Don't Forget Your Eyes! Why Sunscreen Around Your Peepers is a Must-Do

Don't Forget Your Eyes! Why Sunscreen Around Your Peepers is a Must-Do

Hey everyone! You know how we always talk about slathering on sunscreen for our faces? Well, what about your **eyes**? Turns out, if you're skipping that delicate area, you could be putting yourself at risk for skin cancer. Yep, dermatologists in the U.S. are strongly recommending we extend that sun protection right up to our eyelids!

Recent reports from sources like HuffPost highlight how crucial good sunscreen habits are for preventing skin cancer. Dr. Karan Lal, a dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hillsborough, New Jersey, shared with HuffPost, "The skin on your eyelids is very thin, making it super vulnerable to sun exposure." He’s seen "several cases of severe skin cancer on eyelids" and warns that "skin cancer surgery there can be complex and leave significant scarring." Yikes!

Dr. Hadley King, a dermatologist in New York, echoes this sentiment: "Eyelid skin is delicate. You need to apply sunscreen to all sun-exposed areas." She stresses that "skin cancer on the eyelids is common due to UV exposure" and is "more sensitive and challenging to treat, making prevention key." If your usual face sunscreen irritates your eyes, Dr. King suggests trying a **mineral-based, hypoallergenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30.**

Dr. Papri Sarkar, a dermatologist in Massachusetts, also emphasizes that "the eyelid is a particularly tricky area for skin cancer surgery." She advises applying sunscreen with clean, dry hands to the skin just below your eyebrows, the inner corners of your eyes closest to your nose, and both your upper and lower eyelids.

What to Watch Out For: Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer is **basal cell carcinoma (BCC)**, which develops in the basal layer of the epidermis. It's often caused by excessive UV exposure. Sometimes, BCC can look brown or black, making it easy to mistake for age spots or moles. It usually starts as a small bump (nodule) and grows slowly, sometimes developing a dip in the center.

Here's a crucial tip: If you have a skin wound that doesn't heal within 1-2 weeks, especially around your eyes, it's worth getting it checked out. Regular scabs typically fall off within a week, revealing new skin, but BCC won't heal properly. So, if you notice any suspicious symptoms like:

• A lesion that bleeds
• A non-healing wound
• An ulcerated sore

...it's recommended to get a biopsy at the clinic. Also, if you've ever had severe burns or traumatic scars, these damaged areas can have a higher risk of developing BCC.

For your eyes specifically, be wary of these persistent symptoms:

• A painless, reddish or brownish tumor
• Ulcers that bleed or crust over
• A stye that doesn't go away
• Loss of eyelashes

Your Eye-Protection Playbook

To prevent BCC, and skin cancer in general, apply sunscreen generously to all sun-exposed areas – and yes, your eyes are no exception! Aim to apply it 20 minutes before heading out and reapply every 2-3 hours.

Many of us avoid putting sunscreen around our eyes because of irritation or fear it'll mess with our makeup. If you have sensitive eyes, don't worry! Try **mineral sunscreens** containing **titanium dioxide** or **zinc oxide**. These are generally less irritating and less likely to cause eye stinging than chemical sunscreens. You can also look for eye-specific sunscreens or eye creams with SPF.

And for extra protection during those strong summer months, don't forget to **wear a wide-brimmed hat** and **sunglasses**. These physical barriers are your best friends!

While BCC is usually non-metastasizing and has a good prognosis with treatment (often surgery), prolonged neglect can lead to it spreading to deeper tissues like subcutaneous layers, muscle, or even bone. However, surgical removal of cancer cells is relatively straightforward, often leading to a complete cure. Additional radiation or chemotherapy might be considered depending on future metastasis, and regular follow-ups are crucial even after treatment.

So, let's make a pact to protect those precious eyes! A little extra sunscreen can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and happy.