What are photo sensitizers?

Photo sensitizers are products that increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. They can cause the skin to react more intensely to ultraviolet (UV) light, leading to a higher risk of sunburn or skin damage. This heightened sensitivity can be due to various factors, such as the presence of certain chemicals in skin care products, medications, or even some dietary components.

Understanding photo sensitizers is essential in the context of tanning and sun exposure because individuals using these products may need to take extra precautions when in the sun. Awareness of how these substances work allows for better protection and informed decision-making regarding sun exposure, especially when using tanning beds or sunbathing.

In contrast, substances that provide sun protection are designed to shield the skin from UV radiation but do not necessarily increase sensitivity. Moisturizers that help with tanning and natural oils used before sun exposure may not directly correlate with increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, focusing instead on hydration or preparing the skin for sun exposure, respectively.