage bones, kidneys and the heart. Complications are rare, but read labels to understand dosages, especially if you’re taking a multivitamin on top of isolated vitamin D.’

‘In its extremes, hypercalcaemia can affect the blood vessels and cause the heart to beat faster or slower,’ says Dr Oliver Guttman, Consultant Pathologist at The Wellington Hospital.

The NHS website says you can’t get too much vitamin D through sun exposure and whether or not you take a supplement on holiday depends on the individual.

‘Some people need a supplement all year round as the skin’s absorption of vitamin D is not always straightforward, and we can also reduce our ability to make vitamin D as we age, but everyone’s needs are unique. . The best option is to test your levels to see if you’re up to it,’ says Bardwell.

CONSIDER VITAMIN A

All retinoids – or Vitamin A – increase cell activity, and are widely used in night creams, but surprisingly, this also makes the skin more prone to pigmentation and sunburn. day.

‘The new ruling means that the amount of retinol found in commercial products is decreasing’, says Dr Patterson. ‘However, you should still make sure you wear a high SPF if you use it and avoid direct sunlight on your face.’

SUSS OUT YOUR CURE

Benzoyl peroxide, found in many spot and acne treatments, works by killing bacteria on the skin – and should not be mixed with UV rays. ‘It’s very effective, but it also produces free radicals and can cause redness and premature aging – it’s like going into the sun without protection,’ says Dr Patterson.

Young people often use these products and resist the idea of ​​concealing, but Dr Patterson insists that if you use a product with benzoyl peroxide to fight your acne: ‘You have to use a high SPF and avoid the sun. very straight. as possible.’