Did you know that your eyelids have the thinnest skin on your body? We know, shocking right?! Furthermore, your actual eyes are just as susceptible to damaging UV rays as the rest of your skin. This is why wearing sunscreen around your eyes, including your eyelids is vital. Unfortunately, the skin around the eyes is among the most missed areas.
Here are the biggest reasons to make applying (and reapplying) sunscreen around your eyes a priority:
Eyelid Cancer
Have you heard of eyelid cancer? If not, your not alone but this form of cancer is the most common in the UK according to the NHS. When found early both the basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell skin cancer of the eyelid are highly curable but why risk it? Using a broad-spectrum SPF facial mist can easily help protect your eyelids and your entire face, neck, hands and more!
Sunburned Eyes
It sounds strange but yes, your literal eyeballs can get sunburn. This condition is called photokeratitis and for anyone that's experience it, it's quite painful. Photokeratitis is the swelling of the cornea and typically occurs from prolonged exposure to UV rays. Something as simple as watching a sunrise or sunset can cause photokeratitis. Thankfully it is not permanent but you may experience redness, tearing, blurred vision, light sensitivity, pain in the eyes, and temporary vision loss. The easiest way to prevent it is by wearing sunglasses. Wearing a mineral sunscreen around the eyes can also help because it bounces UV rays away from the skin.
‘Excessive UV exposure can cause serious damage around the eyes, including skin cancer, which can require removal and reconstruction of the eyelid,’ advises Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, consultant oculoplastic and ophthalmic surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Because the skin around the eyes is so thin, they usually show signs of aging before other areas of the body. These fine lines, called "crow's feet," are one of the first signs of aging so it important to take special care of the skin around the eyes. Zinc-based sunscreens not only protect the delicate skin from the sun's damaging rays but it's also gentle. Zinc oxide is hailed as the gentlest and safest sunscreen product even suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Preventing Discoloration
Using sunscreen around your eyes can prevent darkening due to sun damage. Though dark circles often are hereditary or caused by a health condition, why exacerbate it? Since the sun increases melanin production, over time, it can really increase the pigmentation around the eye area. If you're worried about irritation from using sunscreen, opt for a light zinc-based sunscreen spray rather than a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen are known to cause stinging and irritation of the eyes.
Keeping Your Eyelids Moist
Our eyes are constantly exposed to water, air, and dust, leading to eyelid dryness. Regularly moisturizing and hydrating the skin around your eyes can keep it from drying out and wrinkling prematurely. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the eye lids and eye area hyrdated throughout the day. A sheer zinc-based SPF facial mist is the best option to accomplish this without eye irritation.
What is the Best Type of Sunscreen for Your Eyes?
While most sunscreens can be used around the eyes, some can cause stinging and redness and therefore are not a good choice. That's why using a sunscreen designed specifically for the face and eye area is so important. ZINC IT OVER facial mists provide broad-spectrum protection with a light and non-stinging formulation, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or eyes. In addition, they are a great way to treat your entire face with a gentle, hydrating cooling mist, anytime and anywhere.
