Sun Day School: Skin Cancer Protection Tips

Make Over Your Medicine Cabinet

Popping an OTC pain reliever might soothe sore muscles, but it can also leave you with lasting sun damage. Light particles may react with chemicals in certain pain relievers, making skin more sun sensitive, says Jordana S. Gilman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. "The biggest culprit is naproxen," she says. "But the effect has been reported with ibuprofen as well." Some antibiotics, contraceptives, topical retinoids, diuretics, and antidepressants can also heighten sun sensitivity. Talk to your doctor and check your meds for their potential side effects. To play it safe, reapply SPF every two hours, switch to a more sun-safe pain reliever like acetaminophen and ask your doc about less photosensitizing prescription drugs.