Does using sunscreens help protect against photosensitivity?
According to the FDA, the answer is not clear. Sunscreens do reduce the effects of UV radiation, but some sunscreens contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity in some people. Also, most sunscreens protect mainly from short-wave UV light (UVB), whereas most phototoxic chemicals are activated by the longer wavelength UVA radiation. Sunscreens ingredients that may cause photosensitivity are: sandalwood oil, bergamot oil, benzophenones, PABA, salicylates, anthranilates, cinnamates, PSBA, oxybenzone, and mexenone. Titanium dioxide is the least likely sunscreen ingredient to cause a photosensitivity reaction.
