Don't Forget To Put Sunscreen On And Around Your Eyes!

 

A few years ago, some British researchers gave people sunscreen containing moisturizer and told them to use it.  They turned on a special UV cameras to determine which parts of the face they missed.  It turned out that the majority of participants missed the eyelid and parts of the surrounding area.  This doesn't surprise me because many of the general sunscreens can sting your eyes and make them water.  Furthermore, most of us grew up learning to slather it on our bodies and just smear it over the face.  Honestly, I don't think I've seen reminders to do the eye area, only make sure sunscreen is applied to your face.

The skin around the eyes, including your eyelids is some of the thinnest skin on your body.  It is less than one millimeter thick so almost paper thin. Unfortunately, its thinness makes it so it easily burns due to UV rays.  About five to ten percent of all skin cancers occurs on the eyelid which is one reason we need to apply sunscreen to the eye area.  One reason people do not apply sunscreen to the eye area is because it often stings the eyes and makes them water.  If you choose a sunscreen made for the face, this doesn't happen but make sure it is at least a 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen.

As far as cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and melanoma are the three main types of cancer that occur on the eyelid with basal cell carcinoma being the most prevalent.  Furthermore, the cancer is more likely to appear on the lower eye lid because it receives the most sun exposure. 

The eyes are not the only place people forget.  They forget to apply sunscreen to the tips of the ears, the sides of the neck, and and the bottom area of the lip.  This means these areas are more likely to burn and are more likely to develop skin cancer.  In addition, many of these cancers are much harder to remove surgically so you don't want to get them in the first place.

It is recommended that you pair sunglasses and a hat with the use of sunscreen for best results. In fact they recommend one wear sunglasses year round, even when you don't think you'll need them.  Make sure the sunglasses are rated to prevent 98 to 99 percent of the UVA and UVB rays from getting to your eyes.  In addition, when you choose a hat, make sure it has at least a 3 inch brim so that it offers real shade to protect your eyes.

Don't forget to do this in the year round since about 80 percent of the sun's rays reflect off snow, water in the lakes or oceans.  Remember, a cloudy day will not stop the sun's rays from coming though so protection is just as important. Furthermore, try to avoid being out in the sun when its at its strongest.  

So remember, apply sunscreen all over your face, including lips and eyes, your whole neck - front, back, and sides, and your ears including the tips so you stand less chance of UV ray exposure.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.