The use of chronic medication is very common in our day and age, but the effect of these medications on our skin health may be less known. Some medication may have a huge effect on the skin and could even change the approach on treating your skin.
Medications that may cause sun sensitivity:
Certain medications can cause the skin to react when exposed to sunlight. These reactions are called drug-induced photo sensitive reactions. This can occur when the skin is exposed to the sun after certain medications are injected and taken orally or even applied to the skin. The drug absorbs the UV light, then releases it into the skin, causing cell death. Within a few days symptoms will appear on the exposed areas of the body. These symptoms may persist years after the medication was stopped.
Among the most common phototoxic drugs are Cordarone heart medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and tetracycline medications and off course, Isotretinoin (Roaccutaine/Orataine).
To prevent this photo toxicity we must firstly avoid the sun. And wear a sunblock daily that protects you against UVA, UVB, Infrared and High energy visible light.
Medications that may cause skin dryness:
There are a few medications that can make the skin dry; blood pressure drugs, diuretics, cholesterol medication and acne treatments, wrinkle creams and antihistamines, when taken long term can cause skin dryness and flaking.
Make sure you use cleansers and exfoliators that won’t strip the barrier and use a toner to correct the pH of the skin. Hydrating serums and moisturisers will help to repair the barrier and hydrate the skin. This will also prevent early signs of ageing.
Medications that may cause hyperpigmentation:
We often see melasma and hyperpigmentation when we do in clinic treatments and drugs such as steroids, oral contraceptives, birth control patches, cosmetic and photosensitizing agents are known to cause hyperpigmentation.
Firstly you want to look at serums and cremes that will suppress the production of melanin to ensure that there is not an overproduction of melanin. Vitamin C, retinol, arbutin, kojic acid and liquorice extract will be beneficial. Lastly, a sunblock to protect against UVA, UVB, Infrared and High Energy visible light.
Medications that may cause breakouts:
Medications that may cause acne and breakouts include corticosteroids lithium, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, androgenic steroids and medications that contain bromides or iodides. Lithium is prescribed for bipolar disorders and can also cause breakouts on the skin.
Treat the skin with cleansers and exfoliators that will remove oil on the skin and dead skin build-up. Toners will be important to control the PH of the skin and prevent further breakouts and it will help with oil control. Benzoyl peroxide products can help to treat the breakouts. Anti-inflammatory ingredients will be important to reduce redness and swelling. A mineral SPF is important to prevent marks and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Always be sure to disclose any medications used, or any changes in medication, to your skincare specialist as this may affect treatments/products suggested and the result you can expect. However, never stop any prescription medication without the guidance of your medical doctor.
Our focus here at Skin Deep SA is to educate you on the best way to treat your skin to ensure great results!
Stay educated,
Erika Erwee
Somatologist and lover of all things skin