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Sun Protection / Acne & Rosacea
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Photosensitivity is an abnormal reaction of the skin in response to exposure to natural sunlight or UV radiation. Photosensitive, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions, can occur as a result of sun exposure after ingesting systemic oral medications and/ application of topical preparations.[1] Usually, a widespread reaction suggests a reaction from an oral photosensitizer, whereas a localized reaction is indicative of a topical photosensitizer.[1]
A photoallergic reaction occurs when ultraviolet rays from the sun alter the structure of a drug. When this occurs, the body recognizes it as an invader and mounts an immune response. This allergic response causes redness, itching, inflammation and swelling in sun exposure areas 24-48 hours after exposure.[1] It can appear on both sun-exposed areas and extend beyond areas that have not had direct sun exposure.[2] The skin reaction typically resolves after discontinuation of the offending medication, but on occasion, can persist despite discontinuation.[2]
Phototoxic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction in response to photoactive chemicals without an immune response.[1] In phototoxic reactions, a drug may become activated by exposure to sunlight. The photo-active drug can create free radicals, which accumulate in the skin and cause cell damage.[1] In response, the skin will form an immediate sunburn-like reaction. This reaction will present only on sun-exposed areas shortly after exposure and resolves when the offending drug is discontinued.
Photoallergic vs. phototoxic reactions[1-3]
· Immune reaction
· Delayed onset
· Less common
· Eczema appearance
· Not dose dependent
· Oral and systemic medications
· Sun exposed and unexposed areas
· Can have persistent reaction
· Chemical reaction
· Fast onset
· More common
· Sunburn appearance
· Dose dependent
· Oral and systemic medications
· Only sun-exposed areas
· Reaction resolves after discontinuation
There are many different treatments for acne. They can be in the form of pills, face washes, topical creams, lotions or gels. Many acne treatments function by stripping the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. This layer gives some protection against ultraviolet radiation. So, when it is gone, the skin becomes more sensitive to the sun.
Retinoids are a family of compounds derived from Vitamin A that when applied topically cause skin cells to grow (divide) and die more rapidly, which increases cell turnover.[4] These agents are a commonly prescribed topical treatment for acne. They are effective in both the treatment of inflammatory acne lesions and helping to prevent the formation of comedones (“pimples”) by unclogging pores.[5] One of the complications of acne is scarring and hyperpigmentation. Since retinoids work as an exfoliating agent by increasing cell turnover, they may help to reduce the appearance of scarring and hyperpigmentation. However, this exfoliating property removes the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, which causes the skin to become dry, itchy and scaly. The lack of protective skin barrier causes an increase in sensitivity to the sun.[5]
Atralin® (tretinoin)
Avita® (tretinoin)
Differn® (adapalene)
Epiduo® (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide)
Epiduo-Forte® (adapalene/ benzoyl peroxide topical)
Retin-A® (tretinoin)
Retin-A Micro® (tretinoin micro)
Tazorac® (tazarotene)
Ziana® (clindamycin phosphate, tretinoin)
To avoid adverse phototoxic reactions, many dermatologists recommend that the application of medications containing retinoids should be followed by the application of good moisturizers and sunscreens.
Similar to retinoids, isotretinoin is also a Vitamin A derivative. This medication is an oral version of a retinoid and is arguably one of the most effective acne treatments to date. Isotretinoin works internally by reducing sebum (oil) production which consequently reduces comedone formation, lowers surface and ductal proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes (bacteria thought to be responsible for causing acne), and reduces the inflammation responsible for the redness and raised bumps during an acne breakout.[6] While it is a powerful treatment, it does come with its own side effect profile. The most common side effect is skin dryness and irritation due to the decrease in oil production. Rarely a phototoxic (i.e. sunburn-like) reactions in response to solar exposure, which occurs due to the decreased thickness of the stratum corneum.[1,2]
The original brand name of isotretinoin is known as Accutane®, but there are now many other brand versions on the market, such as Absorica®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, and Zenatane™.[7]
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are commonly used ingredients in skin care products that exfoliate and peel the skin. These acids functions are very similar but differ in their chemical structure. The structural difference affects their solubility. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, are lipid soluble. This characteristic allows for the product to penetrate deep into the acne causing sebaceous (oil) follicles, making this acid appropriate for comedones and oily skin.[8] In contrast, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are water soluble and do not affect sebaceous glands. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid are commonly used AHA’s in acne, and function to exfoliate epidermal cells of the stratum corneum.[8] Exfoliation serves to gently remove the buildup of dead cells on the skin surface that can contribute to clogged pores and follicles. Both of these acids function by sloughing off the outer layer of the skin. The removal of the protective skin barrier increases solar skin sensitivity.[9]
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent that has been effectively used for over five decades to treat acne. BPO can be found in many various acne specific face washes, gels, creams, lotions, toners, and spot treatments. This powerful antiseptic is directly toxic to C. acnes, the bacteria responsible for causing acne.[10] In addition to killing the bacteria, it also helps to reduce both acne lesions and the oil on the skin, making this agent a very popular acne therapy.[10] One of the side effects of BPO is skin dryness. This dryness can make the skin more irritated and sensitive, specifically to the sun.
BPO is found in many over the counter acne treatments, as well as prescribed therapies. To avoid a photosensitive reaction, it is important to check labels on products purchased over the counter.
