How Sunglasses Shield Your Skin

You know sunglasses are good for your eyes, protecting those peepers from harsh UV rays. But did you realize your sunnies are also a secret skincare weapon, guarding the thin skin around your eyes? Turns out those delicate eyelids and undereye areas are extra susceptible to sunburn and long-term damage. Going barefaced leaves you prone to red, irritated lids, wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Time to shield that precious real estate with some quality shades. We’re breaking down how the right pair, with full UV protection, helps stave off sun damage in the eye zone. Ready to unlock the power of sunglasses for skin health? Let’s go!

Preventing Sunburn on Your Eyelids and Under Eyes

Sunglasses do more than just protect your eyes from the sun—they also shield the delicate skin around them. The skin around your eyes is extremely thin and prone to sun damage. Without sunglasses, the sun’s UV rays can cause sunburn on your eyelids, crow’s feet, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, known as broad-spectrum sunglasses, are important for reducing skin damage and the risk of skin cancer on your face. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing aging, wrinkles and sun spots, while UVB rays burn the superficial layers of skin. Both forms of UV radiation have been linked to skin cancer.

By wearing sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation, you can prevent up to half of the sun exposure that causes aging and sun damage to the skin around your eyes over the course of a lifetime. The skin near your eyes is particularly thin and sensitive, so protecting this area from sun damage will help you maintain a youthful appearance and reduce age spots, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.

The next time you head outside, be sure to wear sunglasses that offer broad-spectrum UV protection. Not only will sunglasses protect your vision and prevent squinting (a leading cause of crow’s feet), but they will also act as a shield for the delicate skin around your eyes. Give your skin the protection it deserves and wear sunglasses anytime you're outside to guard against sun damage and keep your eyes looking bright and youthful for years to come.

Sunglasses Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer Around Your Eyes

Your eyelids and the delicate skin under your eyes are especially vulnerable to sun damage. Sun exposure causes wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer on this sensitive area. The best way to shield your peepers is by wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection

When buying sunglasses, check the label for 100% UV protection or UV 400, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, while UVB rays burn the surface. Both cause premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer around the eyes. Wraparound sunglasses or oversized frames also help prevent sun exposure from the sides.

Sun Damage Adds Up Over Time

You may not notice the effects of sun damage right away, but the harmful UV radiation you expose yourself to over the years accumulates. According to dermatologists, sun exposure and sunburns you got as a child or teen can cause skin damage and aging later on. Wearing sunglasses at a young age helps establish a lifelong habit of protecting your eyes and the surrounding skin.

Consider Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or pavement. They make it more comfortable to be outside in bright conditions and also shield your eyes from indirect UV radiation. Polarized sunglasses provide an extra layer of protection for your eyelids and under-eye area.

Make sunglasses an essential part of your daily skincare routine. Your eyelids and the delicate skin around your eyes will thank you for years to come. Protecting them from sun damage today will help ensure your eyes continue to dazzle and your smile continues to shine bright well into the future.

Look for Sunglasses That Offer Broad-Spectrum UV Protection

Sunglasses do much more than just shade your eyes from the sun. They also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun damage and skin cancer. The skin around your eyes is very thin, so it's more prone to sunburn. Squinting in bright light also causes crow's feet and premature aging of the skin.

Shield From Sunburn

Have you ever gotten a sunburn on your eyelids or under your eyes? It's not pleasant. Sunglasses prevent sunburn on your eyelids and the sensitive skin beneath your eyes by blocking UVA and UVB rays. Look for a pair that wraps around the sides of your eyes or has extra coverage on top and bottom. The broader the coverage, the more protection for your skin.

Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer

Exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. The skin around your eyes is particularly susceptible to damage from UV rays. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays helps prevent skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma from forming on your eyelids, under your eyes, and on your nose.

Slow Down Aging

Squinting in bright light causes crow's feet and wrinkles over time. Sunglasses relax your eyes so you don't have to squint, which helps prevent lines and wrinkles from forming prematurely around your eyes. They also shield your skin from other aging factors like sun spots, age spots, and broken capillaries.

Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes, but they also safeguard the health and beauty of the skin around your eyes. Look for a pair that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays to maximize benefits for both your eyes and your skin. Your eyes and the surrounding area will thank you for it in the long run.

How the Sun Damages Your Eyes and Surrounding Skin

When it comes to protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage, broad-spectrum UV protection is key. Look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkling around the eyes. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

Shield Your Eyes and the Delicate Skin Around Them

The skin around your eyes is very thin and sensitive. Squinting in bright light can lead to crow’s feet and fine lines over time. UV exposure also increases your risk of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma on the eyelids and surrounding area. Wearing sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection helps prevent sun damage to this delicate area.

Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Extended sun exposure and sunburns, especially at a young age, are major contributors to skin cancer risk. The eyes and the skin around them are particularly susceptible to sun damage from UV radiation. Wearing broad-spectrum sunglasses helps block the sun’s harmful rays and reduces your risk of skin cancers like melanoma around the eyes.

Protect Against Photokeratitis and Other Eye Damage

Too much UV exposure can lead to photokeratitis, also known as “snow blindness.” This painful eye condition causes inflammation of the cornea from sunburn. Prolonged sun exposure over a lifetime also increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection helps shield your eyes from damage and helps ensure healthy vision as you age.

In summary, wearing sunglasses that offer broad-spectrum UV protection is one of the best ways to safeguard your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation to reduce your risk of sun damage, skin cancer, and vision problems. Your eyes and skin will thank you for it!