A recent study has found that our eyelids are highly susceptible to the potentially deadly disease, accounting for up to 10 percent of all instances of melanoma, basel cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. And considering that on average people miss 9.5 percent of their faces when applying sunscreen, this statistic is pretty concerning.
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“Eyelid skin cancer is not something most people think about,” explains C. William Hanke of The Skin Cancer Foundation.
“With their thin, delicate structures, the eyes and surrounding areas are particularly prone to cancers. And it’s an area most people often forget to protect from the sun.”
As research shows that most eyelid skin cancers occur on the lower lid, it’s important to don the shades whenever you’re exposed to the sun.
“Most people consider the point of sunglasses is to protect the eyes, specifically corneas, from UV damage, and to make it easier to see in bright sunlight,” adds Dr Kevin Hamill, from the University of Liverpool. “However, they do more than that, they protect the highly cancer-prone eyelid skin as well.”
Along with sunscreen, an SPF moisturiser and concealer is also key for daily protection. Here are a few of our faves:
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