10 surprising everyday mistakes that could increase the risk of sunburn

You diligently apply sun cream, stay in the shade at midday and don your UVA and UVB protective shades at every opportunity. But have you been dining late at night, eating celery and exfoliating? These common errors could render your skin more susceptible to sun damage...

1. Eating late at night

Abnormal eating an cause harmful shifts in your skin's biological clock, and eating late at night can leave the skin less able to repair sun damage, new research has revealed.

According to the findings from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, a natural healing chemical was found to be lower when meal times were out of sync.

So if you’re planning on sunbathing, you should skip the late night meal and stick to a routine instead.

2. Wearing perfume or aftershave

Certain fragrances can leave skin more prone to burning. Bergamot oil, for example, is known to cause blistering on the skin when exposed to strong sunlight.

It’s best to avoid spraying scent onto your skin before you go outside, so stick to applying it to your clothing, instead.

3. Taking screen time outside

Try to limit your screen time outside when you’re on holiday. A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that an iPad increases the amount of ultraviolet light a user is exposed to by 85 percent, and an iPhone by 35 percent.

4. Exfoliating

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s outer surface with scrubs, chemical, enzymes, and brushes. While it reveals the brighter, newer skin beneath, it also removes a protective barrier and leaves skin more sensitive to the sun.

If you must exfoliate, make sure to do so the night before spending time in the sun rather than the morning of.

5. Eating celery

According to Livestrong, celery contains organic compounds called furanocoumarins that cause the skin to be more photosensitive, and can lead to more intense sunburn. Other foods that contain the compound include parsley and parsnips.

According to Oskia Skincare, you should opt instead for carotenoid foods, that can protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Think tomatoes, watermelon, red peppers and carrots.

6. Ignoring the expiry date

According to Hawaiian Tropic, sun cream should maintain its protective level for three years or more. However, it is not a current requirement to include expiration dating on sunscreen, so when in doubt, throw it out. 

7. Laser hair removal

According to Skn Clinics, after laser hair removal treatments skin will be sensitive, and will need time to heal. Excessive sun exposure at this time risks damage to the skin, so it's highly advisable to avoid sunbathing and tanning beds. Sun worshippers are advised to apply sun protection of at least SPF 30,  and to don a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves for about a week.

8. Citrus fruit

When applied directly to the skin, citrus fruit can cause a chemical burn similar to those inflicted by stinging nettles, called phytophotodermatitis. While lemon juice is a popular natural remedy for lightening hair in the sun, it’s  important to avoid the scalp, face and neck.

Eating citrus fruits could even increase your risk of melanoma, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

This said, other health benefits are well-documented. Just be careful if you're eating lots of grapefruit or sipping orange juice in the sun. 

​9.  Using anti-aging products

Anti-ageing beauty products containing agents such as such as retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids and glycolic acid can temporarily increase photosensitivity, creating an adverse effect. As with exfoliation, they strip the outer layers of the skin. Always check the label, or consult a dermatologist.

10. Taking medicine

Many medications and topical solutions can cause the skin to burn or break out in a rash when exposed to ultraviolet light, according to the National Tanning Training Institute. These include antihistamines, antidepressants and even some contraceptives. As with beauty products, make sure to check the label and consult your doctor if you're unsure.