Sun Damage: How UV Exposure Affects Skin and What Medications Can Make It Worse

When your skin gets too much sun damage, harmful ultraviolet radiation that breaks down collagen, triggers DNA mutations, and accelerates skin aging. Also known as UV damage, it’s not just a summer problem—it adds up over years, even on cloudy days or through windows. Most people know sunburns are bad, but few realize how deeply they change your skin’s structure. Over time, this damage shows up as wrinkles, dark spots, and rough patches. Worse, it raises your risk for skin cancer, a group of diseases where skin cells grow abnormally due to UV-induced DNA errors. Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma don’t just appear out of nowhere—they’re often the result of years of unmanaged exposure.

Here’s what most people miss: some of the pills you take every day can make sun damage worse. medication photosensitivity, a reaction where certain drugs make your skin unusually sensitive to UV light is real and dangerous. Antibiotics like doxycycline, acne meds like isotretinoin, diuretics, and even some antidepressants can turn a short walk into a painful burn. You might not feel anything until hours later—when your skin turns red, blisters, or peels. This isn’t just a rash. It’s your skin screaming that it’s under attack. If you’re on any long-term medication, check if it increases sun sensitivity. Your pharmacist can tell you. So can your doctor. Don’t assume it’s just "a side effect"—it’s a warning.

And it’s not just about avoiding the sun. Sun damage doesn’t wait for beach days. It creeps in during your morning commute, while you’re gardening, or even sitting near a window at work. UV rays penetrate glass. Daily sunscreen isn’t optional if you’re on meds that increase risk. But sunscreen alone isn’t enough. You need hats, sunglasses, and shade. And if you notice new moles, spots that won’t fade, or skin that feels rough and scaly, get it checked. Early detection saves lives. The posts below cover exactly this: how medications interact with sun exposure, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself without giving up your routine. You’ll find real examples—from how antibiotics raise your burn risk to why some acne treatments require strict sun avoidance. No fluff. Just what you need to know to keep your skin safe.