Busy Philipps just got an eyeball sunburn—is it a big deal if you do too?
Busy Philipps just got an eyeball sunburn—is it a big deal if you do too? Here's what you should know about photokeratitis, from how it happens to how to treat it.
Busy Philipps just got an eyeball sunburn—is it a big deal if you do too?
Busy Philipps just got an eyeball sunburn—is it a big deal if you do too? Here's what you should know about photokeratitis, from how it happens to how to treat it.
Getting a sunburn is never fun. You’re left with skin so sensitive to the touch that wearing clothes can be a struggle. But as bad as a tomato-hued complexion is for your pain threshold and your general health, getting an eyeball sunburn—AKA photokeratitis—is not only a totally IRL thing, but it might even feel worse.
Busy Philipps recently took to Instagram to share her experience with the painful condition, which is often a result of exposure to bright lights and—you guessed it—the sun. The actress found her symptoms to be so agonizing that she said she “couldn’t sleep because it felt like there were shards of glass in both my eyes.” Eek.
According to Refinery29, you don’t even have to look into the sun to contract the condition: All it takes is looking at the sun directly or its rays reflected on snow, water, ice, or sand, or even looking at unnatural light from tanning beds or a welder’s torch.
If you do think you have photokeratitis (which is also called ultraviolet keratitis), it won’t take docs long to tell. You’ll probably experience everything from pain and redness to blurry vision, swelling, sensitivity to light, and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, a “gritty sensation in the eyes.” But, good news: Typically the symptoms fade on their own after six hours to two days have passed—but a doc can give you some medicated drops to relieve pain in the meantime.
You shouldn’t have any permanent damage from eyeball sunburns, but to prevent the condition from happening in the first place, Refinery29 reports you should make sunglasses and snow goggles your new BFFs—and, bonus points if they’re built to absorb 99 percent of UV rays. The next time you’re out in the sun, of course lather up—but make sure your peepers protected, too.
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I recently attended QVC's Master Beauty Class, and one thing immediately caught my attention: Nearly every skincare brand was spotlighting a cleansing balm. From luxe, spa-like formulas to minimalist, skin-first options, these oil-based cleansers are clearly having a moment. As someone who’s tested my fair share of face washes (gel, foam, cream, et al), I wanted to understand why cleansing balms, in particular, are surging in popularity right now.
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Naturally, I turned to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for the scoop. According to Dr. King, cleansing balms aren’t just a trendy alternative to your standard face wash—they’re an effective, skin-loving way to cleanse, especially for those dealing with skin concerns (read: me, especially this winter).
While some traditional cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the skin, cleansing balms take a gentler approach, dissolving makeup and impurities, she says. Rooted in the principle of "like dissolves like," their oil-based formulas bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup, melting everything away without compromising hydration.
Opening a cleansing balm jar for the first time can feel a little intimidating—I know I was confused by the solid texture at first, but they’re surprisingly easy to use. "Apply a small amount of balm to dry skin," Dr. King says. "Massage gently in circular motions all over the face, then add warm water to emulsify and continue to massage. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
And while cleansing balms have long been a staple in double-cleansing skincare routines (hello, Korean beauty enthusiasts), they’re now earning their place as standalone cleansers, thanks to innovative formulas that rinse clean without any greasy residue left behind. Whether you have sensitive skin, love a good makeup melt moment, or simply want a more nourishing way to cleanse, there’s a balm with your name on it. If you’re ready to hop on the cleansing balm bandwagon, these three standout picks from QVC belong in your cart ASAP.
If your skin throws a fit every time the weather changes (or, you know, seemingly just to annoy you), this soothing cleansing balm is the one to reach for, according to Dr. King. Packed with antioxidant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric, it can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while melting away makeup and excess oil. Plus, it’s spiked with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils to leave skin feeling soft and balanced—not tight or stripped—and smells *amazing*. “I also like that this formulation contains lactic acid and azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” Dr. King says. Consider this your new skin-soothing security blanket.
For those whose skin has, ahem, seen things (think: stress, over-exfoliation, winter winds), this non-irritating balm is here to save the day. Formulated with Japanese indigo extract, which Dr. King says is known for its calming properties, it works to soothe redness and improve the skin barrier while effortlessly washing away whatever your skin faced that day. Bonus: The silky texture melts in like butter but rinses off clean—no greasy residue left behind, just happy, hydrated skin.
A spa day in a jar (and a travel-friendly mini to match), this fan-favorite balm is beloved for a reason. Infused with a blend of nine essential oils—including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus—it transforms your nightly cleanse into a full-on aromatherapy experience. ”The formulation contains multiple humectants like glycerin and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin, as well as emollients like sweet almond oil, triglycerides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to [help] support the skin barrier, and occlusives like beeswax and coconut oil to lock in moisture,” Dr. King says. It starts as a rich balm, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky cleanse that lifts away impurities like a dream. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this duo keeps your skin feeling fresh, plump, and oh-so-glowy.
Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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