Sunglasses Protect Eyes from Skin Cancer
You are running to the grocery store and forget your sunglasses. Do you run back to get them or will you be fine since it is a quick trip? The sun is blazing hot, and you can feel your face getting sunburned. Plus, you think, “Are sunglasses even really protecting my face from any harmful rays? I already wear sunscreen.”
Bigger sunglasses offer more protection because they cover more of your eyes and face. (Photo: Alvaro Beamud Cortes)
According to Dr. Janet Prystowsky, a New York dermatologist and president of Livad Skin Care, sunglasses are very important when it comes to protecting the skin around your eyes from skin cancer. She said only sunglasses that specifically provide UV protection should be worn. If a pair of sunglasses does not say they protect your face, they should not be bought.
The best type of sunglasses are the ones that have thick plastic frames rather than thin metal ones. Also, the bigger the frame and lens, the better protection they provide.
She said you do not have to obsessively wear sunglasses for a short trip to the grocery store. But if you are going to be out for longer periods of time — especially if you are by water, sand or snow — you should definitely wear sunglasses. Light reflects off those surfaces, so your chances of getting sunburned are higher.
Prystowsky has removed many types of skin cancer around patients’ eyelids. When we remember that cancer can form around the eyes due to sun exposure and that it can be prevented by wearing sunscreen and sunglasses, we should always be conscious to keep sunglasses in the car, in our purse, in the back porch, etc. so that we can have easy access and not fall on the excuse that we forgot to pack our sunglasses.
Wear sunglasses that are specifically made for outdoor activities so they will stay put with while you are running or jumping.
(Photo:: Blue Maize)
If you participate in outoor sports or water-related activities, always buy sunglasses that feel comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.
It is easy to protect the area around your eyes from skin cancer simply by wearing sunglasses. Of course, always be sure to wear the appropriate amount of sunscreen that should have an SPF of at least 15, but should be SPF 30 or higher if you are going to be outdoors for long periods.
Born and raised in the DMV, Emma Blancovich has a big appreciation for discovering things to do around town, such as new restaurants to try and supporting the local music scene by attending live shows. During the week she is an editor for trade associations, but on the weekends you can find her hiking up trails with the latest fitness gadgets then getting ready for a night out using the latest beauty and health products.
