Most of us are aware that the skin around the eyes is very thin, making it more susceptible to aging and sun damage, but lately I was shocked to discover that the eyelid has the thinnest skin on the body.
According to the NHS, eyelid cancer (basal cell carcinoma) is the most common form of skin cancer in the UK, and those with fair skin are most at risk.
I spend a lot of time in the sun, yet realised I’d never once put sunscreen on my eyelids… and I imagine I’m not alone.
Beginning a frantic Google search for SPF eye creams, I discovered that most eye creams don’t actually contain sun protection – so are we supposed to use regular sunscreen around the eyes? We asked the experts.
Why do we need SPF around the eyes?
‘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.
‘This is highly skilled and challenging surgery.’
The eye area is also more susceptible to premature aging than the rest of the face, due to its thin skin, which is why fine lines around the eye (crow’s feet) are often the first signs of aging.
While dark circles can be hereditary or caused by poor circulation, dehydration and smoking, they can also be affected by sun exposure.
‘Sun exposure can increase melanin production, causing pigmentation around the eye area,’ explains Dr Kristina Semkova, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
‘The thin skin around the eyes makes dark colouring more pronounced.’
Can you use regular SPF around the eye area?
While eye-specific SPF is God tier, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, it’s a relief to know that you may be able to use your current facial SPF around the eyes.
‘Facial sunscreens have a lighter formulation, so are much more suitable than regular SPF,’ advises Dr Kristina.
‘Sunscreen that has been specially formulated for the eyes is even better, however any SPF is better than no SPF at all.’
Eye creams often come with a hefty price tag for the amount of product you get, but if you’re looking for an affordable eye-specific SPF, try Fade Out Advanced Brightening Eye Defence Day Cream SPF20, £9.99 for 15ml from Lookfantastic.
If you’re after a higher SPF, there’s Medik8 Advanced Day Eye Protect SPF 30, £39 for 15ml, which is fragrance-free and features pollution shield, anti-infrared, and anti-blue light technologies.
For coverage, try Sarah Chapman Skinesis Eye Insurance SPF 30, £51 for 15ml, with a lightweight, tinted formula that blurs dark circles, stimulates collagen production and protects against environmental damage.
If you’d prefer to minimise products and use facial SPF around the eye area, you’ve got a choice or mineral or chemical sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on top of your skin, creating a physical barrier from UV rays, and they tend to be more reef-safe than chemical ones. They’re often recommended for sensitive skin, but can leave an annoying white cast that’s especially visible on darker skin.
Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin, absorbing and dissipating the sun’s rays, but they may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
If you want to give mineral sunscreen a go, it’s worth heading to a store to see if you can sample before purchase, to check the product doesn’t leave a white cast on your face. An affordable option is Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Facial Milk SPF 30, £11.99 for 50ml, which is designed for even the most sensitive skin. Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30, £34 for 45ml from Cult Beauty promises a lightweight, non-chalky, super sheer formula, while Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen, £34 for 50ml is perfect for oilier complexions.
If your skin tolerates chemical sunscreen, make sure you choose a lightweight formula when using it around the eyes. Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid SPF 50+ £8 for 40ml from Boots is non-comedogenic and specially designed to be non-eye stinging, so it’s great to slap on when heading out for a sweaty run. I don’t know about you, but I hate wasting expensive face cream on a run when I know I’ll be washing it off an hour later, so this is ideal.
If you’re worried about pigmentation, try Skinceuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50, £45 for 40ml, which is ultra-lightweight and contains ingredients that fight UV-induced discolouration.
For those who’d rather minimise the products in their bathroom, try a two-in-one SPF moisturiser – again, choose a lightweight cream if you’re planning on using round the eyes. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturiser SPF 30, £34 for 50ml from Boots is a lightweight, oil-free daily moisturiser, that’s designed to be invisible on all skin tones and promises no pilling, even under makeup.
Breakout-prone complexions can try Dermalogica oil-free matte SPF 30 moisturiser, £49 for 50ml, which is ultra-sheer and lightweight, containing oil absorbers to keep you looking matte all day.
How should you apply SPF around the eyes?
Whether you’re using eye-specific or regular facial SPF, the application process is the same.
‘Use the ring finger to apply sunscreen, remembering to be gentle at all times and never rub,’ advises Dr Kristina.
‘When applying under the eyes, start from the inner corner of the eye, gently sweeping outwards. When applying to the lids, start from the inner corner and gently pat over the eyelids.’
It’s important to note that even if you’re wearing sunscreen around the eyes, you still need to protect your actual eyes.
‘UV rays can also harm the eye itself, causing white overgrowths called pterygium or even cancers in the eye,’ explains Dr Elizabeth.
‘UV rays can also penetrate the retina, and staring at the sun for long periods of time can cause solar retinopathy (sunburnt retina) which is really serious and can cause long-term damage.
‘Taking adequate protection with sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat is paramount in protecting the eyes.’
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