Your eyes are the first part of your face to show your age. That’s why you need to protect them from the sun, which causes premature aging with its harmful UVA rays. But before you start dabbing your Coppertone under your peepers, heed this warning: some chemical sunblock ingredients can be irritating to the delicate skin around your eyes. That’s why it’s best to use an eye cream that is formulated with an eye-friendly sunscreen. Chances are, the cream will have a physical sunblock, which means it deflects UV rays instead of absorbing them like it’s chemical cousin.
I just started using Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care Ultra Protection SPF 30 and I like it a lot. While it’s a mouthful to say, it contains titanium dioxide, a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 protection. You’ll need to pat it in a little more than usual, but it’s moisturizing, contains Vitamin E and is resistant to much of the sun’s powers.
Another reason to use sunblock for your eyes? Sun exposure also triggers melanin production (the stuff that gives your skin its tan appearance) and sometimes hyperpigmentation (an overproduction of melanin often caused by sun damage) can cause those dark circles under your eyes. Hyperpigmentation is not the only cause of dark circles, but that’s a lesson for another day. Your dermatologist can help you to identify the culprit and solution if you’re having trouble lightening up.