The Importance of Sunscreen for Eyelids

As you’re going through your daily suncare routine, you may be skipping one very important and much-needed area of protection: your eyelids. Eyelids are an often-forgotten spot for sun protection, but it’s essential to keep this delicate area covered to prevent sun damage.

We get it. Once you’ve gotten sunscreen in your eyes, you’re hesitant to apply it around them again. But don’t worry, we have solutions to take the sting out of your suncare.

Keep reading to learn why sunscreen for eyelids is vital and discover the best products for coverage without irritation.

Why Sunscreen is Crucial for Your Eyelids

The skin of your eyelids is notoriously thin and sensitive, making it highly susceptible to UV and skin damage. While it may seem that a sunburn every now and then may not be such a big deal, there are risks associated with not protecting this delicate area— including skin cancer and premature aging signs like wrinkles and pigmentation.

That’s why finding the best sunscreen for eyelids is important. The thinner the skin, the more vulnerable it may be, which is why you should keep your lips protected from sunburn, too.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Eyelids

When applying sunscreen on eyelids, the most important things to consider are the sensitivity of this area and the proximity to your eyes. That’s why you should always use sunscreen for sensitive skin types around your eyes to avoid irritation.

One of the best sunscreens for eyelids are mineral formulas, which use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (or a mixture of both) as sunscreen filters. These SPF actives are gentle on skin and are usually great options for sensitive areas.

Sunscreen sticks, especially mineral formulations, also work well on eyelids because they’re less likely to run into your eyes with wear. Face mists are another great choice for this sensitive area, especially for reapplication. No matter which format you go with, make sure to choose an SPF that’s 30 or higher to keep your eyelids well-protected from UV radiation rays.

Recommended Sunscreens for Eyelids

If you’re wondering “what spf should I use on my face”, COOLA offers a variety of products to keep your face—and your eyelids—protected from harmful UV rays. For organic mineral SPF 50 sun protection in an easy-to-apply stick, try our Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick. This stick is the perfect option for on-the-go, water-resistant protection.

For daily, breakout-free protection, opt for our Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer. This gentle formula provides SPF 30 protection while it calms and soothes sensitive skin—including eyelids.

How to Safely Apply Sunscreen to Eyelids

After you have your favorite formula locked in, it’s time to apply. The goal: Achieve maximum SPF protection without any discomfort.

Let’s get into some application tips:

• Avoid your eyes. This may seem like an obvious tip, but keeping SPF out of your eyes can be a tricky task. That’s why the precise application of mineral sticks works especially well in this area.

• Apply and reapply. You may think your job is done after your initial SPF application, but reapplying every couple of hours that you’re outdoors is essential to maintaining protection. To keep your skin its healthiest, make reapplication a permanent step of your summer skincare routine.

Bonus tip: Face mists are a great option for on-the-go reapplication.

• Use the combination method. Sunglasses work well to keep the sun out of your eyes but can’t block all UV radiation rays from every angle. Using a combination of SPF, sunglasses, and hats can help keep you well-protected.

Innovative SPF Products for Eyelids

Over the past few years, there have been a lot of innovations in suncare products for use around the eyes, including SPF-infused eyeshadows and under-eye concealers that provide added UV protection.

While these products provide additional SPF protection, it’s hard to get full UV coverage from makeup products. If you want to use them, make sure you’re supplementing your sun protection with your regular broad spectrum SPF.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Eyelid Sunscreen

When it comes to protecting your eyelids from UV rays, there are a lot of misconceptions and questions out there, such as “does sunscreen block Vitamin D?” Let’s cover a couple of the most popular:

Myth: My eyelids don’t need sunscreen. Sure, eyelids are easy to miss when you’re applying your daily SPF, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require their own suncare. As we’ve covered, this delicate area needs attention in your SPF routine, too.

Myth: I wear makeup with sunscreen, so my eyelids are protected. Using makeup products with sunblock is great, but not effective enough to be your standalone SPF. Dedicated broad spectrum SPF products are necessary to ensure you have full, even coverage for your skin.

The Long-Term Benefits of Protecting Your Eyelids

Protecting the skin around your eyes may take a little extra care, but you’ll find the effort is well worth it.

With consistent protection, you can:

• Prevent long-term UV skin damage
• Reduce the risk of skin cancer
• Maintain healthier, more youthful skin around the eyes

Keeping your eye area protected is an important part of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. But by using these tips on sunscreen for eyelids, you can feel confident that you’re keeping this delicate area safe.