Memorial Weekend is right around the corner, marking the unofficial start to summer. Longer days mean more time to soak up all of the sun’s rays. From weekends at the beach to tropical vacations, this is the season where skin is in.

Growing up in Florida, I’m no stranger to sunshine. In fact, every winter in New York I feel like a little piece of me dies. But while I’m all about fun in the sun, I know not to be reckless about it.

We’re conditioned to regularly apply sunscreen, especially during these long summer days, but our cautiousness shouldn’t end there. Our eyes are just as important to protect from the sun as the rest of our body.

The skin around our eyes is one of the most delicate areas on our face. Along with sunscreen, it’s important to regularly wear sunglasses. Yes, even if it’s not summer or even that bright outside.

According to the National Sunglasses Day website, “UV radiation is often recognized as the culprit for sunburns and skin cancer, but most people don’t realize the damaging impact the wavelengths inflict on their vision. The problem originates with the sun’s unfiltered UV rays. Just as these rays can burn skin cells, they can also harm unprotected eyes.”

Every year on June 27, The Vision Council encourages us to celebrate #NationalSunglassesDay to help promote awareness about the negative effects that UV rays have on our eyes and encourage the use of sunglasses.

National Sunglasses Day serves as a reminder that sunglasses are both about fashion and function—something we should be using during any time of the year. Finding the perfect pair can help us look good and feel good. So, make it a point to put your best frame forward. I definitely will be doing the same.

jwilson@jobson.com