A person reaching for sunscreen and pain relief pills, with the sun glowing in the background, symbolizing the need for sun protection while using medications like ibuprofen and ketoprofen.

Sunscreen Sabotage: Are Your Pain Relievers Making You Burn?

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 5 min read.

"Uncover the shocking link between common NSAIDs like ibuprofen and ketoprofen, and increased UV sensitivity. Learn how to protect your skin!"

We all know the importance of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for shielding ourselves from the sun's harmful rays. But what if some everyday medications could be undermining our best efforts at sun protection? Surprisingly, certain common drugs, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and ketoprofen, can increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Ibuprofen and ketoprofen are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. They're the go-to remedies for headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis. However, these drugs come with a hidden risk: photosensitivity. This means that they can make your skin more vulnerable to the sun's damaging effects, potentially leading to more severe sunburns and long-term skin damage.

Recent scientific research has shed light on the mechanisms behind this photosensitizing effect. By understanding how these drugs interact with UV radiation at a molecular level, we can take smarter precautions and protect our skin more effectively. Let's dive into the science and discover how to stay sun-safe while managing pain and inflammation.

Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen: How Do They Increase Sun Sensitivity?

A person reaching for sunscreen and pain relief pills, with the sun glowing in the background, symbolizing the need for sun protection while using medications like ibuprofen and ketoprofen.

The study titled "Ibuprofen and ketoprofen potentiate UVA-induced cell death by a photosensitization process", published in Scientific Reports, explored how ibuprofen and ketoprofen react when exposed to UVA radiation. Researchers discovered that these drugs can trigger photochemical pathways that amplify the sun's harmful effects on skin cells.

Here’s a breakdown of what the research revealed:

Ketoprofen's Double-Edged Sword: Ketoprofen, which contains a benzophenone core (also a UV filter, ironically), produces singlet oxygen when exposed to UV light. This singlet oxygen is a highly reactive molecule that can damage cells.
Radical Reactions with Both Drugs: Both ibuprofen and ketoprofen can undergo photodissociation, a process where the drug molecules break apart and create highly reactive radicals. These radicals can cause significant cellular damage.
DNA Interactions: The study also found that ibuprofen and ketoprofen can form metastable aggregates with DNA, further increasing the risk of cellular damage upon UV exposure.

In essence, when these drugs absorb UVA radiation, they become agents of cellular harm, either by producing damaging molecules or by directly interacting with our genetic material. This heightened reactivity increases the risk of sunburn and other UV-related skin issues.

Practical Steps to Stay Safe

The findings underscore the importance of being extra vigilant about sun protection when using ibuprofen or ketoprofen, especially in topical forms. While the risk from oral medications is lower due to the skin's natural UV filtering, topical applications deliver the drug directly to the skin, increasing the potential for photosensitivity. The study's authors emphasize the need for careful analysis and preventative measures to minimize the photosensitization activity of these drugs. The following practices will further assist with prevention and safety: <ul> <li>Sunscreen is Your Best Friend: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it generously and frequently, especially when outdoors.</li> <li>Timing Matters: If possible, avoid taking these medications during peak sun exposure hours. If you must take them, be extra cautious about sun protection.</li> <li>Protective Clothing: Wear hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves to minimize direct sun exposure.</li> <li>Be Aware of Topical Products: Pay close attention to the ingredients in your topical pain relief creams and gels. If they contain ibuprofen or ketoprofen, take extra precautions.</li> <li>Consult Your Doctor: If you have concerns about photosensitivity or are taking multiple medications, talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.</li> </ul> By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can enjoy the benefits of these medications without compromising your skin's health. Remember, a little extra care can go a long way in protecting yourself from the sun's harmful effects. Always check with your health professional for further concerns or help.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1038/s41598-017-09406-8, Alternate LINK

Title: Ibuprofen And Ketoprofen Potentiate Uva-Induced Cell Death By A Photosensitization Process

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: Scientific Reports

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Emmanuelle Bignon, Marco Marazzi, Vanessa Besancenot, Hugo Gattuso, Guillaume Drouot, Christophe Morell, Leif A. Eriksson, Stephanie Grandemange, Elise Dumont, Antonio Monari

Published: 2017-08-21

Everything You Need To Know

How do common pain relievers like ibuprofen and ketoprofen increase sensitivity to the sun?

Certain NSAIDs, specifically ibuprofen and ketoprofen, can increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. This photosensitivity occurs because these drugs can trigger photochemical pathways that amplify the sun's harmful effects on skin cells. When exposed to UVA radiation, ibuprofen and ketoprofen can become agents of cellular harm, either by producing damaging molecules or by directly interacting with our genetic material, increasing the risk of sunburn and other UV-related skin issues.

What specific processes cause ketoprofen and ibuprofen to increase sun sensitivity at a molecular level?

Ketoprofen contains a benzophenone core that, upon exposure to UV light, produces singlet oxygen, a highly reactive molecule that can damage cells. Additionally, both ibuprofen and ketoprofen can undergo photodissociation, breaking apart into highly reactive radicals that cause significant cellular damage. Furthermore, these drugs can form metastable aggregates with DNA, further increasing the risk of cellular damage upon UV exposure. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for taking smarter precautions.

What practical steps can someone take to protect their skin while using ibuprofen or ketoprofen?

To stay safe while using ibuprofen or ketoprofen, especially in topical forms, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Avoid taking these medications during peak sun exposure hours if possible. Wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves to minimize direct sun exposure. If using topical products containing these ingredients, take extra precautions. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about photosensitivity or are taking multiple medications.

What did the "Ibuprofen and ketoprofen potentiate UVA-induced cell death by a photosensitization process" study reveal about these drugs and sun exposure?

The study "Ibuprofen and ketoprofen potentiate UVA-induced cell death by a photosensitization process", published in Scientific Reports, highlights that both ibuprofen and ketoprofen react when exposed to UVA radiation, triggering photochemical pathways that amplify the sun's harmful effects on skin cells. The research revealed that ketoprofen produces singlet oxygen, and both drugs can undergo photodissociation, creating highly reactive radicals. These actions increase the risk of sunburn and other UV-related skin issues.

Besides ibuprofen and ketoprofen, are there other medications that can cause similar photosensitivity, and what should someone consider when evaluating their risk?

While the study primarily focuses on ibuprofen and ketoprofen, other NSAIDs may also carry a risk of photosensitivity. It’s important to note that topical applications pose a higher risk due to direct delivery to the skin. However, the study does not cover other potential photosensitizing medications like certain antibiotics or diuretics. If you are concerned about photosensitivity, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the potential risks associated with all medications you are taking and implement appropriate protective measures.