Onexton® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
Acanya® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
Benzac® (benzoyl peroxide topical)
Benzaclin® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
Duac® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
Epiduo® (adapalene/ benzoyl peroxide topical)
Epiduo-Forte® (adapalene/ benzoyl peroxide topical)
Onexton® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
The main effect of antibiotics as an acne treatment is due to their effect on reducing inflammation. These agents also help to reduce the number of the bacteria C. acnes – a common skin bacteria that is associated with acne. This is another common and effective treatment for many people. Antibiotics for the treatment of acne come in both oral and topical formulations. While both options are effective, some of the oral antibiotics commonly prescribed for acne have been shown to increase skin sensitivity at high doses.[2]
Antibiotic-induced photosensitivity is overall uncommon but when it occurs, it is by far more common with the use of doxycycline.[11,12] Skin reactions are a result of a phototoxic reaction, manifesting as an exaggerated sunburn after immediate exposure. Doxycycline can also induce a phototoxic reaction that can result in a breakdown of the nails.
Acne medications are not the only offenders in inducing photosensitivity. Various acne specific procedures are also associated with causing an increase in sun sensitivity. Many acne procedures target the removal of the outer layer of the skin. By removing this protective skin layer, these treatments also remove some of the skin’s natural deference against harmful UV rays. Acne procedures that can cause an increase in sun sensitivity are, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.[13,14]
Laser procedures are another popular treatment for acne scar removal. However, studies have shown that concurrent treatment with a known photosensitive provoking medication can initiate a similar reaction in response to the laser therapy.[15] The risk of developing a phototoxic reaction after laser therapy while on an antibiotic medication will depend significantly on the type of medication and type of laser. Therefore, before your laser treatment, it is important to tell the dermatologist if you are taking any medication.
Photosensitizers
Medications
Brand Names
Topical Retinoids
· Atralin® (tretinoin)
· Avita® (tretinoin)
· Differn® (Adapalene)
· Epiduo® (adapalene/ benzyl peroxide topical)
· Epiduo-Forte® (adapalene/ benzyl peroxide topical)
· Retin-A® (tretinoin)
· Retin-A Micro® (tretinoin micro)
· Tazorac® (Tazarotene)
· Ziana® (clindamycin phosphate, tretinoin)
Oral Retinoids
· Accutane®
· Absorica®
· Amnesteem®
· Claravis®
· Myorisan®
· Sotret®
· Zenatane™
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
· Salicylic acid
· Glycolic acid
· Lactic acid
· Malic acid
Benzoyl Peroxide
· Onexton® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
· Acanya® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
· Benzac® (benzyl peroxide topical)
· Benzaclin® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
· Duac® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
· Epiduo® (adapalene/ benzyl peroxide topical)
· Epiduo-Forte® (adapalene/ benzyl peroxide topical)
· Onexton® (benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin topical)
Antibiotics
· Doxycycline
Acne Treatment Procedures
· Microdermabrasion
· Chemical Peels
· Laser treatments
A good strategy to minimize irritation as a result of acne medications is to start low and go slow. If beginning a new topical therapy, such as a retinoid, starting off by applying a small pea-sized amount to the face every other night can help reduce skin irritation. This will also allow the skin time to acclimate to the new medication. As tolerance develops, increasing the frequency of application to every night is appropriate. Additionally, diluting the medication with moisturizer or applying moisturizer after application may also help to reduce irritation and dryness associated with the medication.
* This blog is for general skin, beauty, wellness, and health information only. This post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any health condition or problem. The information provided on this Website should never be used to disregard, delay, or refuse treatment or advice from a physician or a qualified health provider.Integrative Dermatology Symposium.
1.Lugovic L, Situm M, Ozanic-Bulic S, et al. Phototoxic and photoallergic skin reactions. Coll Antropol.2007;31 Suppl 1:63-67; PMID: 17469754 Link to research.
2.Stein KR, Scheinfeld NS. Drug-induced photoallergic and phototoxic reactions. Expert Opin Drug Saf.2007;6(4):431-443; PMID: 17688387 Link to research.
3.Epstein JH. Phototoxicity and photoallergy. Semin Cutan Med Surg.1999;18(4):274-284; PMID: 10604793 Link to research.
4.Buchanan PJ, Gilman RH. Retinoids: Literature Review and Suggested Algorithm for Use Prior to Facial Resurfacing Procedures. J Cutan Aesthet Surg.2016;9(3):139-144; PMID: 27761082 Link to research.
5.Ayer J, Burrows N. Acne: more than skin deep. Postgrad Med J.2006;82(970):500-506; PMID: 16891439 Link to research.
6.Layton A. The use of isotretinoin in acne. Dermatoendocrinol.2009;1(3):162-169; PMID: 20436884 Link to research.
7.Link to research. Isotretinoin: Treatment for severe acne
8.Moghimipour E. Hydroxy Acids, the Most Widely Used Anti-aging Agents. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod.2012;7(1):9-10; PMID: 24624144 Link to research.
9.Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.2010;3:135-142; PMID: 21437068 Link to research.
10.What is the Role of Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers in Acne Management?: Do they Decrease Propionibacterium acnes Counts? Do they Reduce Acne Lesions? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2008;1(4):48-51; PMID: 21218192 Link to research.
11.Allen JE. Drug-induced photosensitivity. Clin Pharm.1993;12(8):580-587; PMID: 8222522 Link to research.
12.Simman R, Raynolds D. Skin hypersensitivity to sun light due to doxycycline ingestion causing hand partial-thickness burn. J Am Coll Clin Wound Spec.2012;4(1):16-17; PMID: 24527377 Link to research.
13.Savardekar P. Microdermabrasion. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.2007;73(4):277-279; PMID: 17675747 Link to research.
14.Anitha B. Prevention of complications in chemical peeling. J Cutan Aesthet Surg.2010;3(3):186-188; PMID: 21430836 Link to research.
15.Kerstein RL, Lister T, Cole R. Laser therapy and photosensitive medication: a review of the evidence. Lasers Med Sci.2014;29(4):1449-1452; PMID: 24590242 Link to research.